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

body_text: Federal Land Offenses Michael A. Tunis , age 66 of West Yellowstone, Montana, was sentenced to 30 days in jail and a 5-year period of probation, with a ban from Yellowstone National Park during that time, for a DUI per se and open container violation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on Oct. 11, in Mammoth, Wyoming. Darrell C. Osterhout , age 63 of New Brighton, Minnesota, was sentenced to 7 days in jail and 1 year of probation, with a ban from Yellowstone National Park during that time, for DUI per se and interference with law enforcement functions. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on Oct. 16, in Mammoth, Wyoming. Production of Child Pornography Robert Wayne Eaker , 38, of Boulder, Wyoming, was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison for production of child pornography with 15 years of supervised release. The court also ordered the defendant to pay $36,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment. According to court documents, Eaker is a registered sex offender for prior offenses involving the sexual abuse of minors. In September 2023, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force were conducting an online investigation for people sharing child pornography. Agents discovered a Wyoming IP address sharing numerous files of child pornography and traced it back to Eaker. Agents later received a search warrant for the house where he was living. Agents found Eaker had produced lewd and lascivious files of a child. Eaker admitted to producing the files without the child’s knowledge. In addition, investigators found hundreds of files of child pornography containing prepubescent children on multiple devices belonging to Eaker. DCI-ICAC investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Eaker was indicted on May 16, pleaded guilty on July 25, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 16, in Cheyenne. Drug and Firearm Offenses Brady Mitchell , 33, a transient, was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release for being a felon and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on April 13, Cheyenne Police Officers contacted Mitchell who was asleep in his van in a gas station parking lot. During questioning, officers saw a hatchet under his seat and smelled marijuana. They asked him to step out of his van so they could secure the weapon and conduct a search. Officers found a .22 revolver on Mitchell and approximately 12 ounces of marijuana, 3.31 grams of Xanax, 3.75 grams of fentanyl, and 1.13 grams of methamphetamine in his van. Mitchell is a previously convicted felon and not allowed to possess a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Cheyenne Police Department investigated this crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney, Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case. Mitchell was indicted on April 13, pleaded guilty on July 11, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 15, in Cheyenne. llegal Re-entry of a Previously Deported Alien Luis Barajas-Morales, 46, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served plus 10 days for deportation for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Feb. 26, Barajas-Morales was arrested by the Teton County Sheriff’s Department for the charge of contempt of court. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted. A Deportation Officer processed the defendant and obtained fingerprints matching pre-existing fingerprints in their database indicating Barajas-Morales was in the U.S. illegally and had not applied for permission to reenter the U.S. after being formally removed in December 2003. ICE investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Oct. 15, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00106. About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. Victim Witness Assistance The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking


title: Miami Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Prison and Ordered to Pay Over $3.8 Million for Fraudulently Billing Medicaid for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI –Jose Davila Nunez, 51, of Miami, was sentenced on Oct. 11, to 63 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for Medicaid fraud. Davila was also ordered to pay $3,869,703 in restitution. Davila pled guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud on June 14. According to the court record, to include the agreed upon factual proffer, Davila and his co-conspirators opened a mental health clinic called New Behavior Health Direction, Incorporated (New Behavior) located in Hialeah Gardens, Fla. and installed a nominee owner. Between April 2019 and September 2020, Davila and his co-conspirators submitted $3,869,703 in false claims to Medicaid for psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) services, a type of mental health counseling designed to help people with depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. In September 2020, the nominee owner helped to withdraw the fraud proceeds, gave some of that money to Davila, and then the nominee owner fled to Cuba. Davila’s company Max Medical Consulting Services, Incorporated of Miami, Fla. received approximately $500,000 in fraud proceeds from New Behavior. At the sentencing hearing, Davila was also held accountable for an additional $2,617,992 related to Davila and his co-conspirator’s conduct in paying illegal bribes to patients between November 2018 and December 2022 in exchange for PSR services at three other Miami clinics. Those three clinics are Davila Medical Center, Incorporated, Advanced Community Wellness Center, and Larkin Behavior Health, Incorporated. The U.S. government was able to seize approximately $1.7 million in cash related to New Behavior’s bank accounts. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe; Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody for the Florida Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement. HHS-OIG Miami, FBI Miami, and MFCU investigated this case. AUSA Timothy Abraham prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge Delgado is handling asset forfeiture. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under 23-cr-20390. ###


title: Four S.C. Law Enforcement Officers Honored at 2024 Strom Thurmond Awards

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Four South Carolina law enforcement officers were honored for their achievements today at the 41 st annual Strom Thurmond Awards for Excellence in Law Enforcement Luncheon. State, local, and federal law enforcement officials from across South Carolina attended the awards luncheon to celebrate these officers. The awards are presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC), along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association (SCLEOA) and the Strom Thurmond Foundation. The 2024 honorees are: City – Captain Marty Sawyer, Aiken Department of Public Safety County – Chief Deputy Tom Fox, Horry County Sheriff’s Office State – Director Bryan Stirling, S.C. Department of Corrections Federal – Special Agent Paul Criswell, Homeland Security Investigations The Strom Thurmond Awards for Excellence in Law Enforcement were established by then Senator Strom Thurmond in 1983 to recognize law enforcement officers whose performances demonstrate the highest ideals of excellence in professional law enforcement. An annual award is given in each of the four categories: (1) city/municipal; (2) county; (3) state; and (4) federal. An awards committee composed of representatives from the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Strom Thurmond Foundation, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, the South Carolina Police Chiefs’ Association, SCLEOA, and past recipients selects the winners from nominations received from across the state. ###


title: Lancaster man sentenced for COVID relief fraud

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, NY – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Larry Jordan, 45, of Lancaster, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud for his participation in a scheme to file fraudulent loan applications seeking forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, joined the announcement. According to court documents, between April and September 2020, Jordan and his brother Sutukh El a/k/a Curtis Jordan a/k/a Hugo Hurt a/k/a Hugo Hermes Hurtington, conspired to submit eight fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of companies they owned or controlled. Three of the applications were submitted to Evolve Bank & Trust and the other five were submitted to Lendio, a financial technology company based in Utah. The applications contained false statements about the 2019 payroll expenses of each company, which were used to calculate the amount of PPP funds to which the applicant-companies would be entitled. To corroborate the applications, Jordan and El submitted IRS forms, which had never been filed with the IRS, as well as fraudulent payroll registers that purported to identify the names, personal information, and salary of the employees identified on the PPP applications. For example, a PPP loan application was submitted on behalf of 5 Stems Inc to Evolve. The application represented that in 2019, 5 Stems Inc had 194 employees and an average monthly payroll of $242,133.33. In truth, 5 Stems Inc had nine employees in 2019 and paid those employees a total of approximately $57,380 for all of 2019. Evolve approved the application and funded a $605,200 loan. The money was deposited into an account controlled by defendant El. Some of the money was used for the defendants’ own investments, as well as personal expenses and home improvements. Sutukh El was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. This case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of Inspector General, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’s Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Kruly and Grace Carducci for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorneys Ariel Glasner and Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . # # # #


title: Mexican national admits attempted distribution of 1.4 million pills containing nearly 153 kilograms of fentanyl

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas - A 38-year-old man is facing life in prison after pleading guilty in one of the largest fentanyl cases prosecuted in the Southern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Juan Jesus Orozco-Vargas admitted he knew drugs were hidden within pallets of limes he helped import from Mexico. On April 5, a tractor-trailer containing 24 pallets of limes crossed into Texas from Mexico through the Pharr Port of Entry and arrived at a warehouse in McAllen. Orozco-Vargas was waiting at the warehouse to supervise the transfer of the pallets. While warehouse workers were unloading the boxes of limes, a pallet broke, causing pink and blue fentanyl pills stamped “M30” to spill out onto the floor. Orozco-Vargas attempted to flee upon law enforcement’s arrival on scene, but they quickly apprehended him. He admitted he was there to make sure the pallets were not damaged. He planned to move the pallets containing the fentanyl pills to the side so they could be transported from the warehouse. He admitted he was going to be paid for his services. Authorities examined the pallets and discovered they concealed approximately 1.4 million fentanyl pills totaling 152.98 kilograms. “At 1.4 million doses, this is one of the largest seizures of fentanyl the Southern District of Texas has prosecuted,” said Hamdani. “Removing these deadly pills from the streets of American cities, especially streets that are a few miles away from Mexico, will only save countless lives. My office is committed to dismantling the drug trafficking organizations that flood the United States with deadly fentanyl. This prosecution is emblematic of that commitment.” “Today’s guilty plea further emphasizes how critical the investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are, particularly those involving the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “HSI is relentless in its fight against those who deliberately engage in the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of dangerous drugs. We will continue to identify and investigate those who seek to introduce lethal drugs into our communities.” U.S. District Judge Tipton will impose sentencing Feb. 4, 2025. At that time, Orozco faces up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan is prosecuting the case.


title: Fort Worth Couple Tied to Two Overdose Deaths Sentenced to Combined 51 Years in Prison

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

body_text: A Fort Worth couple linked to at least two overdose deaths was sentenced today to a combined 51 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Edward Taylor, 42, Tierrah “TT” Andrews, 29, were charged in March. Both pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. On Friday, Mr. Taylor was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman to 27 years in federal prison; Ms. Andrews was sentenced to just over 24 years in federal prison. “These drug traffickers callously disregarded the risks of the drugs they were selling, and as a result, two people died,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Traffickers know that fentanyl does not discriminate. It takes the lives of first-time users and long-term addicts alike. These round blue pills are fueling a crisis that is ripping apart families across America. The Justice Department—including this U.S. Attorney’s Office—will not relent until we see each and every fentanyl trafficker held accountable for the lives they destroyed.” “Although today’s sentencings will provide little solace to the families of those lost to the fentanyl scourge, it is a promising triumph in law enforcement's fight against its vile spread. As we witness in this case, while investigating Federal firearms violations, ATF will occasionally uncover other illicit acts, such as the sale of illegal narcotics. Unbeknownst to the bad guys, law enforcement communicates better than they do. Making these crimes sentenced here today even more monstrous is the fact that Ms. Andrews was carrying a firearm to protect her venture while dealing her filth. Together with our local partners and the DEA, we are committed to putting the bad actors poisoning our streets with fentanyl and carrying firearms in prison through any means necessary,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. According to court documents, Mr. Taylor and Ms. Andrews admitted to trafficking cocaine and fentanyl pills out of a motel room and an apartment in Fort Worth’s Las Vegas Trail neighborhood. On Nov. 2, 2023, a 45-year-old man identified by the initials T.M. took a rideshare to the motel to purchase drugs from Mr. Taylor. Surveillance video showed the man briefly enter and exit Mr. Taylor’s room. Hours later, the victim’s mother found his body in his bedroom next to a crushed M-30 pill containing fentanyl. Four additional M-30 pills were found in a nicotine box inside the victim’s room. Less than three months later, on Jan. 26, 2024, a 21-year-old man identified by the initials K.S. texted Ms. Andrews requesting “rocks n blues” (slag for crack cocaine and fentanyl pills). Cell phone data showed he took a rideshare to a gas station near her apartment, walked to her place, and paid her $77 via CashApp. Later that day, his sister found his body, where blue M-30 pills containing fentanyl, white powder, and a glass pipe were later found. That same month, a source of information reported to police he had purchased crack cocaine and fentanyl pills from a couple trafficking out of Fort Worth. He provided Ms. Andrews’ phone number and Mr. Taylor’s CashApp account. Another source of information confirmed that he too had purchased crack cocaine and “percs” (another slang term for pills) from Mr. Taylor and Ms. Andrews for several months. He reported that the couple generally had a “k-pack” of 1,000 blue M-30 pills in plain view. On Jan. 27, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ms. Andrews’ apartment, where they found 270 blue M-30 pills, 2.8 grams of cocaine, 6.6 grams of methamphetamine, a drug ledger (also known as a “pay owe” book), and 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition. On Ms. Andrews’ person, agents found a privately manufactured firearm, or “ghost gun,” loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. She explained to officers that she dealt drugs provided by Mr. Taylor and carried the pistol ”so no one does anything to me.” On Feb. 29, 2024, an ATF undercover agent and a confidential informant purchased approximately 6.28 grams of blue M-30 pills containing fentanyl from Ms. Andrews at her apartment for $275. They observed Mr. Taylor asking Ms. Andrews about the transaction while she bagged up the blue M-30 pills inside the apartment. The transaction was completed outside, in the undercover agent’s vehicle. The defendants were arrested a week later in possession of additional blue M-30 pills and firearms, despite both being convicted felons prohibited from possessing firearms. When confronted with photos of the victims, Mr. Taylor admitted to selling to T.M. and Ms. Andrews admitted to selling to K.S. Autopsies later confirmed both men suffered fatal drug overdoses. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives Dallas Field Division – Fort Worth Resident Agency conducted the investigation as part of a Fort Worth Violent Crime Initiative, with the assistance of the Fort Worth Police Department and the Parker County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas is prosecuting the case.


title: Anchorage man charged with firearm, drug trafficking crimes

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment this week charging an Anchorage man with trafficking firearms and illicit drugs in Alaska. According to court documents, from May 29 to Sept. 6, 2024, Donte Richard Rocreec Outwater, 19, allegedly engaged in dealing firearms without being a licensed dealer, and while believing that the firearms would be used illegally. The documents also allege that on five occasions between July 3 and Aug. 13, the defendant distributed controlled substances along with firearms. On all five occasions, he allegedly possessed a firearm in relation to and in furtherance of the drug trafficking crimes he was committing. Outwater is also charged with illegally possessing a machinegun. A criminal complaint previously filed against the defendant alleges that Outwater began selling firearms to an undercover law enforcement officer in June 2024. In total, Outwater illegally sold undercover law enforcement 18 firearms. One of the firearms was a fully automatic machinegun, and several of them were reported as stolen. Outwater was arrested by the Anchorage Police Department on July 26, 2024, after fleeing from a traffic stop. According to court documents, within an hour of his release from custody, he contacted the undercover officer to arrange further firearm sales. Outwater is charged with one count of unlicensed dealing in firearms, one count of trafficking firearms, five counts of distribution of controlled substances, five counts of using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and one count of illegal possession of a machinegun. The defendant will make his initial court appearance on Oct. 22 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison for each count of using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and up to 20 years in prison for his other alleged crimes. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais made the announcement. The ATF Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshal Service and Anchorage Police Department, is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Klugman is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Washington Man Sentenced for Hate Crimes and Firearm Offense for Four Attacks on Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls

body_text: A Washington man was sentenced today to 11 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for federal civil rights and firearms offenses in connection with four attacks that damaged or destroyed several Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls in western Washington. Mikey Diamond Starrett, also known as Michael Jason Layes, 52, of Olympia, was also ordered to pay restitution in a total amount of $714,608.70, including: $4,921.73 to the Kingdom Hall of Tumwater; $1,749.20 to the Kingdom Hall of Yelm; and $707,937.73 to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. Specifically, Starett was sentenced on four counts of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act — one count for each attack — as well as one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. “The defendant in this case committed four attacks on Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls, causing fear and anguish to its members,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The freedom to practice the religion we choose, without discrimination or violence, is a fundamental civil right in our nation and a hallmark of our democracy from its very inception. Violence based on religious prejudice has no place in our society. The Justice Department will continue to prosecute those who target and harm houses of worship.” “Starrett’s attacks irrevocably destroyed the sense of safety and peace that a house of worship is supposed to provide, and caused severe, permanent harm to the Jehovah’s Witness community in Washington,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman for the Western District of Washington. “These were not crimes against buildings, but a series of attacks against a community and a faith.” “ATF and our law enforcement partners spent many thousands, if not tens of thousands, of hours investigating these attacks and ensuring that the right person was identified,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais of the ATF Seattle Field Division. “His guilty plea is a validation of the hard work put in by all the law enforcement involved in the investigation, and this sentence is appropriate for his egregious actions. We are all committed to defending the right of people to practice their religion, and investigating when someone acts to deprive them of that right, in this case through acts of arson and use of a firearm during, and in relation to, a crime of violence.” According to court documents and statements made during the plea and sentencing hearings, Starrett intentionally set fire to the Kingdom Hall of Tumwater, Washington, on March 19, 2018; intentionally set fire to the Kingdom Hall of Olympia on March 19, 2018; intentionally used a firearm to shoot into the Kingdom Hall of Yelm, Washington, on May 15, 2018; and intentionally set fire to the Kingdom Hall of Olympia on July 3, 2018. The defendant admitted he committed these attacks because of the religious character of the Kingdom Halls. The attacks resulted in significant damage to each of the Kingdom Halls, including the destruction of the Olympia Kingdom Hall on July 3, 2018. The ATF Seattle Field Division, FBI Seattle Field Office, Tumwater Police Department and Olympia Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Lerman for the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to 100 Months in Federal Prison in Connection with Trafficking a Kilogram of Fentanyl, a Kilogram of Cocaine, and a Firearm

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced in federal court for drug and firearm offenses, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Victor Rosario, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 100 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. On June 25, 2024, Rosario pleaded guilty to one count each of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. “The defendant, a convicted felon, was undeterred from committing new crimes by a prior imprisonment, instead he trafficked deadly drugs and an assault rifle with an obliterated serial number” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Today’s lengthy sentence should serve as a notice to repeat offenders that law enforcement will be relentless in taking drugs, guns and criminals off the streets.” “Guns and drugs take far too many lives in our communities, and Victor Rosario was contributing to the devastating impact of both here in New Hampshire,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence holds this convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms accountable for selling an AK-47 with an obliterated serial number, along with deadly fentanyl to a confidential informant. While Mr. Rosario is sitting behind bars, the FBI will continue to work with our partners to remove dangerous criminals like him from our streets.” Between December 2023 and January 2024, Rosario sold fentanyl to a confidential informant on four occasions. On the fourth occasion, Rosario also sold the confidential informant an AK-style rifle with an obliterated serial number. Authorities executed search warrants on Rosario’s home, vehicle, and person, and recovered additional cocaine and fentanyl. In total, Rosario possessed and/or distributed over a kilogram each of cocaine and fentanyl. Rosario was on federal supervised release at the time of his offense. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force and the Manchester Police Anti-Crime Unit led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Investigations Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kasey Weiland and Matthew Hunter are prosecuting the case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office announces points of contact for election fraud and voting rights concerns

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) Jordan Harvey, Avi Panth, and Anthony Mozzi will lead the Office’s efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 5, 2024, general election. AUSAs Harvey, Panth, and Mozzi have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Eastern District of Virginia, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Aber. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.” The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Aber. “We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. To respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs/DEOs Harvey, Panth, and Mozzi will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.” Contact information for the DEOs is as follows: Northern Virginia - Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Harvey, 703-299-3700 Tidewater region - Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Mozzi, 757-441-6331 Central Capitol region - Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth, 804-819-5400 In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The FBI field offices in the Eastern District of Virginia can be reached by the public at: Washington Field Office - 202-278-2000 Richmond Field Office 804-261-1044 Norfolk Field Office - 757-455-0100 Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC, by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931. “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney Aber. “It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.” Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.


title: Federal grand jury indicts Buffalo Police detective  for purchases made on illicit online marketplace and making false statements to the FBI

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Terrance Michael Ciszek a/k/a DrMonster, 34, of Buffalo, NY, with possession of unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud and making a false statement to an agency of the United States, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the cases, stated that since August 2018, the FBI has been investigating an illicit online marketplace known as Genesis Market, whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin. According to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, between March 16 and July 29, 2020, Ciszek, a Buffalo Police Detective, purchased 11 packages on Genesis Market that included 194 stolen account credentials. Investigators also determined that Ciszek had bitcoin wallet addresses associated with UniCC, a dark web carding website. Carding websites are illicit marketplaces and/or forums used to share stolen credit card data and discuss techniques for obtaining credit card data, validating it, and using it for criminal activity. On April 15, 2020, Ciszek recorded a video explaining to others how he anonymized his identity on the internet when purchasing stolen credit cards, and described his use of UniCC. In the video, he stated, among other things, “And then I usually get my credit cards from UniCC, which is an amazing place if you guys don’t have it. On April 4, 2023, Ciszek is accused of making false statements to the FBI, claiming that he had not purchased stolen credentials from the internet, and further stating that his nephew may have been responsible for the online purchase of stolen credentials. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Springfield Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a child. Ricky Lane Bowers, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 17 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Bowers to 20 years of supervised release following incarceration. On July 25, 2023, Bowers pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Bowers admitted that he had been in contact with a man who was arrested in Texas, who had sent Bowers images and videos of child sexual abuse. Bowers also admitted that he had taken pornographic photos of a child victim and sent them to the man in Texas. Investigators seized Bowers’s cell phone that he used to communicate with the Texas defendant. Forensic examiners found files of child pornography on the cell phone, as well as evidence of images and videos of the child victim whom Bowers used to produce child pornography. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force. 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: Registered sex offender sentenced to 10 years in prison for latest conviction

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Woodford man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to court documents, on April 7, 2023, Theodore William Cathers, 49, uploaded four files of CSAM depicting prepubescent and pubescent children in sexually explicit behavior. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) forwarded a report of the uploaded material to the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD). On June 27, 2023, VBPD obtained a search warrant for an online storage account belonging to Cathers and recovered approximately 2,200 CSAM files, including images of pre-pubescent children and depictions of bondage and sadomasochism. A large portion of the CSAM files were collage images of prepubescent and pubescent children, partially or completely nude, engaged in sexually explicit acts. Cathers is a registered sex offender after having been convicted of two counts of Taking Indecent Liberties with Children Under the Age of 15. In 2012, Cathers was discovered naked in the bedroom of two children aged eleven and seven years old. The eleven-year-old informed law enforcement that Cathers came into their bedroom and got into her bed with her. A short time later, Cathers got into the seven-year-old’s bed and removed all his clothing. Cathers was convicted in 2013 and sentenced to 10 years in prison with 10 years suspended. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph L. Kosky 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-17. This release was updated to show the number of CSAM files identified in Cathers' storage account as 2,200. The original total of 2,900 included 700 files identified as "child erotica."


title: Avon, NY, police trainee charged with attempted kidnapping, cyberstalking, and multiple child pornography charges

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Casey Medina, 33, of Rochester, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with attempted kidnapping, distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography, cyberstalking, and aiding and abetting. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2024, the Onondaga County, NY, Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a 31-year-old female (victim), who reported that she had been receiving text messages from unknown numbers that included photographs depicting her face superimposed on various pornographic images made to appear as if she had been engaging in sexual acts. In addition, the victim reported being threatened by the unknown numbers, including being kidnapped, raped, sexually abused and/or killed. In August 2024, the victim indicated to investigators that the text messages in May occurred over the course of approximately 26 days, and, after short break, continued sporadically through June and July 2024. The victim stated that the messages were becoming very concerning, and she had no idea who they were coming from. Also in August 2024, law enforcement received a tip from an individual that he had communicated with another individual with username “crcdal” via social media. The other individual, later identified as Medina, was looking for someone to help to harass the victim. Medina provided the individual with the victim’s personal information, including her place of employment, home address, personal cell phone number, and a variety of photos. The individual provided law enforcement with several screenshots of communications with Medina, which included discussions of abducting, drugging, and raping the victim. An undercover law enforcement officer then began communicating with Media online, during which they also discussed abducting, drugging, and raping the victim. On August 22, 2024, Medina was an Avon Police Department trainee, and was arrested by the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office at the Rural Police Training Academy in Livingston County on multiple state charges. Investigators executed a search warrant on Medina’s cell phone and recovered the communications discussing the abduction, drugging, and raping of the victim as well as images and videos of child pornography that Medina shared online. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Onondaga County, NY, Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Tobias Shelley, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to 40 Years’ Imprisonment for Double Homicide at Bay Shore Long Island Railroad Station

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Lameek Everette, also known as “La,” a member of the Bloods Street gang, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gary R. Brown, to 40 years’ imprisonment. On November 27, 2017, Everette was convicted of racketeering, including predicate acts of murder, robbery and attempted robbery. Those charges stemmed from his participation in the September 2, 2016 murders of David Arzu and Janelle Curella, who were each shot by Everette during a robbery as the victims walked to the Long Island Rail Road train station in Bayshore, New York. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Robert Waring, Acting Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the sentence. “What started out as a robbery, turned into a double murder with the defendant pulling the trigger over and over to kill his victims simply because they resisted a holdup. Today the defendant faced a reckoning for the devastating harm he has caused,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Gang members’ violent choices will not go unpunished in our district. The substantial sentence handed down today provides some measure of justice following the defendant’s senseless murder of a young man and woman whose families still grieve for the loss of their loved ones. I hope it will also deter others from joining gangs and committing brutal crimes that terrorize our community.” “Lameek Everette’s blatant disregard for human life was clear not only by the execution of two young victims in cold blood, but also by his decision to spend the remainder of his night at a local club,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Walker. “While no amount of time or justice can bring back David Arzu and Janelle Curella, preventing future violence is of the utmost priority for HSI New York. We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue violent street gangs and bring them to justice for the greater good of our Long Island community.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy stated, “Lameek Everette personally appraised the lives of two innocent victims to be less than the potential value of their belongings. His callous actions demonstrate the senseless gang violence that can target random civilians. May today's sentencing reflect the FBI's unwavering commitment to eradicate all gang members threatening the welfare of our communities.” “Gang violence has no place in Suffolk County, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable dangerous individuals like Everette whose plan for robbery escalated to murder,” stated Acting SCPD Commissioner Waring. “I hope today’s sentence brings some sense of closure to the victims’ family and serves as a reminder we will pursue justice for all victims.” At approximately 9:30 p.m. on September 2, 2016, David Arzu, Janelle Curella and two friends were walking towards the Bay Shore train station. Unbeknownst to them, Everette and a fellow Bloods member had devised a plan to rob them at gunpoint, and were lying in wait for them. When Everette and his coconspirator spied Arzu, Curella and their friends, they approached the group, brandished firearms and demanded the victims’ money and valuables. Arzu resisted, and a struggle ensued. When Curella attempted to come to Arzu’s assistance, Everette shot and killed her. Everette then shot Arzu multiple times, killing him. Everette later posted pictures of himself of Facebook, flashing hand signals that signified his affiliation with the Bloods and wearing a necklace he had stolen from Arzu when he murdered him. Everette’s coconspirator in the robbery, Taheem Smith, was previously sentenced to 27 years’ incarceration for his role in the killings. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Misorek and Anthony Bagnuola are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant: LAMEEK EVERETTE Age: 31 Bay Shore, Long Island E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-504 (GRB)


title: New Orleans Man Guilty of Being  Felon in Possession of Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 10, 2024, BRIAN WARD (“WARD”) , age 30, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). Sentencing is set for January 2, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe. WARD faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. According to court documents, on January 7,2024, WARD was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department following a physical altercation between WARD and another man in the 300 block of Bourbon Street. During the altercation, WARD produced a firearm he possessed and shot at the man. After WARD’s arrest, his firearm, a Taurus Model PTl40 G2, .40 caliber pistol, was recovered near the tire of a van where WARD had hidden it. Also, law enforcement recovered a spent .40-caliber shell casing from the scene. It was later determined to be a match to the gun recovered. The incident was additionally recorded by RealTime Crime Cameras in the area. 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. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.


title: 50-Year Prison Term Handed Down for Man in Double Shooting at a Temp Labor Agency

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Matthew Walker, 25, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today, to 50 years in prison for shooting two men, killing one, at a temporary labor agency in Northeast Washington D.C. on February 14, 2019, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Walker was convicted at trial in January 2024 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In addition to the 50-year prison term, Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo also ordered Walker to serve five years of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 5:45 a.m. on February 14, 2019, Walker walked into Trojan Labor, a temporary labor agency in Northeast Washington D.C. Once inside, Walker ran directly to the agency’s dispatch office, where he repeatedly shot David Remen, one of the agency’s workers and Michael Hardy, the manager of the agency. Walker then fled away from the scene and discarded his clothing, mask, and firearm nearby. Mr. Remen died on scene. Mr. Hardy died in 2022. DNA evidence from the clothing, mask and firearm, as well as ballistic, video, and other evidence linked the defendant to the shooting. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Prava Palacharla who investigated and indicted the case, Deputy Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharon Donavan for providing forensic DNA expertise, Paralegal Specialist Grazy Rivera, Victim/Witness Advocate Karina Hernandez, Supervisory IT Specialist Leif Hickling, and IT Specialist Charlie Bruce. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Seidel and Alec Levy, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Olympia, Washington man who attacked religious buildings with gunshots and fires sentenced to 11 years in prison

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma –A 52-year-old Olympia, Washington man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 11 years in prison for a series of arsons and a shooting spree in 2018 that damaged or destroyed several Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Mikey Diamond Starrett, aka Michael Jason Layes, pleaded guilty in May 2024 to four counts of damage to religious property and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. At today’s sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “There are significant and troubling facts…. Terrorizing a group of individuals because of their religious beliefs.” “Mr. Starrett’s attacks irrevocably destroyed the sense of safety and peace that a house of worship is supposed to provide, and caused severe, permanent harm to the Jehovah’s Witness community in Washington,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “These were not crimes against buildings, but a series of attacks against a community and a faith.” “The defendant in this case committed four attacks on Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls, causing fear and anguish to its members,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “The freedom to practice the religion we choose, without discrimination or violence, is a fundamental civil right in our nation and a hallmark of our democracy from its very inception. Violence based on religious prejudice has no place in our society. The Justice Department will continue to prosecute those who target and harm houses of worship.” According to records in the case, Starrett set fire to Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls on three occasions. On March 19, 2018, he set fire to the Kingdom Halls in Tumwater and Olympia, Washington. On July 3, 2018, Starrett returned to the Olympia Kingdom Hall and burned it down completely. In a fourth attack on May 15, 2018, Starrett used an assault-style rifle to shoot rounds into another Kingdom Hall in Yelm, Washington. Starrett’s attacks caused more than $700,000 in damage to these Kingdom Halls. Starrett admitted in his plea agreement that he defaced, damaged, and destroyed the Kingdom Halls because of the properties religious character. After an extensive investigation, Starrett was arrested in September 2021 and has been in federal custody since then. “ATF and our law enforcement partners spent many thousands, if not tens of thousands, of hours investigating these attacks and ensuring that the right person was identified,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “His guilty plea is a validation of the hard work put in by all the law enforcement involved in the investigation, and this sentence is appropriate for his egregious actions. We are all committed to defending the right of people to practice their religion, and investigating when someone acts to deprive them of that right, in this case through acts of arson and use of a firearm during, and in relation to, a crime of violence.” Prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo that Starrett “committed several violent, premeditated attacks using fire or a dangerous weapon. His attacks were brazen and show that he believed he could engage in extensive criminal conduct without consequence. Starrett’s disregard for the safety of the Kingdom Halls, its congregants, first responders, and the surrounding area, which is vulnerable to devastating wildfires, underscores the danger that he poses to the public.” At the sentencing hearing, a spokesman for the Jehovah’s Witness community read a series of statements that had been submitted by community members. They wrote of the fear and anxiety the attack engendered writing: “I wondered if the arsonist would strike again with people inside; any new face at the meeting made me worry: and …the gunshots and bomb left, were clear threats, we worried someone would come to a meeting with a gun.” The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division, the FBI, the Tumwater, Washington Police Department, and the Olympia, Washington Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonas Lerman of the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. For more information and resources about DOJ’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes .


title: Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Distribution of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – William Seneca, Sr., age 64, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to sexual exploitation of a child and distribution of child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. As part of his guilty plea, Seneca admitted that from approximately 2000 through 2008 he engaged in sexual conduct with V1, starting when V1 was about seven years old. On several different occasions during that period, Seneca created child pornography depicting V1. Seneca also admitted that, on at least one occasion, he distributed the material he created depicting V1 to someone in Canada. Sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2025, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Seneca faces a term of imprisonment of least 15 years and up to 50 years, post-release supervision of between five years and life, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution to the victim. Seneca also will be required to register as a sex offender upon release. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the New York State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Jury Convicts Klamath Falls Man Who Kidnapped and Sexually Assaulted Two Women and Held One in Cell

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: MEDFORD, Ore.— A federal jury found a Klamath Falls, Oregon man guilty after he kidnapped and sexually assaulted two women, and held one in a cell he constructed in his garage. Negasi Zuberi, 30, also known as Justin Joshua Hyche, was found guilty of kidnapping, transporting a victim for criminal sexual activity, and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, while in Seattle, Zuberi posed as a police officer and used a taser and handcuffs to detain his victim in the backseat of his vehicle. Zuberi then transported the victim approximately 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, stopping along the way to sexually assault her. When Zuberi arrived at his residence, he moved the victim from his vehicle into a cell he had constructed in his garage. The woman repeatedly banged on the cell door until it broke open and she escaped. The victim retrieved a handgun from Zuberi's vehicle, fled his garage, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911. The next day, on July 16, 2023, Reno Police Department officers and Nevada State Patrol officers located Zuberi in a parking lot in Reno, Nevada. After a short standoff, Zuberi surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody. While investigating Zuberi's crimes, federal agents discovered that approximately six weeks prior to the kidnapping in Seattle, on May 6, 2023, Zuberi kidnapped and sexually assaulted another victim. While being held by Zuberi, his first victim observed stacked cinder blocks in his garage that he later used to construct the cell where he detained his second victim. On August 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Zuberi with kidnapping and transporting a victim with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Later, on February 15, 2024, a second kidnapping charge and charges for illegally possessing firearms, ammunition, and attempted escape were added by superseding indictment. Kidnapping is punishable by up to life in federal prison and transporting a victim across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity by up to 10 years. Illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, and attempted escape are punishable by up to 15 years. This case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon State Police with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada; Klamath County District Attorney's Office; Reno, Nevada Police Department; Washoe County, Nevada District Attorney's Office; and Nevada State Police. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Marco A. Boccato, and Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from Appellate Chief Suzanne Miles, also of the District of Oregon.


title: Lexington Man Sentenced for Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, David Allen Baxter, 40, was sentenced to 100 months, on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to his plea agreement, on February 9, 2024, law enforcement observed Baxter, who had an outstanding warrant for a parole violation, entering and exiting a building. Officers attempted to make contact, but Baxter fled on foot. While Baxter was fleeing, officers observed him reaching into his jacket pocket and attempting to grab something. Officers eventually caught Baxter, who was in possession of a loaded and chambered firearm. Baxter admitted that he knew he was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Baxter had previously been convicted of the following: convicted felon in possession of a handgun, receiving stolen property, and possession of a controlled substance, in Scott Circuit Court in December 2019; convicted felon in possession of a firearm and wanton endangerment, in Fayette Circuit Court in September 2016; trafficking in a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance, in Fayette Circuit Court in December 2003; and robbery, in Fayette Circuit Court in May 2001. Under federal law, Baxter 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 three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The case was investigated by the ATF and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. — END —


title: Lexington Man Sentenced for Armed Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Jago Clay, 24, was sentenced to 108 months, on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to his plea agreement, on June 17, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Clay’s vehicle, due to an upside-down license plate affixed to the wrong vehicle. During the stop, officers found a large bag containing approximately 256 pressed fentanyl pills, a digital scale, and two loaded handguns. Clay admitted to knowingly possessing the fentanyl pills, with the intent distribute them, and to possessing the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Under federal law, Clay 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 five years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The case was investigated by the ATF, KSP, and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. — END —


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jeffrey Scott Beran, age 51, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced October 18, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Beran to 240 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. On March 30, 2023, the Omaha Police Department utilized a confidential informant (CI) to purchase 91 grams of meth from Beran. On May 31, 2023, another controlled buy was done utilizing a CI. The CI met with Beran, who told the CI that he had to go meet someone to get the meth. Beran was under surveillance and was observed meeting with a silver Malibu at the Oakview Mall parking lot. Beran returned to the CI and sold him 98 grams of meth. Beran’s sentence was increased after the court determined that Beran was a Career Offender. Beran had numerous criminal convictions, including serious felony drug convictions from 2007 and 2018. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 132 Months’ for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Brian I. Gonzalez, age 44, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 18, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for receipt and distribution of child pornography. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Gonzalez to 132 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Gonzalez’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Chief Judge Rossiter ordered Gonzalez to pay a $1,500 assessment pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018 (AVAA). In August of 2023, the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force received CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a Google User uploaded possible child sexual abuse material on three dates in March of 2023. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant to view the images in the CyberTips and confirmed the images portrayed child sexual abuse material depicting children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The IP address associated with the CyberTips resolved to the residence Gonzalez shared with his parents. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Gonzalez’s Google account and located images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. On November 15, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gonzalez’s residence in Omaha and seized his devices for forensic examination. Law enforcement interviewed Gonzalez and he admitted to downloading, sending, and viewing child sexual abuse material. Forensic examination and analysis of Gonzalez’s electronic devices located approximately 350 visually unique media files depicting child sexual abuse material, which included 19 videos. These media files included prepubescent children as young as infant and toddler age engaging in sexually explicit conduct. 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 United States Attorney’s 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. This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.


title: Mexican Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Charges

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Rigoberto Madrid-Morga, age 34, of Durango, Mexico, was sentenced October 18, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for his involvement in distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Madrid-Morga to 46 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release. In 2021, the DEA was utilizing a confidential informant (CI) to purchase narcotics from various individuals in the Omaha area. One of the targets the CI identified was Neri Mendoza-Rodriguez. Over the course of several days in April 2021, the CI and Mendoza-Rodriguez communicated regarding a controlled delivery of meth. On April 5, 2021, law enforcement observed two individuals leave Mendoza-Rodriguez's residence and get into a vehicle registered to Madrid-Morga. Mendoza-Rodriguez drove. The two individuals were observed traveling to Village Inn where they met the CI. The CI was observed getting into Mendoza-Rodriguez’s vehicle and leaving a short time later. The CI purchased 400 grams of meth. The CI later identified Mendoza-Rodriguez as the driver and Mendoza-Rodriguez’s “cousin” as the passenger, Madrid-Morga. On April 26, 2021, the CI contacted Mendoza-Rodriguez to purchase 1000 fentanyl pills. On April 29, 2021, the CI went to the same Village Inn and met with Madrid-Morga. The CI got into Madrid-Morga’s vehicle where he exchanged money for 106 grams of fentanyl pressed into pills. Mendoza-Rodriguez was sentenced on March 10, 2023, to a term of imprisonment of 120 months. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omaha Police Department.


title: Omaha Nation Man Sentenced for Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nelson W. McCauley, age 44, of Sioux City, Iowa, most recently residing on the Omaha Nation Indian Reservation, was sentenced on October 18, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for two counts of domestic assault by an habitual offender in Indian Country. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced McCauley to 90 months’ imprisonment on each count to be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After McCauley’s release from prison, he will begin concurrent 3-year terms of supervised release on both counts. In August 2023, McCauley physically assaulted a female victim known to him by striking her repeatedly with his fists. In May 2024, McCauley physically assaulted the same female victim again by striking her multiple times with his fists. The victim required medical attention after each of McCauley’s assaults to address substantial bodily injuries, including large bruises, contusions, and a hematoma on her head. Prior to his assaults on the victim in August 2023 and May 2024, McCauley had already been convicted on multiple occasions of domestic violence offenses in federal and tribal courts. This case was prosecuted in federal court because the offenses were felonies and occurred on the Omaha Nation Indian Reservation in Nebraska. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Hugo Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Warren Allen Coleman, age 40, of Hugo, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm. The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Hugo Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On October 8, 2024, Coleman pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. According to investigators, on September 1, 2023, OHP troopers conducting a traffic stop discovered Coleman in possession of a chamber loaded 5.7x28mm semiautomatic pistol with 14 rounds in the magazine. Law enforcement also seized a loaded .45 caliber handgun with a magazine holding nine additional rounds of .45 ACP ammunition. Coleman knowingly possessed the firearms after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. 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 Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Coleman will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edith Singer and Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.


title: US Attorney Darcie McElwee Appoints District Election Officer to Ensure Voter Access, Poll Worker Safety

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: United States Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) John Osborn will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Osborn has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Maine, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.” The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy,” U.S. Attorney McElwee said. “We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities: U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maine: AUSA/DEO Osborn will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. Anyone with election day concerns can contact AUSA Osborn at 207-771-3214 or AUSA Andrew McCormack in the Bangor office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 207-262-4615 . Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI): The FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI office in Maine can be reached by the public at 207-541-0700 . Civil Rights Division: Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931 . In the case of a crime of violence or intimidation : Please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities in all cases involving a crime of violence or intimidation. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. ###


title: United States Attorney’s Office Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: Providence, RI — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, reflecting our steadfast commitment to supporting survivors, raising awareness, and promoting justice for all those affected by domestic violence, announced U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Domestic Violence Awareness Month serves as an important opportunity to shed light on the profound impacts that domestic violence has on victims, families, and communities, and to emphasize the importance of collective action. Each year, millions of individuals are impacted by intimate partner violence, and far too many families endure the tragic consequences of domestic abuse. This Office is committed to ensuring that survivors are heard and perpetrators are held accountable and to strengthening partnerships with communities to prevent domestic violence. This year marks a particularly significant commemoration of efforts to combat domestic violence because it is also the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. In 1994, the passage of this landmark, bipartisan legislation transformed the way our nation addresses domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by increasing protections for survivors, providing critical federal resources to support a coordinated community response to these crimes, and awarding grants at the local, state, territory, Tribal, and national levels. “Domestic and intimate partner violence is insidious, and it takes a devastating toll on our communities, transforming homes that should be places of refuge into scenes of abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha. “I am determined to expand our efforts to use federal law enforcement tools to seek justice for the victims of these crimes, and hold the perpetrators accountable – the survivors of domestic violence deserve no less.” This year, on September 18 th , 2024, the office announced the launch of a DOJ initiative with local law enforcement partners to reduce domestic incidents in Rhode Island cities of Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Central Falls. The initiative was a provision for each district to develop a plan to reduce intimate partner firearm violence and to prioritize prosecution of domestic violence offenders prohibited from owning firearms. Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking can have long-lasting impacts and consequences, and survivors in underserved communities are disproportionately impacted due to the lack of resources or barriers to accessing services. DVAM provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence. We also encourage everyone to learn more about domestic violence and take steps to support friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors who may be affected. By understanding the signs of abuse, providing a safe space for survivors, and connecting them to available resources, we can all play a role in creating safer communities. Victims of domestic violence deserve safety, dignity, and justice. We are committed to prosecuting those who violate federal laws, collaborating with local law enforcement and prosecutors to identify domestic violence offenders who violate federal firearms prohibitions, and ensuring survivors have access to the resources they need for safety and healing. Together, we can bring hope to those in need and build a future free from domestic violence. For more information on Domestic Violence Awareness Month or to access resources, please visit https://ricadv.org/ .


title: La Fiscalía de los Estados Unidos celebra el Mes de Concientización sobre la Violencia Doméstica

body_text: Providence, RI — La Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito de Rhode Island celebra este octubre el Mes de Concientización sobre la Violencia Doméstica, lo que refleja nuestro firme compromiso de apoyar a los sobrevivientes, crear conciencia y promover la justicia para todos los afectados por la violencia doméstica, anunció el Fiscal Federal Zachary A. Cunha. El Mes de Concientización sobre la Violencia Doméstica ofrece una importante oportunidad para arrojar luz sobre los profundos impactos que la violencia doméstica tiene en las víctimas, las familias y las comunidades, y para enfatizar la importancia de la acción colectiva. Cada año, millones de personas se ven afectadas por la violencia de pareja y demasiadas familias soportan las trágicas consecuencias del abuso doméstico. Esta Oficina está comprometida a garantizar que se escuche las voces de los sobrevivientes y que los perpetradores rindan cuentas y a fortalecer las asociaciones con las comunidades para prevenir la violencia doméstica. Este año se celebra una conmemoración particularmente significativa de los esfuerzos para combatir la violencia doméstica porque también es el Trigésimo Aniversario de la Ley sobre la violencia contra la mujer. En 1994, la aprobación de esta histórica legislación bipartidista transformó la forma en que nuestra nación aborda la violencia doméstica y de pareja, la agresión sexual y el acecho al aumentar las protecciones para los sobrevivientes, proporcionar recursos federales críticos para apoyar una respuesta comunitaria coordinada a estos crímenes y otorgar subvenciones. a nivel local, estatal, territorial, tribal y nacional. “La violencia doméstica y de pareja es insidiosa y tiene un costo devastador en nuestras comunidades, transformando hogares que deberían ser lugares de refugio en escenarios de abuso”, dijo el fiscal federal Zachary Cunha. “Estoy decidido a ampliar nuestros esfuerzos para utilizar herramientas federales de aplicación de la ley para buscar justicia para las víctimas de estos crímenes y responsabilizar a los perpetradores; los sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica no merecen menos”. Este año, el 18 de septiembre de 2024, la oficina anunció el lanzamiento de una iniciativa del Departamento de Justicia con socios locales encargados de reducir las parejas de hecho en las ciudades de Woonsocket, Pawtucket y Central Falls en Rhode Island. La iniciativa fue una disposición para que cada distrito desarrollara un plan para reducir la violencia con armas de fuego entre parejas íntimas y priorizar el enjuiciamiento de los delincuentes de violencia doméstica a los que se les prohíbe poseer armas de fuego. La violencia doméstica, la violencia en el noviazgo, la agresión sexual y el acecho pueden tener impactos y consecuencias duraderas, y los sobrevivientes en comunidades marginadas se ven afectados de manera desproporcionada debido a la falta de recursos o las barreras para acceder a los servicios. DVAM brinda la oportunidad de crear conciencia sobre la violencia doméstica y alentar a todos a desempeñar un papel para poner fin a la violencia de género. También alentamos a todos a aprender más sobre la violencia doméstica y tomar medidas para apoyar a amigos, familiares, compañeros de trabajo y vecinos que puedan verse afectados. Al comprender las señales de abuso, brindar un espacio seguro para los sobrevivientes y conectarlos con los recursos disponibles, todos podemos desempeñar un papel en la creación de comunidades más seguras. Las víctimas de violencia doméstica merecen seguridad, dignidad y justicia. Estamos comprometidos a procesar a quienes violan las leyes federales, colaborar con las autoridades locales y los fiscales para identificar a los delincuentes de violencia doméstica que violan las prohibiciones federales de armas de fuego y garantizar que los sobrevivientes tengan acceso a los recursos que necesitan para su seguridad y curación. Juntos, podemos llevar esperanza a los necesitados y construir un futuro libre de violencia doméstica. Para obtener más información sobre el Mes de Concientización sobre la Violencia Doméstica o para acceder a recursos, visite https://ricadv.org/ . ###


title: Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 75 Years Combined in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: FAYETTEVILLE – The final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization was sentenced to federal prison for crimes related to the Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fayetteville. According to court documents, beginning in approximately October of 2022, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), along with Investigators with the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force (JDTF) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in the Fayetteville Division responsible for distributing methamphetamine. During the course of their investigation, investigators identified Charles Grinder as a leader of this local group. Grinder was further identified as an incarcerated, gang member who was a source of supply for methamphetamine into the Western District of Arkansas. Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows: Charles Grinder: age 44, McAlester, Oklahoma – Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine – 420 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release. Chelsea Dray : age 30, Bentonville, Arkansas – Distribution of Methamphetamine– 96 months months and 3-year term of supervised release. Paige Johnson : age 33, Claremore, Oklahoma - Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – 87 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release. James Johnson : age 40, Wagoner, Oklahoma – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – 188 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release. Destiny McGinnnis : age 29, Stillwater, Oklahoma – Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine – 46 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release. Christopher Outlaw : age 39, Tulsa, Oklahoma – Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine – 72 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release. U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigations, Fayetteville Resident Office, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, 4 th Judicial District Drug Task Force, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Briana Robbins and Kim Harris prosecuted the case for the United States. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov


title: U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan Issues Press Release Relating to the November 2024 General Election

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan announced today that an Assistant U.S. Attorney will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) and lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Department of Justice’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. The DEO is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with the Department of Justice’s Headquarters in Washington. “Every eligible citizen must be free to vote without interference or discrimination and have that vote counted as part of a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Critical to the preservation of this sacred right is our duty to ensure that election officials and staff, many of whom are elder members of our communities, be permitted to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.” The Department of Justice performs an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). U.S. Attorney Buchanan added, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We must all endeavor to guarantee that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise this right if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt or interfere with this right are brought to justice.” To respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, the District’s AUSA/DEO will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. The DEO can be reached by the public at (404) 581-6001. In addition, the FBI will assign special agents to be available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 770-216-3000. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC via a complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931. “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney Buchanan. “It is important that anyone aware of specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud makes that information available to the Department of Justice.” But please note that in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, you should call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. 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 .