title: Fugitive who fled to the Dominican Republic sentenced for laundering millions of health care fraud proceeds

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On May 22, a Miami federal district judge sentenced a fugitive to 87 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a multimillion-dollar conspiracy to commit money laundering. The judge also ordered him to pay $3,709,860 in restitution. From August 2020 to August 2022, Julio Arsenio Rodriguez, 62, Hialeah, Florida, conspired with a network of South Florida clinics to submit millions of dollars in fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid for durable medical equipment (DME) that was medically unnecessary and that was not provided to the patients. Also, Rodriguez served as the legal owner and registered agent of several fictitious companies which he used to launder those health care fraud proceeds. In March 2023, Rodriguez failed to appear at a calendar call and a federal judge issued a warrant for his arrest. Eight months later, Rodriguez was located in the Dominican Republic, attempting to open businesses in that country. In November 2023, Rodriguez surrendered to the United States authorities and returned to Miami to face charges for the money laundering conspiracy. Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in January. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Miami Region; and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody for the Florida Office of the Attorney General made the announcement. FBI Miami, HHS-OIG Miami, and the Florida Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigated the case. The U.S. Marshals Service Office of International Operations (OIO) Dominican Republic Foreign Field Office (DRFFO) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Caribbean Division Financial Investigative Team provided valuable assistance in securing the arrest and deportation of Rodriguez back to the United States. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Canzio prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon handled asset forfeiture. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 22-cr-20541. ###


title: Former Venezuelan military official sentenced for money laundering and bribery scheme

body_text: MIAMI – A former officer in the Venezuelan National Guard was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for participating in a money laundering scheme that involved bribes to foreign officials and defrauding foreign financial institutions. According to court documents, Nepmar Jesus Escalona Enriquez, 47, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and formerly of Venezuela, participated in an illegal scheme to finance purported food imports to Venezuela that was facilitated by bribery and false pretenses. Escalona and his co-conspirators carried out the scheme, in part, by knowingly submitting fraudulent applications to the Venezuelan currency regulation authority, also known as CADIVI, to deceive Banesco Bank, the Central Bank of Venezuela, and Venezuelan customs authorities into releasing U.S. dollars to Escalona and his co-conspirators outside of Venezuela. The fraudulent applications were submitted to purportedly finance food imports into Venezuela, but in reality were an artifice to enrich the conspirators. This conduct resulted in the transfer of nearly $1.7 million in U.S. dollars from Banesco Bank into an account controlled by the conspirators. Escalona further admitted that, in at least one instance, the co-conspirators arranged for a series of bribes to be paid to officials in Venezuela to prevent the detection of their fraudulent scheme. Escalona also admitted in another instance to instructing a co-conspirator to wire transfer proceeds of the fraud, as well as funds constituting bribes, to four financial institutions in the United States. The five illicit wire transfers totaled approximately $420,847. Escalona pleaded guilty on March 4 to one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Miami Field Division made the announcement. The DEA’s Miami Field Division is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Goldbarg, Trial Attorney Emily Cohen and Deputy Chief Joseph Palazzo of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov . ###


title: Justice Department Announces Multiple Drug and Firearms Arrests

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department today announced a multi-agency law enforcement action, targeting armed drug trafficking networks in Washington, D.C., which resulted in 24 arrests in the past nine days. This action follows a surge in additional law enforcement tools and resources announced in January by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland to fight violent crime in Washington, D.C. “In January, the Justice Department surged law enforcement resources to the District of Columbia to further our efforts to target the individuals and organizations driving violent crime in the nation’s capital,” said Attorney General Garland. “Over the past nine days, as a result of a multi-agency investigation, we have arrested 24 individuals we allege have fueled drug trafficking and community violence in Washington, D.C. The Department will continue to leverage our partnerships, our resources, and our investigative and prosecutorial tools to reduce violent crime and keep communities safe.” “The FBI will remain relentless in the pursuit of those who attempt to make money by selling fentanyl and other deadly drugs in our communities,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We are firmly committed to working with all of our partners and using all tools available to curb the violence impacting the American people – here in Washington, D.C., and across the country.” Nine defendants were arrested today in connection with a Trinidad-based drug trafficking investigation. Three of the defendants arrested today are charged in a 13-count indictment alleging a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, crack cocaine, and heroin and several firearms offenses. Two additional defendants arrested today are charged in a separate multiple-count indictment on fentanyl and fentanyl analogue distribution and firearms charges. These arrests follow another law enforcement action last week, in which 15 people were arrested, 10 of whom are named in a 17-count indictment as alleged members of a drug trafficking crew operating near 21st Street and Maryland Avenue, NE, and who are charged with participation in a fentanyl and cocaine distribution conspiracy and additional firearms counts. Today’s arrests grew out of an investigation into an open-air drug market around the 1100 block of Raum Street, NE, in the Trinidad neighborhood that was commenced in summer 2023 in response to 59 violent crime incidents and 119 bursts of gunfire occurring in the area from January to July 2023. Agents conducted numerous controlled buys of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, cocaine base, and firearms in connection with this investigation. During the investigation, multiple search warrants were executed at several locations. Law enforcement executed 14 residential search warrants today in connection with the Trinidad investigation in the District and Maryland and seized 15 firearms, large amounts of ammunition, and alleged drug proceeds as part of the operation. At least three of the five defendants arrested today have been indicted on firearms charges, including possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. “As alleged in the indictments, the defendants sold fentanyl and other dangerous drugs on the streets of Washington, D.C. Some of them also carried guns,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “When armed drug dealers sell deadly drugs like fentanyl, they make our communities more dangerous places to live and work. Today’s arrests reflect the Criminal Division’s commitment to working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and our law enforcement partners to protect our neighborhoods from armed drug dealers and other dangerous offenders.” “The data tells us that a relatively small group of people in our community are the primary drivers of gun violence and that the bulk of the gun violence is clustered in a relatively few blocks of our city,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “For years, we and our law enforcement partners have been focused on developing effective strategies for how we can best build cases against these relatively few people driving violence because we know that proactively removing these people from our streets is the most significant thing we can do as prosecutors to impact violent crime trends.” “Street-level drug traffickers are directly responsible for extreme violence and devastating drug poisonings in communities across the country,” said Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “The individuals charged today are alleged members of one of the most violent criminal groups in Washington, D.C., perpetrating countless acts of violence and selling deadly fentanyl. The excellent investigative work by the DEA’s Washington Field Division, and our partners, has made this community safer. These arrests are a warning to all criminals peddling poison on American streets that the DEA will use every available resource to save lives.” “Today's arrests show that the partnerships among federal and local law enforcement agencies are stronger than the illicit ties among members of drug trafficking organizations,” said Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division. "The FBI vows to continue to work with our partners to protect communities from violent crews who peddle drugs and wield illegal firearms.” “Many Washingtonians have raised concerns about local drug trafficking crews that have been taking over their neighborhoods through violence and the distribution of fentanyl and other illegal drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the DEA Washington Division. “Drug trafficking and violence are undeniably connected, and we are addressing this issue directly by taking a strong stance and implementing strict measures to combat the illegal manufacture and distribution of drugs, as well as removing firearms from the streets. Whether it's through increased law enforcement efforts, educational programs, or providing support for those struggling with substance misuse, we are confronting this problem head-on to restore the communities to the residents.” “The success of these operations would not have been possible without the collaboration, dedication, and support of the officers, investigators, and detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department, our federal partners at the FBI and DEA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The unwavering commitment to upholding the law and protecting our communities is truly commendable,” said Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. “To those who continue to engage in violent crimes, drug sales and the illegal possession and use of firearms: let this serve as a clear message. Your actions bring tremendous harm to our communities, and they will not be tolerated. Operations like these will continue, our investigations are ongoing, and our resolve is steadfast.” The Trinidad fentanyl trafficking investigation was a multi-agency effort between the DEA’s Washington Division, Metropolitan Police Department, and FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. Trial Attorney Gerald A. A. Collins of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance was provided by VCRS Trial Attorneys Christina Taylor and Gaelin Bernstein. The Carver-Langston fentanyl trafficking investigation was a multi-agency effort between the Metropolitan Police Department, FBI Washington Field Office’s Cross-Border Task Force, DEA’s Washington Division, and Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Duvall and Solomon Eppel for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former title agent sentenced to 36 months in prison for $6.6 million mortgage fraud scheme

body_text: MIAMI – On May 22, a former title agent was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $6,634,750.00 in forfeiture for carrying out a $6.6 million mortgage fraud scheme. A restitution hearing is scheduled for Aug. 16. Dora Ameneiro Martinez, 45, Haines City, Florida, was a licensed title agent in the State of Florida. She owned Apex Title Agency Incorporated (Apex Title), a title company in Haines City. Between June 2019 and July 2022, Martinez participated in approximately 30 fraudulent real estate transactions. Martinez made false and fraudulent statements to a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured financial institution and to various non-FDIC insured private mortgage lenders to defraud them into approving mortgages and lending money. The fraudulent real estate transactions totaled $6,634,750 in fraudulent proceeds. As part of her scheme, Martinez prepared false and fraudulent mortgage applications and other related documents on her behalf, Apex Title, other companies she owned and other homeowners. The mortgage documents submitted to lenders contained false and fraudulent statements and representations relating to existing mortgages on the properties and other information necessary for the lenders to assess the qualifications of the homeowners to borrow money. The title paperwork and Closing Disclosures falsely stated that there were no existing mortgages on properties, inducing the lenders to fund mortgage loans on properties in the Southern District of Florida and elsewhere. In reality, the properties were encumbered by existing mortgages that were not disclosed to the lenders in the title paperwork and Closing Disclosures, causing the new lenders to be placed in an inferior lien position to the existing lenders. Relying on these misrepresentations, the financial institution and private mortgage lenders lent money to the homeowners, believing that they were in first position and the mortgage was secured by a property that was unencumbered. Then, the financial institution and private mortgage lenders wired the loan proceeds to Martinez or Apex Title. Martinez also falsely and fraudulently applied for and processed a mortgage refinancing loan that, upon receiving the newly refinanced mortgage loan funds as the settlement agent, failed to satisfy the existing mortgage and diverted the proceeds for her own personal use. The lender would have not lent the money to Martinez if they would have known that Martinez was not going to immediately pay off the existing mortgage in accordance with the Closing Disclosure. The lender relied on Martinez to pay off the existing mortgage to be in first position. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Brian Tucker of the Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (FRB-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Edwin S. Bonano of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG) announced the sentence imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga. FRB-OIG and FHFA-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Manolo Reboso is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daren Grove is handling asset forfeiture. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-20451. ###


title: Six Chilean Nationals Charged in Connection with Residential Burglaries in Multiple States

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Six Chilean nationals have been charged for conspiring to target homeowners across multiple states in residential burglaries, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Flavio Bladimir Astete Castillo, Dareyen Mauricio Cortes-Canete, Luis Esteban Castillo Vivar, Max Vidal Navarrete, Jordán Estefano Contreras Vilches, and Juan Jose Ramirez Nilo, all of Chile, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to sell and receive stolen property that had crossed state lines and one count of receiving stolen property that had crossed state lines. “Six Chilean nationals have been charged with conspiring to target homeowners in residential burglaries across multiple states from New York to Maryland. The Complaint alleges that they conspired to receive and sell stolen pearl, gold and diamond jewelry, rare coins and other property that was stolen in those burglaries. Residential burglaries affect people in a very serious and personal way, and our office will continue to pursue criminals who are alleged to have violated the sanctity of our homes.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “Thieves are victimizing more and more homeowners in New Jersey and beyond, traveling up from South American nations,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “They hit multiple victims in one community, quickly move on to the next and then flee back to their native country. This isn't your traditional crime spree; it is an actual industry of organized criminals who invade and shatter people's private sanctuaries and steal valuable possessions. These theft groups may believe they can circumvent our laws, but the charges today and other similar outstanding investigations prove we are stopping these offenders and bringing them to justice.” “These arrests of a group of foreign-born individuals that engaged in interstate crime demonstrates how critical the cooperation between various law enforcement agencies continues to be,” Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris said. “ERO will continue to leverage our unique authorities in support of community safety.” “The collaboration among law enforcement agencies was essential in apprehending these individuals who targeted homes across multiple states,” Clinton Township Police Department Chief Thomas A. DeRosa said. “This case exemplifies our commitment to working together and utilizing advanced technology, as well as investing in new technologies, to combat interstate crime and protect our communities. Our collective efforts ensured that these stolen valuables were recovered and those responsible were brought to justice.” Five of the defendants appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court and were detained. Ramirez Nilo had his initial appearance on May 22, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Christensen in Los Angeles federal court and was detained. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: The defendants are part of a burglary ring that committed multiple residential burglaries in March and April 2024 in multiple states, including Maryland and New York. The defendants conspired to possess large amounts of jewelry, collectibles, and other valuable goods, among other items. On April 19, 2024, they moved a heavy security safe stolen from a residence, while attempting to conceal the stolen item from detection by covering security cameras. Law enforcement officers searched a vehicle the defendants were using to transport the stolen goods and recovered multiple pieces of jewelry, collectible coins and cufflinks, and other valuable items, alongside tools commonly used to burglarize residences, such as gloves, balaclavas, and window punches. The charge of conspiracy to sell or receive stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison; and the charge of receipt of stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. Both charges also carry a maximum potential penalty of up to a $250,000 fine, or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the FBI Newark’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Field Office Director John Tsoukaris; the Clinton Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas A. DeRosa; and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent of Police Edward T. Cetnar, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the FBI Los Angeles Major Theft Task Force and Customs and Border Protection, as well as the Amtrak Police Department, Baltimore County Police Burglary Unit, Jersey City Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department, New Jersey State Police, New York State Police, the Westchester County Police and the NJ Transit Police. Anyone who believes they may be a victim, or has information about the theft groups or burglaries, is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit the information online at tips.fbi.gov, or call a local field office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor A. Chenoweth of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. castilloetal.complaint.pdf


title: Former Rochester bus driver pleads guilty to child pornography charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tomas Rosario, 75, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to attempting to receive child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that Rosario was a school bus driver in Monroe County. On March 11, 2022, without any other adults or children present, Rosario transported a 13-year-old (victim) to school. During the ride, Rosario allowed the victim to sit in the front seat and proceeded to engage her in personal and sexually explicit conversation, including asking the victim if she had ever engaged in sexual conduct with her boyfriend. At the end of the day, Rosario picked the victim up from school, and again allowed her to sit in the front seat. Rosario continued to engage in sexually explicit conversation with the victim, and ultimately subjected her to instances of sexual contact. In addition, Rosario gave the victim his phone number, showed the victim his home, and encouraged the victim to call and visit if she ever wanted to skip school. Rosario’s actions were recorded on the bus surveillance system. In one instance, Rosario instructed the victim to take sexually explicit photos of herself and send them to him. On the following day, Rosario encountered the victim in a convenience store and warned her not to tell anyone what he had done the day before. That encounter was captured by the store’s security cameras. The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief David Smith, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Sentencing is scheduled for September 12, 2024, before Judge Geraci. # # # #


title: Brookline Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More Than $650,000 from Medical Practice

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A former office manager of a Brookline medical practice pleaded guilty today to embezzling over $650,000 from the practice over several years. Kathleen Libby, 40, of Brookline, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Sept. 4, 2024. Libby stole from the medical practice in a variety of ways, including by transferring funds from the practice to a personal PayPal account she established named “Medline Surgical Supplies.” In doing so, Libby created the false impression that transfers from the medical practice to the PayPal account were expenses the medical practice had incurred for supplies. In addition, Libby used the medical practice’s bank account to make payments toward purchases she had made at a variety of retailers, including Louis Vuitton, Bloomingdales, Best Buy, Target and travel-related websites. Libby also placed two of her relatives on the medical practice’s payroll and used its credit cards for her own personal benefit. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Arizona Man Admits to $4.4 Million Conspiracy to Defraud IRS

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Arizona man admitted today that he conspired to obtain over $4.4 million by defrauding the IRS, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Walid Khater, 38, of Mesa, Arizona, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. Walid Khater’s conspirator, Omar Khater, 33, of Fairfield, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty to the same charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2024. “Walid Khater has admitted his role in an elaborate scheme that used stolen personal identifying information and fabricated tax returns to fleece the IRS of millions of dollars. With the help of our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively pursue these illegal and dangerous schemes, and those who perpetrate them will be called to answer for their crimes.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “Investigating individuals who use stolen identities to file fraudulent returns for personal gain is a top priority at IRS Criminal Investigation,” Jenifer L. Piovesan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who attempt to cheat our tax system on the backs of innocent taxpayers.” “Khater admits he worked with his co-conspirator to steal personal information from his victims to file fake tax returns,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “He then used a chunk of the $4.4 million he stole to gamble. Adding to his already flagrant criminal acts, he filed his winnings as income to get tax refunds - stealing even more money from the federal government. His luck seems to have finally run out.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Walid and Omar Khater were relatives who worked together and with others to steal victims’ identities, which they used to file false tax returns and fraudulently receive tax refunds from the IRS. They electronically submitted tax documents to the IRS falsely claiming that the individual taxpayers listed on those documents had earned certain income or won thousands – and in some cases millions – of dollars in gambling and lottery winnings. The false filings also claimed tax withholdings on the purported income or gambling winnings that entitled the tax filer to refund payments from the IRS. The Khaters and others typically submitted these fraudulent tax filings using the names and personal identifying information of individual taxpayers without their knowledge or permission. The fraudulent filings caused the IRS to pay lucrative tax refunds, totaling $4.49 million, which the Khaters and others directed to various bank accounts that they controlled. The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. The charge of conspiracy to defraud the IRS carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, and special agents of FBI-Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the NJ Transit Police. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit and Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark. khater.information.pdf


title: Jamestown man going to prison on drug conspiracy charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jacob Komenda, 27, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, five grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that on April 27, 2019, members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Komenda’s residence in Jamestown. Officers recovered methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia throughout the residence, as well as a 12-gauge shotgun and a stun gun. On September 5, 2019, investigators executed a second search warrant at Komenda’s residence. Komenda had $3,182 in cash in his shorts pocket, which was proceeds of his drug trafficking activities. Investigators also recovered methamphetamine and various drug paraphernalia from the residence. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. # # # #


title: Justice Department Announces Achievements in Police Reform in Suffolk County, New York

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that the Suffolk County, New York, Police Department (SCPD) has achieved sustained compliance with provisions of its settlement agreement with SCPD, including requirements concerning tracking and trending hate crimes and hate incidents, investigating allegations of police misconduct and development of policies and training. As a result, the department has terminated those provisions of the settlement agreement. “The County and its Police Department have made significant progress towards ensuring that all Suffolk County residents benefit from constitutional policing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Police Department has improved the tracking of hate crimes, is strengthening the handling of internal affairs investigations and has improved the way it handles complaints of discriminatory policing. This progress demonstrates that meaningful policing reform and change can be achieved through our work. The Justice Department is committed to collaboratively working with the community, Suffolk County officials and the police department to ensure constitutional, fair and nondiscriminatory policing for all County residents. Residents across Suffolk County deserve nothing less.” “We are pleased to see the Suffolk County Police Department’s progress in fulfilling significant requirements of the police reform agreement to help ensure fair and equitable policing and make the County better and safer for its residents and visitors,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “By terminating the areas of the agreement where reform efforts have been successful, we can focus on the areas that require additional attention. We look forward to working together to help the Suffolk County Police Department successfully achieve the reforms required by the remaining areas of the agreement.” SCPD has made substantial changes in reaching compliance with provisions of the police reform agreement that the Justice Department is terminating, including: SCPD provides annual training on responding to, investigating and charging hate crimes. SCPD implemented a mapping system to track and analyze hate crimes and hate incidents. These maps are available to the public on SCPD’s website . SCPD improved its systems for reporting allegations of discriminatory policing and accepting third-party complaints of discrimination. Members of the public can now submit complaints of bias to any part of the police department — the hate crimes unit, internal affairs, any officer and any precinct. SCPD improved the quality of internal affairs investigations. SCPD now tracks civilian complaints and internal investigations by the nature of the allegation, the status of the investigation and how it resolved the investigation. This tracking allows SCPD to evaluate trends and identify patterns of problematic behavior. SCPD has developed and updated a number of policies, which are available on SCPD’s website in English and Spanish. The Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York entered an agreement with Suffolk County in January 2014 to ensure that SCPD provides fair and equitable policing services to all members of the Suffolk County community, including the Latino community. In determining that SCPD has achieved and sustained full and effective compliance with significant portions of the agreement, the United States relied on its own independent evaluations of SCPD’s compliance. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt . Additional information about civil rights enforcement at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, including the Office’s Civil Rights Division work, is available at www.justice.gov/usao-edny/civil-rights .


title: Jamestown man sentenced on meth charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joshua Doud, 42, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to time served (56 months) by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between February and May 2019, investigators made four controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Doud. Three of the for purchases were conducted at Doud’s Jamestown residence. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division. # # # #


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to multiple charges for his role in drug conspiracy

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joseph Zaso a/k/a Joey Cracks a/k/a Sosa, 40, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to narcotics conspiracy, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and concealment of material fact. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a maximum of life in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between September 2018, and May 2022, Zaso conspired with others to sell significant quantities of heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown, NY, area. Zaso, the leader of the drug trafficking activity, was the source of supply for several Jamestown drug dealers, and used a series of dealers and runners to facilitate his operation. During the conspiracy, Zaso possessed firearms to protect his supply of narcotics, from which he obtained substantial income and resources. On May 26, 2022, search warrants were executed at his Buffalo residence, during which investigators seized drug paraphernalia. During the conspiracy, Zaso was under the supervision of U.S. Probation in the Western District of New York, following a 2015 conviction in the Eastern District of Michigan. Zaso was required to submit monthly reports to U.S. Probation, which included information about his employment. Zaso signed and submitted monthly reports falsely reporting his employment. Zaso also falsely concealed his income and the existence of bank accounts under his control in addition to lying about his employment. Zaso did not report his actual income because most of it was derived from drug trafficking. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. Sentencing is scheduled for September 30, 2024, before Judge Vilardo. # # # #


title: South African man indicted for stabbing on cruise ship en route to Alaska

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: JUNEAU, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging a South African man with assaulting three people with medical scissors while aboard a cruise ship. According to court documents, on May 6, 2024, Ntando Sogoni, 35, was allegedly discovered trying to deploy a lifeboat and was taken to the ship’s medical area for an evaluation. During his evaluation, he began struggling with a nurse and security guard and fled to another examination room, where he assaulted a female victim, who is a U.S. citizen. He stabbed her with trauma scissors multiple times in the chest, arms and head, causing serious bodily harm. He proceeded to attack two security guards, stabbing one guard, a national of the Philippines, in the head, and stabbing the other guard, a national of Nepal, in the spine. He was detained and held in the ship’s jail until arriving in Juneau on May 7, where he was charged by complaint and arrested by the FBI. At the time of the assault, the ship was on the high seas and within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the U.S., and on a voyage with a scheduled departure from or arrival in the U.S. Sogoni is charged with one count assault with intent to murder in violation of 18 U.S.C. §7(1), (7) and (8) and 113(a)(1), three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in violation of 18 U.S.C. §7(1), (7) and (8) and 113(a)(3), and three counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in violation of 18 U.S.C. §7(1), (7) and (8) and 113(a)(6), The defendant made his initial court appearance on May 9 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the one count of assault with intent to murder and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the other five assault counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day with the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Supervisory Special Agent Brett Durham of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) Resident Agency Juneau and Resident Unit Anchorage made the announcement. The FBI Anchorage Field Office and FBI Juneau Resident Agency, and the CGIS Resident Agency Juneau are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Lyons man going to prison for 15 years on child pornography charge

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that that Randall Seeley, Jr., 46, of Lyons, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that in July 2023, the New York State Police received a report that Seeley had been involved in sexually explicit online communications with a 13 to 14-year-old minor. During an investigation, Seeley admitted knowing the minor and engaging in sexual communications, during which he solicited and received explicit images and videos of the minor. A review of the minor’s social media accounts revealed the sexually explicit communications with Seeley, going back as far as July 2022. A search warrant was executed at Seeley’s residence, during which his electronic devices were seized. A preliminary forensic analysis of the devices uncovered hundreds of images and videos of child pornography depicting the known minor and other, unknown minors. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, Lyons, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. # # # #


title: Miami Man Indicted for Conspiracy, Bank Larceny, and Accessing a Protected Computer in Furtherance of Fraud

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — An eight-count indictment was unsealed following the arrest of Carlos Luis Vera La Cruz, 44, of Miami, charging him with conspiracy, bank larceny, accessing a protected computer in furtherance of fraud, and attempting to access a protected computer in furtherance of fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The indictment, brought on April 18, 2024, also charges a second individual, whose name remains under seal. According to court documents, Vera La Cruz and others engaged in an ATM “jackpotting” conspiracy where they stole money from ATMs at targeted banks and credit unions around the country. They did this by infecting the ATMs with malware, which forced the ATMs to dispense money without a valid transaction. In June 2023, as part of this scheme, Vera La Cruz targeted seven ATMs belonging to a bank in and around Redding and Chico, California, stealing $291,820. In total, Vera La Cruz and his co-conspirators have successfully stolen more than $2,615,766 from banks and credit unions in multiple states. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot C. Wong is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Vera La Cruz faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for bank larceny, and a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the counts of conspiracy and for each count of accessing a protected computer in furtherance of fraud. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Jamestown man going to prison for more than 26 years on meth charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Luis Martinez, 52, a/k/a Noel a/k/a Noelly, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 318 months in prsion by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan K. Glaberson and Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that in May and June of 2020, Martinez conspired with others to sell methamphetamine. On June 5, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at a Water Street residence, recovering approximately 20 grams of cocaine, a loaded Glock, $3,534 in cash, 14 individually wrapped plastic bags containing a total of approximately 363 grams of methamphetamine, a kilo press, two digital scales, a number of cell phones and tablets, additional smaller bags of cocaine and methamphetamine, and other drug paraphernalia. On June 10, 2020, investigators received information that Martinez had an outstanding parole warrant issued against him, at which time he was located in a vehicle on Price Street and taken into in custody. Law enforcement also recovered another $37,670 in cash behind a residence. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards, III. # # # #


title: Visalia Man Indicted for Firearms Trafficking

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment today against Shawn Saesee, 20, of Visalia, charging him with unlawful transfer of firearms in violation of the National Firearms Act and dealing and manufacturing firearms without a license, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Saesee sold an undercover agent eight firearms, including five machine guns on four separate occasions. Saesee sold firearms despite being told by the undercover agent he could not legally possess firearms. This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Saesee faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Gang Member Sentenced to 178 Months in Prison for Racketeering Charge and Related Crimes

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang was sentenced today to 178 months in prison for his role in a racketeering conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Tyheim Terry, aka “Ty,” aka “Rollin’ Ty,” 25, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to a superseding indictment that charged him with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, carjacking, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of the carjacking. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From 2015 through Sept. 22, 2022, Terry was a member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, a criminal enterprise responsible for acts of violence and the distribution of controlled substances in the District of New Jersey and elsewhere. On Feb. 21, 2021, Terry worked with others, including members of the gang, to attempt to carjack a victim. On April 5, 2021, Terry worked with other members of the gang to shoot another victim. On April 11, 2021, Terry brandished a firearm and carjacked a third victim. In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Terry to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz; special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti; investigators of the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos; the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Police Division Director Tracy Bowers; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé; the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Samuel A. DeMaio; the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis L. Bindi; the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl J. Graves; the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tom Bryan; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel; the Spotswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Philip Corbisiero; and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, with the investigations leading to the charges in the Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips investigation. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Special Prosecutions Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Nasar of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit.


title: Fresno Man Indicted for Throwing Methamphetamine into Mendota Prison Yard

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Garrett Scott Wheelen, 33, of Fresno, charging him with possessing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on May 1, 2024, Wheelen arrived at the Federal Correctional Institution Mendota wearing a facemask, baseball cap, and hoodie to conceal his identity. In broad daylight, Wheelen ran to the prison fence and tossed four packages into the prison’s recreation yard. He was quickly apprehended after attempting to flee. The packages contained over 3 pounds of methamphetamine. According to the criminal complaint, none of the inmates who were in the recreation yard retrieved the packages that were thrown. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mendota Police Department, and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Romero faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, and a $1 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Richmond Man Indicted for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment today against Julian Ignacio Ramirez, 18, of Richmond, charging him with distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other charges, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Ramirez distributed 1 pound of methamphetamine in July 2023 and 3 pounds of methamphetamine in October 2023. In November 2023, Ramirez distributed approximately 2,000 fentanyl pills. During the same month, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Ramirez was the front seat passenger. The officers searched the vehicle and seized approximately 4 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 11,000 suspected fentanyl pills. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Kern County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Ramirez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Bakersfield Man Indicted for Receiving Child Pornography

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment today against Roman Rodriguez, 26, of Bakersfield, charging him with receipt and distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, between Feb. 18, 2024, and Feb. 22, 2024, Rodriguez used an iPhone to receive and distribute at least one visual depiction of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Rodriguez used several other devices to receive visual depictions of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct during multiple other timeframes that began as early as October 2022. This case is the product of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany M. Gunter is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Rodriguez faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .


title: Orange County Man and Convicted Sex Offender Arrested for Alleged Attempts to Solicit Sexual Activity from Minors on Reddit

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – A convicted sex offender faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison after his arrest today on a five-count federal grand jury indictment alleging he attempted use the Reddit internet platform to solicit sex with someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl, but instead was undercover law enforcement. Shaw Warrington, 34, of San Juan Capistrano, is charged with one count of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, one count of attempted production of child pornography, one count of commission of a felony offense involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Warrington was arraigned today in United States District Court in Santa Ana and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. A trial date of July 16 has been scheduled in this case. A federal magistrate judge ordered Warrington jailed without bond. According to the indictment returned on Wednesday and unsealed today, in January and February of 2023, Warrington used the Reddit website to attempt to solicit sex from minors in Orange County. An undercover law enforcement official responded to Warrington’s requests and eventually scheduled a meeting at a Newport Beach shopping center, where Warrington believed he would engage in criminal sexual activity, the indictment alleges. Instead, Warrington was arrested after appearing at the meeting location. A search of Warrington’s cellphone allegedly returned two images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Law enforcement also seized a firearm and more than 350 rounds of ammunition from Warrington’s residence. Warrington is not permitted to possess them because of his 2013 felony conviction in Orange County Superior Court for meeting a minor with the intent to engage in lewd conduct. As a result of that conviction, Warrington is required to register as a sex offender. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, Warrington would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in federal prison – 15 years for the attempted production of child pornography count and a 10-year mandatory consecutive sentence for commission of a felony involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender. Warrington, if convicted, would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. The FBI and the Newport Beach Police Department are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin J. Campbell of the Santa Ana Branch Office is prosecuting this case.


title: South Bend Woman Sentenced to 168 Months in Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Danisha Lane, 46 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of attempted robbery affecting commerce, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Lane was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in May 2021, Lane robbed and attempted to rob multiple stores/businesses that are engaged in interstate commerce in the South Bend area. She also used and brandished a firearm during one of the robberies. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the South Bend Police Department, the Mishawaka Police Department, and the St. Joseph County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Jerome W. McKeever. 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: Albany Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Nearly $1 Million in Federal Funds

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Asjid Parvez, age 38, of Albany, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for stealing nearly $1 million in federal funds from a program that helped struggling farmers pay off their loans. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act authorized the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to financially assist certain distressed borrowers who had fallen behind on repaying their federally guaranteed farm loans . Parvez was one such borrower, having defaulted on a loan that he had used to purchase a Maryland chicken farm in 2014. In previously pleading guilty, Parvez admitted that in May 2023, the FSA sent him a United States Treasury check in the amount of $972,564.61. Parvez knew that he needed to use these funds to pay off the federally guaranteed farm loan on which he had defaulted. But instead, he stole the money, and used the funds to pay personal expenses and to fund real estate investments. Parvez stole the money by opening a bank account in the name of his lender; depositing the Treasury check – which was jointly payable to the defendant and the lender – into that account; and then quickly transferring the Treasury funds to other accounts that he controlled. United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also ordered Parvez to serve 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release and pay $972,564.61 in restitution to the FSA. The FBI has already seized $516,974.54 traceable to the federal funds that Parvez stole, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Asset Recovery Unit has filed a civil action seeking the forfeiture of a residential property in Albany that was purchased using approximately $202,675 in stolen funds. The FBI investigated this case, with assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Conger is representing the United States in the asset forfeiture action.


title: Essex County Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Child Pornography

body_text: UTICA, NEW YORK – Thomas Wright, age 63, of Moriah Center, New York, was sentenced today to serve 120 months (10 years) in federal prison following his earlier plea of guilty to possessing child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement. In his previous guilty plea Wright admitted that while on supervised release for a 2014 federal conviction for distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography, he possessed 29,712 images and 276 videos of child pornography on an unauthorized smart phone. The crime was discovered during an unannounced home visit by his supervising federal probation officers. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children identified 4,835 of the images and 55 of the recovered video files as depicting 197 separate children whose images are in their database of known victims. In addition to the 10-year sentence, Wright was sentenced to a consecutive 12-month term of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release from his prior offense. Wright was also ordered to pay a total of $81,000 in restitution to victims depicted in the child pornography he possessed. He was ordered to forfeit the smart phone used to commit the offense and will be placed on 25 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. Wright will continue to be required to register as a sex offender. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York, prosecuted the case. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Binghamton Woman Charged with Social Security Fraud Related to her Theft of Benefits Intended for a Minor

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Loretta Washington, 59, of Binghamton, New York, was arraigned today on a federal indictment charging her with 38 counts of social security fraud, United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bradley Parker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), New York Field Office announced. According to the indictment, Washington had applied for and was receiving the social security benefits for a minor as her representative-payee. A representative-payee is a person or organization selected by the SSA to receive benefits on behalf of a beneficiary who is unable to manage their payments. Washington is accused of stealing over $25,000 in social security benefits intended for a minor between October 2018 and November 2021. The charges filed against Washington carry a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) is investigating the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck is prosecuting the case.


title: Former Baltimore City State’s Attorney  Marilyn J. Mosby Sentenced To Twelve Months Of Home Confinement, With Electronic Monitoring And Ordered To Forfeit 90% Of Property Value

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Lydia K. Griggsby today sentenced Marilyn J. Mosby, age 44, of Baltimore, Maryland to twelve months of home confinement as part of thirty-six months of supervised release, for making a false mortgage application and two counts of perjury. During the first twelve months of her supervised release Judge Griggsby also ordered Mosby to remain on home confinement, with electronic monitoring. Judge Griggsby further ordered forfeiture of 90% of the property purchased with the fraudulently obtained mortgage, including any appreciation. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office. On February 6, 2024, Mosby was convicted on the federal charge of making a false mortgage application when she was Baltimore City State’s Attorney, relating to the purchase of a condominium in Long Boat Key, Florida. Previously, on November 9, 2023, Mosby was convicted on two counts of perjury , relating to the withdrawal of funds from the City of Baltimore’s Deferred Compensation Plan claiming that she suffered adverse financial consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic while she was the Baltimore City State’s Attorney. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and IRS-CI agents for their work in the investigation and thanked the Baltimore City Office of the Inspector General for its assistance and invaluable public service. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Aaron S.J. Zelinsky, who prosecuted the federal cases. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Former Federal Bureau of Prisons Corrections Officer Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Inmate in His Custody

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A former Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) Corrections Officer, Robert D. Smith, 39, was sentenced today in federal court to 24 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for sexually abusing an inmate while he was a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution, in Aliceville, Alabama (FCI-Aliceville). Smith previously pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a ward on Jan. 11. “Robert Smith’s egregious acts have no place in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and he has been held to account for abusing of his position of trust,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Today sentence marks the latest effort in the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to root out sexual misconduct within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Department will continue our efforts to hold accountable employees who fail to uphold their oath to protect those in their care.” “Beyond the view of the cameras and the eyes of potential witnesses, this defendant sexually abused and assaulted vulnerable women inmates and thought he would get away with his crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This case should send an unequivocal message to officials working in correctional settings that we have zero tolerance for sexual assaults of women held inside jails and prisons. We encourage the survivors of these heinous crimes to report acts of official misconduct and violence to the FBI. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute those who violate the civil and constitutional rights of people detained in correctional facilities.” “Corrections officers have the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of those incarcerated in our nation’s prisons,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute corrections officers who abuse inmates and violate positions of public trust.” “Today’s sentencing holds Smith accountable for the serious crimes he committed,” said Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “Smith sexually abused multiple inmates and he did so by taking them to areas of the prison without camera coverage. As the OIG has repeatedly found, the effective use of cameras by the FBOP is critical to preventing and deterring such criminal wrongdoing at its facilities.” According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Smith worked as a corrections officer at FCI-Aliceville, which is a low-security federal prison. As part of his duties, Smith was to ensure the safety and security of inmates housed at FCI-Aliceville and to uphold the U.S. Constitution. While acting in his capacity as an officer, in or around February 2019, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory or disciplinary authority. Smith committed this criminal act when he and his victim were in his office in the facilities department, which was away from cameras and other inmates and officers. Smith also admitted to sexually abusing another inmate on a different occasion. Specifically, also while acting in his capacity as an officer, between on or about July 6, 2018, and Nov. 15, 2018, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory or disciplinary authority. Smith committed this criminal act in the mechanical room, which Smith accessed with a key, and which was also away from cameras and other inmates and officers. DOJ-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Royster for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case. FBOP is committed to rooting out misconduct within its ranks and working with law enforcement partners to prosecute violations of federal law. The numerous FBOP employees working diligently to ensure justice for the victims of misconduct are critical to the department’s reform efforts.


title: Fridley Felon Pleads Guilty to Shooting 11-Year-Old on New Year’s Day

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Fridley man has pleaded guilty for possession of ammunition as a felon after firing multiple shots from an AR-style rifle, one of which struck an 11-year-old child in the face, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, just after midnight on January 1, 2024, officers of the Minneapolis Police Department received a report of a shooting at a residence in north Minneapolis. When officers arrived at the scene a woman told them that shots had been fired outside the residence and a round had struck the woman’s 11-year-old child in the face. The minor victim was sitting in a second-story bedroom when they heard gunshots outside the residence at approximately midnight. The minor victim went to the window to observe when a round came through the window and hit them in the face. According to court documents, officers obtained a Snapchat video of James William Turner, 44, that was filmed just prior to the shooting. The two-minute video showed Turner outside, near the victim’s residence, speaking angrily to the camera before panning it to show an AR-style rifle lying across the driver’s seat of a vehicle. A neighbor provided officers with a doorbell surveillance video that showed Turner fire multiple rounds in the direction of the victim’s bedroom window. Officers found eight live cartridges and 24 discharged cartridge casings throughout the boulevard, sidewalk, and yard. Because Turner has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. Turner pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Ann D. Montgomery to one count of possession of ammunition as a felon. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department, with assistance from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian C.S. Weir is prosecuting the case.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Austin Barrett, 29, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced May 23, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for distribution of fentanyl. Senior United State District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Barrett to 188 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Barrett is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On April 1, 2021, Lincoln Police Department (LPD) officers were dispatched to a residence in Lincoln following a call stating that a person was not breathing. At the residence, officers found a used syringe, a baggie with suspected heroin, and one spoon with suspected heroin residue, and the victim’s phone. Lincoln Fire & Rescue (LFR) administered Narcan, and the victim began responding and became alert. The victim admitted to taking an opioid but did not remember which one or how much he took. The baggie and spoon were sent to the lab for testing. The lab determined that the baggie and spoon contained fentanyl. Later investigation revealed the victim coordinated with Barrett to purchase heroin from Barrett. Phone records revealed that on April 1, 2021, Barrett pulled into the victim’s residence after the two arranged the sale, and only 16 minutes later, the call to 911 was made. On April 20, 2021, an LPD officer spoke with Barrett by phone and recorded it. Barrett admitted to selling heroin/fentanyl to the victim on April 1, 2021. Barrett also admitted to having texted with the victim on April 1, 2021. This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska Commends the Release of Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen National Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr commends the announcement of the Department of Justice’s new resource for prosecutors, “ Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen Our National Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Involving Adult Victims ,” The announcement was made today in Dallas, TX at the Conference on Crimes Against Women by Rosemarie Hidalgo, Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). The guide, written by prosecutors for prosecutors, sets out five principles that, if implemented, will lead to better outcomes for victims, safer communities, and greater accountability for perpetrators of sexual assault and domestic violence. “The framework announced today reaffirms our commitment to expanding access to justice for all survivors, who deserve respect and the right to be heard,” said the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Director Rosie Hidalgo. “Enhancing the prosecution response to sexual assault and domestic violence in a trauma-informed manner is a key piece in ending gender-based violence, as part of a broader coordinated community response that includes services and support for survivors, and can have a real, immediate impact on the safety of survivors and entire communities.” The District of Nebraska routinely prosecutes sexual assault and domestic violence offenses occurring on the Omaha Nation, Winnebago, and Santee Sioux Nation Reservations in the District of Nebraska. “We are committed and dedicated to pursuing justice in those cases, partnering with law enforcement, victim specialists, and the Tribes to ensure a trauma-informed approach is used in that pursuit,” said U.S. Attorney Lehr. Declinations of meritorious allegations may result from misconceptions about how crimes involving sexual assault and domestic violence are committed and reported, how victims give their accounts, and the evidence required to prove their accounts. This guide equips prosecutors to build provable cases by: (1) relying on the evidentiary value of the victim’s account to frame the investigation; (2) meeting with victims and working with investigators and victim specialists to do so; (3) using the law and evidentiary rules effectively; (4) being thoughtful about what justice and accountability look like; and (5) sustaining a productive, healthy, and committed workforce by redefining success– all of which are rooted in a prosecutor’s primary obligation to seek the truth and uphold the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law. “The District of Nebraska will continue to prioritize public safety on the Reservations and this guide is a great step in helping all of the stakeholders recognize the unique challenges in prosecuting such cases and that those challenges should not be a barrier to ensuring offenders are held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Lehr. She went on to say, “The victims in those cases are some of the District’s most vulnerable, underserved people and we welcome this step in continuing to secure their safety and well-being.” More than 120 state, Tribal, military, and federal prosecutors, as well as advocates, academics, and investigators from an array of jurisdictions were consulted in developing this guide. This guide is designed to encourage prosecutors with all levels of experience to implement its principles when evaluating, investigating, and prosecuting allegations involving sexual assault and domestic violence. In conjunction with this guide, OVW launched a new webpage with resources designed to assist prosecutors in implementing the guide and its principles. This guide further serves as a complement to the Justice Department’s 2022 updated guidance on Improving Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence by Identifying and Preventing Gender Bias .


title: Texas Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Meth Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Eliuth Montero-Barrera, 24, a Mexican citizen living in Dallas, Texas, was sentenced May 22, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Montero-Barrera to 108 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Montero-Barrera’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. On August 2, 2023, Montero-Barrera arrived at an AutoZone parking lot in Omaha with a co-defendant to drop off meth to two Omaha men. In a post-arrest interview after he was advised of his rights, Montero-Barrera admitted that he had picked up approximately 22.75 kilograms of meth in Houston and had agreed to transport it to Omaha. During the trip to Omaha from Texas, Montero-Barrera placed the meth inside a speaker box in the vehicle. Montero-Barrera also told investigators he had made two previous meth deliveries to Omaha. Co-defendants Gregorio Mina-Falcon, 36, of Omaha and Alexis Rodriguez, 22, of Dallas have pleaded guilty to the same charge and are scheduled to be sentenced on May 29, 2024, and June 26, 2024, respectively. Co-defendant Jose Luis Garcia-Perez, 35, of Omaha was sentenced to the same sentence as Montero-Barrera on March 27, 2023. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Armed Bank Robbery

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Taliaferro D. Thompson, age 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 22, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in furtherance of a bank robbery. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Thompson to a total sentence of 270 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Thompson’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Thompson was also ordered to pay $269,822 in restitution. In pronouncing the sentence Judge Buescher agreed that with the characterization that this robbery was unusually heinous, cruel, brutal, and degrading and stated, “What happened here was unbelievably sickening.” On January 26, 2023, Thompson and co-defendant Andrew Kincaid while armed with handguns entered the First National Bank of Omaha location at 2625 S. 175 th Streets in Omaha. Upon entering the bank, Thompson and Kincaid brandished the handguns, pointing them at the employees and customers. Kincaid shoved a customer to the ground. During the robbery, Thompson pistol whipped a bank employee in the head and then forced that bank employee to open the vault while holding a gun to his head. Thompson also drug a pregnant bank employee across the floor by her hair before forcing her to open the teller drawer while putting a gun to her head. Thompson and Kincaid stole $348,920 from the bank which they placed in a trash bag before fleeing. Thompson was identified as a potential suspect based on a facial recognition match from the surveillance video. Law enforcement learned of a possible residence that Thompson and Kincaid were located at. Thompson was stopped leaving that residence and found to be in possession of approximately $76,000 in currency and a handgun; a second handgun was also located in the vehicle. Kincaid was located by law enforcement in the residence and had apparent red dye on his face and head. A dumpster nearby included burnt money with red dye on it that would have been consistent with the stolen money from the bank robbery that contained a hidden red dye pack within it. Officers searched the residence and found a white belt and black mask that were consistent with items worn by Thompson during the robbery. Kincaid has pled guilty to bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in furtherance of a bank robbery, and is scheduled for sentencing on September 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM. This case was investigated by officers with the Omaha Police Department’s Robbery Unit and Gang Unit as part of the FBI’s of Great Plains Violent Crimes Task Force.


title: Riverside Elementary School Employee Indicted on Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington - On May 22, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned a three-count indictment charging Dallas Michael Shuler with one count of Production of Child Pornography, one count of Distribution of Child Pornography, and one count of Receipt of Child Pornography. If convicted, Shuler faces 30 years in prison on the charge of Production of Child Pornography, 20 years in prison for the count of Distribution of Child Pornography, and 20 years in prison for the count of Receipt of Child Pornography. Shuler would also have to register as a sex offender. According to a complaint filed on May 13, the FBI and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office contacted Shuler, who worked at Riverside Elementary School, about a snapchat video that depicted minors engaged in sexual conduct. Shuler recognized the video and admitted he contacted the minors online and offered explicit images in exchange for their participation in the video. The complaint alleges Shuler told investigators he enjoyed looking at sexually explicit images of children as young as ten. Shuler also allegedly admitted to conversing with more than two dozen minors regarding sexual content, including sharing and trading sexually explicit pictures and videos. Shuler allegedly had sexual contact with two juveniles at two separate times. According to the complaint, in both cases, Shuler recorded the sex acts and distributed the videos online. Shuler allegedly admitted he made multiple attempts to solicit other youth to meet him and engage in sex acts. “My office and our law enforcement partners stand ready to respond with thorough investigations, aggressive prosecutions, and determined advocacy in pursuing those who seek to abuse children, whether it occurs behind a keyboard or closed doors,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc . This case is being investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Perez. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law .


title: U.S. Attorney Todd Gee Holds Listening Session in Rankin County

component: Community Relations Service

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Todd Gee, members of his staff, and the Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service hosted a Listening Session at the Brandon Public Library on Tuesday, May 21. During the moderated discussion, community members had an opportunity to voice concerns about civil rights issues in Rankin County. U.S. Attorney Gee discussed the civil rights-related work being done by his office and the importance of engaging with members of local communities to address civil rights issues, such as law enforcement accountability. U.S. Attorney Gee reaffirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to enforcing laws protecting the civil rights of all persons in Rankin County and throughout the nation. As the United States Attorney’s Office stated in press releases issued on August 3, 2023 and on December 4, 2023, the public is encouraged to contact the FBI hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI, email tips.fbi.gov or call the FBI Jackson Field Office at 601-948-5000, if you or someone you know has been a victim of abuse by a member of the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s online complaint form to report allegations of civil rights violations is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/civil-division webpage. The form can be emailed to USAMSS.CivilRights@usdoj.gov , or concerns can be shared by leaving a voice mail for our Civil Rights Division at (601) 973-2825.


title: Ringleader and Company Insider Plead Guilty to Defrauding Biochemical Company and Diverting Products to China Using Falsified Export Documents

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: The Justice Department today announced that Pen Yu, also known as Ben Yu, 51, of Gibsonton, Florida, and Gregory Muñoz, 45, of Minneola, Florida, have each pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy for their roles in a scheme to fraudulently procure deeply discounted products from Massachusetts biochemical company Sigma-Aldrich Inc., doing business as MilliporeSigma, and export them to China using falsified export documents. In addition, the Justice Department announced that it has declined the prosecution of MilliporeSigma after considering the factors set forth in the Department’s Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations and the National Security Division Enforcement Policy for Business Organizations (NSD Enforcement Policy). The NSD Enforcement Policy creates a presumption that companies that (1) voluntarily self-disclose to NSD potentially criminal violations arising out of or relating to the enforcement of export control or sanctions laws, (2) fully cooperate, and (3) timely and appropriately remediate will generally receive a non-prosecution agreement, unless aggravating factors are present. This is the first time that NSD has declined the prosecution of a company under the NSD Enforcement Policy. “When a business uncovers criminal wrongdoing within its ranks, the company is far better off reporting the violation than waiting for the Justice Department to discover it,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “That’s exactly what MilliporeSigma did in the first-ever corporate declination under our National Security Division’s voluntary self-disclosure program. Because of MilliporeSigma’s timely disclosure and exceptional cooperation, a rogue company insider and his accomplice pled guilty to fraudulently diverting millions of dollars worth of biochemicals to China, and the company will not be prosecuted. As national security and corporate crime increasingly intersect, companies that step up and own up under the Department’s voluntary self-disclosure programs can help themselves and our nation.” “When MilliporeSigma found evidence that one of its employees was diverting biochemical products to an unauthorized purchaser in China, they did not sweep the misconduct under the rug. Instead, the company made the early decision to cooperate with the Justice Department, resulting in the convictions of responsible individuals,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s announcement reflects the value for companies like MilliporeSigma to quickly self-disclose potential criminal activity and reaffirms our commitment to work in partnership with the private sector to root out conduct that violates the law and jeopardizes our national security.” “When company and university insiders abuse the trust that their institutions place in them, they will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Here, Millipore Sigma’s prompt disclosures led to the uncovering of this multimillion- dollar criminal enterprise, and enabled law enforcement to disrupt the scheme and stop further illegal exports to China. These disclosures led to the seizure of multiple illegal shipments to China and the conviction of two of the most culpable participants in the scheme. Millipore Sigma’s prompt and full cooperation was essential in obtaining this result.” “Faking an affiliation with an academic research lab to obtain controlled biochemical materials, and then sending those materials to China, is not only wrong, but illegal,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod. “Today’s announcement provides yet another fact pattern for universities to beware of — the misuse of academic institutions by outsiders who seek to obscure the actual customer of controlled items.” According to court documents, beginning in at least July 2016 and continuing through at least May 2023, Yu ordered biochemical products from MilliporeSigma, a subsidiary of multinational science and technology company Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, with help from Muñoz, a MilliporeSigma salesperson, by falsely representing that Yu was affiliated with a biology research lab at a large Florida university. This fictitious affiliation led MilliporeSigma to provide Yu over $4.9 million worth of discounts and other benefits, such as free overnight shipping, not available to the public. Yu gave Muñoz thousands of dollars in gift cards for facilitating these fraudulent discounted orders. When the products arrived at the university stockroom, a stockroom employee diverted the products to Yu, who repackaged them and shipped them to China. To avoid scrutiny, Yu made false statements about the value and contents of these shipments in export documents. This scheme continued until MilliporeSigma compliance personnel identified certain orders as suspicious, prompting the company to retain outside counsel who voluntarily disclosed the misconduct to the Department of Justice’s National Security Division only a week later. MilliporeSigma made the disclosure well before its counsel had completed their investigation and understood the full nature and extent of the scheme. MilliporeSigma offered exceptional cooperation to the prosecution team, including by proactively identifying and producing documents to the Department that established probable cause to search residences and electronic devices of culpable individuals. MilliporeSigma’s cooperation allowed investigators to quickly identify the individuals responsible for the scheme, including Yu and Muñoz, and secure their felony guilty pleas. As a result of MilliporeSigma’s timely self-disclosure and extraordinary cooperation, MilliporeSigma will not be charged, despite the criminal wrongdoing committed by Muñoz, a MilliporeSigma employee. The Defense Criminal Investigative Service; Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security; and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Marcet for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Garrett Coyle of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the cases. Declination letter Yu information Yu plea agreement Munoz information Munoz plea agreement