title: U.S. Postal Carrier And Husband Plead Guilty For Mail Theft Scheme

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A U.S. Postal Carrier and her husband appeared in federal court today and pleaded guilty to federal charges for conspiring to commit an extensive mail theft scheme, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Kiara Padgett, 29, of Waxhaw, N.C., and her spouse, Dominique Dunlap, 28, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Dunlap also pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of stolen mail. Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which oversees Charlotte, Jeff Krafels, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General (USPS-OIG) for the Mid-Atlantic Area Field Office (MAAFO), which oversees Charlotte, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to plea documents, other court filings, and today’s court proceedings, Padgett was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier with a postal route in West Charlotte. From August 2021 to November 2022, Padgett used her position as a postal carrier to steal incoming and outgoing checks of businesses and individuals. Court documents show that Padgett sold the stolen checks using Dunlap as her intermediary to other individuals, including to Terrell Alexander Hager, Jr. The total face value of the checks stolen by Padgett was over $8.8 million. According to court documents, Dunlap negotiated with Hager, Jr. about the sale of stolen checks over text messages, and sent Hager, Jr. photographs of stacks of stolen mail and of stolen checks of victim companies on Padgett’s postal route. In March 2023, Hager, Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Court documents filed with the court show that, between August 2021 and November 2022, Hager, Jr. and other individuals obtained stolen checks from Padgett through Dunlap. Hager, Jr. and his co-conspirators deposited the stolen checks into bank accounts they controlled, and then made cash withdrawals before the financial institutions detected the fraud. Over the course of the scheme, Hager, Jr. and his co-conspirators deposited more than $66,000 in stolen checks and money orders. Hager, Jr. also posted online for sale more than 400 stolen checks totaling over $7.3 million. The checks posted by Hager, Jr. were stolen from Padgett’s postal route in West Charlotte. At the time Hager, Jr. committed this fraud, he was on probation with the state of North Carolina for an unrelated offense. At sentencing, Padgett, Dunlap, and Hager, Jr. face a maximum prison term of 30 years and a $1 million fine for the bank fraud conspiracy charge. Dunlap also faces five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the charges of possession of stolen mail. A sentencing date has not been set. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the USPIS, USPS-OIG, and CMPD for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny G. Sugar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.


title: Physical Therapist Convicted for Paying Health Care Kickbacks

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal jury in the Southern District of Florida convicted a Florida woman yesterday for paying kickbacks in exchange for Medicare patient referrals. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Nelly Anderson, 58, of Bay Harbor Islands, was the owner of Dial 4 Care, a business that provided home health services to Medicare beneficiaries. She hired multiple marketers and paid them kickbacks in exchange for patient referrals. Anderson then caused the submission of claims to Medicare for home health services that were procured through the payment of illegal kickbacks. The jury convicted Anderson of conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay health care kickbacks, and two counts of paying kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 5 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy count and 10 years in prison for each of the kickback offenses. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office made the announcement. The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Jessica Massey and Charles Strauss of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture aspects of the case. Trial Attorney Patrick J. Queenan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section assisted with the investigation. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Shiprock Woman Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

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 Courtney Frank pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Frank, 19, of Shiprock, and an enrolled member of Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release (including adherence to an alcohol-monitoring bracelet) pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to court documents, on September 28, 2022, Frank was intoxicated when she drove her car over the center line of Mesa Farm Road in Shiprock and struck another car head-on. The driver of the other vehicle, Jane Doe, died at the scene. In the plea agreement and in court, Frank acknowledged she was fully responsible for the wreck and Jane Doe’s death. At sentencing Frank faces up to eight years in prison, followed by a term of up to three years of supervised release. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-226


title: Recidivist Sex Offender Sentenced to Over 44 Years in Prison for Child Pornography Charges

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 Matthew Lee Dale Taylor was sentenced to over 44 years in prison. Taylor, 32, of Hobbs, pled guilty in federal court on July 19, 2023, to transportation of child pornography, possession of obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children, and being a registered sex offender committing a felony sex offense involving a minor. According to court records, on December 6, 2021, the FBI received a Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Taylor had uploaded 51 videos containing child pornography to a Dropbox account on July 14, 2021. In his plea, Taylor acknowledged that he knew the videos included children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Through diligent investigation, agents also learned that Taylor repeatedly sexually abused a minor he had access to when the minor was between the ages of five and eight years old. Taylor was previously convicted of possession of a visual medium of sexual exploitation of children in 2017 and was required to register as a sex offender. Upon his release from prison, Taylor will be subject to lifetime supervised release. The Roswell Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the NCMEC. Assistant United States Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos 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/. # # # 23-227


title: 26 Defendants Charged for Drug Trafficking in Multi-State Operation

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

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that an indictment was unsealed charging 26 defendants of drug trafficking, possessing a firearm during drug trafficking, money laundering, and other charges. These charges were brought as the result of Operation Lights Out, an FBI-led investigation in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The defendants have been indicted for the following charges: Name Age Hometown Charges Cortez Dayshawn Bumphus, aka “Co” 34 Newport News Continuing Criminal Enterprise Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Felon in possession of Firearm Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Dontae Lamont Dozier, aka “2 Chains” 35 Chesapeake Continuing Criminal Enterprise Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money; Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking Maintaining Drug Involved Premise Use of a Communications Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Zuri Anthony Dre-Oliver Reeves, aka “Zu” or “ZuWaap” 26 Spotsylvania Continuing Criminal Enterprise Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Amanda Bell 22 Chesapeake Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Dilquon Best, aka “Quon” or “DQ” 31 Atlanta, GA Continuing Criminal Enterprise Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Stephon Lamount Bumphus, aka “Fon” 34 Newport News Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Damian Deshawn Gay, aka “Hatch” 25 Hampton Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Andrea Hunt 28 Hampton Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Obstruction of Justice Ervin Orlando Linares, aka “Ery” 23 Los Angeles, CA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Brandon Lamar Martin, aka “Lil B” 37 Hampton Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking Carl Eugene Mitchell, Jr., aka “Lil Man” 27 Newport News Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Earvin Jerome Moore, aka “Gooch” 43 Newport News Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises Freddie Jamaul Moore, aka “Goons” 37 Portsmouth Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Dominique McKenzie Osborne 24 Hampton Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Rahkim O’Neil Perry, aka “Rahk” 25 Newport News Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Graciela Ruiz-Bernabe, aka “Grace” 33 Los Angeles, CA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Nathan Caleb Schlosser-Goodson, aka “Nasty” 25 Yorktown Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking Camille Lache Smith 30 Los Angeles, CA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Anastasia Suyas 25 Newport News Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Nyra Taylor 23 Hampton Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Christina Michele Thompson 26 Spotsylvania Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Terrance Leonard Vick, aka “V” 36 Rio Linda, CA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Thaddeus Williams IV, aka “Thad” 31 Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Korea Woods 26 Irvine, CA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Guang Yang, aka “Ryan” 26 Rosemead, CA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Alicia Zamora 22 Chesapeake, VA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base Conspiracy to Launder Money Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering If convicted, the defendants each face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police; Jimmie Wideman, Chief of Hampton Police; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police; Mark G. Solesky, Chief of Chesapeake Police; Stephen Jenkins, Chief of Portsmouth Police; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and Shannon Saylor, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement. “The unsealing of this indictment reflects months of incredible efforts by law enforcement. We are able to bring these charges because of the effective cooperation and collaborative effort of our local, state and federal partners on this case,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “I am grateful to all our attorneys, agents and officers who work diligently every day to take massive amounts of illegal guns and drugs off of our streets.” “The arrests made in this operation is the culmination of years of investigative work between the FBI and our law enforcement partners,” said Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Norfolk Field Office. “Today, I want to sincerely thank those partners for their teamwork and patience as we gathered the evidence needed for this investigation to come to a logical conclusion, as our law enforcement partners have been dealing with some of these offenders for over a decade. I hope that this operation gives them a return on investment for all the officers and resources they dedicated to assisting the investigation. This operation is a testament to the strong partnership the FBI has with local and state police, as well as sheriff’s offices, and how that partnership better protects our communities.” “These arrests are just one of the many successful operations achieved over the years through the collaborative agency partnerships within the FBI Peninsula Safe Streets Task Force,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Chesapeake Field Office is proud to have played a role in dismantling what had become a very violent, multi-tiered, drug trafficking organization spanning much of the Hampton Roads region.” “Combating violent crime, illegal firearm possession and narcotics distribution within our communities remains at the forefront of the ATF mission,” said Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division. “I am proud that our agents and partner agencies worked to bring some peace of mind back to the affected communities. ATF will continue leveraging its expertise to ensure that illegal firearms and deadly narcotics are removed from our streets.” “Our community and surrounding jurisdictions are not immune to the violence stemming from illegal drug trafficking,” said Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police. “It has become a top priority to take illegal drugs and guns off our streets and holding those accountable for endangering our communities. We are proud to have been part of this proactive approach and are honored to have served with the U.S. Attorney’s office, and other federal and local agencies to combat this issue. We believe that together we can make a difference and create a safer environment for our community.” “Today's arrest is a clear demonstration of the exceptional cooperative effort among law enforcement in the Hampton Roads area,” said Stephen Jenkins, Chief of Portsmouth Police. “It exemplifies the effectiveness of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies who have united to combat a suspected violent drug trafficking organization. This operation not only underscores the commitment of both federal and local law enforcement but also highlights their unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety of our community.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt is prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-54. An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Four Honduran Nationals Indicted For Aggravated Identity Theft

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of indictments charging four Honduran nationals, Juan Ariel Molina-Salles (age 33), Elieser Aurelio Gomez-Zelaya (age 32), Allan Oseas Gomez-Zelaya (age 42), and Duglas Hernandez Valladares (age 38) with aggravated identity theft, misuse of Social Security numbers, and making false statements regarding citizenship with the intent to engage unlawfully in employment. If convicted on all counts, each faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 2 years, up to 12 years, in federal prison. According to the indictments, Molina-Salles, Elieser Aurelio Gomez-Zelaya, Allan Oseas Gomez-Zelaya, and Hernandez Valladares misused the names and Social Security numbers of others and falsely claimed to be United States citizens with the intent to engage unlawfully in employment. “Identity theft is not a victimless crime,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. “HSI, in cooperation with state and local partners, prioritizes the protection of someone’s personal information and works diligently to ensure it is not stolen, traded in an illicit marketplace, or used by criminal organizations.” An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray. Valladares Indictment Molinas-Salles Indictment A O Gomez-Zalaya Indictment E A Gomez-Zalaya Indictment


title: Straw Purchaser Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Purchasing 12 Firearms, One Landing in the Hands of a Convicted Felon

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Xavier Wilson, 24, of Otterbein, Indiana, has been sentenced to a year and a half in prison for making a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm. According to court documents, in February of 2021, ATF agents received a report from the Lafayette Police Department regarding a possible straw purchaser. A straw purchase scheme is when a person not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm falsely states to a federally licensed gun dealer that they are purchasing a firearm for themselves, when they know that the gun is actually intended for someone else, frequently someone who is prohibited from purchasing or possessing the firearm themselves. The individual, later identified as Xavier Wilson, purchased twelve guns from federally licensed firearms dealers in Marion and Boone Counties within one month. On federal firearms purchase forms, Wilson indicated that he was the actual buyer of the guns and provided an out-of-date address, where he had not lived for two years. On March 31, 2021, one of the firearms Wilson purchased, a Glock 45 handgun, was recovered by law enforcement officers in Chicago, Illinois, in the hands of a convicted felon. Wilson had purchased that firearm just seven days earlier. On April 14, 2021, ATF agents interviewed Wilson at his actual residence in Lafayette. Wilson admitted that he bought the firearms with the intent to resell them quickly on Discord and Armslist.com to make a profit. Wilson also admitted to providing a false address on ATF form 4473. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division made the announcement. “Illegal gun traffickers flood our streets with firearms and drive the violence plaguing too many of our neighborhoods, and saving lives requires us to stop the flow of crime guns at their source,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “This defendant repeatedly lied to obtain firearms and profited by putting them into the hands of people prohibited from legally purchasing them. Now he will pay for his crimes in federal prison. This prosecution demonstrates that our office will work tirelessly with the ATF to identify illegal gun traffickers and hold them accountable.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Wilson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney Charges High School Teacher With Attempted Transfer Of Obscene Material And Receipt And Possession Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced that KOSTAS FEKKAS, a/k/a “Constantine Fekkas,” a/k/a “C.J. Justice,” was arrested on September 14, 2023, and charged via a criminal Complaint filed in White Plains federal court with possession of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and attempted transfer of obscene material. FEKKAS was presented in White Plains federal court yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy, who ordered that FEKKAS be detained. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Kostas Fekkas’s alleged conduct is despicable. As a teacher, Fekkas was entrusted with the care and well-being of children, who he in turn allegedly sought to victimize. I’m grateful to our diligent law enforcement partners and the dedicated prosecutors of this Office for bringing charges in this important case, and I encourage anyone who believes they may have information regarding Fekkas’s alleged conduct to report this information at 1-866-DHS-2423 or www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form .” HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “As parents, we entrust our children's safety to the school each day, believing they are in safe hands. The accused stands charged with heinous crimes against an individual he believed to be a child, unaware that it was an undercover agent. It brings me a sense of relief to know this individual has been removed from both the streets and the classroom.” As alleged in the Complaint filed yesterday: [1] In December 2022, an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl named “Riley” had a conversation on Kik (a mobile messaging application) with someone with the username “C.J.Justice” (“C.J.”). C.J.’s Kik account was registered to the email address kfekkas@mercy.edu. Among other things, C.J. introduced himself as a 30-year-old male from New York who teaches high school physics; sent multiple photographs of himself to Riley that resembled a photograph of FEKKAS that had been posted on a public charter school’s website; repeatedly asked Riley for photographs, including photographs of her “body”; sent a video of someone masturbating and several photographs of an erect penis, including one from inside a classroom, to Riley; described the various kinds of sexual acts he wanted to engage in with Riley; and told Riley that he had sex “with a 10th grader once” and had “been searching ever since” to have sex with a minor again. In March 2023, law enforcement seized FEKKAS’s cellphone and executed a search warrant to review the data extracted from the cellphone. They discovered that FEKKAS used a mobile application called HideU to hide, among other things, (i) a sexually explicit video in which a young female (“Victim-1”) was rubbing and inserting her fingers into her vagina; (ii) a photograph of the same female with her pink sweatshirt pulled up to expose her breasts; and (iii) a photograph of the same female naked from the head down to her knees. In the video and the photographs, she was wearing a bracelet that spelled out an abbreviated version of her first name. The name on the bracelet matched the name of a Snapchat user who had a chat conversation with “Lysol1834,” the Snapchat account username on FEKKAS’s cellphone. After comparing Snapchat records with passport information, law enforcement confirmed that Victim-1 was a girl who was 12 years old at the time the photographs and sexually explicit video was taken. Prior to his arrest, FEKKAS was a teacher at a public charter high school located in upper Manhattan, New York. It also appears that FEKKAS previously worked at several other schools in the Bronx and Westchester counties. There may be more victims of this alleged conduct. If you have information to report, contact HSI through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2423 or by completing its online tip form . Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing-impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196. * * * FEKKAS, 34, of Hartsdale, New York, is charged with attempted transfer of obscene material, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The minimum and maximum potential penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative efforts of HSI and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. He added that the investigation is ongoing. The case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Ly is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the descriptions of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: New Jersey Construction Company Operator Pleads Guilty to Tax Crimes and Bankruptcy Fraud

component: Tax Division

body_text: A New Jersey man pleaded guilty yesterday to tax evasion, employment tax crimes, aiding the filing of false tax returns and making false statements in bankruptcy. According to court documents and statements made in court, Zeki Donuk, of Landing, operated a construction business first under the name Titan Builders LLC and later as Titan Steel Construction LLC (collectively, “Titan”). From at least 2016 through 2019, Donuk cashed checks payable to Titan instead of depositing them into business bank accounts. Donuk concealed the cashed checks and did not report them either as gross receipts on Titan’s corporate tax returns or as income on his or his wife’s personal returns. As part of his plea, Donuk admitted that from the third quarter of 2016 through the third quarter of 2017, he also did not collect, account for or pay over to the IRS employment taxes withheld from employees’ wages, despite a legal obligation to do so. For those quarters, Donuk also did not file quarterly employment tax returns on behalf of the businesses. In 2019, Donuk made false statements on documents he filed in a personal bankruptcy case. Specifically, he concealed from the bankruptcy court that he owned a vacation property in Pennsylvania, had signatory authority over certain bank accounts, owed tax debts to the IRS and operated his construction business as Titan Builders and Titan Steel. U.S. District Judge Esther Salas for the District of New Jersey set sentencing for Jan. 4, 2024. Donuk faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of tax evasion, failure to account for and pay employment taxes and bankruptcy fraud, and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each false return. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation, the FBI and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration are investigating the case. Trial Attorney Melissa S. Siskind of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.


title: Pearl River Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison  for Drug Trafficking on Choctaw Indian Reservation

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Pearl River man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration. According to court documents, Antoniel Thomas Jr. 29, of the Pearl River Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation, distributed methamphetamine on the Choctaw Indian Reservation from January 2020 to February of 2020. In August of 2020, a federal grand jury indicted Thomas in a four-count indictment involving the possession and distribution of methamphetamine on the Choctaw Indian Reservation. On January 27, 2021, Thomas entered a plea of guilty to count one of the indictment charging conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The case was investigated by the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Burns.


title: Harvey Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Federal Drug and Gun Charges

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FREDERICK TURNER , age 51, a resident of Harvey, Louisiana, was sentenced on September 14, 2023 to 151 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $200 special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. TURNER previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride and a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). According to court documents, a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigation revealed that TURNER was involved in a narcotics distribution conspiracy with several other co-conspirators between June 8, 2020, and June 5, 2021. As part of the conspiracy, TURNER regularly distributed amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine. Additionally, officers executed a search warrant at TURNER’s residence and seized an illegal shotgun from TURNER . This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Brockton Man Under Indictment Arrested for Illegally Receiving a Firearm and Distributing Fentanyl

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Brockton man currently under indictment for state charges, was arrested yesterday and charged in U.S. District Court for firearm and fentanyl distribution offenses. Antonio Denziah Fernandes, 22, was indicted on one count of illegally receiving a firearm while under indictment and two counts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday, Fernandes was detained pending a hearing set for Sept. 19, 2023. According to the indictment, in January 2022, while under indictment in state court for trafficking more than 10 grams of fentanyl, Fernandes allegedly received a Glock Model 48, 9mm pistol. Additionally, in January and February 2022, Fernandes is alleged to have distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The charge of illegally receiving a firearm while under indictment provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl each provide for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office; the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; and the Brockton, Taunton, Whitman, West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater and Bridgewater State University Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Meghan C. Cleary of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Murder and Sex Trafficking Eight Women

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Somorie Moses, also known as “Somorie Barfield,” “Sugar Bear,” “Bear” and “Daddy,” pleaded guilty in the federal courthouse in Brooklyn to sex trafficking eight women and to the 2017 murder of one of the women, Leondra Foster. The plea proceeding took place before United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon. When sentenced, Moses faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of 15 years, and up to life in prison. This prosecution is the first use of the federal statute criminalizing murder in the course of sex trafficking. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the guilty plea. “With today’s guilty plea to every count in the indictment, Moses is held fully responsible for preying on women and girls, forcing them to become prostitutes, and then brutally murdering and dismembering one of his many victims,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “While the defendant’s total admission of guilt cannot undo the terrible harm he has caused, we hope it will bring a measure of closure to his victims who suffered the defendant’s extreme cruelty and brutality, and to the family of Ms. Foster.” Mr. Peace also expressed his appreciation to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. “Moses exploited vulnerable women and robbed them of their freedom and dignity for his own personal gain, and even brutally robbed one woman of her life”, stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. “Stopping human trafficking remains a top priority of the FBI and our partners, and we hope that this plea will result in some solace for the survivors to know that Moses will pay for his crimes and no longer be able to harm anyone else.” “Today’s guilty plea brings finality to a case of reprehensible sexual exploitation, brutal assault, and murder,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “I commend and thank our dedicated NYPD detectives, along with our partners in the FBI and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, for their commitment to investigating and prosecuting this important case.” According to court filings and admissions made in court, since at least 2003, Moses forced women and girls, including minors, into prostitution for his benefit using violence, threats of violence, and psychological manipulation. Moses used false promises of love and marriage to initiate sexual relationships with his victims before demanding that they work as prostitutes and turn over the money they earned to him. Moses pressured many of his victims into tattooing his first name, “Somorie,” on their bodies. Moses used brutal beatings, rape, torture, and threats to coerce his victims to work in prostitution in Brooklyn and Queens. When one victim, identified at today’s guilty plea proceeding as Jane Doe 1, refused to engage in prostitution, Moses used a taser against her until she complied. Another victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, was slashed on her arms and back with a razor by Moses who also beat her with a belt before pouring lemon juice on her wounds, leaving her permanently scarred. When a victim identified as Jane Doe 7 told Moses that she did not want to work as a prostitute, he put a shotgun in her mouth and threatened to kill her and her child. On January 13, 2017, Moses murdered Leondra Foster, one of his sex trafficking victims. That same day, using a knife and a saw, Moses dismembered Foster’s body inside their shared apartment in Brooklyn. Four days later, on the morning of January 17, 2017, Moses transported Foster’s torso and limbs to the Bronx for disposal at a sanitation site. Foster’s head, hands and feet — including a foot with the name “Somorie” tattooed on it — were subsequently recovered by law enforcement inside the deep freezer of Moses’s apartment. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Siegel and Tanya Hajjar are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from paralegal specialist Anna November. The Defendant : SOMORIE MOSES (also known as “Somorie Barfield,” “Sugar Bear,” “Bear” and “Daddy”) Age: 47 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-232 (CBA)


title: Mexican Man Charged with Illegal Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Mexican man has been charged with illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Ramon Alfaro-Orona, 38, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon, Alfaro-Orona was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Sept. 19, 2023 at noon. According to the charging documents, Alfaro-Orona was deported from the United States on eight prior occasions, with the most recent being Sept. 30, 2014. It is alleged that sometime after his September 2014 removal, Alfaro-Orona unlawfully reentered the United States. On Aug. 23, 2023, Alfaro-Orona was taken into custody by immigration authorities following his arraignment in Leominster District Court for three counts of larceny by check over $1,200. Alfaro-Orona was convicted for unlawful reentry on two prior occasions in November 2013 and March 2014. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Serial Bank Robber from Fall River Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Prison

body_text: BOSTON – A Fall River man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for robbing four separate banks in Massachusetts within a five-day period and attempting to rob a fifth bank. William Sequeira, 60, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On June 22, 2023, Sequeira pleaded guilty to four counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery. Between Sept. 26, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2022, Sequeira robbed four separate banks in the Fall River and Boston areas. On Sept. 26, 2022 at approximately 1:52 p.m., Sequeira entered the Stop & Shop on Rodman Street in Fall River. There, he approached the Citizens Bank counter and demanded money stating, “listen, this is what's gonna happen, I have a gun and I'll put it against your forehead.” On Sept. 27, 2022 at approximately 2:35 p.m., Sequeira entered the Santander Bank on located on Berkley Street in Boston and threatened to shoot the employees. Specifically, he ran up to a teller and stated, “give me a $100 bill or I’ll put a bullet in your head.” Sequeira did not present a firearm. The next day, on Sept. 28, 2022 at approximately 4:01 p.m., Sequeira entered the M&T Bank located on Boylston Street in Boston, approached a teller and stated, “I'm going to put a gun to your head if you don't give me the $100 bills.” On Sept. 30, 2022 at approximately 3:15 p.m., Sequeira entered the TD Bank located on Union Street in Boston. There, he told the teller, “give me all the $100s in the drawer,” and “give me all the money before I blow your brains out,” before fleeing on foot with money from the teller. An investigation by law enforcement led to the identification of Sequeira as the suspect in each of the robberies. As a result, on Oct. 5, 2022, upon being informed that Sequeira was on a train enroute to Boston, law enforcement conducted surveillance in the Back Bay area suspecting that Sequeira was planning another robbery. Sequeira was subsequently spotted entering the Citizens Bank located on Boylston Street in Boston. There, he approached the teller, said “Give me hundreds,” and threatened to shoot the teller if they did not move fast enough. Sequeira was immediately apprehended. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Fall River Police Department and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Convicted Felon Charged with Fentanyl Distribution Following His Release from Prison

body_text: BOSTON – A previously convicted felon has been charged with allegedly contacting a law enforcement officer – whom he believed was a drug customer – to coordinate a drug deal after being released from state prison. Ruben Depina, 23, of Rockland, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to the charging documents, in May 2023, a law enforcement officer – who previously worked in an undercover capacity – allegedly received a call from Depina who introduced himself as “Jake.” Depina allegedly told the officer that he recently got out of jail and was contacting his best customers because he was selling drugs again. On or about May 16, 2023, Depina allegedly sold at least 40 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness during a controlled purchase. Weeks later, on June 11, 2023, local law enforcement allegedly observed the same vehicle Depina had used to participate in the controlled purchase speeding in East Bridgewater. It is alleged that the vehicle sped off after being stopped by law enforcement. While being pursued Depina’s vehicle collided with a van at an intersection. It is alleged that, when law enforcement approached the vehicle, Depina was observed reaching towards the passenger side floor before complying with instructions to show his hands. Depina was immediately removed through the passenger side window and arrested. During a search of Depina’s vehicle, a loaded firearm, multiple cellphones, a digital scale and a satchel containing at least 20 grams of cocaine base were allegedly recovered. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; the Massachusetts State Police; the Suffolk, Plymouth and Bristol County Sheriff's Departments; and the Boston, Brockton, Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Rockland and Westport Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: The Villages Man Charged With Illegally Receiving Misbranded Erectile Dysfunction Pills

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Reginald Odell Kincer (77, The Villages) has been charged by information with receipt of misbranded drugs in interstate commerce. If convicted, Kincer faces up to one year in federal prison and a fine of up to $10,000. According to court records, Kincer received more than $1,800 of erectile dysfunction drugs that had been shipped through interstate commerce. These drugs were misbranded because Kincer obtained them without a prescription from a licensed doctor. Kincer had planned to redistribute these drugs to others locally and outside the State of Florida. An information is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk. Download Charging Document


title: Hudsonville Man Sentenced To 17.5 Years For Sexually Exploiting Children

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Austin Thomas Noel, 27, of Hudsonville, Michigan, was sentenced to 210 months in prison for sexually exploiting children. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker also imposed seven years of supervised release following Noel’s custodial sentence. “My office takes child exploitation cases very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Totten . “Mr. Noel used social media to cast a wide net in search of girls and young women to sexually exploit. Now, he will serve over 17 years in prison for his predatory behavior. Our foot is on the gas and others who commit these crimes against children will face a similar fate.” “This sentence should serve as a deterrent to anyone considering preying on our most innocent and vulnerable members of society,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “The FBI is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting violent predators who commit crimes against our children. Successful work like this is made possible thanks to the wide network of law enforcement partners and we appreciate their critical support throughout this investigation.” In January 2022, a mother reported to the FBI that she discovered her daughter had been engaging in sexually explicit chats with a man using the account name, “official_anoel.” The conversations started when the child was 13 years old and continued for around two years. The FBI identified Austin Noel as the man behind the “official_anoel” account and uncovered more than 700 chat logs and communications between Noel and girls and young women. Approximately 37 of these individuals identified themselves as minors, more than 20 of which were between the ages of 12 and 15 years old. Throughout the chats, Noel made numerous efforts to meet with the minors for sex. In March 2023, Noel pleaded guilty to a Felony Information charging him with sexually exploiting the victim and using her to create child pornography for him. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following web site: https://www.justice.gov/psc . Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Mekaru and investigated by FBI Grand Rapids, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Norton Shores Police Department, and the West Michigan Based Child Exploitation Trafficking Task Force (WEBCHEX), which is a partnership of FBI, Michigan State Police, and local agencies dedicated to investigating offenses against children. ###


title: Fletcher Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Methamphetamine Case

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on September 15, 2023, Timothy Gillilan, 43, of Fletcher, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford to a term of 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Gillilan previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine in April 2023. According to court records, Gillilan was arrested on April 6, 2022, pursuant to a federal warrant. Gillilan faced a three-count indictment charging him with various methamphetamine offenses. The investigation showed that the defendant possessed more than 100 grams of methamphetamine, as well as quantities of cocaine and marijuana, at his home in Fletcher, Vermont. Gillilan admitted to having distributed methamphetamine from the home in late 2021. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Northwest Vermont Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher. Mr. Gillilan was represented by William A. Vasiliou, II, Esq. and Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.


title: Former Park City Mental Health Counselor Sentenced to Over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – A former Park City, Kentucky mental health counselor was sentenced today to 8 years and 4 months in prison for receiving, distributing, and possessing child sexual exploitation materials. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville made the announcement. According to court documents, Carl Anthony Puleo, 55, was sentenced to 8 years and 4 months in prison, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, for one count each of receiving, distributing, and possessing child sexual exploitation materials. Puleo was also ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution. During an investigation, an HSI Agent downloaded child sexual exploitation materials from Puleo through a file-sharing network. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by HSI Bowling Green. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” ###


title: Bronx Man Sentenced To 70 Months In Prison For Armed Robbery Of Jewelry Store Using A Gun, Bear Spray, And Hammers

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that PABLO ARMANDO VALENZUELA was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero to 70 months in prison for committing an armed robbery of a jewelry store in the Bronx, New York. VALENZUELA previously pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The defendant committed a violent armed robbery of a Bronx jewelry store and injured innocent employees and bystanders by spraying a can of extremely hazardous bear spray directly into their faces. Violent criminals who commit firearms offenses and terrorize hardworking New Yorkers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” According to the allegations contained in the Complaint and court filings: On August 10, 2022, VALENZUELA, along with at least five other co-conspirators, committed an armed robbery of a jewelry store in the Bronx, New York, using a firearm, bear spray, and hammers. On the evening of August 10, VALENZUELA entered the jewelry store wearing a ski mask and sprayed a can of bear spray into the eyes of jewelry store employees, temporarily blinding them. As customers, including young children, attempted to flee the jewelry store, five other masked robbers entered the store and used hammers to destroy glass display cases. At least one robber brandished a firearm. VALENZUELA and the other robbers then stole hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry. VALENZUELA fled the jewelry store and sprayed bear spray into the eyes of bystanders, many of whom were then rushed to the hospital. The robbers then fled in various directions on foot, in cars, and on the backs of mopeds driven by co-conspirators who stood nearby as lookout and getaway drivers. Photographs of VALENZUELA committing the offense are below: * * * In addition to his prison term, VALENZUELA, 33, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. VALENZUELA’s co-defendant, AARON MILLER, pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and will be sentenced on December 1, 2023. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda C. Weingarten is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Alleged Fentanyl Traffickers Arrested in Bell County

body_text: WACO, Texas – Four individuals were arrested in Bell County Thursday on criminal charges related to their alleged fentanyl trafficking. According to court documents, Anthony Perez-Diaz aka “Krosty,” 37; Anthony Perez-Perez aka “Mundo,” 43, Jose Ublies-Rivera aka “Wichy,” 49; and Emanuel Giovanni Hernandez-Miranda aka “Goldo,” 30, were identified as narcotics distributors in January by Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) Criminal Investigations Division (CID) special agents. The four defendants are charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl. They made their initial court appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Manske of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. If convicted, they each face 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. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement. TX DPS CID; the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division; Killeen Police Department; Copperas Cove Police Department; Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; and United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Blanton is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Navmar to Pay $4.4 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Regarding Double-billing and Cost-Shifting

component: Civil Division

body_text: Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation (Navmar), headquartered in Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $4.4 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly double billing and shifting certain labor and material costs under a series of contracts with the Department of the Navy (Navy) to manufacture, design and test emerging intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies. The United States alleged that Navmar knowingly billed certain labor and material costs on one Navy contract, subsequently billed the same costs on another contract and was therefore paid twice for the same costs. The United States further alleged that Navmar knowingly and improperly shifted material costs incurred under certain contracts to other contracts in violation of the Federal Acquisition Regulation requirement that costs incurred under a contract be allocable to that contract, resulting in Navmar recovering costs it otherwise would not have. “Companies that do business with the government must ensure that they are properly billing the government for the goods or services that they provide,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable those who misuse taxpayer funds for their own self-enrichment.” “This settlement demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to take appropriate action when it determines that taxpayer dollars have been double-billed and improperly accounted for,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “Cases such as this one should be seen as a warning to defense contractors that false claims have no place in military purchasing.” “Investigating allegations of cost mischarging on Department of Defense (DoD) contracts is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the DoD Office of Inspector General,” stated Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. “The DCIS is committed to working with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the Justice Department to protect the integrity of the DoD procurement process. The Defense Contract Audit Agency’s Operations Investigative Support Division provided valuable expertise during this investigation.” “Procurement fraud threatens military readiness and therefore poses a significant threat to our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the NCIS Economic Crime Field Office. “NCIS remains committed to ensuring the good stewardship of U.S. taxpayer dollars by thoroughly investigating all allegations of fraud that damage the integrity of the Department of the Navy procurement process.” The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from the DCIS, NCIS, Defense Contract Audit Agency and Defense Contract Management Agency. The matter was handled by Trial Attorney K.L. Grace Moseley of the Justice Department's Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Landon Jones and Mark Sherer for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. navmar_settlement_agreement_executed_sept_15_2023.pdf


title: Chickasha Man Sentenced to Serve 25 Years in Federal Prison for Killing His Father With a Cinder Block

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, PHILLIP KEITH RAY , 45, of Chickasha, was sentenced to serve 300 months in federal prison for murder in the second degree in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On March 1, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a one-count Indictment against Ray, charging him with murder in the second degree. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, on October 19, 2021, law enforcement responded to a distress call at a home in Chickasha. Once on scene, Chickasha Police officers located a deceased male victim in the backyard, with significant injuries to his head. A concrete block was found near the body. Ray, the son of the victim, was home at the time of the murder. Another family member told Chickasha Police they believed Ray was responsible for the crime. On September 14, 2022, Ray pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree. As part of his plea, Ray admitted to striking the victim on the head with a cinder block. The case is charged in federal court because Ray is a citizen of the Comanche Nation and the crime took place within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation. At the sentencing hearing on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Ray to serve 25 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the court noted the need to incapacitate the defendant and protect the public from any potential future violence. This case is a result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office with assistance provided by the Chickasha Police Department, Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danielle London and Daniel Gridley prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for more information.


title: Child Predator from Texas Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A man from Katy, Texas, entered a plea of guilty Wednesday to coercion and enticement of a minor, and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. Lee Finch II, 48, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark T. Steele and pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor, and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. “Lee Finch II groomed the 14-year-old victim and traveled from Texas multiple times to engage in sexual activity with her. The U.S Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners with continue to marshal our resources to apprehend and prosecute child predators,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Through his deplorable crimes, this defendant has proven to be a threat to his community,” said Robert Melton, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) Dallas’ Oklahoma and Texas Panhandle Division. “He pled guilty to sexually exploiting a vulnerable child on numerous occasions, stripping the victim’s innocence without regard for the adverse impact it would cause. HSI and our law enforcement partners will never relent in our efforts to stop the communities we live from becoming a proving ground for child predators.” Finch admitted in his plea that he began grooming the victim when she was 12 years old and that between February 2018 and April 2018, he knowingly communicated with the victim, a then 14-year-old girl, multiple times and used text messages to discuss engaging in sexual activities and to coordinate in-person meetings to engage in sexual activity. He further admitted that he knew the true age of the victim; and that he traveled from his home in Katy, Texas, to Tulsa multiple times, where he met the victim and engaged in illicit sexual activities. Finch faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison. A date for sentencing has not been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Federal sentences do not allow for parole or early release. Finch has been and will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service pending sentencing. The Tulsa Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn is prosecuting the case. 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 coordinate 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 tab on that page .


title: Man Sentenced for Strangling Spouse in Japan

body_text: A Michigan man was sentenced to one year and a day in prison for assaulting and strangling his spouse at their off-base residence outside of U.S. Army Garrison Japan in Sagamihara, Japan. According to court documents, on July 19, 2021, Robert Hammock, 39, of Detroit, and his spouse got into an argument inside their residence. The argument escalated and Hammock punched his spouse in the eye twice, hit her on the head and body, pushed her to the ground, and then strangled her. She was able to escape only when Hammock stopped assaulting her as he attempted to take her cell phone, which she had dropped due to the force of the strangulation. The victim sustained injuries, including bruising around her eye and on her cheekbone, and lacerations on her neck. On May 4, Hammock pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Michigan to one count of assault of a spouse by strangulation. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan, and Special Agent in Charge Michael DeFamio of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID) Far East Field Office made the announcement. Army CID investigated the case. Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Taylor for the Eastern District of Michigan prosecuted the case.


title: Ardmore Man Sentenced to Serve Life in Federal Prison for Second-Degree Murder in Indian Country

component: Defending Childhood

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, KEVIN BRUCE MCGUIRE , 60, of Ardmore, was sentenced to serve life in federal prison for murder in the second degree, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On November 15, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a one-count Indictment against McGuire, charging him with murder in the second degree for causing the death of another person while driving under the influence of alcohol. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, on September 14, 2022, law enforcement received multiple calls of a wrong-way driver on Interstate 35 near Purcell, Oklahoma. While responding to the reports, Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) troopers learned the driver had caused a collision with another vehicle, which resulted in the death of the driver of that vehicle, a 28-year-old man. The complaint alleges once on scene, troopers detected an odor of alcohol coming from McGuire. McGuire stated he was unaware he was traveling on the wrong side of the Interstate. A blood test taken at a nearby hospital showed McGuire’s blood alcohol content was over the legal limit. Public records reflect that since 1990 McGuire has had six previous felony DUI convictions. This case is in federal court because McGuire is a citizen of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and the alleged crime occurred within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation. On April 19, 2023, McGuire pleaded guilty to Count 1, murder in the second degree. At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced McGuire to serve life in prison. In announcing the sentence, the court noted the need to protect the public from McGuire, in light of his history of DUI-related convictions. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public records for additional information.


title: Leader of International Gift Card Fraud Scheme Convicted

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Chinese national residing in Washington, D.C. yesterday on charges of conspiracy, access device fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Qinbin Chen, 29, masterminded a criminal conspiracy that obtained, trafficked, used, and laundered gift cards and debit cards purchased by victims, who were mostly elderly, from across the United States. The victims were manipulated into buying Walmart gift cards by fraudsters who told the victims a range of lies, such as their social security numbers had been compromised, their bank accounts had been hacked, or there was an issue with their computer software. The victims sent the gift cards to fraudsters who soon transferred them to Chen. Chen employed conspirators to use the Walmart gift cards to buy other gift cards. Chen then sold those “clean” gift cards to overseas buyers. Though Chen reported little legitimate income, his bank accounts showed hundreds of thousands of dollars in incoming international wires. Evidence at trial suggested that Chen trafficked about $7 million in fraudulently obtained gift cards. Chen faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on December 18. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Chen is the seventh defendant convicted as part of this investigation. Co-conspirators He Li, 45; Shouming Sun, 44; Jin Hong, 40; Yuchen Zhang, 26; Mouluan Wu, 47; and Zhizhan Chen, 26, have pleaded guilty to related charges. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Javan S Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of the Inspector General, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr. accepted the verdict. The Loudoun County Sherriff’s Office also assisted in the prosecution of Chen. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Hood and Kenneth R. Simon, Jr. are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-216.


title: Morgantown physician charged with tax fraud

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David M. Anderson, age 62, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has been charged with filing a false tax return. According to court documents, Anderson, a physician, filed false tax returns that understated his taxable income. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 144 Months for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Travis Lee Young, 47, Milwaukee, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 144 months for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine and maintaining a drug trafficking place. Young pleaded guilty to these charges on June 6, 2023. This period of imprisonment will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. On August 3, 2022, officers arrested Young at a hotel in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Young had been connected to a purchase of methamphetamine two weeks prior at the same hotel. Inside of Young’s hotel room, officers found over 600 grams of methamphetamine, over 940 M-30 fentanyl pills, and 17 grams of cocaine. These controlled substances were packaged for distribution. Officers also found a loaded semiautomatic firearm underneath the mattress of the bed. Young’s DNA was found on the firearm. A witness involved in this investigation told officers that they had purchased methamphetamine from Young before. The same witness had driven Young to and from Milwaukee on drug-related trips around Wisconsin. A search of Young’s cellphone revealed that Young had been having multiple conversations about his drug trafficking. Young was convicted in 2017 of the felony offenses of possession of a firearm by a felon and a burglary in Milwaukee County. Young was still serving the extended supervision portion of those sentences at the time of his arrest. Young had been convicted of eight felonies before the date of this arrest. After his arrest, Young attempted to persuade witnesses to change their stories by sending letters from the jail, instructing them to recant and blame a different individual for the drugs and firearm. At sentencing, Judge Peterson remarked that these crimes were really serious as involved a significant quantity of drugs. The judge voiced his concern that a firearm was involved, remarking that the gun was there to protect Young’s drug trafficking. The judge opined that Young had been a bad influence on the community. He stated that Young’s drug dealing harmed the public, as he was “making money off the illness of others.” The judge considered Young’s criminal history to be “serious” and “aggravated”, specifically focusing on Young’s previous involvement in violent crimes. The charges against Young were the result of an investigation conducted by the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle River Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn E. Ginsberg.


title: Three Defendants Convicted of Federal Civil Rights Conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Offenses for Obstructing Access to a Reproductive Health Services Facility

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A federal jury convicted three defendants of charges of federal civil rights offenses in connection with the Oct. 22, 2020, invasion of a reproductive health care clinic in Washington, D.C. According to evidence presented at trial, Jonathan Darnel, 41, of Arlington, Virginia; Jean Marshall, 73, of Kingston, Massachusetts; and Joan Bell, 74, of Montague, New Jersey, engaged in a conspiracy to create a blockade at the reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services. As part of the conspiracy, Marshall and Bell traveled to the Washington, D.C. area to meet with Darnel and participate in a clinic blockade that was directed by another co-conspirator and broadcast on Facebook. According to evidence presented at trial, Marshall and Bell were among a group that forcefully entered the clinic and blockaded two clinic doors using their bodies, furniture, chains and ropes. Once the blockade was established, Darnel – who remained outside the clinic – live-streamed their activities on social media. The evidence also showed that the defendants violated the FACE Act by using a physical obstruction to injure, intimidate and interfere with the clinic’s employees and a patient because they were providing or obtaining reproductive health services. The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 11 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $350,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who presided over the trial, ordered the defendants immediately detained as required by statute. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. Five additional co-conspirators were convicted in August on the same counts. Lauren Handy, 28, of Alexandria, Virginia; John Hinshaw, 67, of Levittown, New York; Healther Idoni, 61, of Linden, Michigan; William Goodman, 52, of the Bronx, New York; and Herb Geraghty, 25, of Pittsburgh, were also convicted of felony conspiracy against rights and a FACE Act offense. One co-defendant, Jay Smith, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 months in prison. Another co-defendant, Paulette Harlow, is awaiting trial on similar charges. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating this case, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in Pittsburgh, Newark, New York City, Boston and Detroit and the Metropolitan Police Department. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia’s Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Jersey, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of New York and Southern District of New York.


title: Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation Agrees to Pay $4.4 Million to Resolve Claims of Double-Billing and Cost-Shifting Under U.S. Navy Contracts

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced today that Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation (NASC), headquartered in Warminster, Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $4.4 million to resolve allegations that NASC violated the False Claims Act by knowingly and improperly double-billing and shifting certain labor and material costs under a series of contracts with the U.S. Department of the Navy. Separately, NASC has also agreed to resolve administrative claims arising out of an audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency of NASC’s incurred cost proposals for Fiscal Years 2011, 2012, and 2013. The United States’ allegations under the False Claims Act arise from a series of contracts, awarded by the Navy to NASC between 2010 and 2012, for enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, hardware, maintenance technical support services, and the development and rapid deployment of various advanced sensors and Unmanned Aerial Systems. The United States alleged that under those government contracts, NASC knowingly and improperly billed the Navy for certain labor and material costs on one contract, and then billed the same costs on another contract, and was improperly paid twice. The United States further alleged that in multiple instances, NASC knowingly and improperly shifted the costs of materials from one contract to another, to avoid cost ceilings and maximize payments from the government to which NASC was not entitled. “This settlement demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to take appropriate action when it determines that taxpayer dollars have been doubled-billed and improperly accounted for,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Cases such as this one should be seen as a warning to defense contractors that false claims have no place in military purchasing.” “Investigating allegations of cost mischarging on Department of Defense (DoD) contracts is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the DoD Office of Inspector General,” stated Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “The DCIS is committed to working with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Department of Justice to protect the integrity of the DoD procurement process. The Defense Contract Audit Agency’s Operations Investigative Support Division provided valuable expertise during this investigation.” “Procurement fraud threatens military readiness and therefore poses a significant threat to our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Gross of the NCIS Economic Crime Field Office. “NCIS remains committed to ensuring the good stewardship of U.S. taxpayer dollars by thoroughly investigating all allegations of fraud that damage the integrity of the Department of the Navy procurement process.” The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with investigative assistance from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Defense Contract Audit Agency, and the Defense Contract Management Agency. The matter is being handled in the U.S. Attorney’s Office by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Landon Y. Jones and Mark J. Sherer, and Auditor Dawn Wiggins.


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Paducah Woman for False Tax Claims and Small Business Administration Fraud

body_text: Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky returned an indictment on September 12, 2023, charging a Paducah woman with eight counts of filing false tax claims and one count of wire fraud involving the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) financial assistance program. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Bryant Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office made the announcement. According to the indictment, Natasha Harris-Johnson, 49, made a claim against the United States for payment of a refund of taxes on eight separate occasions in various amounts which she knew to be false, fictious, and fraudulent, and to which she knew she was not entitled. Additionally, between March 2020 and June 2020, Harris-Johnson filed a fraudulent application for a CARES Act financial assistance program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and fraudulently obtained over $159,000 by way of this program. EIDLs provided loan assistance (including $10,000 advances) for small businesses and other eligible entities for loans up to $2 million. The EIDL proceeds could be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. In the false EIDL applications Harris-Johnson submitted, she made false claims about the gross revenue and cost of goods sold by her company, HJ&J Development LLC. Harris-Johnson will make her initial appearance on October 19, 2023, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Harris-Johnson faces a maximum of 60 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne E. Keel is prosecuting the case. 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 . 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 . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###