title: Two Admit 2020 Jefferson County Carjacking

body_text: ST. LOUIS – Two men have admitted their involvement in a 2020 carjacking in Jefferson County, Missouri that permanently injured the victim. Matthew Carver, 31, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Monday to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Brandon Vandoren, 29, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty November 8 to one count of carjacking. Both men admitted that on May 20, 2020, they arrived at a Jefferson County, Missouri MotoMart gas station and convenience store in a stolen Dodge Dart, intending to steal a vehicle. Carver was driving, and dropped off Vandoren, who got into a Saturn Aura and began driving away. The Aura’s driver, who was inside the store, ran outside and threw a Coke can at the Aura. Vandoren hit the victim with the Aura and fled. The victim nearly died due to the carjacking and has been left with permanent injuries. Both vehicles then fled from law enforcement. Carver ultimately crashed, fled on foot and was captured after resisting arrest, his plea says. The next day, officers found the Aura at America’s Best Value Inn in St. Louis County. They arrested Vandoren when he answered their knock on his motel room door, and found a firearm in the room, his plea says. Vandoren is a convicted felon and is thus barred from possessing a firearm. Carver and Vandoren are scheduled to be sentenced in February. The carjacking charge carries a potential penalty of up to 25 years in prison. Carver’s felon in possession charge carries a potential penalty of up to ten years in prison. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra Wiemken is prosecuting the case.


title: Sacramento Resident Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child & Other Offenses

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: The FBI is seeking to identify potential victims of Pevino. If you believe that you and/or your minor dependent(s) were victimized by Pevino at any time or have information relevant to this investigation, please send an email with your name, contact information, and best time to reach you to Pevinovictims@fbi.gov . SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Nov. 9, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Dakota Jeremiah Pevino (aka Dakota Jeremiah Viggiano), 35, of Sacramento, charging him with sexual exploitation of a child and distribution and possession of visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, in the summer of 2023, Pevino sent video recordings of adult males sexually abusing prepubescent minors to another user on the Telegram application. Those video recordings accompanied chats of a sexual nature regarding minors. Other images of a prepubescent child being sexually exploited were found on Pevino’s phone and were taken in his home. Finally, the court documents allege that Pevino sent images and videos of himself sexually abusing a minor victim on messaging applications like Grindr and Telegram. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force / Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall is prosecuting the case. If convicted of sexual exploitation of a child, Pevino faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison (with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years), a lifetime of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of distribution of visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, Pevino faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison (with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years), a lifetime of supervised release, plus restitution and a fine. If convicted of possession of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, Pevino faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, plus restitution and a 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 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 sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Nampa Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Selling Over $4.4 Million in Unapproved Steroid-Like Drugs

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: BOISE – Michael Terry Little, 52, of Nampa, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for introduction of unapproved new drugs in interstate commerce, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, Little manufactured and sold Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) at a business in Nampa. There, he processed the bulk ingredients he imported from China—encapsulating, bottling, and preparing them for shipment. Little primarily sold SARMs products via a website under the name SARMTECH. Between March 2018 and January 2022, Little sold at least $4,499,197.46 of SARMs products. SARMs are synthetic chemicals designed to mimic the effects of testosterone and other anabolic steroids. SARMs are “new drugs” under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). Little knew the SARMs products were not FDA approved. To avoid government seizures of SARMs shipped to other countries, Little offered a stealth shipping option for an additional fee that intentionally mispackaged and falsely declared SARMs shipments as vitamins and supplements. “I commend the investigators and prosecutor who exposed this illegal activity and brought the perpetrator to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Law enforcement will continue to pursue those who put the public at risk by circumventing the law to sell unapproved drugs.” “Drugs that are produced and distributed outside the FDA’s oversight present the risk of harm to the public health,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert M. Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office. “We remain committed to pursuing and bringing to justice those who attempt to subvert the regulatory functions of the FDA by distributing unapproved products.” “This investigation illustrates the dangers of circumventing U.S. regulations with unapproved drugs and chemicals coming from China, where the safety of such chemicals can often not be confirmed,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “HSI and our partners are committed to keeping all forms of unapproved products off our streets, especially those that risk public health and safety.” U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darci Crane prosecuted the case. ###


title: Federal Court Shuts Down Houston-Area Tax Return Preparer and Business

component: Tax Division

body_text: A federal court last week permanently enjoined a Houston-area tax return preparer and her business from preparing federal tax returns for others, among other related prohibitions. Crystal Ojeda and her tax return preparation business, Money Market Tax Company LLC, consented to a permanent injunction in an order entered against them on Nov. 9. The complaint filed earlier this year alleges that Ojeda prepared over 10,000 federal income tax returns during 2018-2023 from her business Money Market Tax Company LLC, as well as through two separate sole proprietorships: Money Market Financial Services and Money Market Financial. The complaint further alleges that in a substantial number of these tax returns, Ojeda significantly overstated her customers’ tax refund amounts by fabricating or inflating business losses, medical and dental expenses and charitable contributions. In addition, the complaint alleges that for some customers’ returns, Ojeda falsely claimed residential energy credits to which her customers were not entitled. By repeatedly understating her customers’ tax liabilities, Ojeda allegedly caused the United States harm of an estimated $4.8 million in tax revenue just from the years 2020 to 2022, and millions more from earlier years. In addition to other prohibitions, the injunction order prohibits Ojeda and her business from acting as a federal tax-return preparer for any person or entity other than on their own behalf and from using or obtaining any Preparer Tax Identification Number or Electronic Filing Identification Number. Deputy Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers 10 tips to avoid tax season fraud and ways to safeguard personal information. In the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website . An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page . If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.


title: South Lake Tahoe Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Timothy Mackey, 42, of South Lake Tahoe, was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Mackey was a member of chat groups that shared child pornography on the social media platform LiveMe, including a group named “No Limit!!!” On two occasions in February 2020, Mackey, using the username “bag of rock,” posted nine images of child pornography in the “No Limit!!!” group. Mackey was also the administrator of at least one LiveMe chat group devoted to the exchange of child pornography, meaning he moderated the chat and was able to decide who entered the chatroom. Mackey had worked as a snowboarding instructor and applied to become a foster parent prior to his arrest in April 2020. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department and South Lake Tahoe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow prosecuted the case. 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 sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: St. Charles County Man Admits Soliciting Sex from Minors

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A registered sex offender from St. Charles County, Missouri on Monday admitted soliciting sex from two minor victims on social media. Thomas J. Bowles, 47, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of sex trafficking of a child, two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, one count of production of child pornography and one count of receiving child pornography. Bowles’ trial was scheduled to begin Monday. As part of his plea, Bowles admitted repeatedly contacting a female minor on social media from Jan. 1, 2020 to Aug. 20, 2020. Bowles used aliases which prevented the victim from finding out that Bowles is a registered sex offender. Bowles offered to become the victim’s “sugar daddy” and provide money, a cell phone and clothing in exchange for sex acts and for providing him pornographic pictures and videos, his plea agreement says. Bowles also communicated with a second minor via Snapchat, offering to mentor her in the modeling industry and be her “sugar daddy” and again concealing his identity. In 2020, he met the victim multiple times and gave her cash, liquor, clothing and prescription drugs in exchange for sexual contact. He also made video recordings on two occasions. Both victims told Bowles that they were minors, his plea says. Bowles is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White on Feb. 13, 2024. The government will request a sentence of 40 years in prison. The sex trafficking charge and coercion charges each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum of life in prison. The production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum prison term of 25 years and a maximum of 50 years in prison. The receipt of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum prison term of 15 years and a maximum of 40 years. Bowles’ status as a prior offender enhances the potential penalty for most of the charges. The FBI, St. Charles County Police Department, St. Louis County Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jillian Anderson and Nathan Chapman are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice 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 exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Todisco Towing Agrees to Resolve Allegations of Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Violations

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office reached an agreement today with Todisco Services, Inc., a company doing business as Todisco Towing, to resolve allegations that it failed to obtain a court order before enforcing a lien on a vehicle owned by a U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant who was deployed overseas, in violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The compliant alleged that Todisco Towing impounded the Staff Sergeant’s vehicle, refused to allow him to pay the towing and storage fee by phone, and ultimately sold the vehicle and its contents, which included costly military tactical gear and several irreplaceable items of sentimental value, including a family photograph album and a sweatshirt belonging to a friend who is now deceased. The SCRA provides financial and housing protections and benefits to military members while they are in military service. One of the SCRA’s protections requires anyone holding a lien on the property of a servicemember to obtain a court order prior to auctioning off, selling, or otherwise disposing of that property. This means that companies have an obligation – before selling or disposing of property – to determine whether the property is owned by a servicemember protected under the SCRA, and if so, obtain court approval prior to disposal. Companies can conduct a search on the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) website, to determine whether an individual is a protected servicemember. Under the agreement, which must still be approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Todisco Towing must pay the Staff Sergeant $5,000 in damages and the United States a $1,000 civil penalty. Todisco Towing has also implemented new policies and trainings to prevent future SCRA violations. “While he was serving our country overseas and protecting our national security, this servicemember had his car and items of deep personal significance sold off by Todisco despite his efforts to pay the outstanding fees. This is shameful treatment of people serving our nation as part of the armed forces,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is strongly committed to enforcing the rights of the members of our military who sacrifice so much for all of us to enjoy freedom and security every day.” Acting U.S. Attorney Levy made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hillary H. Harnett and Torey B. Cummings handled the matter. This lawsuit resulted from a referral to the Justice Department from the U.S. Air Force. Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at https://legalassistance.law.af.mil/ . For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers .


title: DeKalb man charged for allegedly threatening U.S. Representative

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Sean Patrick Cirillo has been charged with transmitting interstate threats to injure Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and her staff on November 8, 2023. Cirillo made his initial appearance in federal court today. “Cirillo’s alleged threats to harm the Congresswoman and her staff are intended to sow fear in our public servants,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Any individual who threatens or seeks to intimidate government officials should expect to be swiftly charged and vigorously prosecuted.” “Unlawful threats against our elected officials are an assault against our democracy,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “No one should fear violence because of who they are or what they believe. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek justice in these cases.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: On November 8, 2023, Sean Patrick Cirillo called Congresswoman Greene’s District of Columbia office twice and threatened violence against her, her staff, and their families. During one of the calls, Cirillo said: “Yeah, I got a bead on her. Like, a sniper rifle. A sniper rifle. And I’m gonna kill her next week. I’m gonna murder her. I’m gonna shoot her in the [expletive] head, okay? Tell the FBI, okay? I’m gonna kill this [expletive]. Tell her. I’ll kill you too if you want.” Cirillo went on to shout, “You don’t think you’re gonna get payback? You’re gonna die! Your family is gonna die! [Expletive!] You don’t think it’s gonna happen when you’re out of power?” Sean Patrick Cirillo, 34, of DeKalb County, Georgia, was charged by criminal complaint on November 9, 2023. Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray are prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Ohio Woman Sentenced to Prison for Federal Fraud Crimes

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Laura Danielle Jackson, 33, of Gallipolis, Ohio, was sentenced today to three years and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $26,074.13 in restitution for two counts of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about September 17, 2018, Jackson was working at a South Charleston, West Virginia, human resources business when she obtained the personal identification information of an individual who applied for employment there. Between September 18, 2018, and September 27, 2018, Jackson applied for and received two separate credit cards with this individual’s stolen information and had the fraudulent credit cards mailed to her residence in Hurricane, West Virginia, where she was living at the time. Jackson admitted that she activated the cards and purchased $10,626.70 in goods, merchandise and other items of value with them. Jackson further admitted to committing additional fraudulent acts both before and after her employment with the South Charleston business. Jackson obtained at least $15,447.43 through these additional fraudulent acts. On or about January 8, 2018, Jackson began working at a Milton, West Virginia, coal company and had access to a company credit card that was to be used solely for business-related expenses. Jackson admitted to making $4,451.88 in personal purchases, buying items including an Apple iPad, a Nintendo Switch and an Apple iWatch, and paying for an April 2018 family vacation to St. Charles, Missouri, with the company credit card. Jackson further admitted to lying about the vacation to the coal company. Jackson told her employer she had been unable to attend work because of a medical emergency, and Jackson provided a forged medical record to support her lie. The coal company fired Jackson in June 2018. In October 2018, Jackson was hired by a St. Albans, West Virginia, insurance company as a human resources generalist. Jackson admitted that she used her position to access the personal identification information of at least five insurance company employees and attempted to apply for credit cards in their names. On or about December 5, 2018, Jackson received a credit card at her Hurricane residence that she had applied for in the name of an insurance company employee without the employee’s permission or authorization. Jackson admitted to buying $2,878.55 worth of goods and merchandise with the credit card. After the insurance company learned of Jackson’s arrest for defrauding the Milton coal company, Jackson falsely told the insurance company that she had been wrongly accused. Jackson provided the insurance company with forged documents that purported to show that the court cases against her had been dismissed and that she had received a settlement from the coal company because of false accusations against her. The insurance company fired Jackson on February 15, 2019. On or about January 13, 2020, a Cross Lanes, West Virginia, tax firm hired Jackson to perform accounting, bookkeeping, payroll and tax-related services for its clients. Jackson admitted that she accessed the payroll records for one tax firm client and added a fake employee to the client’s payroll. Jackson used her ex-husband’s Social Security number without his permission or authorization to create the fake employee. On October 16, 2020, the client deposited the fake employee’s paycheck in the amount of $1,067 into Jackson’s bank account. Jackson further admitted to defrauding a church that was another client of the tax firm. Beginning in September 2020 through December 2020, Jackson wrote at least $7,050 worth of checks payable from the church to herself and cashed them at branches of a bank in Kanawha County, West Virginia. Jackson manipulated the church’s bookkeeping information to conceal her fraud. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Secret Service, the South Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Blackwell and Holly Wilson prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-16. ###


title: McDowell County Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Crime

body_text: BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Myron Dwayne Brown, also known as “Mylo,” 44, of Welch, was sentenced today to one year in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 22, 2022, Brown sold a substance containing fentanyl to a confidential informant at a Havaco residence in McDowell County. Brown admitted to that transaction and further admitted to selling controlled substances at the Havaco residence on December 29, 2021, and February 28, 2022. Brown was aided and abetted by another individual during the December 29, 2021, transaction and the controlled substance sold was confirmed by the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory to contain butonitazene, a federal Schedule I controlled substance. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The task force consists of members of the West Virginia State Police, the Bluefield Police Department, the Princeton Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-35. ###


title: Princeton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

body_text: BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Kaleb Merritt, 27, of Princeton, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 27, 2022, law enforcement officers arrested Merritt on a Virginia warrant at the Princeton business where he was working. Merritt told the officers that he had a firearm when they asked him if he had any weapons. Officers found a Glock model 43 pistol in Merritt’s pants pocket. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Merritt knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for first-degree arson in Mercer County Circuit Court on June 12, 2015. Merritt is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshals Service and the Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division (CUFFED) Task Force. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-206. ###


title: Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison Federal Drug Crime and Violating Supervised Release

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jeremy Adam Bartram, 31, of Huntington, was sentenced today to nine years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and violating his supervised release. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 30, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Bartram in Huntington. Officers searched Bartram’s vehicle and arrested him. Bartram admitted that when he was taken to the Huntington Police Department, a bag containing approximately 172 grams of methamphetamine fell out of his shorts as he got out of the police cruiser. Officers later searched Bartram in a holding cell and found approximately 10.4 grams of fentanyl hidden in his person. Bartram admitted that he intended to sell the methamphetamine and the fentanyl. At the time of this offense, Bartram was serving a term of federal supervised release after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on September 19, 2019. Today’s prison sentence includes two years for committing a crime while on supervised release. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 3:23-cr-86 and 3:19-cr-182. ###


title: Princeton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

body_text: BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Malachi Damonte Cooper, 22, of Princeton, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 8, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Bluefield residence where Cooper was staying. Officers found 734 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 130 grams of fentanyl, digital scales, a money counter, a Micro Draco 7.62mm semi-automatic pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol loaded with a 30-round magazine, and over $23,000. Cooper admitted that he possessed the controlled substances and intended to distribute them. Cooper is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The task force consists of members of the West Virginia State Police, the Bluefield Police Department, the Princeton Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-119. ###


title: Former Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Crane, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for sexually exploiting a child. Jeffrey Prowant, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Prowant to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration. Prowant will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life. Prowant was a Kansas City, Mo., police officer from 2000 to 2002 and a Monroe County, Michigan, sheriff’s deputy from 2002 to 2005. On Nov. 16, 2022, Prowant pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child. Prowant admitted that he engaged in online conversations via the Kik application with an undercover FBI employee. During those online conversations, Prowant shared pornographic images of a 14-year-old victim with whom he claimed to be sexually active. Prowant offered to meet the undercover FBI employee in person to engage in illegal sexual activity. On Sept. 29, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Prowant’s residence. Prowant delayed answering the front door for nine minutes, during which time he deleted the Kik application and a folder containing suspicious images. The 14-year-old child victim told investigators that Prowant had sexually assaulted her and confirmed that he took pornographic photos of her. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department. Project Safe Childhood 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 individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Inmate Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Corey Michael Perkins, 34, an inmate, was sentenced today to three years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute suboxone and methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 6, 2022, Perkins was an inmate at the Western Regional Jail in Barboursville when he spoke to Judy Ann Goodman, an individual outside the jail, during recorded phone calls about getting a package of suboxone and methamphetamine into the jail. Perkins admitted that he told Goodman how to prepare the package and arranged for her to deliver it to Bryanna Danielle Kern, a kitchen employee at the jail. Perkins further admitted that he arranged for Kern to be paid to smuggle the package into the jail, and that he intended to distribute the suboxone and methamphetamine. The package was intercepted at the jail before it could be transported inside. Goodman, also known as Judy Ann Eplion, 32, of Chesapeake, Ohio, was sentenced to two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on September 5, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute suboxone and methamphetamine. Kern was sentenced to three years of federal probation, including three months of home detention, on October 17, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute suboxone. In an earlier case, Perkins pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute suboxone, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. In that case, Perkins admitted to coordinating with multiple individuals to get drugs into the Western Regional Jail from November 2020 to December 2020. Perkins was sentenced to 11 years and eight months in prison in that case on August 22, 2022. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the investigations section of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDCR). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Keefe and Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-220. ###


title: Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Charleston Woman Sentenced to Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Latesha Lashae Nappier, 30, of Charleston, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Nappier admitted to her role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area. According to court documents and statements made in court, Nappier admitted to conspiring with others to distribute quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl between November 2022 and March 22, 2023. Nappier lived with one of her co-defendants in Charleston during that time. Nappier admitted that this co-defendant had her sell the controlled substances to individuals while he was at work and collect the payments from the sales. Nappier would later give the money to this co-defendant. On January 30, 2023, Nappier’s co-defendant directed her by phone to sell methamphetamine to a female customer. Nappier admitted to selling approximately 10.5 grams of methamphetamine to the customer as instructed at her residence in exchange for $160. Nappier is among 32 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash. Nappier and 21 other defendants have pleaded guilty. Indictments against the other defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case. The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-31. ###


title: Mercer County Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Crime

body_text: BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Eric Shawn Phillips, 43, of Princeton, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and ordered to pay $7,200 in restitution for enticement of a minor. Phillips must also register as a sex offender. According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about April 19, 2021, to on or about February 17, 2022, Phillips persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced a minor female to engage in sexual activity with him. Phillips admitted that his criminal conduct included sending numerous sexually explicit messages to the minor female via text messaging and social media messaging apps. “The sentence imposed today case reflects the horrific circumstances of this case and the truly despicable acts of this defendant,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I commend the investigative work of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department and the excellent coordination with the Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.” Phillips has related charges pending in Mercer County Circuit Court, where co-defendant Amber Nicole Phillips has pleaded guilty to being a parent, guardian, custodian or person in a position of trust allowing the sexual abuse of a child. Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney Brian K. Cochran also commended the work of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. “We have a great working relationship with the United States Attorney’s Office and appreciate all of their assistance in helping us protect our Mercer County kids from sexual predators,” Cochran said. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie M. White and Alexander A. Redmon prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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 sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-194. ###


title: U.S. Attorney for Alaska announces sentence in $26M investment fraud scheme, discusses financial crime priority

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for defrauding at least 177 victims of more than $26 million through an investment fraud scheme. According to court documents, Garrett Elder, 30, convinced victims to transfer funds to him for investment in stocks and foreign currencies on their behalf through deceptive and false representations of his trading methods between 2016 and October 2022. Some of the defendants’ victims were family members and friends. The defendant executed the scheme primarily through his two entities, Tycoon Trading LLC and the Daily Bread Fund LLC. Elder solicited investments based on misstatements and omissions about his trading methods and returns. He then provided falsified account reports showing positive returns. In total, the investigation revealed that Elder falsely told his investors that they had made over $11 million dollars in non-existent profits when, in fact, the defendant had been consistently losing money for years. The investigation identified that the defendant lost around $20 million trading, and used the remainder to fund a lavish lifestyle, finance commissions and payments to business associates, purchase assets and gifts, and pay other personal expenses. In addition to time in prison, the defendant is required to pay $26 million in restitution to approximately 177 victims and serve three years of supervised release as part of his sentence. "Mr. Elder’s case is one of the worst fraud cases our office has handled with respect to the number of victims and amount of money he stole. This case shows that white collar crime can impact anyone and cause immense damage to people, families and communities, and that no person or company is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Prosecuting criminals who choose to commit calculated financial crimes will remain a priority for our office, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek justice for victims of these crimes.” “In what’s regarded as the largest investment fraud scheme perpetrated in Alaska, Mr. Elder’s greed and deception is an affront to the honest, hard-working victims he bilked out of millions of dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “With dedicated special agents, forensic accountants, and analysts who work tirelessly to unravel complex fraud schemes, the FBI is dedicated to investigating financial crimes to hold criminals accountable and to protect the financial security of all Alaskans.” Elder is the most recent fraud case the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska has successfully prosecuted in their prioritization of holding financial and white-collar criminals accountable. The office has dozens of open cases covering a range of financial crimes, including health care fraud, bankruptcy fraud, money laundering, fraud on federal agencies, and federal program fraud surrounding misuse of COVID-19 recovery funds. These cases are a joint effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement and are often a product of thousands of hours’ worth of investigation and expertise due to the complexity of financial crimes. The FBI Anchorage Field Office investigated the Elder case with assistance from the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), Division of Banking and Securities. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Heyman and Seth Beausang prosecuted the Elder case. ###


title: Florida man arraigned for bank fraud

component: USAO - Wyoming

body_text: Kennard Bouk III, age 56, of Apopka, Florida, was arraigned on Nov. 13 for bank fraud and passing counterfeit obligations or securities of the United States. Bouk pleaded not guilty. A trial has been set for Feb. 22, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson. If convicted on all counts, Bouk faces up to 50 years’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release and up to a $1.5 million fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This crime is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. An indictment merely contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Case No. 23-CR-00122


title: Eight New Orleans Residents Indicted for Federal Gun and Drug Offenses

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on June 9, 2023, JONATHAN GONZALEZ , age 24, ANTHONY ROMAN , age 24, DARNELL MELTON, age 26, SAUL REED , age 32, MARK WILLIAMS , age 22, RONALD JOHNSON , age 25, KEVIN TYLER, III , age 25, and DERRICK BRUMFIELD , age 22, all residents of New Orleans, Louisiana were indicted in a 15-count second superseding indictment, that was unsealed on November 3, 2023. GONZALEZ, ROMAN, MELTON , WILLIAMS, JOHNSON, TYLER, III, and BRUMFIELD are charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A)-(D), 841(b)(2), and Section 846. The maximum penalties for this count vary as to each defendant. GONZALEZ , WILLIAMS, and MELTON face a maximum of 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. ROMAN and JOHNSON face a minimum of five years up to 40 years in prison, a maximum $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release. TYLER, III faces a minimum of 10 years up to life in prison, a maximum $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release. The same defendants, with the exception of MELTON , are charged in Count 2 with conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o). The maximum penalties for this count are 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. GONZALEZ, ROMAN, WILLIAMS, JOHNSON, TYLER, III, and REED are variously charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A)-(D), and 841(b)(2) in Counts 3, 6, 8, 10, and 12. GONZALEZ , WILLIAMS , and REED face a maximum of 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. ROMAN, JOHNSON , and TYLER, III face a minimum of five years up to 40 years in prison, a maximum $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release. MELTON, REED, and JOHNSON are charged with being felons in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) in Counts 7, 9, and 15, respectively. The maximum penalties for each of these counts is 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. GONZALEZ, ROMAN, WILLIAMS, JOHNSON, and TYLER, III are variously charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c) in Counts 4, 11, and 13. Each of these counts carries a minimum of five years and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. ROMAN, JOHNSON, and TYLER, III are charged in Count 14, with using and maintaining a drug premises, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 856(a)(1). The maximum penalties for this court are 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. GONZALEZ and ROMAN are charged in Count 5, with possessing a vehicle stolen from the Norfolk Southern Automotive Distribution Facility, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 659. The maximum penalties for this count are 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Each individual count also carries a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Scott County Man Sentenced to 264 Months for the Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Georgetown, Ky., man, Matthew Stuart Marshall, 30, was sentenced on Monday, to 264 months in prison, by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory VanTatenhove, on his conviction for production of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, a victim approached law enforcement about being sexually exploited by Marshall, when the victim was a minor. During the investigation, including searches of online accounts and electronic devices, law enforcement discovered 500 sexually explicit images of the minor victim, 33 sexually explicit videos of the minor victim, and 191 chats involving Marshall enticing the minor victim to engage in sexual activity. Marshall also admitted to participating in the planning of a video and live stream of the minor victim engaging in sexual activity with another adult. Evidence also revealed that Marshall had been directly communicating with other minor victims to entice and produce additional sexually explicit material. Under federal law, Marshall must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 25 years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Darin Allgood, Georgetown Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Georgetown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . — END —


title: Berkeley County man sentenced for child pornography offense

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Patrick Allen Boyd, age 47, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. According to court documents and statements made in court, Boyd uploaded an image of child pornography, generating a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A search of Boyd’s home and devices yielded nearly 200 child pornography images involving prepubescent and pubescent males. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.


title: Aurora Man Sentenced in Connection With Entering Children’s Hospital Carrying Fully Automatic Gun

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER—The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Jeremy Lavon Tate, age 29, of Aurora, was sentenced to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. According to the plea agreement, on September 24, 2022, Tate entered the Children’s Hospital in Adams County armed with a loaded .40-caliber handgun. The handgun had a laser-mounted sight and a convertor switch making the handgun fully automatic. Witnesses reported that Tate was openly carrying the gun in the hall and that Tate broke through a set of employee-only doors. A University of Colorado Medical Campus Police Department sergeant disarmed Tate, and a hospital security officer detained him. Aurora police then arrested Tate inside the hospital. “The swift, courageous actions of brave law enforcement officers and hospital security staff prevented a possible catastrophe from unfolding inside Children’s Hospital,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “By stopping an armed felon in his tracks, they protected innocent citizens from incredible danger.” “We are grateful for the swift response, apprehension and disarming of Jeremy Tate by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Police Department, hospital security staff, and Aurora Police Department,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “Machine gun conversion devices convert a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm, increasing its potential for devastation in our communities and for law enforcement.” This case was investigated by the ATF and Aurora Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn handled the prosecution. Case Number: 22-cr-301-WJM


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to False Statements on an Individual Tax Return

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHRISTOPHER COBURN (“COBURN”) , age 51, of New Orleans, pled guilty to a bill of information charging him with making false statements on an individual tax return, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). According to court records, COBURN under-reported his tax preparation business income on his individual tax returns by approximately $104,156.06 for tax years 2016 through 2018. This underreporting caused a loss of approximately $29,781 to the Internal Revenue Service. COBURN faces a maximum sentence of three (3) years of imprisonment, up to one (1) year of supervised release, a fine of up to $100,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. COBURN agreed both to pay $29,781 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and to be permanently enjoined from preparing federal tax returns for others. United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion set sentencing in this matter for March 12, 2023. The U.S. Attorney’s Office acknowledges the work of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations on this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Offenses and Straw Purchasing Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in connection with conspiring to illegally traffic and straw purchase firearms. Gustavo Rodriguez, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL and one count of aiding and abetting making false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Feb. 5, 2024. Rodriguez was initially charged by complaint on Jan. 17, 2023 along with Cory Daigle and Shakim Grant. He was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on March 16, 2023. According to the charging documents, from in or about August 2022 through November 2022, Rodriguez and, allegedly, Daigle conspired to create false entries in records required to be maintained by Daigle, an FFL, in order to conceal the illegal sale of multiple firearms via Grant to Rodriguez, who could not lawfully purchase or possess firearms. Specifically, Grant and, allegedly, Daigle made and signed false representations on required forms to disguise Rodriguez’s identity as the true firearm purchaser. Rodriguez is prohibited from possessing a firearm. It is further alleged that the defendants attempted to coverup the illegal straw purchase by providing false information to law enforcement. Grant pleaded guilty in May 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 18, 2023. Daigle has pleaded not guilty and is pending trial. The charge of conspiracy to make false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aiding and abetting making false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Revere Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Maryland Man Found Guilty of Felony Bail Reform Act Violations

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Ranjith Keerikkattil, 35, formerly of Catonsville, Md., was found guilty by a jury for committing two felony violations of the Bail Reform Act by failing to appear in court on two occasions following a 2018 guilty jury verdict for stalking a co-worker, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. Keerikkattil was found guilty of the stalking charge on July 9, 2018, following a jury trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Robert A. Salerno released Keerikkattil following the verdict, pending sentencing. The judge ordered him to appear the next morning to have a GPS monitoring device installed. However, he failed to appear, and fled the United States, instead, ending up in Australia where he remained a fugitive for over four years. A grand jury subsequently indicted him on July 11, 2018, for a felony charge of violating the Bail Reform Act. The grand jury returned a superseding indictment on March 1, 2023, charging an additional violation of the Bail Reform Act for failing to return as ordered for his sentencing on September 14, 2018. The Honorable Heidi Pasichow continued to hold Keerikkattil without bail pending his sentencing hearing on January 3, 2024. According to the government’s evidence at trial, the criminal conduct began in May 2015, while Keerikkattil was a senior consultant at a consulting firm in Rosslyn, Va. The victim, who resided at the time in the District of Columbia, had begun her first job out of college in 2015, as a business technology analyst for the firm. Keerikkattil was her first mentor on her first project. After the victim performed countless evening and weekend hours on the project, Keerikkattil told her that he only brought her onto the project to get close to her and that he was merely giving her busy work. He ignored her wishes to keep their relationship strictly professional and continued to pursue her. After she repeatedly tried to resolve the matter herself, she reported Keerikkattil on June 1, 2015, to her human resources counselor. Keerikkattil was fired on June 19, 2015, for not being forthcoming about his conduct, which was captured on texts between the two, during the firm’s internal investigation of the matter. He blamed the victim for his termination and then began a stalking campaign in retaliation. His stalking acts included publishing false allegations about the victim on the internet and through mass e-mails to the victim and former company employees in order to seriously frighten and defame her. When ignored, he escalated his actions. Almost two months after being fired, he sat in a café that was frequented by company employees, including the victim. He was able to obtain eye contact with the victim on one occasion inside this café, frightening her even more. The victim’s attorney notified Keerikkattil, instructing him not to have any further contact with her, but he continued to text her statements like, “Every morning I wake up thinking about you and go to bed thinking about you.” With the victim continuing to ignore him, Keerikkattil decided to take a plane almost 3,000 miles to Seattle and then rent a car and travel an additional three hours to pay an unannounced visit to the victim’s parents in a remote suburb of Portland, Ore. On Oct. 24, 2015, he knocked on the door to the victim’s childhood home, which was at the bottom of a long driveway, and asked her father for directions to the nearby parks. It took a moment for the father to piece things together. Once he was able to figure out whom the defendant was, he slammed and locked the door and called 911. Keerikkattil texted the victim shortly thereafter, “Was nice meeting your dad today.” An arrest warrant was obtained shortly thereafter, and Keerikkattil was arrested on Dec. 19, 2015, and charged with stalking. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John G. Giovannelli and Rashmika Nedungadi.


title: Property owner sentenced for lying about lead hazards

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Angel Elliot Dalfin, 58, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of making a false document, was sentenced to serve five years’ probation, to include eight months of home confinement with electronic monitoring, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Dalfin was also ordered to perform 600 hours of community service at Habitat for Humanity within the first three years of probation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that Dalfin, using the entity Vin7, LLC, sold 23 properties in the City of Buffalo, all of which were built prior to 1978. As part of the sale of the properties, Dalfin executed Lead-Based Paint Rider and Disclosure forms, on which he falsely stated that the lead-based paint hazards at the properties were unknown and that he had no records pertaining to lead-based paint hazards at the properties. The false statements were material to Dalfin’s compliance with the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, a statute implemented and administered by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. On average, it would have cost the buyer of each of the properties $5,000 to stabilize the lead-based-paint hazards present. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Tyler Amon and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge Christina D. Scaringi. Additional assistance was provided by the New York State Attorney General’s Office.


title: Registered sex offender pleads guilty to production of child pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Lanham, 34, of Lockport, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to production of child pornography with a prior sex offense, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 in prison and a maximum of 50 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that in December 2010, Lanham was convicted of Rape in the Third Degree, Victim Less than 17-Year-Old, Perpetrator 21 years or more, in New York State Court and is a registered sex offender. In September 2020, he took a sexually explicit photo of a minor victim on his cell phone. In October 2020, Lanham distributed the image of the minor victim in a private online message to an undercover law enforcement officer on the Kik application. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Sentencing is scheduled for March 15, 2024, before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Second “United Against Hate Week” Begins Today

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Beginning today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the San Diego Anti-Hate Coalition launch their second “United Against Hate Week,” joining cities throughout California for a series of events that promote tolerance and respect. United Against Hate Week began in the Bay Area as a call for local civic action to stop the hate and implicit biases that are a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of our neighborhoods. The campaign has now spread to more than 200 communities. “Combating hate crimes requires a committed, coordinated, and united effort,” said U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath. “No one should live in fear of hate-filled violence. The Justice Department is committed to building on our partnerships with all of you to effectively prosecute illegal acts of hate.” The full calendar of events for United Against Hate Week can be accessed at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/united-against-hate . McGrath will be available for brief interviews about United Against Hate Week. If interested, please contact Kelly Thornton at Kelly.Thornton@usdoj.gov . “As we launch this collaborative effort, there are many ways to participate,” said McGrath. “Every person who joins in, increases the impact of this incredibly important campaign to end intolerance. We can all make a difference by learning more about the campaign, attending an event, or following on social media.” For more information, please contact Assistant U. S. Attorneys Cindy Cipriani (619-546-9608) and Alicia Williams (619-546-8917) and Law Enforcement/Outreach Coordinator Shastity Urias (619-546-9399). Please follow us on social media @sdantihate to get updates about the upcoming events and resources. Members of the public are encouraged to report hate incidents and hate crimes to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at https://tips.fbi.gov/. Please call 911 if you need emergency assistance.


title: CEO of San Diego Financial Firm Charged in Loan Scam

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 13, 2023 SAN DIEGO – The CEO of San Diego-based Ethos Asset Management, Inc., which offers financing to international businesses, was arrested in New Jersey Sunday night in connection with fraud charges in the Southern District of California. Carlos Manuel da Silva Santos of Portugal was taken into custody in Newark, New Jersey as he arrived in the United States from abroad. Santos made his initial appearance there today after the United States unsealed a complaint charging him with wire fraud conspiracy related to a loan scam. Santos is accused of orchestrating the fraud through his company, San Diego-based Ethos Asset Management, Inc. According to the complaint, Santos required prospective borrowers to provide an upfront fee in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the loan amount. However, upon receipt of the upfront fee, Santos and Ethos did not disburse the loan as agreed upon by the parties. Santos used the upfront fees to repay other prospective borrowers, issue commissions to his co-conspirators, and to pay for personal expenses. The complaint alleges that to lure prospective borrowers and to obtain lines of credit from financial institutions in furtherance of the scheme, Santos manipulated Ethos’ balance sheets and real financial account statements to artificially inflate Ethos’ net worth. For example, the complaint alleges that Santos induced at least one victim to pay an upfront fee in excess of $8 million by representing Ethos had $359,088,190.22 in a specific brokerage account, but records established that Ethos had no such account. Similarly, the complaint contends Santos altered Ethos bank account statements to inflate bank account balances to prospective borrowers, sometimes by more than $100 million than what was deposited in the account. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Christopher Beeler and Carl F. Brooker, IV. DEFENDANTS Case Number 23-MJ-4145 Carlos Manuel da Silva Santos Age: 29 Portugal SUMMARY OF CHARGES Wire Fraud Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1349 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine AGENCY Homeland Security Investigations *The charges and allegations contained in a complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Mexican Mafia Associate Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 13, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Juan Castro of San Diego was sentenced today in federal court to 10 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release for selling 109 grams of methamphetamine to a cooperating individual. A government memorandum submitted for Castro’s sentencing described him as a high-ranking member of the San Ysidro (or “Sidro”) street gang and an associate of the Mexican Mafia. Castro oversaw day-to-day operations for Sidro which included collecting payments in exchange for allowing others to commit crimes in the San Ysidro area. The payments, or taxes, were then distributed to high-ranking Mexican Mafia members. In sentencing Castro, U.S. District Judge Larry Alan Burns called him a “hand puppet for the Mexican Mafia.” Castro was apprehended after a long-term investigation by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force and Gang Group. DEFENDANT Case Number 23-cr-00371-LAB Juan Castro Age: 38 San Diego, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Distribution of Methamphetamine – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(1) Maximum penalty: Forty years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years, and $5 million fine AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation – Violent Crimes Task Force – Gang Group (VCTF-GG), which currently includes investigators from the following agencies: Federal Bureau of Investigation San Diego Police Department Homeland Security Investigations Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives California Department of Corrections San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Chula Vista Police Department National City Police Department Although not currently part of VCTF-GG, during the investigation of this case, VCTF-GG also included investigators from the following: Bureau of Prisons San Diego District Attorney’s Office of Investigations


title: Tijuana Woman Sentenced to 12 Months for Stealing Dead Mother’s Social Security Benefits for 13 Years

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 13, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Kimberly Kay Brandt, a 51-year-old U.S. citizen living in Tijuana, was sentenced in federal court today to 12 months and one day in prison for concealing her mother’s death from the Social Security Administration for 13 years to steal more than $268,000 in retirement benefits. Brandt pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud in August 2023. According to her plea agreement, Brandt’s mother, identified in court records as H.B., moved from California to her daughter’s home in Tijuana when her health declined. She died in Mexico in June 2010. H.B. had been receiving retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) via direct deposit into her bank account. After H.B. died, Brandt did not inform the SSA and continued to use H.B.’s bank card to withdraw the benefits intended for H.B. Brandt admitted that she impersonated H.B. in a call to H.B.’s bank, purportedly to update H.B.’s address and request a new bank card in H.B.’s name. Brandt enlisted a third party to bring the new bank card to her in Mexico. After the SSA discovered H.B.’s death and stopped paying benefits, Brandt impersonated H.B. again in a call to the bank to inquire about the missing payment. Brandt was arrested on June 27, 2023, as she attempted to cross into the U.S. from Mexico, three weeks after the SSA benefits stopped. Brandt was ordered to pay $268,143 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa J. Sanniti. DEFENDANTS Case Number 23cr1484-BAS Kimberly Kay Brandt Age: 51 Tijuana, Mexico SUMMARY OF CHARGES Social Security Fraud – Title 42, U.S.C., Section 408(a)(4) Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine AGENCY Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General


title: Firearms Trafficker Sentenced To 24 Months In Federal Prison

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Trevell Walker, 23, of Kentwood, Michigan, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for illegally purchasing and trafficking at least six firearms. U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Jonker also imposed three years of supervised release following his term of incarceration. “Straw purchasing and gun trafficking drive a dangerous black market for firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “These crimes feed the violence that plague communities across Michigan. My office will hold straw purchasers and illegal gun traffickers accountable for creating these supply lines of violence.” Walker ran an illegal gun trafficking business, charging customers $20 to $50 per firearm to lie on the purchase forms, saying he was buying the guns for himself when he was really purchasing them for other people. This tactic is sometimes referred to as “straw purchasing.” Walker knew that his customers, who were convicted felons, were prohibited from buying guns for themselves. Walker capitalized on his lack of criminal history and ability to purchase guns, by purchasing guns in his name and then selling those firearms to prohibited persons for a profit. “There are serious consequences that come from illegally purchasing firearms for prohibited individuals. Holding Trevell Walker accountable for his criminal conduct is paramount in ensuring public safety in the community,” said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir . “The woman and men of ATF work side by side with our U.S. Attorney’s, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to make our communities safer.” This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Metro Pattern Crime Team consisting of detectives from the Kentwood Police Department, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wyoming Police Department as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative to reduce violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, and federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement work closely together to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for driving violent crime in our communities to make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Individuals with information or concerns about violent crime or firearms offenses should contact local law enforcement. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit: https://www.justice.gov/psn . ###


title: Vaiden man sentenced to prison for identity theft

component: USAO - Mississippi, Northern

body_text: Oxford, MS – A 38-year-old Vaiden man has been sentenced to serve six years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft and possessing fraudulent identity documents. At a sentencing hearing on Monday, Senior U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson sentenced Marcus D. Brown to a 72-month term of incarceration, followed by 3 years of court-supervised release. Brown plead guilty on August 7, 2023, to possession of fraudulent identification documents with intent to use them in criminal activities and aggravated identity theft. Court records show that Brown was in possession of a fraudulently obtained vehicle which contained the actual identification documents of approximately 40 individuals who lived in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. The Court had previously ordered Brown into custody after he attempted to escape the custody of state authorities. “In this case, the lives of dozens of innocent citizens have been damaged and disrupted by the acts of one dishonest individual who sought to unjustly enrich himself at their expense,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We applaud the sentence and the work by officers and investigators who brought this fraudulent conduct to light.” “The United States Secret Service is committed to investigating and pursuing those who aim to take advantage of victims while trying to exploit our nation’s financial systems,” said Kyle Smith, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Jackson Resident Office. “Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, this individual will be held responsible for these crimes.” The United States Secret Service and Winona Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D. Roberts.


title: ST. CROIX MAN CHARGED WITH MANUFACTURING “GHOST GUNS”

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

body_text: St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith today announced that Kishawn Lopez, 35, of St. Croix, was charged and detained by U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson after being charged with Possession of firearms and ammunition by a Convicted Felon. “The rate of gun violence in the Virgin Islands is unacceptable, and the proliferation of ghost guns and other illegal firearms is a main source of the problem,” said United States Attorney Smith. “Working in collaboration with our federal and local law enforcement partners, we are committed to taking ghost guns and other illegal firearms off the streets. Targeting firearms traffickers and those who illegally possess firearms is a priority for this office, and those who commit such crimes will be brought to justice.” According to court documents, on November 8, 2023, federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Lopez’s Frederiksted home. During the search, agents recovered more than 30 firearms, including multiple “ghost guns,” assault rifles, and other handguns. “Ghost guns” are assembled from firearm kits which can be purchased from various kit manufacturers or secondary retailers. “Ghost guns” are unregistered, lack serial numbers and are untraceable. During the search, agents also recovered approximately 5830 rounds of ammunition and a cache of extended magazines. In 2011, Lopez was convicted of firearm possession in federal court, and was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. This investigation is part of the Virgin Islands Violent Crime Task Force which consists of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspections Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, United States Marshal Services, and the Virgin Islands Police Department. The mission of the Violent Crime Task Force is to identify, disrupt, and bring to justice individuals that plague the Virgin Islands community with acts of drug and gun violence. “This collaboration with law enforcement partners is an essential element towards combatting violent crime and illicit activities in our area of responsibility” said Homeland Security Investigations Resident Agent in Charge Bernhardt Simmonds. Our agency remains steadfast in our fight against weapons trafficking into the Virgin Islands, which contributes to the uptick in violent crimes in our territory.” “These individuals pose the greatest threat to the safety and health of our citizens”, stated Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster. “We will continue to allocate all our law enforcement resources to make a greater impact in vulnerable areas where criminal organizations dedicated to drug trafficking are causing greater damage.” This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yasir Sadat and Evan Rikhye. United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a complaint is merely an allegation that a crime was committed, and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Carroll Man Receives 70 Months’ Imprisonment  for Federal Gun and Drug Convictions

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Darwin Robinson, Jr., age 45, from Carroll, Iowa, was sentenced on November 9, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City. Robinson pled guilty July 20, 2023, to illegally possessing a firearm and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Robinson was previously convicted of cocaine-possession and three domestic abuse assaults which prohibit a person from possessing any firearm. At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed Robinson had prohibitive convictions and was a regular user of methamphetamine while possessing a .40 caliber handgun. On March 22, 2021, law enforcement stopped the vehicle Robinson was driving and officers seized 2 small bags of methamphetamine from Robinson and a loaded .40 caliber handgun from the vehicle. Robinson admitted that he planned on selling some or all of the methamphetamine that was found. Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Robinson was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Robinson remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Carroll, Iowa Police Department, Iowa DCI Criminalistics Laboratory, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-3002. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with South Dakota Hotel and Sports Lounge to Resolve Allegations of Discrimination Against Native Americans

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that the owners and operators of the Grand Gateway Hotel and the Cheers Sports Lounge and Casino, a hotel and sports bar located in Rapid City, South Dakota, have entered into a consent decree resolving the Department’s lawsuit alleging that the defendants discriminated against Native American customers in violation of Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Under the consent decree, which still must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, Connie Uhre will be barred from serving as an officer or director of the company or from exercising any management duties or being involved in any operations on behalf of the Grand Gateway Hotel for four years. The defendants will also issue a public apology and send it specifically to tribal organizations in South Dakota and throughout the Great Plains region. “As alleged in the complaint, the defendants both prevented Native Americans from booking rooms at the hotel and made public statements discouraging Native Americans from setting foot on the business’s property,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Statements like the one made by a defendant in this case – that ‘[w]e will no long[er] allow any Native American on property,’ – are reminiscent of a long history of prejudice and exclusion Native American communities have faced. The Justice Department will continue to work alongside Native American communities to fulfill the promise of equal protection under the law.” “The defendants’ conduct in this case was egregious, motivated by naked animus, and amounted to an outright ban on Native American customers seeking access to a public establishment,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This kind of hateful conduct invokes a long and painful history of negative stereotypes against and exclusion of the Native American community. We applaud the Tribal elders, local officials, and advocates who took a stand against this shameful conduct. Our settlement should send a message to public establishments across the country that their doors must be open to all communities regardless of race. As we commemorate Native American Heritage Month, the Justice Department underscores its commitment to stand with Native Americans whenever they face unlawful discrimination.” “This consent decree affirms what should have never been at issue in the first place — that Native Americans have the fundamental right to receive equal services at places of public accommodation,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell for the District of South Dakota. “Although this agreement does not change the reprehensible behavior of Ms. Uhre or the harm caused by racial discrimination, the consent decree mandates Uhre’s removal from corporate control, the immediate cessation of discriminatory policies and the implementation of a series of preventative measures that must be taken at the expense of the corporation. The ongoing involvement of the Justice Department stands as a forceful reminder to all business owners in South Dakota that refusing services on the basis of race is against the law and will not be tolerated.” The Department’s lawsuit, filed in October 2022, alleged that, since at least March 20, 2022, the Retsel Corporation and two of its directors, Connie Uhre and Nicholas Uhre, discriminated against Native American customers through policies and practices that denied Native Americans the full and equal enjoyment of access to the services, accommodations, and privileges at the Grand Gateway Hotel and the Cheers Sports Lounge and Casino. Specifically, the complaint alleged that on or around March 20, 2022, Connie Uhre told other Rapid City hotel owners and managers that she did “not want to allow Natives on property…. The problem is we do not know the nice ones from the bad natives…so we just have to say no to them!” Uhre then announced on Facebook that “[w]e will no long[sic] allow any Native American” in the Grand Gateway or in the Cheers Sports Lounge and Casino. The complaint further alleged that on at least two occasions, on March 21 and March 22, 2022, respectively, the defendants turned away Native Americans who sought to book rooms in the Grand Gateway. The apology, issued as part of the consent decree, will include the following statement: “We extend our sincere apology to all for the statements made by Connie Uhre on March 19-20, 2022, regarding Native Americans. Ms. Uhre’s comments were not consistent with the values or polices of our company or of our businesses, the Grand Gateway Hotel and Cheers Sports Lounge. We deeply regret the pain or harm Ms. Uhre’s statements have caused within our Native American community. We want to make clear that we welcome all Native Americans to the Grand Gateway Hotel and Cheers Sports Lounge.” The consent decree also requires that the defendants retain a compliance officer to oversee compliance with its terms, implement and publish an anti-discrimination policy, institute a complaint process, undergo training, and develop an affirmative marketing plan. These provisions will be in effect for the next three years. Title II prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin in places of public accommodation, such as hotels and places of entertainment. Under Title II, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division can obtain injunctive relief that changes policies and practices to remedy the discriminatory conduct. Title II does not authorize the division to obtain monetary damages for customers who are victims of discrimination. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt . Individuals may report discrimination in places of public accommodation that violates Title II by calling the Justice Department at 1-833-591-0291, or submitting a report online .