title: Houston resident sent to prison for soliciting sexually-explicit videos of minors

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON - A 25-year-old Houston resident has been ordered to federal prison after his convictions of production and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Austin Gray Roberson pleaded guilty Jan. 27, 2022, to three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography. Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt sentenced him to 180 months on each of the sexual exploitation of a minor counts and 120 months for possessing child pornography. They will run concurrently for a total 180-month-term of imprisonment. The court heard additional evidence as to how Roberson had reached out to 18 different minor males requesting them to send naked photos and videos of themselves to him. In imposing the sentence, Judge Hoyt also considered how Roberson’s conduct affected one of those minors through his victim impact statement. Roberson was furthered ordered to pay restitution to the victims and will serve 15 years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to the internet. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. “As a parent myself, it scares me to know how easy it is for sexual predators to misrepresent themselves and target children,” said Hamdani. “In today’s online world, we must remember to remain vigilant to help protect our kids. I hope this sentence makes these criminals think twice before trying to solicit our most vulnerable for their sick desires.” In June 2018, authorities in California had executed a search warrant at a residence as a result of a child pornography investigation, at which time they seized several electronic devices. Forensic analysis revealed that individual had been communicating with others on the social media application Kik for the purpose of obtaining and trading child pornography. The investigation revealed Roberson was one of those individuals. Roberson ultimately admitted he would portray himself on Kik as a minor female named “Kayla” that he would use to target minor males between 12 and 17 years of age. Roberson sent nude selfies and videos of a suspected minor female masturbating in an attempt to get those minor males to reciprocate. Authorities ultimately discovered 18 minor victims from whom Roberson solicited child pornography. Law enforcement also conducted a forensic exam on Roberson’s cellphone and found 3,765 images and 746 videos of young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The images and videos include children under the age of 12, bondage, bestiality and acts of violence such as the penetration of the victims. Roberson was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.


title: Kentucky Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Attempted Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NASHVILLE – A Walton, Kentucky man was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Nashville to 15 years in federal prison for attempting to coerce and entice a 13-year-old girl to engage in unlawful sexual activity, announced U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis. Thomas Niemeyer, 43, was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release at the conclusion of his prison sentence. Niemeyer was arrested in July 2021 in Covington, Kentucky, after initiating conversations with who he believed to be a 13-year-old female through online dating applications. Niemeyer was actually communicating with an undercover FBI agent who was conducting online proactive child exploitation investigations on apps known to be used by minors and individuals such as Niemeyer, who have a sexual interest in children. During the conversations, Niemeyer inquired about the 13-year-old’s sexual experiences, discussed engaging in sexual activity with her, requested nude photographs, sent sexually explicit photographs and videos, and mailed the undercover agent a sexual device. A federal grand jury in Nashville indicted Niemeyer in August 2021 and he pleaded guilty in October 2022. This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison. # # # # #


title: St. Bernard Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control Act

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DAWAYNE BOUTAIN , age 29, a resident of Violet, La. pleaded guilty on March 22, 2023 before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk to violating the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, BOUTAIN arrived at an apartment in Violet as St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Officers were about to execute a search warrant. BOUTAIN was subsequently found in possession of a Ruger magazine with 10 live rounds. He had previously been convicted of four separate felonies and was federally prohibited from possessing guns or ammunition. Judge Africk set sentencing for July 12, 2023. BOUTAIN faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. He also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 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. This case was investigated by the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crimes Unit.


title: Michigan Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Kyle L. Thomas, also known as “Trip,” 23, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to one year and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 18, 2021, Thomas sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Amigo, Raleigh County. Thomas sold quantities of fentanyl on two other occasions in Raleigh County. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit (BRCDVCU). United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case. The case is a result of a months-long investigation, dubbed “Operation Wolverine Carousel,” into the widespread distribution of heroin and fentanyl in Raleigh and Fayette counties. The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-29. ###


title: New Jersey Man Sentenced to 14 Months of Imprisonment for Human Smuggling Conspiracy

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Jose Alvarez, 31, of Trenton, New Jersey, was sentenced to 14 months of imprisonment today in United States District Court by United States District Judge Christina Reiss. Alvarez previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport foreign nationals in furtherance of their illegal entry into the United States. Judge Reiss also ordered that Alvarez serve three years of supervised release after he serves his term of imprisonment. According to court records, at about 3:00 a.m. on September 25, 2022, Alvarez was arrested near East Berkshire, Vermont after he had picked up four Guatemalan citizens who had just entered the United States illegally. Three of the foreign nationals stated each expected to pay $2000 to $3000 to Alvarez or his associates as a fee to be smuggled into the United States. Alvarez admitted to soliciting others to engage in the transportation of foreign nationals and to coordinating payment and pick up logistics with other members of the conspiracy. U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest credited the agents of the United States Border Patrol for their investigation and apprehension of Alvarez and their continued efforts to prevent the exploitation of foreign nationals by human-smuggling organizations. This matter was investigated by the United States Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher was the prosecutor. Alvarez was represented by Michael Straub, Esq., of Burlington.


title: Corpus Christi man arrested for selling fentanyl-laced pills causing death

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 21-year-old Corpus Christi man has been charged with delivery of fentanyl resulting in death and possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Authorities arrested Ricardo Julyan Kross Rios aka Kross, 21, Corpus Christi, this morning. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mitchel Neurock tomorrow at 9:45 a.m. A federal grand jury in Corpus Christi returned the tw0-count indictment March 22, 2023. It alleges that on Dec. 9, 2022, Rios possessed and delivered a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, the use of which resulted in the death of a person. Rios was also charged with one count of possessing fentanyl for the purpose of distribution on Jan. 17. If convicted of distributing fentanyl causing death, Rios faces up to life in prison. He could also be fined up to $1 million. The possession of fentanyl with the intention to distribute carries a 20-year maximum sentence. The Drug Enforcement Administration led the cooperative law enforcement effort targeting fentanyl with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in Corpus Christi, Aransas Pass and Mathis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting this case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Convicted Child Molester Sentenced for Immigration Fraud and Judicially Ordered Removed from the United States

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Manuel Alejandro Vitela-Romero, age 36, a citizen of Mexico residing in Johnston County, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Richard E. Myers II to time served plus one year of supervised release following a guilty plea to immigration fraud. Moreover, Vitela was judicially ordered removed from the United States. According to court records, on March 23, 2019, Vitela knowingly made a materially false statement on an application for an immigration benefit. In response to the question “Have you ever…engaged in [a]ny kind of sexual contact or relations with any person who was being forced or threatened?” he answered “No.” Contrary to Vitela’s statement, he had taken indecent liberties with a minor, a 13-year-old girl, on August 8, 2018, and he was convicted on November 8, 2022, in the Superior Court of North Carolina in Johnston County. He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of between 16 and 29 months and ordered to register as a sex offender. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. Agents with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations, assigned to the Document Benefit Fraud Task Force, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sebastian Kielmanovich prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-008-1M-BM.


title: Dunmore Business Owner Sentenced To Three Months In Prison For Failure To Pay Employment Taxes

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Worobey, age 53, of Abington Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to three months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for failure to pay employment taxes. Worobey owned and operated Prime Electric, Inc., an electrical contracting business in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. Between 2016 and 2019, Worobey collected $264,644 of federal employment taxes from his employees as he was required to by law but did not turn those employment taxes over to the IRS. In June 2022, Worobey pleaded guilty to failing to pay employment taxes. At his guilty plea, he agreed to pay the IRS $244,644 in restitution owed. Before sentencing, Worobey paid all of the restitution to the government. The case was investigated by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Former City Honors Teacher Sentenced To Serve 14 Years In Prison On Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Peter Hingston, 63, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted of two counts of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 168 months in prison and 15 years supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who handled the case, stated that on June 17, 2019, Buffalo Police Officers were called to City Honors School, where Hingston worked as a middle school technology teacher, based on allegations that Hingston was taking inappropriate photographs of female students with a GoPro camera. Officers secured the GoPro digital camera from Hingston. A subsequent search of the camera resulted in the recovery of child pornography videos produced by Hingston, involving minor victims who were under his custody, care, and supervisory control when the sexually explicit images were produced. Investigators also searched an external hard drive possessed by Hingston, which contained additional videos of child pornography produced by Hingston, involving different minor victims, who were also was under his custody, care, and supervisory control. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.


title: Moving assault weapons into Mexico lands former cartel leader’s son in prison

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Osiel Cardenas-Salinas Jr. has been sent to federal prison following his conviction of smuggling goods from the United States into Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Cardenas aka Osiel Cardenas Jr., 31, Brownsville, pleaded guilty Aug. 2, 2022, to attempting to purchase 10 assault rifles to export into Mexico. Cardenas is the son of former head of the Gulf Cartel Osiel Cardenas-Guillen who was convicted and previously sentenced to 25 years in federal prison. Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered Cardenas-Salinas to serve 109 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release and to pay a $20,000 fine. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described Cardenas-Salinas’s role as a supervisor/manager. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Cardenas-Salinas had two firearms related cases in his criminal history and continued to engage in additional criminal activity with the smuggling of weapons, repeatedly engaging in violations involving firearms. At the hearing, Cardenas-Salinas apologized to the court and asked for mercy. On April 22, 2021, Cardenas and others attempted to purchase five AK-47 type rifles and five AR-15 type rifles. The undercover operation took place in a Brownsville store parking lot. Cardenas had instructed another individual to cross into Mexico to pick up the $15,000 for the weapons and to inform him when the weapons transaction had been completed. At the time of his plea, Cardenas admitted he committed the crime while on supervised release for a previous felony. He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena Salinas prosecuted the case.


title: Broward County Man Sentenced to 108 Months’ Imprisonment for Ponzi Scheme & COVID-19 Fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A federal district judge in Ft. Lauderdale has sentenced David J. Varrone, 56, of Weston, Florida, to 108 months’ imprisonment for his role in organizing an elaborate credit and investment Ponzi scheme through his company, The Credit Engineers, Inc. In addition, Judge Raag Singhal ordered Varrone to pay over $3,5 million in restitution and entered a forfeiture judgment on Varrone’s Weston home and a bank account containing COVID-19 relief funds that Varrone had fraudulently obtained. Varrone previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. From 2018 through 2021, Varrone and his company offered individuals with good credit a short-term investment program tied to a purported hedge fund that guaranteed investment returns and fully repaid investments in 36 months or less. To obtain funds, Varrone helped victims apply for the high interest, short term loans and the victims “leased” the proceeds to The Credit Engineers and Varrone. In fact, there was no hedge fund and the victims’ funds were never invested as promised. Instead, the proceeds were used to enrich Varrone and to repay earlier victims. The scheme funneled over $6.4 million of misappropriated victims’ funds into Varrone’s accounts. Additionally, Varrone fraudulently applied for and received approximately $650,000 in CARES Act, Economic Injury Disaster Relief Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The loans were intended to keep small businesses afloat and retain employees during the COVID-19 pandemic period. David J. Varrone’s wife, Sherry D. Varrone, also pled guilty to her role in the conspiracy in case number 22-cr-60196. She is scheduled for sentencing on April 3, in Ft. Lauderdale before U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Commissioner Russell C. Weigel III of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR), Bureau of Financial Investigations (BFI), Miami Region, made the announcement. OFR-BFI Miami investigated the case, with assistance from the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) and the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor Jones prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Stone is handling asset forfeiture. In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”) to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred. EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website, and the applications were processed and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-cr-60197. ###


title: Buffalo Man Convicted By A Federal Jury For His Role In Murder Of Three People In Front Of Child Sentenced To Three Consecutive Life Sentences

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Deandre Wilson, 51, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted by a federal jury of multiple charges for his role in a narcotics conspiracy which resulted in a triple homicide, was sentenced to serve three consecutive life sentences plus 30 years by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Following the six-week jury trial, Wilson was convicted of: narcotics conspiracy Hobbs Act robbery murder while engaged in a narcotics conspiracy discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking crimes two counts of discharge of a firearm causing death in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking crimes conspiracy to obstruct justice two counts of obstruction of justice conspiracy to use fire to commit a felony two counts of use of fire to commit a felony conspiracy to damage and destroy a vehicle used in interstate commerce by fire damaging and destroying a vehicle used in interstate commerce by fire possession with intent to distribute marijuana Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler, Maeve E. Huggins, and Joseph M. Tripi, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that in 2019, Deandre Wilson joined a longstanding narcotics conspiracy with co-defendants Jariel Cobb, James Reed, and others. Wilson, who had only recently been released to New York State parole after serving a lengthy prison term for Murder in the 2 nd Degree, entered the conspiracy to obtain kilograms of cocaine and other controlled substances for distribution. In furtherance of the narcotics conspiracy, on September 15, 2019, Cobb arranged a purchase of a kilogram of cocaine from Miguel Anthony Valentin-Colon and Dhamyl Roman-Audiffred, who served as Cobb’s sources of supply. Valentin-Colon, along with his wife. Nicole Marie Merced-Plaud, their minor son, and Roman-Audiffred, arrived in their vehicle, a white minivan, at a residence on Roebling Avenue, as directed by Cobb. Roman-Audiffred exited the van and entered the residence’s kitchen, at which time Wilson hit her in the head with a blunt object and she fell to the floor. Wilson then went outside and shot and killed both Valentin-Colon and Merced Plaud, in the presence of their minor son, who was seated in a child’s car seat. Wilson then drove the minivan and hid it behind a building on Scajaquada Street near Kilhoffer Street in Buffalo. A short time later, Cobb and Reed moved the body of Dhamyl Roman-Audiffred from the kitchen into the residence’s basement, where Cobb dismembered her body. Cobb placed the body parts into multiple trash bags and placed them into the trunk of his vehicle, and then drove to a residence on Box Avenue, removed the trash bags, and placed them into a burning fire in a fire pit area in the backyard. Wilson later joined his co-conspirators on Box to assist in the destruction of evidence. During the early morning hours of September 16, 2019, Wilson and Cobb retrieved the minivan from Scajaquada Street, with the bodies of Miguel Valentin-Colon and Nicole Marie Merced-Plaud still inside, as well as their minor son. Wilson and Cobb drove the minivan to a non-residential area on Tonawanda Street and doused the vehicle and the bodies with gasoline, lighting the vehicle and bodies on fire. They took the minor child and left him on a stranger’s porch on Potomac Avenue in Buffalo. Jariel Cobb and James Reed were previously convicted and also face a maximum of life when sentenced. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; the Erie County Central Police Services Forensic Laboratory, under the direction of Commissioner James Jancewicz. # # # #


title: Camden Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Camden man pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi. According to court documents and statements made in court, Arthur Jerome Eldridge, Jr., 25, conspired with others to print counterfeit U.S. Treasury Checks, deposit them at area banks, and withdraw funds from those accounts. Eldridge is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26, 2023. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office through its partnership with the United States Secret Service’s Cyber Fraud Task Force Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.


title: Cruise Ship Employee Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: MIAMI – Angelo Victor Fernandes, a 34-year-old cruise ship employee from Goa, India, was sentenced in federal district court to 188 months in prison for distributing child sexual abuse material. Between January 16 and April 30, 2022, Fernandes sent 13 child pornography videos through an instant messaging application to Daniel Scott Crow. Fernandes also communicated with Crow about arranging for Crow to travel to engage in sexual activity with minor children. During a separate communication with an unidentified person, Fernandes talked about sexual abuse of minor children and his ability to obtain children for sex. Crow pled guilty to one count of enticement of a minor and one count of production of child pornography in case number 22-cr-14035. He was sentenced on December 12, 2022, to 30 years in prison. United States Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Buckley, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, announced the sentence. HSI Fort Pierce Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hudock prosecuted it. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . If you have information regarding this case, or you believe you or a family member may have been a victim, please contact the HSI tip line at 1-866-347-2423. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-cr-14046. ###


title: St. Petersburg Man Arrested For Possession Of A Controlled Substance With Intent To Distribute

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Erik Barner (44, St. Petersburg) with one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. If convicted, Barner faces up to 20 years in federal prison. According to the complaint, on February 22, March 1, and March 10, 2023, Barner sold a total amount of 63 grams of crack cocaine to a confidential informant working with the St. Petersburg Police Department. The complaint further alleges that Barner has prior convictions for trafficking in cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. A complaint 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.


title: Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a U.S. Postal Service Employee

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man pled guilty to assaulting a federal employee, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca. According to court documents and statements made in open court, Rodrick Jeems, 37, punched a U.S. Postal Service employee after asking the employee for five dollars. At the time, the employee was collecting mail from bins located outside of the Medgar Wiley Evers U.S. Post Office in Jackson. Jeems was apprehended by a Capitol Police Officer as he attempted to flee on foot. Jeems is scheduled to be sentenced on June 30, 2023; he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bert Carraway and Adam Stuart prosecuted the case.


title: St. Petersburg Woman Sentenced To 15 Years For Producing Child Sexual Abuse Video

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven today sentenced Emrah Kuc (27, St. Petersburg) to 15 years in federal prison for production, distribution, receipt, and possession of child sexual abuse material, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a requirement to register as a sex offender. The court also ordered Kuc to forfeit a MacBook Pro and four iPhones, which were used in the commission of the offense. The court reserved ruling on the issue of restitution. Kuc had pleaded guilty on December 12, 2022. According to court documents, after a cyber tip was reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), law enforcement investigated Kuc’s online activities and recovered multiple electronic devices from Kuc’s residence. A search of those devices revealed images and videos of children being sexually abused. Law enforcement discovered that Kuc was receiving and sharing videos and images of child sexual abuse on various social media applications and had also produced a video of child sexual abuse material with a toddler. “This sentence demonstrates the unwavering dedication and commitment of HSI special agents who are working tirelessly to protect our most vulnerable,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt. “Our message is clear. HSI will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to bring to justice those who prey upon children.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: South Florida Recidivist Fraudster Sentenced to 88 Months for COVID-19 Related Unemployment Insurance Scam

body_text: MIAMI – Marlin Jean, 31, has been sentenced to 88 months in prison for stealing other people’s identities to fraudulently obtain $826,332 in COVID-19 related unemployment benefits from the State of California. The stolen benefits came from federal funds provided to state unemployment agencies to help Americans economically harmed by the global pandemic. From August 2020 through October 2021, Jean spearheaded a scheme to use the stolen identities of dozens of Florida and California residents (among others) to fraudulently open accounts in their names with the California Employment Development Division (“EDD”). Jean then directed the EDD to mail the unemployment benefits, issued in the form of pre-paid debit cards, to addresses throughout South Florida. Acquaintances collected the cards for Jean to use for his personal benefit. Jean committed this crime soon after completing a federal sentence on a separate 2016 fraud conviction. Jean pled guilty on December 21, 2022, to one count of possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to his prison sentence, Jean has been ordered to pay $826,332 in restitution. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Buckley, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman. HSI Miami investigated the case, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Miami Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eduardo Gardea Jr. prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster is handling asset forfeiture. In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act provided hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds for unemployment insurance benefits to be distributed by the states directly to their residents. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-cr-20018. ###


title: Orange County Felon Sentenced for Federal Firearms Violation

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

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas– An Orange, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today. Michael Lawrence Geral, Jr., 35, pleaded guilty on Oct. 4, 2022, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone. According to information presented in court, on Dec. 13, 2021, Geral was stopped for a traffic violation by officers with the Orange Police Department. As officers spoke with Geral, they smelled the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and found a firearm which Geral admitted was his. Geral is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James. # # #


title: Charlotte Men With Prior Criminal Histories Are Sentenced To Prison For Unlawful Possession of A Stolen Firearm

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Dominique Malik Daniels, 23, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for unlawful possession of a stolen firearm, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings, of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. "Stolen firearms pose a significant threat to the safety of our community, particularly when they end up in the hands of prohibited persons," said U.S. Attorney King. "Working with our law enforcement counterparts at the federal, state, and local level, we will continue to join forces to protect our communities and remove illegal firearms from our streets." "Recovering stolen firearms from prohibited individuals is a critical step toward improving public safety," said Special Agent in Charge Mims. "ATF and our law enforcement partners are committed to locating those offenders who threaten our communities and recovering the firearms used to commit their crimes." According to documents filed in this case and court proceedings, on December 31, 2020, CMPD officers were dispatched to a 7-Eleven on North Graham Street in Charlotte, after a store clerk alerted law enforcement that two individuals, one of whom was later identified as Daniels, were loitering in the parking lot. Officers responding to the service call interviewed the store clerk who told CMPD officers that he believed Daniels was armed. The officers approached Daniels and recovered from his jacket a 9 mm handgun and a Glock magazine. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that the firearm had been stolen out of Randolph County in North Carolina. Court records show that Daniels was previously convicted of multiple state offenses and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Court records show that Daniels was previously convicted of multiple state offenses and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm. On December 9, 2021, Daniels pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. * * * In an unrelated case, on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. sentenced Dejawn Jermaine King, 26, of Charlotte, to 37 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for illegally possessing a stolen firearm. According to court documents filed in this case, on January 6, 2022, CMPD officers were dispatched to Statesville Road and Sunset Road, where they encountered King passed out at the wheel. After waking up, King began to reach into the vehicle’s center console. Officers were able to remove King from the vehicle and observed a firearm on the driver’s seat. During the investigation, law enforcement determined the firearm had been reported stolen out of Stokes County in North Carolina. King has a prior state conviction and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm. King pleaded guilty on June 22, 2022, to possession of a firearm by a felon. Daniels and King are in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF and CMPD for their investigation of both cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte was in charge of both prosecutions. * * * In July 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina launched Think Again , an informational campaign to educate the public on how to prevent illegal firearms from getting into the wrong hands. The U.S. Attorney’s Office partnered with the ATF in this initiative, in a joint effort to reduce gun-induced violence and to increase reporting of illegal firearms. The campaign encourages the public to submit an anonymous tip about illegal firearms and other criminal activity to the ATF by calling 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), via text at 63975, or online at WWW.ATF.GOV/ATF-TIPS . For additional information about our Think Again initiative, please visit our website . You can view our Think Again Public Service Announcements here .


title: Key Deer Killer Sentenced in Federal Court

body_text: MIAMI – Wendy C. Kilheffer, 77, of Big Pine, Florida was sentenced today in Key West federal district court for violating the Endangered Species Act by shooting and killing a Key deer. On November 16, 2022, several Florida Keys residents discovered a Key deer lying on the ground with its antlers entangled in rope. Kilheffer arrived on the scene and -- despite having zero veterinary training or related experience -- decided that the deer was in distress and would not survive. Kilheffer went to her vehicle, secured a high caliber handgun, shot the deer in the head at close range, and killed it. According to witnesses, the deer’s death was not immediate. When law enforcement later questioned Kilheffer, she denied even being at the scene. Video surveillance and eyewitness statements refuted her lie. Kilheffer pled guilty and now has a federal conviction. She must serve one year of probation, pay a $4,000 criminal fine, complete 100 hours of community service, and strictly abide by all laws and regulations involving human interaction with the Key deer. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and acting Resident Agent in Charge Robert Register of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Office of Law Enforcement, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) to conserve endangered and threatened species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The term “endangered species” means any species, or part thereof, which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Title 16, United States Code, Section 1532(6). The Florida Key deer is included within the list of designated endangered species, set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 17.21(c)(1). U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Miami investigated this case, with assistance from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the National Fish & Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Oregon. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Watts-FitzGerald prosecuted this case. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-cr-10023. ###


title: Former Florida Resident Charged in $101 Million Health Care Kickback Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A former Florida resident living in Puerto Rico has been charged for his role in a $101 million durable medical equipment kickback scheme, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced today. Raheel Naviwala, 34, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is charged by complaint with conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Naviwala had his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hunt in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, federal court and was released on $150,000 bond. According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court: Naviwala and his conspirators owned and operated multiple call centers through which they obtained doctors’ orders for durable medical equipment (DME), namely orthotic braces, for Medicare beneficiaries, without regard to medical necessity. Naviwala and his conspirators obtained the DME orders through the use of marketing call centers and telemedicine companies. Naviwala and his conspirators provided these orders in exchange for bribes from certain companies that provided the braces to Medicare beneficiaries. Naviwala and his conspirators caused losses to Medicare of $101 million. The charge of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest. Attorney for the United States Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark and Acting Special Agent in Charge is Maged Behnam in Miami, Florida; the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri with the investigation leading to the charge. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean M. Sherman and Ray Mateo of the Opioid Abuse Prevention & Enforcement Unit in Newark. The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. naviwala.complaint.pdf


title: Wisconsin Man Pleads Guilty to Making Racially Charged Threats Toward Black Residents

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin joined Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division in announcing that on March 23, 2023, a Wisconsin man pleaded guilty to one felony count and one misdemeanor count of intimidating and interfering with Black residents because of their race and because they were exercising their right to fair housing. According to court documents, William McDonald, 45, of West Allis, Wisconsin, admitted that in March 2021, he vandalized a Black woman’s vehicle parked outside her apartment by slashing her tires and smashing her windshield. McDonald then left a note on her car, filled with racial slurs, threatening to slash her throat, and demanding she move out of West Allis. A week later, McDonald slashed two of her car tires and left another note filled with racial slurs and giving her an ultimatum – move out of the neighborhood or suffer violence. In April 2022, a Black woman and her two minor children moved into McDonald’s apartment complex. Shortly after they moved in, McDonald vandalized her front door with racial graffiti and left her a note, calling her family a racial slur and demanding she get out of the building. “No one should feel unsafe in their home or be subjected to harmful and derogatory threats because of the color of their skin,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to protect the housing rights of all individuals and vigorously prosecute those who use racially-charged threats to drive people from their homes.” “The conduct at issue in this case strikes at the very core of the civil rights guaranteed to every American citizen under federal law,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “I commend the courage of those targeted by Mr. McDonald for coming forward. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with all our federal, state, and local partners to hold individuals who violate the civil rights of others fully accountable under federal law.” McDonald faces a maximum sentence of up to 11 years in prison. A sentencing date has been set for June 29, 2023. This case was investigated by the FBI Milwaukee Field Division and the West Allis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Ladwig and Philip Kovoor for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Nikhil Ramnaney of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: New Orleans Man’s Failure to Pay Employment Taxes Results in Federal Conviction and Sentence

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – JOEY J. STEVENSON , age 41, from New Orleans, was sentenced to 5 years probation for failing to pay employment taxes for his business, Community Care Solutions, Inc to the IRS, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. STEVENSON was indicted and pled guilty to failure to pay over employment taxes owed to the IRS, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7202. According to court documents, STEVENSON owned and operated Community Care Solutions, Inc. From 2015 through 2019, STEVENSON withheld over $500,000 in Medicare, Social Security, and income taxes from his employees’ paychecks, but failed to pay that money to the IRS. STEVENSON also failed to pay an additional $254,181.21 in taxes for the employer’s share of Medicare and Social Security taxes. In total, STEVENSON failed to pay $796,077.41 in taxes owed to IRS in connection with Community Care’s employees. The Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced STEVENSON to 5 years probation, restitution in the amount of $796,077.41 to the IRS, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of IRS Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Navajo man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Bryon Yazzie, Jr. pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor, sexual abuse, and aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country. Yazzie, 21, of Tohatchi, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to the plea agreement, between August 2020 and continuing to November 2020, Yazzie engaged in sexual acts with a minor who had attained the age of 12 but had not yet attained the age of sixteen. Yazzie was nineteen years old at the time. Yazzie faces up to 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minor and any term of years up to life for sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse. Upon his release from prison, Yazzie must register as a sex offender. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-58


title: California man admits armed fentanyl trafficking in Great Falls area

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A California man suspected of armed fentanyl trafficking in the Great Falls area admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Casey Louis Ream, 37, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Ream faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Aug. 17. Ream was detained pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that in October 2022, Russell Country Drug Task Force agents in Great Falls were investigating Ream for armed fentanyl trafficking. Ream was arrested in his vehicle and had several fentanyl pills on his person and more pills were visible in the area where he had been sitting. Officers served a search warrant on the vehicle and located a bundle of more than $6,000 in cash and a lock box that contained several thousand fentanyl pills and multiple rounds of ammunition. In a search of a house where Ream had been staying, officers found an AK-style rifle with a high-capacity magazine that had been reported stolen out of Washington state and three 9mm pistols. In later interviews, Ream admitted to owning the firearms seized from the house and that he was felon. Ream further admitted he had brought large quantities of fentanyl pills to sell. Ream has several felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. 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. XXX


title: Shiprock man pleads guilty to sexual abuse, child pornography

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Allan Wilson pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country and possession of child pornography. Wilson, 64, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to his plea, sometime between Oct. 4 and Nov. 28, 2019, Wilson engaged in abusive sexual contact with a minor while she was spending the night in the home Wilson shared with his sister on the Navajo Nation. Wilson admitted that he had been drinking heavily. The victim, Identified as Jane Doe, who is also a member of the Navajo Nation, was less than twelve years old at the time. During the investigation, the FBI conducted a search of Wilson’s phone. The search revealed pornographic pictures of a minor victim, identified as Jane Doe 2. Wilson admitted that he knew the images were on his phone. By the terms of the plea agreement, Wilson faces up to 12 years in prison and must register as a sex offender. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. # # # 23-59


title: Peoria Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Drugs, Weapons Offenses

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Harold U. McGhee, 48, formerly of the 700 block of East LaSalle Street, was sentenced on March 21, 2023, to a total sentence of 35 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for the following offenses: Count 1: Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine Count 2: Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing Cocaine Base Count 3: Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Count 4: Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin Count 5: Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl Count 6: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Count 7: Felon in Possession of a Firearm Count 8: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking At the sentencing hearing before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm, the United States summarized the evidence from McGhee’s trial, which resulted in a guilty verdict on all counts in December 2022. Law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant in February 2022 for McGhee’s house, car, cell phones, and his person. In the dining room of the house, officers found three bags of crack cocaine totaling 177 grams, a bag containing 60 grams of powder cocaine, a digital scale, sandwich bags, and plastic gloves. In a kitchen cabinet, officers found 442 grams of methamphetamine; 40 grams of a substance containing heroin, fentanyl, and Xylazine; and another digital scale. In McGhee’s living room, officers found $6,770 in cash. In McGhee’s basement, officers found other tools of the drug trade like blenders, a cocaine press, and a vacuum sealer. Under McGhee’s bed, officers found a loaded Glock 9 mm handgun with an extended magazine. The gun had been reported stolen in Evansville, Indiana, in 2019. McGhee admitted that the drugs in the house were his. He also admitted that the gun belonged to him and that he received it as payment for two or three grams of heroin that he sold to someone around February 2021. At the time of his arrest, McGhee was on federal supervised release for a 2016 conviction for conspiracy to possess heroin with intent to distribute. He has multiple other prior felony convictions, including for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and aggravated battery. McGhee has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest on February 14, 2022. McGhee faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and up to life in prison. Each of the counts individually carried the following possible penalties: Count 1: 10 years to life imprisonment; up to a $250,000 fine ; and a five-year to life term of supervised release. Count 2: Five to 40 years’ imprisonment; up to a $250,000 fine; and a four-year to life term of supervised release Counts 3-5: Up to 20 years’ imprisonment; up to a $250,000 fine; and a three-year to life term of supervised release Counts 6, 8: Not less than five years’ imprisonment for each count, consecutive to all other counts; maximum fine of $2 million; and not less than a five-year term of supervised release Count 7: 15 years to life imprisonment; up to a $250,000 fine and up to a three-year term of supervised release The case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Peoria Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration – Springfield Resident Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith Hollingshead-Cook and Ronald L. Hanna represented the United States in the prosecution.


title: Former Financial Representative Is Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison For $1.1 Million Fraud Scheme

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Sampson Pearson, 45, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to seven years in prison followed by two years of supervised release for defrauding his clients of more than a million dollars, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. A federal jury previously convicted Pearson of wire fraud, tax fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which oversees Charlotte, and Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Charlotte Field Office (IRS-CI), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to filed court documents, trial evidence, and witness testimony, from 2004 to 2016, Pearson was a representative for a financial services firm identified in court documents as Company A. In that capacity, Pearson offered and sold life insurance products and annuities as an independent contractor for Company A in Charlotte. As trial evidence established, Pearson used his position to defraud at least 10 victims and Company A of more than $1.1 million through a fraudulent loan and disbursement scheme. Pearson executed the scheme by submitting falsified loan applications and requests for disbursements in the victims’ names without their knowledge and approval. Company A authorized the loans and disbursements based on the fraudulent documents submitted by Pearson. Pearson also directed Company A to deposit the fraudulently-obtained funds into an account controlled by the defendant. Pearson used the funds to pay for personal expenses and to fund his lifestyle. Evidence at trial showed that more than half of all the money the defendant had deposited into his bank account between 2011 and 2016 was money he stole from his victims. Evidence also established that Pearson made Ponzi-type payments to some of his victims to further perpetuate his fraud. According to court records, Pearson also committed tax fraud for tax years 2013 through 2016, by filing fraudulent tax returns with the IRS that did not reflect the additional personal income. At today’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. noted that “deterrence is very important in financial cases.” In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked USPIS and IRS-CI for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassye Cole, Graham Billings and Maria Vento handled the prosecution.


title: Jury Convicts Former Harrisonville Man of Social Security Fraud in Second Trial

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Harrisonville, Mo., man was convicted at trial today after his testimony in a previous trial for Social Security fraud resulted in an additional charge of perjury being filed against him. Michael Sylvara, 37, who currently lives in Ozark, Mo., but lived in Harrisonville at the time of the offense, was found guilty of one count of Social Security fraud and one count of perjury. Sylvara was originally indicted for Social Security fraud. Sylvara, who oversaw his disabled father’s Social Security benefits from 2016 to 2019, converted $42,369 of his father’s benefits to his own use. Sylvara testified in his own defense during a trial in October 2022, which resulted in a hung jury. Sylvara was subsequently charged in a superseding indictment on Nov. 17, 2022. The superseding indictment contains the original charge of Social Security fraud and adds the perjury charge. Sylvara was designated as the representative payee for his father, who is now deceased. As the representative payee, Sylvara was legally obligated to use all of the benefit payments to meet his father’s needs. Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Sylvara instead converted some of his father’s benefit payments for his personal use to pay his utility, insurance and student loan bills, as well as his realtor association fees. Sylvara also presented testimony that he knew was false while under oath during his first trial in October 2022. Sylvara attempted to justify multiple cash withdrawals (totaling over $23,000) he made from the representative payee account. He claimed under oath he had an agreement with Social Security that he could be paid $14 an hour for taking care of his father. Subsequent investigation showed there is no such agreement and there never has been. Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for an hour and a half before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark, ending a trial that began Tuesday, March 21. Under federal statutes, Sylvara is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney R. Pratten and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Cooper. It was investigated by the Social Security Administration.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Charleston Man of Fentanyl and Gun Crimes

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – After three days of trial, a federal jury convicted Andre Dewayne Williamson, also known as “A3,” 35, of Charleston, of five counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Evidence at trial proved that Williamson sold quantities of fentanyl to a confidential informant on five occasions in Charleston between July 5, 2022, and July 25, 2022. Williamson possessed a pistol in furtherance of the July 5, 2022, drug transaction. Williamson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28, 2023, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison. “This defendant has a troubling criminal history involving violence and drugs, and the crimes in this case show that he continued to pose a threat to the community,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I commend the law enforcement agencies that investigated and assisted in this case. I also commend Assistant United States Attorneys Julie White and Joshua Hanks and the trial team for securing guilty verdicts on all six counts against the defendant.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation, with assistance provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the jury trial. 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-154. ###


title: Third Illinois Prison Guard Sentenced to Six Years of Imprisonment Following Guilty Plea to Civil Rights Deprivation Resulting in Bodily Injury and Death and Obstruction Charges

component: Department of Justice

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Willie Hedden, 43, a former sergeant at the Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, was sentenced on March 22, 2023, to six years’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for civil rights deprivation resulting in bodily injury and death and obstruction of justice offenses in connection with the death of Larry Earvin, an inmate at the facility. In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Hedden, of Mt. Sterling; Todd Sheffler, 54, of Mendon, Illinois; and Alex Banta, 31, of Quincy, Illinois, charging each of them with civil rights resulting in bodily injury and death and obstruction offenses. Hedden accepted responsibility for his crimes by pleading guilty in March 2022 to conspiracy to deprive civil rights and deprivation of civil rights under color of law resulting in bodily injury and death and conspiracy to engage in misleading conduct. At the sentencing hearing in front of Senior U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough, the government summarized the evidence from those trials. During the trials, the government presented evidence that Hedden, and co-defendants Sheffler, who was a lieutenant, and Banta, who was a correctional officer, participated in the May 17, 2018, assault of Earvin, 65, during their forcible escort of Earvin from the residential housing unit of the prison to the segregation housing unit while he was restrained and handcuffed behind his back and while he posed no physical threat to the defendants or other correctional officers. The government presented further evidence, and Hedden admitted in his plea agreement, that Hedden, as a sergeant and therefore a senior officer to co-defendant Banta, had a duty to intervene to prevent the assault in which he also participated. The assault resulted in serious bodily injury to Earvin, including multiple broken ribs, a punctured mesentery, and other serious internal injuries, and resulted in Earvin’s death in June 2018. After the assault, all three defendants failed to ensure Earvin received medical care and instead sought medical attention for their own minor scratches and thereafter falsified incident reports that they filed with prison officials and lied to the Illinois State Police by denying any knowledge of or participation in the assault. Also at the sentencing, the government presented evidence that it was part of the culture at the facility to abuse inmates and lie to cover up the abuse. At Sheffler’s and Banta’s prior sentencings, during which Judge Myerscough sentenced each of them to a total of 20 years’ imprisonment, the government summarized the evidence establishing that Banta had inflicted the most serious blows leading to Earvin’s death, including jumping in the air and landing on Earvin with both knees. In recommending a reduced sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, the government advised the court of Hedden’s acceptance of responsibility and remorse for his crimes. At the first trial in April 2022, Banta was convicted of all five charges in the indictment. The jury in that joint trial was unable to reach verdicts as to Sheffler, resulting in a retrial in August 2022 at which he was convicted of the same charges. “At the sentencings, we advised the court that the government’s job is to seek justice and not to win, and that an appropriate sentence in this case should include justice for the victim, Mr. Earvin,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris. “We hope that the convictions of Todd Sheffler, Alex Banta, and Willie Hedden and now their imposed sentences provide a measure of justice for Larry Earvin and his family. We also hope it serves as a warning to all those who would abuse governmental power that they will be held accountable under the law. Although the vicious and brutal beating of Mr. Earvin cost him his life, and that is a loss that can never be remedied, all of those persons whom the evidence established violated Mr. Earvin’s constitutional rights and caused his death (Sheffler, Hedden, and Banta) have been and are being held accountable. Our prosecution of this case demonstrates our continued commitment to equal justice under the law and to protecting society’s vulnerable, including those in our prisons.” Harris added that his office also wanted to express its appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Springfield Office and highlighted the complete cooperation of the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), for their thorough and professional investigation of this most important civil rights matter. Harris also especially recognized and thanked the efforts of FBI Special Agents Angela Bray and Price McCarty for their tireless efforts, without which a just outcome in this matter would not have been possible. In addition, Harris noted the important testimony of IDOC witnesses who initially participated in the cover up of these offenses, but ultimately came forward and told the truth about the events surrounding Mr. Earvin’s death. Holding the defendants accountable for their murder of Mr. Earvin would not have been possible without their testimony. Finally, Harris noted that the actions of a few here had unfairly tarnished the reputations of the men and women in law enforcement who honorably serve their communities with professionalism on a daily basis. “While the conduct of Willie Hedden and his co-defendants is not characteristic of the vast majority of those working in law enforcement, it unfortunately undermines the efforts of officers who serve with integrity and who bear the responsibility to respect and defend the rights of those under their watch,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “Hedden’s actions tarnished the reputation and badge worn proudly by the many hard-working and upstanding officers who abide by their oath. The FBI is unyielding in our commitment to zealously protect the rights of all Americans and to hold accountable anyone charged with safeguarding those rights.” “ISP thoroughly investigates civil rights violations to hold those who break the law accountable,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “This type of conduct is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.” The statutory penalties for each of the civil rights resulting in death charges are up to life imprisonment. The statutory penalties for each of the obstruction of justice charges are up to 20 years of imprisonment. The case was the result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois, the FBI-Springfield Field Office, and the Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation, with the cooperation of the Illinois Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy A. Bass and Eugene L. Miller represent the government in the prosecution.


title: Ghanaian National Sentenced to Prison for Role in Romance Fraud Scheme

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Abdul Inusah, 32, of Ghana, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a Huntington-based scheme that defrauded individuals in multiple states through the use of false online personas. Inusah was also ordered to pay $128,000 in restitution. After three days of trial, a federal jury found that Inusah was part of a conspiracy that targeted victims using false personas via email, text messaging, online dating websites and social media platforms. From at least January 2018 through at least December 2019, the scheme participants sought to induce victims into believing they were in a romantic relationship, friendship, or business relationship with the various false personas. The victims were persuaded to send money for a variety of false and fraudulent reasons for the benefit of the false personas. One false persona, “Miarama,” was used to induce an Alabama resident into providing $106,000 via wire transfers and cashier’s checks. The amount included $48,000 to pay overdue taxes on a nonexistent gold inheritance in Ghana and $21,000 wired to Bitsav Supply LLC, a shell company set up by Inusah. Another false persona, “Grace,” persuaded a Washington resident to wire funds so “Grace” could maintain her South African cocoa plantation and move to the United States to marry the victim. Other victims of the false personas included residents of Ohio and Florida. The federal jury found Inusah guilty of receipt of stolen money, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and two counts of wire fraud on August 12, 2022. “Perhaps more than others involved, Abdul Inusah understood the scope of the criminal conspiracy and that it was exploiting innocent and often vulnerable victims,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “The defendant even recruited others to help commit this fraud, while taking steps to conceal his own involvement.” U.S. Attorney Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), the West Virginia State Police and the South Charleston Police Department. “I also commend Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson and former Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey and the trial team for prosecuting the case and securing the guilty verdicts,” Thompson said. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. The public is encouraged to report potential online fraud activity or scams at https://www.ic3.gov . If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-70. ###


title: Operator Of Tax Return Preparer Business Sentenced To Prison For Filing False Income Tax Returns

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas tax return preparer was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 15 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for preparing false tax returns for clients and causing the returns to be filed with the IRS. Brenda Eleana Reyna (38) pleaded guilty in September 2022 to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a false tax return and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return. According to court documents and admissions made in court, Reyna — the operator of USA Tu Casa Tax Services, a tax return preparation business in Las Vegas — fraudulently claimed deductions and misrepresented to her clients the contents of their returns that she would file on their behalf. For tax years 2015 through 2019, Reyna caused at least $2,750,000 in tax loss to the IRS. In addition, when preparing her own tax returns, Reyna fraudulently filed returns that did not accurately report her income. For tax years 2015 through 2020, Reyna failed to report approximately $606,663 in net income, causing at least $169,866 in tax loss to the IRS. “During the ongoing tax season, tax return preparers are entrusted by their clients to accurately prepare and file tax information,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Together with IRS Criminal Investigation, we are committed to investigating and charging those who act improperly and attempt to defraud the IRS.” “Ms. Reyna not only cheated the IRS, but she victimized her clients as well,” said Albert Childress, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “She claimed larger refunds on her client’s behalf so that she could steal some of the refund for herself. Tax preparers should take note that if they attempt to defraud the IRS and their clients, they will be caught and held accountable.” IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tony Lopez prosecuted the case. If you suspect tax fraud, you can report a tax return preparer for misconduct to the IRS at www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/make-a-complaint-about-a-tax-return-preparer . ###


title: Long-Time Sex Trafficker Sentenced to More than 15 Years in Prison

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 23, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Kevin Lamont Beal of San Diego was sentenced in federal court today to 188 months in prison for knowingly coercing and enticing a teenage girl to engage in commercial sex acts. According to court records, Beal has a long criminal past involving state convictions for pimping and pandering from 2012 through 2019. A complaint was filed against Beal in April 2021, charging him with sex trafficking of underage girls and adult females. Beal pleaded guilty to federal charges in January 2022. In his plea agreement, Beal admitted that he transported underage girls and women and provided them to customers for commercial sex acts, which took place in California and elsewhere from December 2016 through August 2018. During this time, Beal used his cellular telephone to entice and coerce an underage girl (while she was 16 and 17 years old) for the purpose of having her engage in commercial sex acts and prostitution in San Diego County and elsewhere. As part of his efforts to entice and coerce this underage girl, Beal continued to communicate with her by text message and through social media for almost two years. As part of his guilty plea, Beal also admitted that he recruited, transported, and provided another underage girl (while she was 16 and 17 years old) for the purpose of her to engage in commercial sex acts and prostitution from December 2016 through March 2017. As part of his human trafficking activities, Beal instructed this underage girl to meet with customers, commonly referred to as “johns,” by walking the street, commonly referred to as the “blade” (an area known for prostitution activities). Beal also caused online advertisements of the underage girl to be posted on various websites for customers solicit her for commercial sex acts. Lastly, Beal admitted he recruited, enticed, transported, and provided an adult female for the purpose of her to engage in commercial sex acts and prostitution from April 2018 through May 2018. As part of his human trafficking activities, Beal also instructed the adult female to meet customers by walking the “blade” and by posting online advertisements offering her to customers for commercial sex acts. During this time, Beal used force against the adult female by striking her multiple times in the face causing serious bodily injuries. Beal admitted he used a combination of force and coercion to cause the adult female to engage in commercial sex acts. “No city is immune from traffickers seeking to entice and coerce underage and adult victims to engage in sex trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message that we will continue to work together with our local, state, and federal partners to protect our community’s most vulnerable victims from these heinous crimes by prosecuting their traffickers.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and members of the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for their excellent work on this case. “Sex trafficking is an abhorrent crime with long-lasting consequences,” said San Diego FBI Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “The FBI is committed to the unceasing pursuit of sex traffickers and to the rescue and recovery of the children and adults they victimize. These criminals can only be stopped with the collaboration of our law enforcement partners and the public." Beal has been detained in custody since his arrest in April 2021. At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Todd W. Robinson not only imposed the 15-year prison sentence, but also ordered Beal to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to pay a $5,000 mandatory penalty assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Beal will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Judge Robinson also ordered the criminal forfeiture of a blue, 2015 Maserati Ghibli, $2,420 in U.S. currency, and other personal luxury items by Gucci and Versace. These personal luxury items were previously ordered as restitution to one of Beal’s trafficking victims in May 2022. DEFENDANT Case Numbers : 21CR1565-TWR Kevin Lamont Beal Age: 29 San Diego, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b) Maximum Penalties: Life in prison; mandatory Sex Offender Registration; a maximum term of supervised release of life; a $5,000 mandatory penalty assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act; mandatory restitution to the victims. INVESTIGATING AGENCIES San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, which consists of: Federal Bureau of Investigation California Department of Justice California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation – Parole California Highway Patrol ICE/Homeland Security Investigations National City Police Department San Diego City Attorney’s Office San Diego County District Attorney’s Office San Diego County Probation Department San Diego County Sheriff’s Department San Diego Police Department The United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California


title: Portland Man Caught Transporting Drugs to Central Oregon Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland drug dealer with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison today after he was arrested transporting methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to Redmond, Oregon. Jason Robert Melcado, 51, a Portland resident, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release. According to court documents, in June 2021, the Bend Police Department received information that Melcado was delivering methamphetamine and heroin to Deschutes County from Portland. Officers soon learned Melcado had an active felony arrest warrant and had recently been investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). On July 12, 2021, Bend police determined that Melcado was traveling to Redmond. Upon his arrest, officers found Melcado to be carrying a loaded 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number and approximately one dozen counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. The next day, after obtaining a search warrant, officers found 217 grams of methamphetamine, nearly 1,000 counterfeit pills, and smaller quantities of heroin and cocaine in Melcado’s vehicle. On August 19, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Melcado with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On November 22, 2022, Melcado pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team and DEA. It was prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. The CODE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. CODE includes members of the Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Sunriver, and Black Butte Police Departments; the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department; the Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices; the Oregon State Police; the Oregon National Guard; DEA; and the FBI.


title: Orion Township Man Sentenced to 15 Years For Distributing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – An Orion Township man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for distributing images of child pornography over the internet for the purpose of trading such images with other child predators, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Arron Robert Muhlitner, 27, was sentenced by United States District Judge David M. Lawson. Muhlitner had pleaded guilty to sending images of minors engaged in sexual acts to another person in order to induce that person to send Muhlitner similar images. Muhlitner used the internet messaging application Kik to trade the child pornography. Muhlitner’s offense was discovered when an individual he knew found a phone belonging to Muhlitner and reviewed it. That person discovered images of child pornography and a conversation in which Muhlitner bragged about sexually assaulting a child in a manner that was similar to a sexual assault that he had previously been accused of committing. Law enforcement later examined the phone, finding numerous images of child pornography and multiple instances in which Muhlitner bragged about sexually assaulting children or expressing a desire to engage in sex acts with children. In total, Muhlitner’s phone contained 212 images and 58 videos of child pornography. “Child pornography victimizes the most vulnerable and innocent in our community and protecting children from predators remains a critical mission for our office,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “Our community is now safer with this defendant’s lengthy sentence.” “The significance of this sentence underscores the importance of keeping innocent children safe from dangerous predators and serves as a warning to those individuals who prey upon the most vulnerable in our society,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their critical support in this investigation. The FBI continues to dedicate resources to the investigation and prosecution of sexual predators who commit crimes against children.” “This person and his disgusting and abhorrent criminal behavior with children has rightfully been held accountable for his actions,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “I greatly appreciate the teamwork with our federal partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in bringing this case to closure.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremiah Smith and Christopher Rawsthorne.


title: Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Multiple Children

body_text: DETROIT – A Sterling Heights man, who qualifies as a repeat and dangerous sex offender, was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting multiple children, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. Ison was joined in her announcement by Angie M. Salazar, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Detroit Field Office. Thomas Neil, 42, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, admitted that in July 2020 he pretended to be a teenage female on the Instagram Internet messaging platform. Neil then tricked a 13-year-old male minor into creating sexually explicit images of himself and sending them to Neil. The subsequent investigation determined that Neil used the same method to victimize approximately sixteen boys beginning as early as 2010. Neil often had the minors engage in behavior that would be humiliating or painful. According to Court records, Neil qualifies under federal sentencing guidelines as a repeat and dangerous sex offender based on his conduct. Neil was sentenced by United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg. “This investigation and subsequent prosecution ended this defendant’s repeated sexual exploitation of children. This significant sentence demonstrates that those that seek to harm our children through online exploitation will be held responsible. We will continue to work to make the Internet a safer place for our children,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “Our communities are safer with predators like Neil off our streets, where he can no longer victimize innocent children,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “Our agents and partners will continue to do the work necessary to ensure predators are brought to justice and victims receive the care and assistance they need.” The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Rawsthorne.