title: Fernandina Beach Man Indicted For Attempting To Entice And Meet An 11-Year-Old To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging William Rand Paige, Jr. (50, Fernandina Beach) with using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice a 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Paige faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison as well as a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Paige was arrested on December 18, 2023. On December 21, 2023, he was arraigned in federal court and ordered detained pending trial. According to court documents, on November 29, 2023, an undercover FBI agent in Jacksonville was conducting an online undercover operation to identify individuals who were seeking to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as a person with access to an 11-year-old child, the undercover agent was online in a particular online social messaging app and was contacted by an individual with the username “ah..904,” subsequently identified as Paige. Between November 29 and December 11, 2023, in a series of online conversations on the app and emails, Paige discussed his desire to meet the “child” for sexual activity. Paige also sent the undercover agent several videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children. On December 18, 2023, FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at Paige’s residence. On that same day, Paige was arrested. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Clemency Recipient List

component: Office of the Pardon Attorney

body_text: Today, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is granting clemency to 11 individuals who are serving long sentences for non-violent drug offenses. President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is commuting the sentences of the following 11 individuals: Felipe Arriaga – Sunnyside, Washington Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (District of Montana). Sentence: 20 years of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (December 17, 2009). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on April 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence. Earlie Deacon Barber – Dothan, Alabama Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of a mixture and substance containing cocaine and more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base (Northern District of Florida). Sentence: Life imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (September 9, 2009). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on April 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence. James Michael Barber – Gastonia, North Carolina Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine and 280 grams of cocaine base (Western District of North Carolina). Sentence: 15 years and eight months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (February 13, 2015). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on February 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence. Anthony Ewing – Union City, Georgia Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack) (Central District of Illinois). Sentence: 20 years of imprisonment (as amended by order of June 22, 2017), 10-year term of supervised release (January 22, 2016). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on April 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence. Quittman Andre Goodley – Austin, Texas Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (Western District of Texas). Sentence: 20 years of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (July 18, 2012). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on February 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence. D eondre Cordell Higgins – Kansas City, Missouri Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (Western District of Missouri). Sentence: Life imprisonment, no supervised release (August 30, 2011). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to a term of 25 years, leaving intact and in effect all other components of the sentence and with the final two years of his incarceration in prerelease custody, to the maximum extent permitted by law. Leroy Lymons – Pensacola, Florida Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine (Northern District of Florida). Sentence: Life imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (June 12, 2012). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to a term of 27 years, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence. Angel Rosario – Allentown, Pennsylvania Offense: Distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) within 1,000 feet of a public school; distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); distribution of cocaine base (crack) within 1,000 feet of a public school (two counts); distribution of cocaine base (crack) (two counts) (Eastern District of Pennsylvania). Sentence: 21 years and 10 months of imprisonment, eight-year term of supervised release, and $2,500 fine (July 19, 2012). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on April 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the eight-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence. Esaias J. Tucker – Tallahassee, Florida Offense: Conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and more than 280 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and more than 28 grams of cocaine base (Northern District of Florida). Sentence: 20 years of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (January 29, 2013). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on April 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence. Darryl Allen Winkfield – Augusta, Georgia Offense: Conspiracy to distribute, and to possess cocaine and cocaine base with intent to distribute; distribution of cocaine hydrochloride (three counts); possession of cocaine and cocaine base with intent to distribute (Southern District of Georgia). Sentence: Life imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (September 29, 1998). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on April 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence. Kenneth Winkler – Indianapolis, Indiana Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine (Southern District of Indiana). Sentence: 20 years of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (July 23, 2012). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on February 20, 2024, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.


title: St. Louis Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Meth Trafficking

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Louis, Mo., man traveling by bus from Los Angeles, Calif., was sentenced in federal court today after more than 31 pounds of methamphetamine was found in his luggage at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station. Cregg L. Matthews, 56, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Matthews was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions. Matthews was found guilty at trial on June 6, 2023, of one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. On March 9, 2019, investigators believed Matthews was traveling on a bus from California and would be arriving at a bus station in Kansas City, Mo., and could be transporting a large amount of methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers at the bus station used a service canine to check the luggage under the bus in the luggage bins. After the bus arrived and the passengers were off the bus, a police service canine alerted to a suitcase with Matthews’s name on it. Matthews was carrying a black bag when he was contacted by the police. A police service canine also alerted to that bag. When investigators searched the black bag Matthews was carrying, they found 10 bundles of methamphetamine that weighed a total of 10 pounds. In the suitcase retrieved from the bus, investigators found 16 bundles of methamphetamine that weighed a total of 21.6 pounds. Matthews was discharged from parole about a year before he committed this federal offense, after a 10-year prison sentence for possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute. Including this conviction, Matthews has three drug-trafficking convictions and a prior felony conviction of statutory rape. While in pretrial custody in this case, according to court documents, he was in a jail fight. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean T. Foley and John Constance. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, MoWIN (the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force), and the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announces Project Safe Neighborhoods Violence Reduction Microgrant Program, Fiscal Years 20-22 subawards

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced additional commitments as part of the Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Strategy to disrupt violent crime. Instituted by U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in May 2021, Project Safe Neighborhoods was strengthened by four new strategies that now serve as the pillars of the program: Community Engagement; Prevention and Intervention; Focused and Strategic Enforcement; and Accountability. Through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) FY20-22, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is pleased to announce that $227,676 in funding from the Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance has been earmarked for state and local law enforcement violence-reduction projects. “Achieving safe and thriving communities requires ongoing, creative, and deliberative collaborations between law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Microgrants under Project Safe Neighborhoods play a crucial role in furthering this goal by providing funding to local initiatives aimed at preventing crime and violence. These grants empower law enforcement agencies to implement strategies such as youth programs, community engagement activities, and intervention efforts to address the root causes of crime. By supporting these localized initiatives, microgrants can help build stronger, safer neighborhoods by fostering law enforcement and community partnerships to strengthen violent-crime prevention efforts.” The following local law enforcement agencies will receive subawards to combat violent crime and maintain public safety: the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office; the Police Departments of Atlanta, Brookhaven, Calhoun, Clayton County, DeKalb County, East Point, Ellijay, Floyd County, Griffin, Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University, Norcross, Rome, Roswell, Smyrna, and Villa Rica; and the Sheriff’s Offices of Carroll and Douglas Counties. The PSN microgrant funds are intended to comprehensively augment ongoing public safety efforts, including by: fostering trust and increasing legitimacy in communities; implementing and enhancing community engagement and policing strategies through the development and testing of innovative strategies; strengthening knowledge about effective practices and outcomes; supporting new, creative approaches to prevent crime and promote safer communities; addressing violent gun crime and gang violence; and bolstering improved policing strategies – all throughout our district. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Fayette County Man and Business Sentenced for Clean Water Act Violations

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – For violating the Clean Water Act, Michael Graves, 68, of Charlton Heights, was sentenced yesterday to one year of incarceration, to be served on home confinement as part of a five-year term of federal probation, and fined $10,000 and West Virginia Environmental Services, Inc. (WVES), a company wholly owned by Graves, was fined $500,000 and placed on corporate probation for three years. According to court documents and statements made in court, Graves and WVES owned and managed an industrial waste landfill in Fayette County, West Virginia. Graves and WVES were paid over $9.8 million from 2006 to 2020 to accept industrial waste and treat the resulting leachate. This contaminated liquid that passes through a landfill includes toxic materials and must be properly treated prior to discharge into a stream or tributary. As no new waste was accepted at the Fayette County landfill after 2008, the sole remaining task of Graves and WVES was to collect and treat the leachate. Graves and WVES failed to maintain the landfill’s leachate collection for several years beginning in at least 2016. This failure by Graves and WVES caused the discharge of leachate that contained toxic water pollutants into Jarrett Branch, a tributary that flows into the Kanawha River near Alloy, West Virginia. The toxic pollutants included arsenic, hexavalent chromium, and selenium. Inspectors from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection repeatedly documented the illegal discharges into Jarrett Branch, resulting in numerous notices of violations issued to Graves and WVES. The Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the landfill has since lapsed and has not been renewed. “Mr. Graves and WVES continuously and repeatedly allowed discharges of untreated toxic industrial pollutants into the nation’s waters, despite having been paid millions of dollars to properly maintain the landfill,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “The defendants abused the public trust that accompanied the issuance of the discharge permit. This outcome, which includes the maximum possible fine against WVES, reflects the egregious nature and circumstances of the offenses and is necessary to promote respect for the law and to deter similar criminal conduct.” Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Criminal Investigative Division of the Environmental Protection Agency and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Graves and WVES each pleaded guilty to one felony count of violation of the Clean Water Act on February 22, 2023. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed today’s sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry McDaniel prosecuted the case. On May 5, 2022, the Department launched the Office of Environmental Justice and announced a comprehensive environmental justice enforcement strategy. Enforcement of this strategy relies upon meaningful engagement and transparency with impacted communities regarding environmental justice issues, efforts, and results. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia enforces federal laws to protect environmental quality and human health in all communities within the district. In coordination with components of the Justice Department, the United States Attorney’s Office will hold polluters accountable for their actions, prioritizing cases that will reduce public health and environmental harms to overburdened and underserved communities. The United States Attorney’s Office encourages the public to report suspected environmental violations within the district. Reports may be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency or by email, mail, or phone to the United States Attorney’s Office. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-186. ###


title: Founder Of Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme “IcomTech” Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the guilty plea of DAVID CARMONA for his role in founding and promoting a large-scale cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme known as IcomTech. CARMONA pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “IcomTech was a large-scale cryptocurrency scam founded by David Carmona that defrauded numerous investors. Carmona and his co-defendants founded IcomTech on lies, and siphoned money away from victims at every opportunity. Today’s guilty plea should send a clear message to those who engage in Ponzi schemes — whether in the cryptocurrency markets or elsewhere — that this Office is committed to rooting out fraud in all its forms and holding those responsible to full account.” According to the allegations in the Indictment and statements made in public court proceedings: CARMONA started IcomTech in 2018, and MARCO RUIZ OCHOA — who pled guilty in September 2023 — was represented to be IcomTech’s CEO until 2019, when a new CEO replaced him. IcomTech was a purported cryptocurrency mining and trading company that promised to earn its victim-investors (“Victims”) profits in exchange for their purchase of purported cryptocurrency-related investment products. CARMONA and the other promoters of IcomTech, including his co-defendants OCHOA, JUAN ARELLANO, MOSES VALDEZ, and DAVID BREND, falsely promised their respective Victims, among other things, that profits from the companies’ cryptocurrency trading and mining would result in guaranteed daily returns on Victims’ investments. In reality, IcomTech did not engage in cryptocurrency trading or mining for its Investors, and CARMONA and Icomtech’s other promoters used Victim funds to pay other Victims, to further promote the schemes, and to enrich themselves. Icomtech promoters, including CARMONA, traveled throughout the United States and internationally where they hosted lavish expos and small community presentations aimed at luring Victims to invest in the schemes, including in the Southern District of New York. During larger-scale events, IcomTech promoters presented on purported investment products and the compensation plan, encouraged Victims to invest as a means of achieving financial freedom, and boasted about the amount of money they were earning. IcomTech promoters often showed up at larger-scale events in expensive cars and wearing luxury clothing as a way of exhibiting their purportedly legitimate success from IcomTech. The atmosphere of these events was festive and designed to generate excitement about the schemes. Victims invested in IcomTech by purchasing investment products from promoters using cash, checks, wire transfers, and actual cryptocurrency. Following a Victim’s investment, a Victim would be provided with access to an online portal where the Victim could monitor the purported returns. While Victims saw “profits” accumulate on the online portal, most Victims were unable to withdraw any of these so-called profits and ultimately lost their entire investments. By contrast, IcomTech’s promoters, including CARMONA, siphoned off, in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars in Victim funds, which they withdrew as cash, spent on IcomTech promotional expenses, and used for personal expenditures such as luxury goods and real estate. CARMONA worked with his co-defendant, GUSTAVO RODRIGUEZ, to build IcomTech’s website and online portal, where Victims were provided with personal accounts. CARMONA and RODRIGUEZ discussed how to structure IcomTech’s compensation plan and investment products. For example, RODRIGUEZ advised CARMONA on where CARMONA should set the purported daily returns on Victims’ investment packages and on the size of the investment packages that CARMONA should offer for sale. In or about September 2018, CARMONA and OCHOA entered into a contract on behalf of IcomTech to purchase cryptocurrency mining equipment from a legitimate supplier and then began touting that investment as a means of generating interest among Victims to invest. However, IcomTech did not meet its payment obligations to the supplier and never received any hardware. Indeed, in or about July and August 2018, CARMONA admitted that his negotiations with the supplier were just for appearances and that he was just “using them.” Even though RODRIGUEZ warned CARMONA that this would only work for a limited time before the supplier found out, CARMONA and OCHOA continued to promote IcomTech’s purported investment with the supplier. At least as early as August 2018, Victims who attempted to withdraw money from their online portal accounts had difficulty doing so, and when they complained to promoters, they were met with excuses, delays, and hidden fees, if they were able to make any withdrawals at all. Despite these complaints, IcomTech promoters, including CARMONA, continued to promote IcomTech and accept Victims’ investments. As complaints mounted, IcomTech began offering a proprietary crypto-token for sale as a means of injecting liquidity into IcomTech. Promoters of the schemes claimed that these tokens, known as “Icoms,” would eventually be worth a significant amount of money when they were accepted by companies for payment for goods and services. This was false. In reality, “Icoms” were essentially worthless and resulted in further financial loss to Victims. By in or about the end of 2019, IcomTech stopped making payments to Victims and IcomTech collapsed. * * * CARMONA, 40, of Queens, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The statutory maximum sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations’ El Dorado Task Force. Mr. Williams also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for their assistance. If you believe you are a victim of the IcomTech fraud, updated information regarding the case and victims’ rights, as well as contact information for the victim witness coordinator is available here . The case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Maimin, Cecilia E. Vogel, T. Josiah Pertz, and Benjamin A. Gianforti are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Arizona CEO and Accomplice Charged with Embezzling Millions of Dollars from Tribal Healthcare Provider

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – On December 14, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 40-count indictment against Kevin McKenzie, 47, and Corina Martinez, 41, of Tucson. McKenzie and Martinez were charged with Conspiracy to Embezzle from an Indian Tribal Organization; Embezzlement; Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds; Wire Fraud; Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering; and Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity. McKenzie was also charged with Attempted Tampering with a Witness. The indictment alleges that, from 2015 through July 2023, McKenzie, first as Chief Operating Officer and then as CEO of Apache Behavioral Health Services (ABHS), engaged in a scheme to defraud millions of dollars from ABHS. ABHS is organized by and under the laws of the White Mountain Apache Tribe to provide behavioral health services to its members. McKenzie used two contracts as a front to funnel money from ABHS to himself. Under the first contract, ABHS paid over $32 million to Helping Everyday Youth (HEDY). Thereafter, based on an agreement with McKenzie, HEDY funneled over $14 million in fraudulent proceeds to a shell company McKenzie owned. McKenzie concealed this backdoor financial arrangement from ABHS. McKenzie made significant efforts to hide his scheme through money laundering and attempted to persuade a witness to lie to investigators. The indictment also alleges that McKenzie, again as CEO for ABHS, and Martinez through her company Evolved, LLC, entered a phony “referral” contract to embezzle additional money from ABHS. Using this agreement, McKenzie caused ABHS to pay $15 million to a second Martinez company, Evolved Healthcare Inc. (EHI). Portions of the fraudulent proceeds were split amongst McKenzie and Martinez. Martinez gave McKenzie large sums of money, paid at least $800,000 of his personal credit card bills, and purchased other luxury items, including a $128,000 Rolls Royce Ghost and a $952,000 home for McKenzie’s family. EHI and Evolved LLC did not perform any services for ABHS. An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Section, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-23-02258-TUC-SHR RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-205_McKenzie/Martinez # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Pocatello Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: POCATELLO – Joshua Christopher Tompkins, 35, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Tompkins to serve 15 years of supervised release following his prison term. According to court records, in July 2022, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force found that an electronic device with an IP address associated with Tompkins had downloaded thousands of images of child pornography. In December 2022, investigators obtained and executed a search warrant at Tompkins’s residence where they seized several electronic devices belonging to him. Upon searching Tompkins’s electronic devices, investigators discovered the thousands of illicit images that Tompkins downloaded from the internet. U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigation by the Idaho ICAC Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls, the Idaho Falls Police Department, and the Pocatello Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Paskett prosecuted this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: New York Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Fentanyl Distribution

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A New York man was sentenced yesterday for distributing approximately three kilograms of fentanyl and 592 grams of fentanyl analogue in Woburn. Ruben Davila Cardenas, 45, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to four years in prison and three years of supervised release. On Sept. 25, 2023, Cardenas pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. In October 2021, Cardenas travelled from New York City to Boston and distributed approximately three kilograms of fentanyl and over 500 grams of fentanyl analogue to a cooperating source in Woburn. Early in the day on Oct. 19, 2021, Cardenas picked up approximately three kilograms of fentanyl and over 500 grams of fentanyl analogue from an individual in New York City. Cardenas then travelled with the narcotics to Boston on a bus and to Woburn via a ride-share vehicle. There, Cardenas distributed the fentanyl and fentanyl analogue in a backpack to a cooperating source. Cardenas was immediately apprehended. The backpack was found to contain three kilograms of fentanyl and several thousand pills of fentanyl analogue. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Colonel Mark B. Hall, Director of the New Hampshire State Police made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Two Louisville Men Sentenced for Multiple Carjackings and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – Two Louisville men were sentenced this week to 22 and 17 years in prison for a string of armed carjackings that occurred in Jefferson County, Kentucky, from May to June of 2022. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents, Fahad Alasawi , was sentenced to 22 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for four counts of carjacking and four counts of possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Alasawi was also ordered to pay $14,158.33 in restitution. Mauricio Diaz , was sentenced to 17 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for three counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and three counts of possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Diaz was also ordered to pay $13,585.33 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system. From May 27, 2022, through June 2, 2022, Alasawi and Diaz stole or attempted to steal five vehicles including a Toyota Corolla, a Ford Focus, a Chevrolet Traverse, and a BMW 537xi from different victims, one of whom was 12-years old, with threats of violence and while possessing a firearm. Most of the carjackings occurred in a Louisville apartment complex. Diaz admitted to acting as a look out for the carjackings while Alisawi threatened the victims with violence. The case was investigated by The FBI Louisville Field Office, HSI Louisville, and the Louisville Metro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Porter prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Appointment of Jolene Ann Lauria as Assistant Attorney General for Administration

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the appointment of Jolene Ann Lauria as Assistant Attorney General for Administration. Lauria has served in an acting capacity since June 4, 2022, following the retirement of former Assistant Attorney General for Administration Lee Lofthus. “The Department’s Assistant Attorney General for Administration plays a critical role in enabling the Department to fulfill its core mission and serve the American people,” said Attorney General Garland. “Jolene’s dedication and record of achievement as a career public servant at DOJ make her uniquely qualified for this position. I look forward to continuing to work alongside her and am grateful to have her as part of the Department’s leadership team at this important time.” As the Assistant Attorney General for Administration, Lauria is also the Department’s Chief Financial Officer, responsible for Department-wide financial reporting, the annual financial statement, budget formulation and execution, the assets forfeiture fund, and debt management. Lauria also oversees facilities, procurement, human resources, information resources, policy, strategic planning, and other administrative functions. She is a key executive liaison with the appropriations subcommittees. Lauria was the lead executive that consolidated seven separate financial systems into a single modern Justice Department Unified Financial Management System supporting all 40 components and servicing over 16,000 users. For this effort, Lauria was twice a Federal 100 winner, in 2009 and 2015. This prestigious award recognized her vision and pioneering spirit in the federal IT community. Jolene Lauria has been the Department’s Controller since 2007. Prior to this position, Lauria was the Department’s Director of Budget Staff, and she was the Deputy Chief Financial Officer/Director of Budget at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Lauria has held a variety of positions in budget and financial management during her 33 years in the Federal government. From 2015-2018, Lauria served on INTERPOL’s Executive Committee as the representative for the Americas Region. She is currently the Chair of INTERPOL’s Advisory Group on Financial Matters that reviews and makes recommendations on INTERPOL’s worldwide budget. Lauria received a master’s degree in public administration from American University in 1989. In 2013, she graduated from the FBI National Academy, Class 252. Lauria was the recipient of a Meritorious Presidential Rank Award in 2006, and she received a Distinguished Presidential Rank Award in 2010.


title: Former Executive Director of Philadelphia Non-Profit Fund Charged with Stealing Over $1.6 Million From Church Families

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that John A. Miller, 74, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by indictment on charges of wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Miller, who served as executive director and treasurer of a non-profit fund in Philadelphia, used his position of trust to steal more than $1.6 million intended for widows and orphans of deceased clergy. The indictment alleges that from January 2015 through May 2022, the defendant devised a scheme to divert money from the fund to himself by, among other means, presenting false and fraudulent financial information to other fund executives and its outside auditors. The indictment alleges that Miller then used this money to fund personal purchases for himself, including international cruises, vacations to the Caribbean, and a luxury condominium. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 60 years’ imprisonment. The case was investigated the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome M. Maiatico. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Owensboro Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: Owensboro, KY – This week an Owensboro man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking charges. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Sheila Lyons of the DEA Chicago Field Division, and Chief Art Ealum of the Owensboro Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents, Willie Watkins , 32, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture. The following co-defendants have previously been sentenced in this case. On November 10, 2023, Richard Cason , 32, of Owensboro, was sentenced to 15 years and 10 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture. On February 16, 2023, Keith Watkins , 30, of Owensboro, was sentenced to 8 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. On December 13, 2023, Samuel White , 30, of Owensboro, was sentenced to 5 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, and distribution of methamphetamine. On October 24, 2022, William Harvey Duhart , 40, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture. On August 10, 2022, Derrick Lamont Bullitt , 40, of Louisville, was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture. On June 9, 2022, Jeremy Poiles , 41, of Owensboro, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Co-defendants Christopher McNary and Nache Moore have previously pled guilty and will be sentenced at a later date. The DEA Evansville Resident Office and the Owensboro Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl is prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF . ###


title: Former Oklahoma City VA Medical Center Nurses Sentenced to Federal Prison for Lying About Medical Care Provided Before Patient's Death

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Two former nurses at the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center have been sentenced to federal prison for making false statements to Department of Veterans Affairs authorities about care provided to a patient prior to the patient’s death, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On September 6, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a three-count Indictment against NINA NGUYEN , 27, and Andrewe Steven Hansen , 31, both of Oklahoma City, for making false statements to the Veterans Affairs (VA) Police Service and to investigators with the VA Office of Inspector General, following the death of a patient. According to the Indictment, both Nguyen and Hansen claimed they did not pause medication being administered to the patient prior to the patient’s death, when they both knew they did pause medication. On March 6, 2023, Nguyen pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a VA investigator on May 10, 2021, following the death of a patient at a VA hospital in Oklahoma City. At Nguyen’s sentencing hearing on November 27, 2023, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Nguyen to serve six months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Russell noted the circumstances of the offense and ordered Nguyen to self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on January 2, 2024. On March 25, 2023, Hansen pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a VA investigator. At Hansen’s sentencing on December 11, 2023, Judge Russell sentenced Hansen to serve three months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Russell noted the nature and circumstances of the offense and Hansen’s history and characteristics. Judge Russell ordered Hansen to self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on January 5, 2024. This case is the result of an investigation by the Veterans Affairs Police Service and United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Las Vegas-Area Accountant Sentenced to Prison for Bribery and Tax Fraud

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Nevada man was sentenced Wednesday to 13 months in prison for his role in separate bribery and tax fraud conspiracies. According to court documents and statements made in court, Dustin M. Lewis, of Henderson, was a certified public accountant employed by Las Vegas-based accounting firm L.L. Bradford & Company. Beginning in February 2015 through about February 2016, Lewis conspired with and paid a public official with the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) more than $150,000 in bribes and kickbacks. In exchange for those payments, Lewis’ co-conspirator, who was a member of a selection committee responsible for awarding government contracts to perform auditing services for USBR programs, steered an audit contract to L.L. Bradford. Lewis and his co-conspirator also conspired to file a false 2013 corporate tax return and other tax forms on behalf of six business entities that collectively claimed over $11 million in fraudulent business deductions. Lewis’ conduct caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $1.5 million. In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon for the District of Nevada ordered Lewis to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $704,002 in restitution. The court also imposed a criminal forfeiture money judgment against Lewis in the amount of $704,002. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI and the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Trial Attorney Patrick Burns of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Myhre for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.


title: Three Men Charged in International Bribery and Money Laundering Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A five-count indictment was unsealed on Wednesday charging a Georgia businessman, a former Honduran government official, and a former Florida resident for their alleged participation in an international scheme to pay and conceal bribes to Honduran government officials to secure contracts to provide uniforms and other goods to the Honduran National Police. According to court documents, Carl Alan Zaglin, 68, is the owner of a Georgia-based manufacturer of law enforcement uniforms and accessories, and made his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday; Francisco Roberto Cosenza Centeno, 65, was the former Executive Director of the Comité Técnico del Fideicomiso para la Administración del Fondo de Protección y Seguridad Poblacional (TASA), a Honduran governmental entity that procured goods for the Honduran National Police; and Aldo Nestor Marchena, 50, was a resident of Boca Raton, Florida. Between about March 2015 and continuing until about November 2019, Zaglin, Marchena, and others allegedly agreed to bribe Honduran government officials, including Cosenza, to secure contracts with TASA worth over $10 million. In exchange for the bribes, Cosenza and other Honduran government officials allegedly assisted Zaglin, Marchena, and others in obtaining contracts for the sale of uniforms and other goods for the Honduran National Police and securing payment on the contracts. Zaglin, Marchena, and their co-conspirators allegedly used the proceeds from the corrupt Honduran government contracts to make bribe payments to Honduran government officials. To promote the scheme and conceal the bribe payments, Zaglin, Marchena, Cosenza, and others allegedly laundered proceeds of the corrupt scheme through bank accounts and front companies in the United States and Belize. As alleged in the indictment, the conspirators sent over $166,000 to bank accounts controlled by Cosenza and another Honduran foreign official in furtherance of the scheme. The defendants are all charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Cosenza and Marchena are also each charged with one count of money laundering and one count of engaging in transactions in criminally derived property. Zaglin and Marchena are also both charged with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Zaglin is also charged with one count of violating the FCPA. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the money laundering offenses, 10 years in prison on the count of engaging in transactions in criminally derived property, and five years in prison on each of the FCPA-related offenses. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Miami Office made the announcement. HSI’s Miami Office is investigating the case, with assistance from HSI’s Atlanta Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Peter L. Cooch and Anthony Scarpelli of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. In June 2021, the Justice Department announced an Anticorruption Task Force to focus on investigations, prosecutions, and asset recoveries related to corruption in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador through the department’s FCPA enforcement program, counternarcotics prosecutions, and Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. Anyone with information about corrupt actors in these countries who are violating U.S. laws or moving proceeds of their crimes in or through the United States may report the conduct in Spanish or English at combatiendocorrupcion@fbi.gov . Tips regarding possible corruption or movements of ill-gotten funds that are received through the email address will be reviewed by the Anticorruption Task Force. Tipsters who want to report suspicious or criminal activity can also contact the HSI Tip Line by calling (866) 347-2423. The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. You may find related court documents and information on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-CR-20454. A copy of the indictment is attached here. Indictment ##


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

body_text: Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on December 5, 2023, charging a Louisville man with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to the indictment, Ryan Akeem Turner, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On September 28, 2023, Turner possessed a Ruger, model LC9S, 9-millimeter caliber pistol. Turner was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On February 22, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (heroin), convicted felon in possession of a handgun, and possession of a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (heroin). On February 22, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of complicity to receiving stolen property under $10,000. On October 13, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of 3 counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (more than 2 grams of heroin) and convicted felon in possession of a handgun. On October 15, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (heroin). On April 6, 2011, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (cocaine). On December 18, 2008, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (cocaine), tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (cocaine). On December 18, 2008, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (cocaine) and tampering with physical evidence. On December 18, 2008, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (cocaine). The defendant made his initial court appearance yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. He remains in custody pending trial. If convicted, Turner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the ATF and the LMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Georgia Inmate Guilty of Brokering Large Amounts of Meth Sentenced

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. – A Georgia inmate and member of the Sureños criminal gang who was brokering the distribution of at least 250 kilograms of methamphetamine along with other controlled substances like heroin and fentanyl from behind bars was sentenced to serve more than 30 years in prison for his crimes. Pedro Barragan Valencia aka “Casper” aka “Bossman,” aka “Mexican Hitman Pete,” 46, of Calhoun, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 400 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Dec. 12. Valencia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on June 7. Valencia is not eligible for parole. “Pedro Valencia directed the distribution of at least 250 kilograms of methamphetamine from behind bars to an armed drug trafficking organization pushing these highly addictive and deadly drugs in Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This dangerous drug trafficking organization was dismantled because of the collaboration of federal, state and local law enforcement dedicated to stopping criminals from harming our communities.” “This conviction serves to put criminals on notice that if you bring illegal drugs into our communities, we will employ whatever means necessary to find you and bring you to justice no matter where you are,” said FBI Atlanta Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of the Macon Office Robert Gibbs. “This prosecution closes a significant pipeline for dangerous drugs running through the streets of Georgia. We are grateful to the many law enforcement agencies whose coordinated efforts achieved this sentence.” “This successful investigation and prosecution is the result of many law enforcement agencies dedicated to securing our communities; we are grateful for the collaboration and hopeful it will make a difference,” said Upson County Sheriff Dan Kilgore. According to court documents, FBI was investigating co-defendant Cornelius Leonard aka “Tae,” 29, of Grantville, Georgia, for leading an armed drug distribution organization in late 2021 and early 2022, having made four controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Leonard during that time period. The investigation led to multiple wiretaps on Leonard’s phones. Through these wiretaps, law enforcement agents learned that Leonard was conspiring with Valencia—who was an inmate at Calhoun State Prison—to acquire large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and other illegal drugs for distribution in Thomaston and Columbus along with other Georgia cities. Valencia supplied Leonard with at least 250 kilograms of methamphetamine. The following co-defendant is awaiting sentencing: Cornelius Leonard aka “Tae,” 29, of Grantville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; one count of distribution of methamphetamine; and one count of conspiracy to tamper with a witness and is facing a maximum of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2024. The following co-defendants have been sentenced: Ramone Zorn aka “Big Razor,” 53, of Thomaston, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine; Kedric Fuller aka “Blakk Ru,” 43, of Woodbury, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; Horatio Venable aka “Ray Ray,” 26, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Markevious Snipes aka “Big Dawg,” 32, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 136 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Mechile Hobbs, 49, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Darius Wellmaker, 40, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 90 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Joshua McAfee, 36, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 50 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; Rashard Moreland, 38, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 40 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to use of a telecommunications facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Antovious Hunter aka “Ant,” 41, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Dustin Robbins, 34, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Sabrina Smith, 34, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine; Natashia Antley, 36, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility; Nehemiah Johnson, 30, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Jennifer Moss, 39, of Molena, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Dixie Bailey, 34, of Thomaston, was sentenced to time served after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Mark Dean, 45, of Manchester, Georgia, was sentenced to time served after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Ashley Ingram, 37, of Cataula, Georgia, was sentenced to time served after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Krystal Juarez Norman, 34, of Thomaston, was sentenced to time served after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; S. Carlton Power, 27, of Manchester, Georgia, was sentenced to time served after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and D. Justin Whitten, 37, of Hogansville, Georgia, was sentenced to time served after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The case was investigated by FBI and the Upson County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC). Criminal Chief Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Retired Police Officer Sentenced for Falsifying ATF Form to Transfer Machine Gun

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

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A former Portland police officer was sentenced on Thursday in U.S. District Court in Portland for falsifying an application to acquire a machine gun. Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Levi Thomas Robinson Jr. , 69, to two months incarceration followed by two years of supervised release. Robinson pleaded guilty on June 21, 2023. According to court records, Robinson was the owner of a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL), Robinson Arms in North Yarmouth. In October 2022, he provided a falsified letter that included a forged signature of a Portland Police Department official and was written on department stationery in an attempt to transfer a Kriss USA Inc. Vector Cal. .45 ACP machine gun to Robinson Arms from an FFL in Rockwell, Texas. An FFL who pays the special occupational tax may acquire samples of post-1986 machine guns in order to demonstrate them to governmental entities for possible purchase. The qualifying FFL must obtain a letter from the governmental entity stating they are interested in having a demonstration of the machine gun for evaluation and possible purchase. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Project Safe Neighborhoods: 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. To learn more information about Project Safe Neighborhood, visit www.justice.gov/psn . ###


title: New York Man Pleads Guilty To Smuggling Cocaine From Panama To Florida

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Egbert Philip (58, New York) has pleaded guilty to conspiring to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States. He faces a minimum mandatory term of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, in April 2022 at the seaport in Colon, Panama, coconspirators loaded a container vessel with 15 kilograms of cocaine inside a refrigeration unit to avoid detection. On April 26, 2022, the vessel arrived in Port Everglades, Florida. Philip assisted with securing personnel at the port to offload the 15 kilograms of cocaine for further distribution, but law enforcement seized it. The conspirators tried again in November 2022. This time, they hid 112 kilograms of cocaine on the container vessel. Philip was the intended recipient of the cocaine, and on December 7, 2022, he tried to receive the cocaine in Sarasota, Florida for further distribution throughout the state. However, he was arrested shortly after he loaded the cocaine into his car. This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. The Sarasota Police Department also provided valuable assistance and coordination for this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Pardo.


title: Las Vegas-Area Accountant Sentenced To Prison For Bribery And Tax Fraud

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS - A Nevada man was sentenced Wednesday to 13 months in prison for his role in separate bribery and tax fraud conspiracies. According to court documents and statements made in court, Dustin M. Lewis, of Henderson, was a certified public accountant employed by Las Vegas-based accounting firm L.L. Bradford & Company. Beginning in February 2015 through about February 2016, Lewis conspired with and paid a public official with the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) more than $150,000 in bribes and kickbacks. In exchange for those payments, Lewis’ co-conspirator, who was a member of a selection committee responsible for awarding government contracts to perform auditing services for USBR programs, steered an audit contract to L.L. Bradford. Lewis and his co-conspirator also conspired to file a false 2013 corporate tax return and other tax forms on behalf of six business entities that collectively claimed over $11 million in fraudulent business deductions. Lewis’ conduct caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $1.5 million. In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon for the District of Nevada ordered Lewis to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $704,002 in restitution. The court also imposed a criminal forfeiture money judgment against Lewis in the amount of $704,002. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI and the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Trial Attorney Patrick Burns of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Myhre for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt: Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 21 was: Dashawn Kiree Bryant, 31, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bryant faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Bryant was released pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-132. Tirrell Lewis, 43, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-147. Appearing on Dec. 19 was: David Antonio Rodas Jr., 38, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rodas faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Rodas was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-138. Robert Stuart Quam, 42, of Belgrade, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Quam faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug crimes and a mandatory five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Quam was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Billings Police Department and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-118. Appearing on Dec. 18 was: Shelby Jean Tripp, 33, of Livingston, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tripp faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Tripp was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Belgrade Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-125. Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Dec. 18 was: Juan Carlos Santoya, 48, of Belgrade, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime Santoya faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Santoya was released pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-20. Piyush Mathew, 30, of Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, on charges of abusive sexual contact in aircraft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mathew faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 and five years to life of supervised release. Mathew was released pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-19. Appearing on Dec. 15 was: James Andrew Stringari, 51, of Whitehall, on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stringari faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years to life of supervised release. Stringari was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-10. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Phillips Respironics Pays $2.4 Million for Allegedly Giving Kickbacks

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – December 22, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Phillips Respironics, a manufacturer of durable medical equipment based in Pennsylvania, has paid $2,471,359.25 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by giving kickbacks to sleep laboratories. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits paying money or giving goods to induce referrals for medical services or items covered by a federal health care program, such as Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE. Claims submitted to these programs in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute give rise to liability under the False Claims Act. The settlement resolves allegations that from 2016 through 2021, Philips RS North America LLC f/k/a Philips Respironics, Inc. provided sleep labs with free masks used to treat and diagnose sleep-related respiratory disorders to induce the labs’ physicians to write referrals or prescriptions for Respironics-brand masks that suppliers would fill and bill to federal health care programs. “When kickbacks are used as bribes, patients suffer,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Companies like Phillips Respironics will be held accountable if they undermine our trust in the medical system and shift medical advice from a patient’s best interest to lining their own pockets.” “Respironics’ improper inducements corrupted the integrity of federal healthcare programs, including the Department of Defense's (DoD) TRICARE program,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent-in-Charge of the DoD Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office. “DCIS will continue to pursue those who defraud or attempt to defraud TRICARE, because those deceptive actions ultimately harm those defending our country and their families.” This settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and Office of Counsel to the Inspector General; the Defense Health Agency Office of General Counsel; the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice; and the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dylan M. Aste. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Four Tampa Bay Area Tax Preparers Sentenced To Prison

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia Covington today sentenced Ashley Flournoy (Riverview) to two years in federal prison for to conspiracy to commit tax fraud and aiding or assisting in the preparation of false income tax return documents. The Court previously sentenced codefendants Jamica Nelms, Capriesha Cummings, and Camille Harper – all of St. Petersburg – to three years, two and half years, and one year in federal prison, respectively, for the same criminal charges. According to court documents, from January 2017 through April 2019, Nelms, Cummings, Flournoy, and Harper were income tax return preparers at a business in St. Petersburg. The defendants conspired to defraud the United States by preparing false income tax returns for numerous clients for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue tax refunds in amounts in excess of what the clients were entitled to receive. In doing so, the defendants documented on Schedule C forms they prepared that clients owned fictitious businesses, which maximized the clients’ ability to claim the Earned Income Credit on their tax returns and thereby increase their tax refunds. The defendants also fraudulently reported that clients were entitled to claim credits for fuel taxes or educations expenses paid to make it appear that their clients were entitled to tax refunds. The defendants collectively were ordered to pay $1,006,881 in restitution to the IRS and to never prepare tax returns for third parties again. “As we approach the tax filing season, taxpayers are reminded to be vigilant when entrusting someone with preparing their tax returns. Dishonest return preparers not only defraud the IRS, but are also stealing from the American taxpayer,” said Tara K. Reed IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge. “Today's sentencing is a warning to those who might consider preparing false tax returns that there is a heavy price to pay for committing fraud. IRS-CI Special Agents are withholding no effort in cracking down on fraudulent return preparers and we will continue protecting taxpayer money.” This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Pizzo and Jay Trezevant.


title: Wisconsin Man Charged with Possessing Destructive Device

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – A Janesville, Wisconsin man is charged with unlawfully possessing a destructive device in a complaint filed today in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. James Morgan, 30, was arrested in Janesville yesterday. According to the complaint, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received information indicating that Morgan was involved in the making of, and possession of, destructive devices. Investigators searched Morgan’s travel trailer yesterday in Janesville pursuant to a federal search warrant. The complaint alleges that six homemade destructive devices were found in a safe inside the trailer and that materials that could be used for making additional devices were also found, including two 1-pound containers of Pyrodex, a black powder substitute. Morgan appeared in U.S. District Court in Madison, Wisconsin today. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker ordered that Morgan be held in custody pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for Friday, December 29. If convicted, Morgan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Janesville Police Department, and the Whitewater Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Duchemin for the Western District of Wisconsin, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Scully for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.


title: Mexican man imprisoned for selling drugs out of Houston barber shop

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 45-year-old Mexican citizen illegally residing in Houston has been sentenced following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute nearly 50 kilograms of various narcotics, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Merbin Leodan Inestroza-Perez pleaded guilty Oct. 6. U.S. District Judge David Hittner has now ordered Inestroza-Perez to serve 235 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, Judge Hittner noted the large amount of drugs and questioned his family members on their knowledge of the extent of the quantity of narcotics. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the negative impact drugs have had on the community. The court emphasized that authorities seized 500 grams of fentanyl from Inestroza-Perez and its potential deadly effects. The investigation revealed Inestroza-Perez was distributing meth out of a local barber shop in Houston. On March 25, 2022, law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery of 111 grams of meth from him and subsequently conducted a search of his residence. At that time, authorities discovered 30 kilograms of cocaine, nearly 18 kilograms of meth, over 500 grams of fentanyl and eight firearms. The total amount of the narcotics had an estimated street value of $850,000. The investigation further revealed Inestroza-Perez was in league with individuals located in South Texas. The other conspirators have since been convicted and are pending sentencing. Inestroza-Perez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Assistant U.S. Attorney Jimmy Leo prosecuted the case.


title: Emmetsburg Woman Pleads Guilty to  Unlawfully Possessing a Gun

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A woman who illegally possessed a firearm pled guilty December 19, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City. Andrea Crystal Lee, 35, from Emmetsburg, Iowa, was convicted of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Lee had previously been convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance – 3rd or subsequent offense on April 30, 2021. Lee was on state probation for that offense when she committed the federal firearms offense. At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on January 24, 2023, a state probation officer located drug-use paraphernalia at Lee’s home in Emmetsburg, Iowa, during a probation check. Lee was given a urinalysis test which returned positive indicating recent methamphetamine use. The same day, a search of Lee’s home was conducted pursuant to a search warrant. Law enforcement found a 9mm handgun concealed in a floor vent, 9mm ammunition in two magazines, and a bag of needles. As a drug user and felon, Lee was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Lee remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Lee faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-3011. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Sumner Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bankruptcy Fraud

body_text: A woman who hid a $147,000 inheritance check from her creditors in bankruptcy court was sentenced on December 21, 2023, to federal prison. Debra S. Leisinger, age 58, from Sumner, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 7, 2023 guilty plea to one count of bankruptcy concealment. In a plea agreement, Leisinger admitted that, on December 8, 2022, she filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, by means of sworn court filings. When a debtor files a petition seeking protection from creditors under the bankruptcy laws, a “bankruptcy estate” is created, which is comprised of all property belonging to the debtor, wherever located, and by whomever held, as of the time of the filing of the bankruptcy case, and debtors must truthfully disclose their assets to the court in court filings. Leisinger admitted she fraudulently concealed that she was in possession of a $147,969.28 inheritance check on the date she filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. An attorney had handed Leisinger the check on December 1, 2022, but Leisinger did not immediately cash it. On December 16, 2022, Leisinger cashed the check into an account she controlled at a local credit union. As a part of her scheme, Leisinger attempted to discharge over $65,000 in debts that she owed to her creditors but keep her entire inheritance. Ultimately, the United States Trustee discovered Leisinger’s scheme, she waived her Chapter 7 discharge, her bankruptcy was dismissed, her inheritance was applied to repay her creditors, and she was prosecuted federally. Leisinger was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Leisinger was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment. Leisinger was also ordered to repay $5,000 for her court-appointed attorney fees. She must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Leisinger was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal in January 2024. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Office of the U.S. Trustee referred and assisted in the investigation. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-2028. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Justice Department Secures Denaturalization of Convicted Serial Child Rapist Who Fraudulently Obtained U.S. Citizenship

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: GREENSBORO – On December 20, 2023, the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Chief United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, entered an order revoking the naturalized U.S. citizenship of a convicted serial child rapist. The court held that defendant Gaetan Joseph Helard Lecompte, a native of Canada, illegally procured his U.S. citizenship. The court’s order was based on its finding that Lecompte lacked the good moral character required to naturalize because he had fraudulently concealed numerous sexual offenses in order to illegally procure citizenship. According to court records, on July 17, 2009, Lecompte made a materially false statement under penalty of perjury on his naturalization application. In response to the question “Have you ever committed a crime or offense for which you were not arrested?” he answered “No.” On October 5, 2009, Lecompte was interviewed in person and under oath by a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer. During the interview, Lecompte orally testified that he had never committed a crime or offense for which he had not been arrested. On October 29, 2009, Lecompte took the Oath of Allegiance and was granted U.S. citizenship. On August 1, 2011, in the Superior Court of North Carolina in Forsyth County, Lecompte was convicted of 52 felony offenses, including statutory rape, first degree sex offense with a child, indecent liberties with a child, and dissemination of obscene materials to a minor. Lecompte was sentenced to a life term of imprisonment. He confessed to having committed the offenses against five different child victims between 1991 and 2005. Lecompte was not arrested until after he naturalized, thus immigration officials were unaware of his crimes. United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina made the announcement. The case was investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Division as part of Operation False Haven, an ongoing initiative designed to aggressively target child molesters and other egregious felons who fraudulently obtained citizenship. The case was jointly prosecuted by a Trial Attorney of the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation Enforcement Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Zeller of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina, with assistance from ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor. ###


title: Tahlequah Resident Sentenced For Federal Drug Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Shawna Marie Robledo, age 44, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The charge arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On December 12, 2022, Robledo pleaded guilty to an Information of one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. On October 27, 2020, law enforcement officers discovered Robledo in possession of multiple clear baggies containing over 50 grams of methamphetamine mixture intended for distribution. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the sentencing hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Robledo 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 United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States at sentencing.


title: Pittsburg County Resident Sentenced For Distribution Of Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Layla Ann Myers, age 30, of McAlester, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine. The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. On December 12, 2022, Myers pleaded guilty to one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine. According to investigators, on March 19, 2021, Myers sold over 125 grams of methamphetamine. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Myers 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 United States Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.


title: Murray County Resident Sentenced For Federal Drug Offense

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that William Parker Gray, age 34, of Sulphur, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 151 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Murray County Sheriff’s Department. On December 12, 2022, Parker pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. According to investigators, on October 11, 2022, Murray County Sheriff’s Officers conducting a traffic stop discovered Gray in possession of over 300 grams of methamphetamine, firearms, and a large sum of U.S. currency. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Parker 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 United States Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.


title: Tahlequah Resident Sentenced For Assault With A Dangerous Weapon

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ashly Mae Murphy, age 30, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. The charges arose from investigations by the Tahlequah Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On October 18, 2022, Murphy pleaded guilty to the crime. According to investigators, on July 4, 2021, Murphy stabbed the victim more than 20 times with a knife. The crime occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Murphy 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.


title: Sallisaw Resident Sentenced For Involuntary Manslaughter

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Troy Allen Stevenson, age 23, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. The charges arose from investigations by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On October 13, 2022, Stevenson was found guilty by a federal jury at trial. On July 17, 2021, after being assaulted by his estranged father, Stevenson responded with excessive force, shooting and killing him. The crimes occurred in Sequoyah County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Stevenson 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 United States Attorneys Kevin Gross and Derick Blakely represented the United States.


title: McCurtain County Residents Sentenced For Assault And Firearms Offenses At Mountain Fork River

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that McCurtain County residents Anthony Juan Armenta, age 34, and Kevin Ray Ward, age 39, were sentenced for assault and firearms offenses. On December 1, 2023, the federal court sentenced Armenta to 240 months in prison for one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country, two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, and one count of Use Carry, Brandish, and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. On June 2, 2023, the federal court sentenced Ward to 180 months in prison for one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country, two counts of Assault with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, and one count of Use, Carry Brandish, and Discharge of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence. The charges arose from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office. The trial for Armenta and Ward began on August 16, 2022, and concluded on Friday, August 19, 2022, with a federal jury finding Armenta and Ward guilty on all counts of the Indictment. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on May 24, 2020, Armenta and Ward confronted three individuals returning from fishing on the Mountain Fork River. During the confrontation, Armenta and Ward beat one of the victims with a tire iron, and shot at all three of the victims, hitting one twice in the abdomen. The crimes occurred in McCurtain County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Patrick R. Wyrick, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the sentencing hearings in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Armenta is in the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons serving a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Ward 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 United States Attorneys Benjamin D. Traster and Nicole Paladino represented the United States.


title: ST. CROIX WOMAN CHARGED WITH WIRE FRAUD

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Nicole Morales, 47, a native of St. Croix, was charged in a 153-count wire fraud indictment. According to court documents, on November 10, 2015, Morales began her employment as an office manager with Nichols, Newman, Logan, Grey and Lockwood, P.C. where she was responsible for processing employee payroll. In December 2015 through January 2019, Morales was engaged in a pattern of inflating her payroll. During this period, Morales also wired $371,595.74 from her employer’s bank account into three separate personal bank accounts. If convicted, Morales faces a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston.