title: Two Queens Men Convicted of Drug-Related Murder of Run-DMC D.J. Jason Mizell, Also Known As "Jam Master Jay"

body_text: Today, a federal jury in Brooklyn returned a guilty verdict against Karl Jordan, Jr., and Ronald Washington for the October 30, 2002, murder of Jason Mizell, also known as “Jam Master Jay,” a member of the famed hip hop group Run-DMC. Both defendants were charged with murder while engaged in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy and firearm-related murder for the fatal shooting of Mizell inside the victim’s recording studio in Hollis, Queens. The verdict followed a four-week trial before United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall. When sentenced, Jordan and Washington face a minimum of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum term of life imprisonment. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), John B. DeVito, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced the verdict. “More than two decades after they killed Jason Mizell in his recording studio, Jordan and Washington have finally been held accountable for their cold-blooded crime driven by greed and revenge,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “That the victim, professionally known as Jam Master Jay, was a hip hop icon and Run-DMC’s music was born in Hollis, Queens, in this very district, and beloved by so many, adds to the tragedy of a life senselessly cut short. I thank the jurors for their service, and I commend our prosecutors, the NYPD detectives, both active and retired, and the Special Agents and investigators from the ATF and my office, for their relentless pursuit of justice for the victim, his family, and the community.” Mr. Peace also expressed his thanks to the NYPD Intelligence Division, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Queens County District Attorney’s Office, and Dominican Republic National Police for their assistance. “Today’s guilty verdicts provides proof that the passage of time provides no safe harbor to those who commit murder. For us in ATF, our memory is long, and our resolve is steadfast. We have no tolerance for those who would take a life, and we are committed to seeing justice done. We thank our partners who are a part of ATF NY Joint Firearms Task Force -Long Island, NYPD, U.S. Marshals and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Eastern District of NY who share the same commitment and resolve. We offer our hope to the family, friends, and fans of Jason Mizell that today’s verdict gives some closure,” stated ATF Special Agent-in-Charge DeVito. “In every homicide investigation, NYPD detectives are meticulous, patient, and tireless in their efforts to help secure guilty verdicts like these rendered today,” stated NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “A cold case is never a forgotten case. In the decades since Mr. Mizell was brutally murdered, the greatest detectives in the world followed every lead until arrests could be made, and a solid case could be brought to our partners in the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Mr. Mizell’s loved ones – who long-expected and deserved justice to be delivered – were patient, too, and we hope the jury’s decisions today advance a small measure of closure.” As proven at trial, between the 1990s and 2002, separate from his music career, Mizell was involved in arranging for the sale of kilogram-quantities of cocaine in the Eastern District of New York and elsewhere. In August 2002, Mizell acquired approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine on consignment from a supplier based in California. The cocaine was intended to be distributed in Maryland by Washington, Jordan and other co-conspirators. A dispute between Washington and one of the co-conspirators in Baltimore resulted in Mizell cutting Washington and Jordan out of the Maryland drug deal worth almost $200,000. Following this betrayal, Washington and Jordan continued in the larger narcotics conspiracy until they could ultimately cut out Jason Mizell by murdering him on October 30, 2002. On Wednesday, October 30, 2002, Mizell was present at his recording studio, “24/7,” located on Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens, playing a video game with a friend and reviewing paperwork with his business manager. At approximately 7:30 p.m., the defendants’ co-conspirator opened a locked fire escape exit door allowing Washington and Jordan to enter the building without being seen by Mizell. Jordan, who was the victim’s godson, and Washington went upstairs to the recording studio where Jordan greeted Mizell, who was sitting on the couch and initially appeared happy to see him. Things turned quickly, with Jordan pointing a gun at Mizell and firing two shots at close range. One shot hit Mizell in the head, killing him instantly. The second shot struck Mizell’s friend in the leg. Mizell’s business manager tried to flee and was met by Washington, who pointed a gun at her face and demanded that she lay on the floor. The three defendants fled the scene. The defendants variously made admissions to associates implicating themselves in the fatal shooting or bragging about being the shooter. For example, a witness who lived in a residence owned by Jordan’s father, testified that he overheard Jordan say that if Mizell “were still alive he would kill him again.” Washington’s former girlfriend testified that several days after the murder, he admitted killing Mizell. Additionally at trial, Jordan was identified as the shooter by the individual who was shot in the leg, and Mizell’s business manager identified Washington as being present in the recording studio during the murder and pointing a firearm at her and ordering her to get down on the floor. The co-conspirator who allowed the defendants to enter through the fire escape door will be tried separately for his role in Mizell’s murder in January 2026 and remains innocent until proven guilty. Jordan is also charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine distribution and will be tried on those counts at a later date. Assistant United States Attorneys Artie McConnell, Mark E. Misorek and Miranda Gonzalez are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Anna November and Samantha Schroder. The Defendants : KARL JORDAN, JR. (also known as “Little D” and “Noid”) Age: 40 Hollis, Queens RONALD WASHINGTON (also known as “Tinard”) Age: 59 Hollis, Queens E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-305 (LDH)


title: Par Funding Principals Charged in a RICO Indictment in Addition to Pending Charges of Securities Fraud, Extortion, Tax Crimes, Perjury, and Obstruction

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – A second superseding indictment was filed yesterday charging a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) by three principals of Complete Business Solutions Group, Inc. d/b/a Par Funding (“Par Funding”) and also charging various other crimes included in a previous superseding indictment, including securities fraud, extortionate collection of credit, tax crimes, perjury, obstruction of justice, witness retaliation, and witness tampering, announced United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. These principals are Joseph LaForte, 52, Joseph Cole Barleta (“Joe Cole”), 39, and James LaForte, 46. A separate indictment was filed charging Joseph LaForte, and his wife, Lisa McElhone, 43, with tax evasion, a conspiracy to avoid paying taxes, and a scheme to avoid paying approximately $1.6 million in income taxes due to the State of Pennsylvania by fraudulently claiming that their residence was Florida, when in fact they resided in Pennsylvania. According to the second superseding indictment, codefendants Joseph LaForte, Joe Cole, and James LaForte, and others, were part of an association-in-fact RICO enterprise that conspired to commit a number of predicate crimes, including crimes related to the fleecing of Par Funding’s many investors and the extortionate collection of credit from Par Funding’s many merchant-customers. The indictment alleges that when the defendants were sued civilly by the SEC in July 2020, which resulted in a receivership taking over control of Par Funding, the enterprise took various illegal steps to attempt to regain control of Par Funding and to “defeat” the government, including through acts of obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and retaliation. The enterprise was structured with Joe LaForte as its leader and final decisionmaker, and it operated through various family members and close associates. The indictment alleges that the principal purposes of the LaForte Enterprise were as follows: to generate money for its leadership, members, and associates through the commission of various criminal acts, such as securities fraud, wire fraud, the extortionate collection of debt, obstruction of justice, and retaliation; to conceal from investors, auditors, the government, and law enforcement that its members were self-dealing and enriching themselves to the detriment of Par Funding’s investors; to conceal Joseph LaForte’s identity, criminal history, and role as the leader of the enterprise and the functional Chief Executive Officer of Par Funding from Par Funding’s investors, customers, and auditors, and from the government and law enforcement, including through misrepresentations, false statements, and other means; to use extortionate means, including threats of violence, to collect money owed to Par Funding by its merchant-customers; to maintain control over Par Funding after Par Funding was put under the control of a court-appointed receiver, including by acts of obstruction and retaliation intended to frustrate and interfere with the receiver’s efforts to control Par Funding; and to protect the enterprise and its members from detection, apprehension, and prosecution by law enforcement. It is alleged that as part of their fundraising efforts, these defendants and their conspirators caused false and misleading information to be conveyed to investors regarding various issues, including: Joseph LaForte’s true name, his role at Par Funding, and his criminal history; Par Funding’s underwriting process; the diversity of the company’s MCA portfolio; Par Funding’s default rate; Par Funding’s financial success and profitability; the company’s insurance; and the defendants’ self-dealing. For instance, the indictment alleges that although Joseph LaForte operated Par Funding and referred to it as his business, he concealed this ownership and control by using his wife, Lisa McElhone, as his nominee. Joseph LaForte also used several aliases, such as “Joe Mack,” while working at the company. It is alleged that Joseph LaForte, Joe Cole, James LaForte, and their conspirators engaged in this deception to conceal Joseph LaForte’s true role as the person operating the company and his significant criminal history from investors. The indictment also alleges that Joseph LaForte and James LaForte conspired with an individual named Renato “Gino” Gioe to participate in the extortionate collection of credit. It is alleged that during the course of Par Funding’s operations, these individuals made hostile, threatening, and intimidating communications to Par Funding’s customers in person and over the telephone in order to collect on delinquent MCAs. For example, the indictment alleges that Joseph LaForte threatened to “blow up” a delinquent customer’s home in May 2019 and asked another delinquent customer in August 2019 whether the customer had heard of “cement shoes.” In addition, the indictment alleges that in May 2018, James LaForte told one customer that he was a “soldier for the family” who had torched people’s cars and kicked people’s teeth in. Furthermore, the indictment alleges that Joseph LaForte committed a variety of tax crimes. It is alleged that Joseph LaForte committed tax crimes by failing to report millions of dollars in cash kickbacks that he personally received from a Par Funding customer, and by regularly paying cash wages to Par Funding employees but not withholding taxes from these wages or reporting them to the IRS. It is further alleged that Joseph LaForte and Joe Cole each committed perjury twice during depositions in federal lawsuits against Par Funding, making misrepresentations regarding various matters. For instance, the indictment alleges that Joseph LaForte lied under oath about his knowledge of his wife’s role at Par Funding, Joe Cole’s role at the company, and the company’s default rate. The indictment alleges that Joe Cole lied under oath about who was on Par Funding’s credit committee (which Joseph LaForte ran) and who ran Par Funding. Finally, the indictment alleges that Joseph LaForte and James LaForte engaged in obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and retaliation. Specifically, it is alleged that in late February 2023, on the streets of Center City Philadelphia, James LaForte, with the assistance of and in coordination with Joseph LaForte, physically assaulted counsel for the receiver for Par Funding in a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the Southern District of Florida. Moreover, in connection with the same lawsuit, the indictment alleges that Joseph LaForte threatened to cause serious bodily injury to another individual in November 2022. Lastly, it is alleged that James LaForte made threats of violence to multiple parties in early 2023, in an effort to interfere with the SEC lawsuit, a federal grand jury investigation, and an anticipated federal prosecution, as well as to retaliate against these parties. If convicted of all counts charged against them, the defendants are facing decades or more of imprisonment, and they also face full restitution, a fine, and a period of supervised release and/or probation. In a separate indictment, it is alleged that Joseph LaForte and Lisa McElhone committed several tax crimes. For instance, it is alleged that the married couple defrauded the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania out of more than approximately $1.6 million of state taxes by falsely claiming to be residents of Florida, even though they worked, lived, and spent more than 300 days per year in Pennsylvania. Furthermore, the indictment alleges that Joseph LaForte and Lisa McElhone worked together to evade the payment of over half a million dollars of employment taxes that had been imposed on Joseph LaForte in connection with companies that he had operated in the mid-2000s. An indictment charging Complete Business Solutions Group, Inc., doing business as Par Funding, with wire fraud, securities fraud, and conspiracy, was also filed. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General, and Pennsylvania State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Murray, Alexandra Lastowski, and Matthew Newcomer. The SEC in Florida investigated and litigated the civil securities fraud charges, which formed the basis of a portion of the criminal prosecution. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Man Sentenced for Smuggling Machineguns and Silencers into the United States, Which He Then Sold on Facebook Marketplace

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced yesterday to four years in prison for smuggling machineguns and firearm silencers into the United States, which he then sold on Facebook Marketplace. According to court documents, John Patrick Gordon Dane, 36, ordered firearm parts from black-market websites. These parts included Glock switches, also referred to as auto-sears, which are small devices that can be attached to handguns, converting semi-automatic pistols into machine pistols capable of fully automatic fire. Because a switch causes a firearm to expel more than one projectile with a single pull of the trigger, the part is classified as a machinegun under federal law. Dane also purchased firearm silencers from the black-market websites. The firearm parts were shipped to Dane’s residence with manifests that disguised the contents of the packages. On January 10, 2023, law enforcement officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Virginia Beach Police Department executed a search warrant at Dane’s residence. During the search, investigators found Dane in a shed on his property that he used to assemble and modify firearms. Investigators seized 17 firearms from the shed. The recovered firearms included an AR-15 rifle that had been converted to fire as a machinegun. Investigators also located a Glock firearm with a large capacity magazine, pictured below, that had a switch affixed to it in an attempt to allow it to fire fully automatic. Other firearms recovered from the shed included “ghost guns,” or firearms manufactured without serial numbers. Dane had been previously convicted of a felony offense in 2012 in Virginia. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Washington Field Division; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C.; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of the Virginia Beach Police Department, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham M. Stolle prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice 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. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-104.


title: Firearms Trafficker Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Feb. 26, Elieser Sori-Rodriguez, 51, of Pompano Beach, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg, for smuggling firearms from the United States to the Dominican Republic. Sori-Rodriguez conspired to purchase firearms by means of a false statement and smuggle them out of the United States by directing co-conspirators to purchase firearms on his behalf, hiding the firearms inside boxes marked as household goods, and sending the firearms to the Dominican Republic using a freight shipping service. Co-defendants John Thomas Neal, Shane Sepersaude, and William Ilijic assisted Sori-Rodriguez in the conspiracy. On Nov. 30, Sori-Rodriguez pled guilty to conspiracy to purchase firearms by means of false statement, three counts of purchase of firearms by means of false statement, smuggling firearms from the United States, and delivery of a firearm to a common carrier without written notification. Neal, Sepersaude, and Ilijic previously pled guilty to purchasing a firearm by means of a false statement and were sentenced. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office, made the announcement. HSI Fort Pierce and ATF investigated this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hudock prosecuted the case. This prosecution is a part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through the PSN program a broad spectrum of law enforcement and community stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to reduce violence crime and gun violence, and to make our local neighborhoods safer for everyone. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-14016. ###


title: California Man Charged in $10 Million Health Care Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Kickback Conspiracy

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A California man was arraigned today on charges relating to his role in a fraud and kickback scheme that caused more than $10 million in losses to Medicare, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced. Adam Wayne Owens, 43, of Riverside, California, is charged in a superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Owens appeared today before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz in Newark and was released on a $500,000 unsecured bond. According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court: From November 2018 to January 2020, Owens participated in a kickback and bribery scheme with testing companies and telemedicine providers, resulting in the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare. Owens owned and controlled marketing companies in California through which he and his conspirators identified Medicare beneficiaries to target for at-home cancer genetic tests (CGX). Owens and his conspirators used a variety of methods to obtain personal and medical information from the Medicare beneficiaries, including making unsolicited telephone calls to elderly cancer patients. Owens and his conspirators then caused CGX testing kits to be sent to the beneficiaries regardless of whether they needed or wanted them. Once the CGX tests were completed and returned, Owens’ conspirators submitted claims for reimbursement to Medicare. In exchange for Owens’ role in the conspiracy, his companies received kickback payments ranging from $1,700 to $2,000 for each CGX test resulting in Medicare reimbursement. To conceal the scheme, the testing companies wired various kickback payments to a shell company in New Zealand, which then wired the payments to bank accounts controlled by Owens in the United States. To further conceal the scheme, Owens entered into a sham contract with the New Zealand shell company which made it appear that one of Owens’ marketing companies was engaged in and being paid for legitimate marketing and referral services. Owens then generated invoices falsely purporting that the marketing company was providing hourly referral services for the New Zealand shell company. Instead, Owens received payments from the New Zealand shell company based solely on the number of CGX tests that Medicare reimbursed. Owens and his conspirators caused a loss to Medicare of more than $10 million. Conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. Conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison. Each count is also punishable by a fine of $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Attorney for the United States Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Solecki; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett J. Schuman of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Senior Trial Counsel Barbara A. Ward of the Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit. The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. owens.sindictment.pdf


title: Four Individuals Plead Guilty to Bid Rigging and Price Fixing in Ongoing Investigation of Oklahoma Transportation Construction Contractors

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: Four erosion control company owners or managers pleaded guilty to rigging bids and fixing prices as part of a conspiracy targeting a total of over $100 million in publicly funded transportation construction contracts across Oklahoma. Stanley Mark Smith, a company owner, pleaded guilty today. Roy Henry Henrich, a former owner and officer of another company, pleaded guilty on Dec. 4, 2023. Ryan Ashley Sullivan, an owner and executive of a third company, pleaded guilty on Nov. 6, 2023. James Travis Feazel, a former operations manager of a fourth company, pleaded guilty on Sept. 26, 2023. According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City, Smith, Heinrich, Sullivan and Feazel conspired, along with others, to rig bids, fix prices and allocate contracts for erosion control products and services. Starting in 2017, Smith, Heinrich, Sullivan, Feazel and their co-conspirators agreed to raise prices and divvy up contracts across different areas of Oklahoma. As part of this criminal conspiracy, they often sent intentionally high-priced bids or outright refused to bid. Smith — whose company targeted over $42 million worth of contracts as part of the conspiracy — and Feazel — whose company targeted over $50 million worth of contracts — continued conspiring into April 2023. Heinrich — whose company targeted over $7 million worth of contracts — was part of the conspiracy until at least July 2021, and Sullivan was part of the conspiracy until at least April 2019. “In Oklahoma and across the United States, Americans depend on transportation infrastructure as they travel to work, study, shop and visit family. Protecting fair and open competition for the public contracts that fund this infrastructure has never been more vital,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “These guilty pleas show that the Justice Department and its Procurement Collusion Strike Force partners are committed to investigating and prosecuting anyone who uses criminal schemes to target infrastructure contracts.” “Protecting fair and open marketplace competition is essential to protect taxpayers and to ensure consumers can trust publicly funded contracts” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “Corporate executives who conspire to rig bids and fix prices will be held accountable. I applaud the detailed work by the investigators and prosecutors in this case.” “The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG) is committed to ensuring that any activity related to price-fixing or bid-rigging involving federal taxpayer dollars for transportation projects in the State of Oklahoma, or elsewhere, is identified and thoroughly investigated,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Harris of DOT-OIG’s Southern Region. “Together with our law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to hold these offenders accountable and restore equity to the bidding process.” “Today’s announcement demonstrates the FBI’s ongoing work to eliminate bid rigging and price fixing, and to hold those conducting these activities accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “These criminal acts cheat American workers and consumers while harming competitive markets. The FBI is committed to continuing this important work alongside the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners.” The defendants each pleaded guilty to a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. They each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The DOT-OIG and FBI Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Bethany Lipman, Matthew Grisier and Marc Hedrich of the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal II Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney William Farrior for the Western District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case. Anyone with information about this investigation or other procurement fraud schemes should notify the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) at www.justice.gov/atr/webform/pcsf-citizen-complaint . The Justice Department created the PCSF in November 2019. It is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government – federal, state and local. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force .


title: Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Escaping from Federal Re-Entry Center

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man pleaded guilty today to escaping from a federal facility. According to court documents and facts admitted by the defendant in open court, Timothy Louis Jones, Jr., 36, escaped the Bureau of Prisons residential re-entry center at which he was confined. Jones was permitted to leave the facility in the morning to go to work but was required to return to the facility each evening immediately after work. In November 2023, Jones went to work but never returned to the facility despite repeated calls from staff at the facility. Jones was eventually taken into custody in Alabama by the U.S. Marshals Service. Such conduct is prohibited by federal law. Jones will be sentenced on May 7, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and U.S. Marshal Mark B. Shepherd made the announcement. The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham is prosecuting the case.


title: South Florida Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Firearm Offense in Relation to Shooting at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall

body_text: MIAMI - Kamarcio Mitchell, 28, of West Palm Beach, was indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The indictment follows Mitchell’s arrest, on Feb. 16, pursuant to a joint response by local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to a shooting that occurred at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall (The Gardens Mall) on Valentine’s Day. According to allegations in the criminal complaint and the charges set forth in the indictment, on Feb. 14, Mitchell was at The Gardens Mall with a firearm. Surveillance video captured Mitchell on the second level of The Gardens Mall near a retail store. Mitchell followed another male onto the escalator and was manipulating an object under his shirt. Mitchell was then fired upon by the other male and shot. Mitchell fled the mall to the parking lot, leaving a trail of blood. A loaded firearm that had been disassembled was found in the parking lot by police, near the blood trail. Mitchell was later treated for his injury at a local hospital where he admitted to being shot. The investigation by law enforcement determined that the firearm found in The Gardens Mall parking lot was a loaded handgun that had previously travelled in interstate commerce. Mitchell is a convicted felon and based upon his prior criminal history is charged as an Armed Career Criminal. If convicted, Mitchell faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years to a maximum sentence of life. Mitchell has stipulated to pretrial detention, pending the possibility of a future hearing to determine bond. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for March 5. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, U.S. Marshal Gadyaces S. Serralta of the U.S. Marshals Service, Chief Clinton Shannon of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office announced the indictment. The Office of State Attorney Dave Aronberg for the 15 th Judicial Circuit – Palm Beach County provided invaluable assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys John McMillan and Shannon O’Shea Darsch are prosecuting the case. This prosecution is a part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through the PSN program a broad spectrum of law enforcement and community stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to reduce violence crime and gun violence, and to make our local neighborhoods safer for everyone. A criminal complaint and indictment contain allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 24-80022-AMC. ###


title: Justin Gebo Pleads Guilty to Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – Justin Gebo pleaded guilty today in connection with his possession of firearms as a prohibited person, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Justin Gebo, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, including being in possession of a firearm while under indictment and being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2024. According to the charging documents, on or about January 1, 2023, Gebo was in receipt of a Ceska Zrojovka (“CZ”) model Scorpion EVO 3, S2, 9x19mm short-barreled rifle, with an attached armbrace, while he was under felony indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. That firearm was later recovered during a homicide investigation on June 3, 2023, in Franklin, New Hampshire. In addition, on or about February 3, 2023, Gebo was in possession of a 17 Design and Manufacturing, model 17DM-15, multicaliber rifle, after he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. The charge of felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of no greater than 15 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of a firearm wile under indictment provides for a sentence of no greater than 5 years in prison, up to 3 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. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire State Police and the Laconia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W.R. Ward is prosecuting the case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney And Federal Law Enforcement Officials Announce Extradition Of Honduran Nationals In Fight Against Fentanyl Trafficking In The Tenderloin District Of San Francisco

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey convened a press conference today with Brian Clark, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Robert K. Tripp, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to announce that the government of Honduras extradited three of its nationals to the United States. The three Honduran nationals now will face federal felony charges that they were involved in separate conspiracies to sell drugs in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco. U.S. Attorney Ramsey used the occasion to provide an update the progress being made after his November 2023 announcement that federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities would be implementing “All Hands on Deck,” a joint law enforcement initiative to address drug dealing in San Francisco. The three extradited Honduran nationals are Jorge Alberto Viera-Chirinos, 34; Mayer Benegas-Medina, 30; and Elmer Bonilla Matute, 34. Viera-Chirinos was originally charged by criminal complaint on July 29, 2019, with charges that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute drugs on the Tenderloin. Viera-Chirinos was arrested the same day. On May 6, 2020, he was released on bond. A federal grand jury indicted Viera-Chirinos on August 8, 2019; the indictment alleges he is one of 14 defendants trafficking large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine base, and cocaine in San Francisco. The indictment alleged Viera-Chirinos was a high-level manager of the organization responsible for having overseen the organization’s drug trafficking activities. On September 2, 2020, he fled from the home where he was required to stay while on release, thereby violating the terms of his bond. The court issued an arrest warrant but Viera-Chirinos fled to Honduras where he was later found. He will now face the charges set out in the August 2019 indictment. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter H Kang on Feb. 23, 2024. His next appearance is scheduled to take place February 28, 2023, before Magistrate Judge Kang. A federal grand jury indicted Mayer Benegas-Medina on December 16, 2020. The indictment alleges Benegas participated in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Benegas was arrested on December 10, 2020, and on December 21, 2020, he was ordered released on bond. The terms of his release included electronic monitoring and a curfew. In March 2021, he absconded. He was found in Honduras and made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Kang on Feb. 23, 2024. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 26, 2024, before the Hon. William Alsup, U.S. District Judge. A federal grand jury indicted Matute on Dec. 19, 2019, charging him with possession with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base. The indictment alleges Matute is part of a drug trafficking organization based in San Francisco and that, between approximately 2017 and 2019, was responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine base, and cocaine as well as trafficking the drugs through the State of Oregon and into the State of Washington. Matute appeared before Magistrate Judge Kang this morning. His next appearance in district court is scheduled for April 3, 2024, before Hon. Vince Chhabria, U.S. District Judge. At today’s press conference, U.S. Attorney Ramsey stated that as the elements of “All Hands on Deck” are implemented, the pressure on drug dealers in the Tenderloin will continue to increase. “In addition to the risk that your money will be taken and that you may face criminal penalties far in excess than you anticipated, you can now add that you should look over your shoulder for years after committing your crime—even if you leave the country.” In addition, U.S. Attorney Ramsey stated that various elements of the “All Hands on Deck” initiative continue to be implemented. U.S. Attorney Ramsey recited several cases in which defendant received lengthy sentences and reviewed additional elements of “All Hands on Deck” including the following: • The Office of the United States Attorney is pursuing criminal actions related to money services businesses that facilitate the movement of drug profits. • The Office of the United States Attorney has convicted 51 defendants under a Fast Track program. The program supplements traditional federal drug distribution cases and brings consequences to low-level dealers in the Tenderloin. • Federal prosecutors join with local prosecutors at state court on two random days per week to review cases that can be pursued in federal, rather than state, courts. “In sum,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsey, “drug dealing in the Tenderloin is simply a different proposition than it’s been in the past.” “These extraditions should send a clear message to those who peddle poison in San Francisco: if you traffic deadly drugs that threaten the safety and health of our community, if you flee from justice, if you think you can hide, you are wrong. DEA will be relentless in our pursuit to hold you accountable,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark. U.S. Attorney Ramsey thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for their substantial assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions of Viera-Chirinos, Benegas-Medina and Matute.


title: Hackensack Tax Preparer Admits Tax Evasion, Assisting in Preparation of 50 False Tax Returns, and Filing False Declarations on Quarterly Tax Returns for Business

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, woman today admitted to tax evasion, to helping her clients file falsified tax returns that generated larger refunds, and to filing false declarations on quarterly tax returns for her tax return preparation business, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Joshlyn Raye, 49, of Elmwood Park, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to an information charging her with one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent tax return; one count of tax evasion; and one count of filing a false declaration under penalty of perjury concerning a quarterly tax return on behalf of her tax return business. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From March 2010 to September 2023, Raye was the owner of JB Tax Services, a tax return preparation business in Hackensack, New Jersey. She knowingly and willfully evaded her personal income taxes over three of those years; filed 50 false tax returns on behalf of her clients; and filed three false quarterly employment tax returns on behalf of her tax return preparation business. Raye used fabricated and inflated figures, including expenses and itemized deductions. The counts of aiding or assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return and filing a false declaration under penalty of perjury each carry a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of tax evasion carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. As part of her plea agreement, Raye has agreed to pay the government restitution of $676,168, and to file amended tax returns. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 6, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the National Security Unit in Newark.


title: Carthage Man Sentenced for Child Pornography

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Carthage, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography. James Beam, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 12 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Beam to 20 years of supervised release following incarceration. Beam will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life. On Sept. 20, 2023, Beam pleaded guilty to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. An undercover FBI agent made contact with Beam through the Kik application in April 2023. Beam expressed a sexual interest in children and expressed his desire to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the undercover agent’s niece. Beam sent the undercover agent a video of child pornography on April 14, 2023. On the same day, Beam informed the undercover agent of his intent to abduct and rape a child. Beam said there were several old houses in the country near him where he could take the child. Because the undercover agent felt a child was in imminent risk of being kidnapped and sexually assaulted, an exigent request was submitted to Kik for Beam’s account information, which investigators used to identify and locate him. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Southwest Cybercrimes Task Force and the FBI. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Two New Kensington Residents Indicted for Possessing and Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two residents of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The two-count Indictment named Marcos Francisco-Tomas, 33, and Andres Flores-Cedeno, 27, as the defendants. According to the Indictment, on February 17, 2024, Francisco-Tomas and Flores-Cedeno allegedly conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, with the defendants also possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on the same date. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants. Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Douglas C. Maloney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Former Washington Resident Indicted for Cocaine Violation

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The one-count Indictment named Matthew Clark, 40, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, on or about December 13, 2023, Clark possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The Indictment further provides notice of Clark’s prior state court felony convictions for drug trafficking and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. As a result of the defendant’s prior criminal history, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $8 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Columbia Man Indicted for Producing, Distributing Child Pornography

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for a scheme to produce and distribute child pornography involving six child victims. Ryan Edward Hine, 27, was charged in a seven-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo. Today’s superseding indictment replaces the original indictment that was returned on March 7, 2023, and includes additional charges. Hine has been detained in federal custody without bond since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on Feb. 7, 2023. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Hine began texting with a 15-year-old female in Mississippi in July 2018. Hine regularly requested her to produce and send to him sexually explicit images and videos. Hine allegedly traveled to Mississippi on a monthly basis in 2019 to engage in sexual acts with the child victim, which he recorded with his cell phone to produce videos of child sexual abuse. Hine advertised the child sexual abuse material to buyers on multiple chat communication services, says the affidavit, posing as the child victim while engaging the buyers. This continued through 2020. In the fall of 2021, Hine allegedly sent videos that depicted himself and the child victim engaging in sexual acts to a second minor female victim, in order to recruit her to produce videos. Hine paid for child pornography videos produced by the second minor female and a minor male victim. According to the affidavit, the videos produced by these two minor victims were then sold and distributed. Today’s indictment charges Hine with one count of attempting to entice a minor, identified in court documents as “MV1,” to engage in criminal sexual activity in order to produce child pornography. Hine is charged with three counts of attempting to use a minor, identified in court documents as “MV5,” to produce child pornography. Hine is charged with two counts of advertising child pornography, including videos that depicted three child victims, identified in court documents as “MV2,” “MV3,” and “MV4,” to two separate buyers. Hine is charged with one count of receiving child pornography, including an image of a child victim identified in court documents as “MV6.” The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Newark, N.J., office with assistance from the St. Louis, Mo., office. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Guatemalan National Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Re-Entering the Country

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: Defendant was Under the Influence of Alcohol During Single Vehicle Wreck, Killing Passenger OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, LUIS EMILIO XIVIR-COYOY , 30, of Guatemala, was sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison for illegal re-entry after prior removal from the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On October 17, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Xivir-Coyoy with illegal re-entry of a removed alien. According to the Indictment, Xivir-Coyoy was found to be in the United States illegally after he was removed from the United States previously in 2012. According to public record, in October of 2023, Xivir-Coyoy was the driver of a vehicle that struck a pole and caught fire in Oklahoma City. When first responders arrived, they found a passenger in the backseat of the burning vehicle who was trapped and severely burned. The passenger later died as a result of injuries. Public record further reflects that Xivir-Coyoy fled the scene following the accident, but was arrested a short time later by Oklahoma City Police. Xivir-Coyoy was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and had an outstanding warrant from Oklahoma County for a driving under the influence charge in 2022. On November 27, 2023, Xivir-Coyoy pleaded guilty to the federal immigration offense, and admitted he re-entered the United States after prior removal without consent. On Thursday, February 22, 2024, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Xivir-Coyoy to serve 24 months in federal prison. In announcing his sentence, Judge Friot noted the extenuating facts and circumstances of the case and the need for deterrence. Public records reflect that Xivir-Coyoy has state charges pending in Oklahoma County District Court related to the incident. This case is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Dillon prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Four-Time Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Possessing A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kristian Ramos (43, Kissimmee) today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Ramos faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, on May 23, 2023, Ramos possessed a Beretta Nano 9mm handgun. At the time of the offense, Ramos had prior felony convictions for robbery with a deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and robbery. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sherriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Former peace officer convicted of drug trafficking and related crime

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 49-year-old resident of Houston has been convicted of attempted possession with intent to distribute heroin and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani. A federal jury deliberated for eight hours before convicting Mohammed “Alex” Ahmed Kassem following a four-day trial. Kassem is a former investigator with the Waller County District Attorney’s (DA) Office. At the trial, the jury heard how he escorted sham heroin and cartel drug money across state lines. He drove from Louisiana to Houston and Houston to San Antonio in his marked police vehicle on three separate occasions for which he was paid a total of $31,000. Testimony further revealed Kassem hid money in his bulletproof vest and disguised the sham heroin in an evidence bag to avoid detection. During the trial, audio and video recordings were presented of each transaction and related text messages. The jury also saw bank records of cash deposits made to Kassem’s personal account after each payment. Kassem took the stand in his own defense claiming he had authority to commit these crimes. Kassem also maintained that he received implicit approval from the Waller County DA to conduct undercover investigations as part of his role at the DA’s Office. However, the jury heard testimony from his former employer which refuted those statements. The jury ultimately did not believe those claims and found him guilty. “When Alex Kassem wore his Waller County peace officer credentials and Waller County-issued firearm while transporting what he thought were drugs in his Waller County-issued vehicle and then accepted what he thought was cartel drug money, he breached the most sacred of trusts—the trust a community places in its law enforcement,” said Hamdani. “Today’s conviction brings Kassem one step closer to exchanging his peace officer attire for prison-issued garb, and to restoring a trust once lost.” “Alex Kassem was a criminal in disguise. He cloaked himself in his trusted position as a licensed peace officer and Waller County DA investigator while working to enrich himself by shamelessly moving money and drugs in his work vehicle and hidden in his police vest,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Kassem is now a convicted federal felon thanks to the relentless work of FBI Bryan agents and our partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) who unmasked his corruption and criminal ways.” U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal presided over the trial and set sentencing for June 13. At that time, Kassem faces up to life in prison for the heroin trafficking conviction and up to 20 years for money laundering. He could also be ordered to pay up to $10 million in fines. Previously released on bond, Kassem was taken into custody following the conviction where he will remain pending sentencing. The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and Heather Winter are prosecuting the case.


title: Two Charged In Connection With Search Of Bronx Drug Mail Order Distribution Center Containing Approximately 100,000 Pills Of Suspected Fentanyl And Methamphetamine

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Frank A. Tarentino III, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”); and Erin Keegan, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced today the filing of a Complaint in Manhattan federal court charging EDWARD EUSTATE JIMENEZ, a/k/a “Chino,” and WILIANYI ALMANZAR POLANCO with conspiracy to distribute narcotics and distribution of narcotics. JIMENEZ and POLANCO were arrested yesterday afternoon in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. They were presented earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This seizure removed substantial quantities of narcotics from the streets and helped to disrupt an alleged mail order business that promised legitimate prescriptions drugs but was really distributing deadly narcotics, like fentanyl. I express deep gratitude to the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors of this Office as we remain committed to saving lives by keeping fentanyl off the streets of our community.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III said: “Simply put, this alleged fentanyl pill distribution organization was delivering deadly fentanyl to doorstops across America. This emerging trend of mail order fentanyl pill delivery services elevates the danger of ordering pills from rogue online platforms and social media. Fentanyl is the greatest threat to Americans ages 18-45, and DEA lab analysis has found that 7 out of 10 fentanyl pills contain a potential lethal dose; therefore, tens of thousands of potential lethal doses were removed from circulation today. I commend our law enforcement partners for their collaboration and focus on arresting drug traffickers bringing the most harm to our communities and taking deadly poison off our streets.” HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said: “Fentanyl contributed to more than 100,000 overdose fatalities in 2023 — with a large number of cases tragically stemming from individuals unknowingly ingesting fentanyl in seemingly legitimate pharmaceuticals purchased via the Internet and delivered through the mail. The goal of the HSI New York El Dorado Task Force is to leverage every tool at the state, local, and federal level to disrupt fentanyl production, transportation, and distribution both locally and globally. Working with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we will continue to conduct cross border investigations that degrade the ability of drug traffickers to operate in the New York City area and beyond, ultimately making a profound impact in the fight against the opioid crisis and saving innocent lives.” As alleged in the Complaint filed today in Manhattan federal court: [1] Since at least in or about September 2023, law enforcement has been investigating a network of drug traffickers (the “Drug Traffickers”) who, among other things, have been distributing large quantities of counterfeit prescription drugs using a mail-order system. The drugs distributed include pills colored and pressed to look like, among other things, prescription oxycodone and Adderall, but that are, in fact, counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. On multiple occasions, an undercover law enforcement officer purchased pills from the Drug Traffickers which tested positive for, among other things, fentanyl. Postal records show that at least two of the packages of pills were mailed by someone who appears to be JIMENEZ from a post office (the “Post Office”) located in the Bronx. Since in or about January 20, 2024, JIMENEZ appears to have sent approximately 188 U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) packages, including approximately 80 packages that were sent from the Post Office. On at least one occasion, he was joined by an individual who appears to be POLANCO. On or about February 26, 2024, law enforcement agents arrested JIMENEZ and POLANCO. At the time of his arrest, JIMENEZ was scanning parcels for mailing. Around the same time, law enforcement arrested POLANCO, who was waiting in a vehicle near the Post Office. Inside the vehicle was a black trash bag containing additional mail packages. In total, law enforcement encountered more than 35 priority mail packages, each of which contained a quantity of what appeared to be counterfeit prescription pills. The contents of two of the priority mail packages, containing what appears to be counterfeit oxycodone and counterfeit Adderall, are pictured below: Also on or about February 26, 2024, law enforcement searched an apartment (the “Apartment”) that was rented or lived in by JIMENEZ and POLANCO and used to package and distribute narcotics for mailing. During the course of that search, law enforcement officers recovered approximately 100,000 counterfeit pills that appear to be colored and pressed to imitate, among other things, prescription oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax; a “kilo press,” or device used to press powdered narcotics into kilogram-weight bricks; over 2,000 USPS priority mail envelopes that appear to be unused; and bags containing what appear to be shipping receipts. A photograph of the narcotics and some of the other material recovered from the Apartment is below: Although lab testing is pending, preliminary field tests reveal that almost all of the narcotics recovered have tested positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine. * * * EDWARD EUSTATE JIMENEZ, 23, and WILIANYI ALMANZAR POLANCO, 32, both of the Bronx, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics and one count of narcotics distribution, both of which carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the El Dorado Task Force International Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit, which is comprised of law enforcement officers and investigators from the DEA, HSI, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, the USPS, the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, in connection with this investigation. Mr. Williams also thanked the New York Strike Force Tactical Diversion Squad for their assistance. This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maggie Lynaugh and Adam Sowlati are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: New Jersey man sentenced for COVID-19 fraud

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that James Okolo, 61, of West Orange, New Jersey, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney, Michael DiGiacomo, who handled the case, stated that Okolo and others devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration out of over $700,000 in CARES Act money designated for businesses suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme involved the submission of fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster loan applications under the names of various businesses. Okolo’s role in the scheme was to find a bank account where the fraudulent loan proceeds were to be deposited. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas M. Fattorusso. # # # #


title: Bristol Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Vehicle Theft Scheme

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN TESTA, 47, of Bristol, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to charges stemming from a series of vehicle thefts from dealerships using personal information from identity theft victims. According to court documents and statement made in court, beginning in approximately September 2020, Testa’s alleged co-conspirator utilized personal information stolen from residents of Connecticut and other states to apply for vehicle loans at dealerships in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Rhode Island for motorcycles, an all-terrain vehicle, and other performance vehicles. Once the loan was approved by the dealership using the identity theft victim’s information, Testa’s co-conspirator would send a series of runners, including Testa, to pick up the vehicle utilizing a fictitious driver’s license that included the identity theft victim’s information and a photograph of the runner. The vehicle was then transported back to Connecticut for resale on Facebook Marketplace. Testa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years. Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for May 21. Testa has been detained since May 16, 2023. This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Hopkinton (R.I.) Police Department, the Westtown – East Goshen Regional (Pa.) Police Department, and the Washington Township (N.J.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Heather M. Cherry.


body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Four erosion control company owners or managers pleaded guilty to rigging bids and fixing prices as part of a conspiracy targeting a total of over $100 million in publicly funded transportation construction contracts across Oklahoma. Stanley Mark Smith, a company owner, pleaded guilty today. Roy Henry Heinrich, a former owner and officer of another company, pleaded guilty on December 4, 2023. Ryan Ashley Sullivan, an owner and executive of a third company, pleaded guilty on November 6, 2023. James Travis Feazel, a former operations manager of a fourth company, pleaded guilty on September 26, 2023. According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City, Smith, Heinrich, Sullivan and Feazel conspired, along with others, to rig bids, fix prices and allocate contracts for erosion control products and services. Starting in 2017, Smith, Heinrich, Sullivan, Feazel and their co-conspirators agreed to raise prices and divvy up contracts across different areas of Oklahoma. As part of this criminal conspiracy, they often sent intentionally high-priced bids or outright refused to bid. Smith — whose company targeted over $42 million worth of contracts as part of the conspiracy — and Feazel — whose company targeted over $50 million worth of contracts — continued conspiring into April 2023. Heinrich — whose company targeted over $7 million worth of contracts — was part of the conspiracy until at least July 2021, and Sullivan was part of the conspiracy until at least April 2019. “In Oklahoma and across the United States, Americans depend on transportation infrastructure as they travel to work, study, shop and visit family. Protecting fair and open competition for the public contracts that fund this infrastructure has never been more vital,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “These guilty pleas show that the Justice Department and its Procurement Collusion Strike Force partners are committed to investigating and prosecuting anyone who uses criminal schemes to target infrastructure contracts.” “Protecting fair and open marketplace competition is essential to protect taxpayers and to ensure consumers can trust publicly funded contracts” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “Corporate executives who conspire to rig bids and fix prices will be held accountable. I applaud the detailed work by the investigators and prosecutors in this case.” “The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG) is committed to ensuring that any activity related to price-fixing or bid-rigging involving federal taxpayer dollars for transportation projects in the State of Oklahoma, or elsewhere, is identified and thoroughly investigated,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Harris of DOT-OIG’s Southern Region. “Together with our law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to hold these offenders accountable and restore equity to the bidding process.” “Today’s announcement demonstrates the FBI’s ongoing work to eliminate bid rigging and price fixing, and to hold those conducting these activities accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “These criminal acts cheat American workers and consumers while harming competitive markets. The FBI is committed to continuing this important work alongside the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners.” The defendants each pleaded guilty to a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. They each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The DOT-OIG and FBI Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Bethany Lipman, Matthew Grisier and Marc Hedrich of the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal II Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney William Farrior for the Western District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case. Anyone with information about this investigation or other procurement fraud schemes should notify the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) at www.justice.gov/atr/webform/pcsf-citizen-complaint . The Justice Department created the PCSF in November 2019. It is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government – federal, state and local. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force .


title: Missoula man sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for trafficking meth

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the community was sentenced today to 11 years in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Kevin Dean McLeod, 54, pleaded guilty in October of 2023 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The government alleged in court documents that the Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force began investigating McLeod in the Spring of 2023. McLeod sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant, and later to an undercover agent, for a total of five times during the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. XXX


title: Dubuque Man Who Solicited Explicit Photos from an Eleven-Year-Old Girl Sentenced to Two Decades in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who possessed child sexual abuse material and solicited sexually explicit images from minor children was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison. Steven Niedert, age 47, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 14, 2023, guilty plea to one count of receipt of child pornography. In a plea agreement, Niedert admitted he communicated with an eleven-year-old girl in November and December 2017. The communications occurred using an app called AntiChat, which does not automatically retain copies of communications. During those communications, Niedert asked the girl to send him sexually explicit photos, including two photos in which the victim was digitally penetrating herself. The victim’s mother discovered the communications and reported them to the police. Police officers used Niedert’s AntiChat and social media usernames to identify him as the individual communicating with the victim. Pursuant to search warrant, officers searched Niedert’s Dubuque home in January 2019. The officers seized numerous electronic devices. Officers discovered thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material on the devices. The files included the explicit images the victim had sent, as well as communications and images Niedert solicited from other minors. Niedert was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Niedert was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. 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.” Niedert is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick Reinert and Tony Morfitt and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, the Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-1007. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Cedar Rapids Man Charged with Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearms

body_text: Kyler Goettsch, age 26, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been charged with being a prohibited person in possession of firearms. The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on February 22, 2024, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids. The Indictment alleges that, in November 2023, Goettsch possessed two pistols after having been convicted of four felonies and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. If convicted, Goettsch faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years on supervised release following any imprisonment. Goettsch appeared for an initial appearance today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Goettsch’s next appearance for trial is set for April 15, 2024. As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and is being investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is CR 24-16. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Bandidos Motorcycle Club Member Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Offense

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 that Jonathan Bivins pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bivins, 41, of Alamogordo, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. A federal grand jury indicted Bivins on Dec. 6, 2023. According to publicly available court records, on Aug. 31, 2023, the FBI and New Mexico State Police executed a federal search warrant targeting the Bandidos Motorcycle Club (BMC) at a residence in Alamogordo. Bivins, a member of the BMC, was located at the residence along with his motorcycle, BMC gang paraphernalia and thirteen firearms. As a previously convicted felon, Bivins knew that he was prohibited from owning firearms or ammunition. At sentencing, Bivins faces up to 15 years in prison. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and New Mexico State Police led the investigation as part of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Spindle and David B. Hirsch are prosecuting the case.


title: Armed Robberies of Metro Liquor Stores Land Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for 25 Years

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, MARCUS ANGELO BUFORD , 29, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 300 months in federal prison for two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and one count of possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. On November 1, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a four-count Indictment against Buford, charging him with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, a count of possessing and brandishing a firearm during the first robbery, and a separate count of possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during the second robbery. According to public record, on May 25, 2022, Buford robbed two separate Oklahoma City liquor stores, and brandished a firearm during both robberies. During his second robbery, Buford shot the owner of the liquor store in the head before he fled, leaving his victim behind in the parking lot. On March 28, 2023, Buford pleaded guilty to taking liquor from the two Oklahoma City liquor stores through force, and he admitted to discharging a firearm during the second robbery. At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Buford to serve 300 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, the court noted Buford’s disregard for human life, and that it was the court’s belief Buford “intended to kill” when he fired his weapon. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Travis Leverett, Jacquelyn M. Hutzell, and Matthew B. Dillon prosecuted the case. This case is also part of “Operation Shots Fired.” Operation Shots Fired targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok . Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Leader of Real Estate Investment Firm Admits Role in $658 Million Ponzi Scheme and Multimillion-Dollar Tax Evasion Conspiracy

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – The shadow chief executive officer of National Realty Investment Advisors LLC (NRIA) today admitted orchestrating a scheme to defraud more than 2,000 investors in a $658 million Ponzi scheme and conspiring to evade millions of dollars in tax liabilities, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Thomas Nicholas Salzano, aka “Nicholas Salzano,” 65, of Secaucus, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court to securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Salzano admitted he made numerous misrepresentations to investors while he secretly ran NRIA behind the scenes. He also admitted to misappropriating millions of dollars from investors to enrich himself and his family and friends. “For years, Salzano told lie after lie to investors, continuously deceived them, and operated his business as a Ponzi scheme, through which he stole money from thousands of investors. His greed and flagrant disregard for the law caused staggering losses in excess of $650 million. This office will continue to prioritize prosecuting individuals, like Salzano, to ensure that those who engage in rampant fraud are punished with long jail sentences and are ordered to make their victims whole.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “Many people who decide to invest have to put a lot of faith in so-called financial experts, hoping their money grows and doesn’t one day disappear,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “Salzano admits he played a role in a scam that cost investors $658 million. History has shown over and over and over again, Ponzi schemes don't ever pay out, yet criminals keep trying to beat the system. FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners are doing all we can to help the victims in this case. We want others who may have faced a similar situation to contact us so we can help you as well.” “Salzano not only victimized thousands of investors, but he also defrauded honest taxpayers by concealing his income from the IRS and evading his tax liability to the tune of millions of dollars,” IRS – Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr., Boston Field Office, said. “Today’s guilty plea by Salzano demonstrates how IRS – Criminal Investigation will continue to use their financial expertise to identify and investigate these types of investor fraud schemes with our law enforcement partners.” As part of his plea agreement, Salzano has agreed to a prison term of eight to 12 years, a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $8.52 million, and he has agreed to pay full restitution of $507.4 million to the victims of his offenses. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From February 2018 through January 2022, Salzano and others defrauded investors and potential investors of NRIA Partners Portfolio Fund I LLC (the “Fund”), a real estate fund operated by NRIA, of $650 million through lies, deception, misleading statements, and material omissions. These included the financial position of NRIA, the manner in which the defendants and their conspirators used Fund investor money, and Salzano’s managerial role at NRIA and his history of fraud. The defendants executed their scheme through an aggressive multiyear, nationwide marketing campaign that involved thousands of emails to investors; advertisements on billboards, television, and radio; and meetings and presentations to investors. Salzano led and directed the marketing campaign, which employed deception, material misrepresentations and omissions, and falsified documents to manipulate investors, which were intended to mislead Fund investors into believing that NRIA was a solvent business that generated significant profits. In reality, NRIA generated little to no profits and operated as a Ponzi scheme, which was kept afloat by new investors. Despite investing almost none of their own capital into the business, the defendants misappropriated millions of dollars of investor money to support their lavish lifestyles, including expensive dinners, extravagant birthday parties, and payments to family and associates who did not work at NRIA. Salzano concealed his true managerial role at NRIA in an effort to avoid scrutiny from investors of Salzano’s history of fraud at a large telecommunications company. In addition to defrauding investors, Salzano orchestrated a separate conspiracy to obstruct, impede, and impair the IRS in its effort to collect millions of dollars in outstanding taxes Salzano owed to the U.S. Treasury by, among other things, lying to the IRS, using a web of nominees, opening bank accounts in the names of phony entities, and using false and fraudulent company documents. Conspiring to defraud the United States carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The securities fraud count and the wire fraud conspiracy count are both punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Pursuant to the terms of his plea agreement, the maximum prison term that can be imposed on Salzano is 12 years. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 6, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Chavis in Boston; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation, with assistance from FBI Headquarters Criminal Investigative Division and the Department of Justice Tax Division. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Fayer, Lauren E. Repole, and John Mezzanotte, all of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division, with assistance from Trial Attorney Samuel B. Bean of the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division. salzano.indictment.pdf


title: Brazilian Man Previously Convicted of Murder Sentenced To  10 Years in Prison for Illegally Entering the United States

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Brazilian man who formerly resided in New Bedford was sentenced to ten years imprisonment today in federal court in Boston for illegal reentry. The defendant is currently serving a sentence imposed in Massachusetts state court of 25 years-life in prison for a 2016 murder conviction. The defendant also was previously convicted of armed assault to murder and domestic assault and battery. Walter Gomes DaSilva, 52, was sentenced by US District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 10 years in prison to be served consecutive to his current state sentence of 25 years-life in prison for murder. In December 2019, DaSilva pleaded guilty in federal court to a one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. “Enforcing this country’s immigration laws for dangerous individuals who commit crimes in this country and then return after deportation is critical to public safety. Mr. DaSilva will pay a serious price for the violence he inflicted on our community,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This sentence sends the right message to any who think they can violate our immigration laws with impunity and get away with it,” said Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston. “ERO Boston recognizes and appreciates the commitment of the office of U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts for its commitment to prosecuting immigration law violators like DaSilva, who was previously convicted of murder. Enforcement of federal immigration law increases the protection of public safety and protects our communities from the potential threat posed by individuals like this defendant.” DaSilva was first deported from the United States in 1999 after being convicted of domestic assault and battery. Sometime after his removal, DaSilva illegally reentered the United States. In 2002, he was encountered by immigration officials after being charged with armed assault to murder in Middlesex Superior Court. DaSilva was later convicted of that charge and was sentenced to 8-10 years in prison. Upon completion of his sentence, DaSilva was placed into removal proceedings and was deported again to Brazil in March 2012. Sometime after his 2012 removal, DaSilva illegally reentered the United States a second time. In 2016, DaSilva was encountered by immigration officials after being charged with murder in the Bristol Superior Court. DaSilva was later convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years-life in prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and ICE ERO Field Office Director Lyons made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Connecticut Man Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Corporate Fraud Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – A Connecticut man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for fraudulently obtaining over $500,000 from his former employer, New England Sports Network (NESN). Ariel Legassa, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Legassa was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $580,000 and a $1,000 special assessment. In November 2023, Legassa was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and three counts of unlawful monetary transactions following a five-day jury trial. “This was brazen fraud driven by the defendant’s greed. Mr. Legassa violated the faith NESN placed in him as a senior executive to game circumvent the company’s internal controls and line his own pocket. This type of criminal conduct is not just about the stolen money. The abuse of trust inherent in these types of sophisticated white collar schemes leaves a trail of victims,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Supplementing your paycheck by scamming your employer is a really bad career move. But Ariel Legassa did exactly that, taking advantage of the trust NESN placed in him to steal over $575,000 which he used to fund a lavish lifestyle,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Justice demands that financial fraudsters like Legassa be held accountable for their crimes and today’s sentence ensures that he will pay for what he did with prison time and restitution.” From approximately December 2020 to January 2022, Legassa orchestrated a scheme to defraud NESN. In early 2021, Legassa negotiated a contract with a New York company to provide web development services for NESN. At the same time, Legassa created a fake business under the same name as the new vendor. He then used this company to receive fraudulent payments from NESN. During the life of the contract between the New York company and NESN, in addition to approving legitimate invoices from the New York company, Legassa created and approved 11 fake invoices from his fake business. In total, NESN paid Legassa’s fake company over $500,000. Legassa spent the funds on personal expenses, including a private plane, a Tesla, a BMW, a Land Rover and credit card bills. He also transferred the funds into other accounts under his control. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin A. Saltzman and Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Carol E. Head of the Asset Forfeiture Unit prosecuted the case.