title: One Iranian and Two Canadian Nationals Indicted in Murder-for-Hire Scheme

body_text: One Iranian and two Canadian nationals have been charged with conspiracy to use interstate commerce in the commission of a murder-for-hire plot. According to court documents, from December 2020 through March 2021, Naji Sharifi Zindashti, 49, Damion Patrick John Ryan, 43, and Adam Richard Pearson, 29, conspired with each other in a plot to murder two residents of the state of Maryland. The defendants, one of whom is based in Iran, used an encrypted messaging service called “SkyECC” to recruit individuals who would travel into the United States to carry out the killings, to discuss the identities and locations of the would-be victims, to plan logistics and mechanics of how to carry out the murders, and to negotiate payment for completion of this “job” in Maryland. The intended victims of this plot, who at the time resided in Maryland, had previously fled to the United States after one of them defected from Iran. Concurrent with today’s indictment, the Treasury Department took action against Zindashti’s criminal network that targets Iranian dissidents and opposition activists for kidnapping and assassination at the direction of the Iranian regime. Pursuant to today’s designations , Zindashti and several of his key associates are prohibited from engaging in any transaction or dealing that involves a U.S. person or occurs in the United States. “To those in Iran who plot murders on U.S. soil and the criminal actors who work with them, let today’s charges send a clear message: the Department of Justice will pursue you as long as it takes – and wherever you are – and deliver justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “As alleged, Mr. Zindashti and his team of gunmen, including a Minnesota resident, used an encrypted messaging service to orchestrate an assassination plot against two individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger for the District of Minnesota. “Thanks to the skilled work of federal prosecutors and law enforcement agents, this murder-for-hire conspiracy was disrupted and the defendants will face justice.” “Today’s charges show a pattern of Iranian groups trying to murder U.S. residents on U.S. soil,” said Assistant Director Suzanne Turner of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “Mr. Zindashti and his accomplices’ alleged plot is reprehensible, and the FBI will not tolerate such acts against U.S. residents, and we will continue to pursue these individuals until they are brought to the U.S. to face justice.” As alleged in the indictment, between December 2020 and January 2021, Zindashti and Ryan communicated about “jobs,” “equipment,” “tools” and plans to “make some money.” In January 2021, they discussed a job in the United States, with Ryan noting that doing a job in the United States was challenging, but that he “might have someone to do it.” That same day he messaged Pearson about a “job” in Maryland. Pearson stated, “shooting is probably easiest thing for them,” and that he was “on it.” Ryan recommended “2 guys go with proper equipment.” Pearson said he would encourage the recruits for the job to “shoot [the victim] in the head a lot [to] make example” and that he would tell them “we gotta erase his head from his torso.” On or about Jan. 30, 2021, Zindashti messaged Ryan on SkyECC seeking an update on the job. Ryan responded that he was getting “things in order” and that he would need money. A few days later, Zindashti told Ryan that Zindashti’s organization was ready to move forward. Zindashti and Ryan then agreed on a $350,000 payment for the “job,” in addition to $20,000 to cover expenses. After Zindashti introduced Ryan to Co-Conspirator 1, Ryan responded: “We have a 4 man team ready.” Over the days that followed, Ryan and Co-Conspirator 1 continued to correspond on SkyECC about the plot. Specifically, Co-Conspirator 1 sent Ryan information about the would-be victims, including their photographs and images of a map that highlighted the victims’ known address. In or around March 8, 2021, Co-Conspirator 1 facilitated a $20,000 payment to Ryan for purposes of covering travel expenses associated with the plot. All three of the defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. Pearson is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a fugitive from justice and one count of possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the United States. Zindashti currently resides in Iran. Ryan and Pearson are currently incarcerated in Canada on unrelated offenses. The FBI is investigating the case with valuable assistance from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter for the District of Minnesota, Trial Attorney Menno Goedman of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Trial Attorney Joshua Champagne of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law Zindashti et al. indictment


title: Multi-Agency Take Down Results in Illegal Narcotics, Firearm Offenses, and Conspiracy Charges

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs, together with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, announced that more than a dozen individuals were charged in federal court in connection with narcotics, firearms, and conspiracy offenses after a targeted violent crime reduction initiative in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas. The indictments are a result of a series of coordinated arrests made following a targeted multi-agency investigation that spanned several months. In February of 2023, in response to rising violent crime in the Myrtle Beach area, the FBI Columbia Field Office assisted local and state law enforcement agencies in an advanced, intelligence-based, multi-faceted law enforcement operation. The FBI identified communities in Myrtle Beach that were experiencing high levels of gang and narcotics-related violence. The purpose of the operation was to target criminal entities, specifically those engaged in the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics, such as the Rollin’ 90s Crips, G-Shine Bloods, and Gangster Disciples. Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials concentrated resources and personnel in these areas to curb the narcotics trafficking and its related violence. The joint investigation has led to 13 defendants facing federal charges. Agents seized multiple firearms, ammunition, and various dangerous drugs such as fentanyl. The following charges have been filed in United States District Court, according to court documents: Tyrone Louis Harts, Jr., 35, of Myrtle Beach, was charged with conspiring to distribute 5oo grams or more of cocaine and less than 50 kilograms of marijuana. Additionally, Harts was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm. Brandon Javon Sutton, 31, of Myrtle Beach, was charged with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. Cedric Lamar Brown, 43, of Myrtle Beach, was charged with conspiring to distribute 4oo grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of cocaine. Additionally, Brown was charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm. Elizar Edward Marcus, 44, of Myrtle Beach, was charged with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine. Dorian Derrell Williams, 30, of Conway, and James Jenkins, Jr., 34, of Loris, were charged with conspiring to distribute 4oo grams or more of fentanyl. Akeem O’Brien Tisdale-Giles, 33, of Georgetown, was charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Maurice Fleming, 42, of Manning, Edward Pigotte, 45, of Myrtle Beach, and Theron Levon Holmes, 45, of Georgetown, were charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine. Ronald Eric Campbell, 43, of Florence, was charged with conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Matthew Tennerrol Brown, 39, of Columbia, was charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Adam Temple, 39, of Little River, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The case was investigated by the Myrtle Beach Police Department, Horry County Sheriff’s Office, Horry County Police Department, Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, Georgetown City Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, North Myrtle Beach Police Department, Conway Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Coastal Carolina University Police Department, 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, 15th Circuit DEU, Horry County Fire and Rescue, Charleston Fire Department, Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office, Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The federal cases stemming from this investigation are being prosecuted by a team of Assistant United States Attorneys in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Ellis. 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. ###


title: Owner of tax preparation business sentenced to prison for defrauding pandemic relief funding programs

component: USAO - Georgia, Southern

body_text: DUBLIN, GA: A Georgia woman was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to repay more than half a million dollars she fraudulently obtained from COVID-19 small business relief programs. Gladys Harun , 44, of Byron, Ga., was sentenced to 60 months in prison after pleading guilty to lying to a federal investigator, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Dudley H. Bowen also ordered Harun to pay $552,679 in restitution, and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of her prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “Harun used her knowledge as a tax preparer to fraudulently obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds intended for small businesses struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Such greed-fueled theft from government programs hurts businesses legitimately in need of vital relief efforts.” As described in court documents and proceedings, Harun was a franchisee of a tax preparation service with multiple locations in Georgia. She admitted to lying to investigators from the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General about applications she filed for herself and on behalf of others, including her customers, to obtain more than $550,000 from a California lender through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act’s Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. “Schemers who stole taxpayer dollars from SBA ‘s Paycheck Protection Program will be brought to justice,” said SBA-OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “This sentence demonstrates that those responsible will be held accountable. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office and our law enforcement partners for their support and dedication to pursuing justice in this case.” “This successful effort with our partner agencies is just one example of the Secret Service commitment to aggressively investigate fraud, especially cases that involve government programs designed to help businesses,” said Resident Agent in Charge J. Craig Reno of the U.S. Secret Service Savannah Resident Office. “The United States Secret Service, along with our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate, arrest, and support the successful prosecution of the criminals who choose to commit fraud in Georgia and across the nation.” “Harun’s sentencing shows after the expiration of the PPP and EIDL programs more than two years ago, those who fraudulently obtained funds are still being held accountable,” said Maisha Horton, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “There are individuals who believe they’ve gotten away with stealing taxpayers funds through those programs; however, IRS Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners vigorously continue investigating suspects and forwarding our findings to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for adjudication.” The case was investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Secret Service, and IRS Criminal Investigation, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Alexander Hamner. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Agricultural Equipment Manufacturer to Pay Civil Penalties and Stop Marketing Imported Parts as Made in USA

component: Civil Division

body_text: The Justice Department, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced that Kubota North America Corp. (Kubota) has agreed to a settlement that requires it to pay a civil penalty and cease making misleading claims about the origins of its products. In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the government alleges that Kubota violated the FTC Act and the Made in USA Rule by falsely marketing foreign-manufactured replacement parts as made in the United States. These false labels affected thousands of replacement parts. The stipulated order will enjoin Kubota from making country-of-origin claims about any of their products unless the claims satisfy certain requirements, and from making any unsubstantiated representations about their products. The consent decree imposes a $2 million civil penalty. “The Justice Department is committed to stopping companies from making misleading and fraudulent claims to market their products,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to work with the FTC to enforce the FTC Act against those using unfair and deceptive marketing to sell products as purportedly made in the United States, when, in fact, those products are made elsewhere.” “Today’s settlement includes the largest civil penalty assessed for violating the Made in USA Labeling Rule,” said Director Samuel Levine of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC will continue cracking down on deceptive Made in USA claims that cheat consumers and honest businesses.” This matter is being handled by Trial Attorney Sean Saper and Assistant Director Lisa Hsiao of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, along with Julia Ensor of the FTC’s Division of Enforcement. The branch thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its assistance in the matter. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . For more information about the FTC, visit www.FTC.gov . *This release has been updated to reflect the correct headline.


title: Two Ohio Men Convicted of Gambling and Tax Offenses

component: Tax Division

body_text: On Friday, a federal jury convicted two Ohio men of tax, gambling, money laundering, conspiracy and obstruction crimes related to their operation of illegal gambling businesses in Canton and their scheme to conceal the illicit proceeds from those businesses to avoid paying taxes. Two others involved in the conspiracy pleaded guilty. Convictions According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2009 and 2018, Christos Karasarides Jr. and Ronald DiPietro, together with others, operated multiple illegal gambling businesses, including Skilled Shamrock, as part of an organized criminal operation. At Skilled Shamrock, which primarily operated slot machines, patrons gambled more than $34 million between 2012 and 2017, with Skilled Shamrock’s owners retaining more than $7 million. Karasarides and DiPietro sought to conceal their ownership of the gambling businesses through the use of nominee owners and sham contracts. Karasarides owed the IRS more than $2 million in taxes on income he earned gambling and from other businesses he ran, which the IRS was trying to collect. DiPietro, who was also a Certified Public Accountant, assisted Karasarides in thwarting the IRS’s collection efforts by falsely representing to the IRS, including by preparing tax returns for Karasarides, that Karasarides did not have the assets or income to pay his taxes. Evidence at trial also showed that Karasarides conspired to launder money from his gambling businesses to make it more difficult for the IRS to seize his home by using a straw purchaser to disguise his ownership of it. Karasarides and DiPietro used the proceeds of their schemes to purchase luxury vehicles and buy and sell property. Karasarides also took several extravagant gambling trips, making millions of dollars of bets at legal casinos throughout the country. They also kept thousands and sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash or silver at their homes and other properties they controlled. For instance, law enforcement seized more than $150,000 in cash from Karasarides’ house. Sentencing for both men is scheduled for May 1 before U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent for the Northern District of Ohio. Karasarides faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering, five years in prison for tax evasion, five years in prison for each count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, five years in prison for each count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, five years in prison for falsification of records, three years in prison for each count of operating an illegal gambling business, three years in prison for witness tampering and three years in prison for filing false income tax returns. DiPietro faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, three years in prison for operating an illegal gambling business, five years in prison for tax evasion and three years in prison for each count of preparing false income tax returns. Pleas Just prior to the trial, Thomas Helmick, who served as a nominee owner of one of Karasarides’ illegal gambling businesses, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States. Helmick is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent on May 2. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. During the course of the trial, Christopher Karasarides, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by executing false documents and acting as a nominee owner for some of Christos Karasarides’ assets. Christopher Karasarides is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent on April 30. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence of each defendant after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Inspector General; the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office; the Ohio Casino Control Commission and Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission-Major Crimes Task Force are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Sam Bean and Hayter Whitman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Howell for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.


title: Jamestown woman pleads guilty for her role in drug conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Stacey Beardsley aka Stacey J. Peterson, 37, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Roemer to misprision of felony, which carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between late 2018, and March 2020, Beardsley’s husband, Rocco Beardsley, was involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy. Rocco Beardsley purchased and distributed large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances in the Jamestown area. Stacey Beardsley knew of these drug trafficking activities, financially benefited from his activities, and actively concealed and assisted in his drug trafficking activities. Following an arrest in May 2019, Rocco Beardsley called Stacey Beardsley from jail and asked her to go to Erie, PA, to get his “stuff.” She failed to notify any authority about the request, and instead drove to Erie, PA, as requested to pick up Rocco Beardsley’s stuff, including drugs. On her way back to Jamestown, Stacey Beardsley was stopped by law enforcement and a search of her vehicle recovered quantities of methamphetamine and heroin. In January 2020, two controlled purchases of drugs from Rocco Beardsley took place at the residence he shared with Stacey Beardsley, who failed to notify any authority of the federal felony conduct. Charges are pending against Rocco Beardsley. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The plea is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division. OCDETF. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. # # # #


title: Two More Men Charged With Hacking Fantasy Sports And Betting Website

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a six-count criminal Complaint charging NATHAN AUSTAD, a/k/a “Snoopy,” and KAMERIN STOKES, a/k/a “TheMFNPlug,” in connection with a scheme to hack user accounts at a fantasy sports and betting website (the “Betting Website”) and sell access to those accounts in order to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from them. AUSTAD was arrested today in Farmington, Minnesota, and is expected to be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz in the District of Minnesota. STOKES was arrested today in Memphis, Tennessee, and is expected to be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Annie T. Christoff in the Western District of Tennessee. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Nathan Austad and Kamerin Stokes were involved a scheme to hack into the accounts of tens of thousands of victims and then to sell access to those stolen accounts online. Our office is relentless in tracking down the perpetrators of cybercrime. Earlier this month, we announced an SDNY Whistleblower Pilot Program to encourage early and voluntary self-disclosure of criminal activity. To all cybercriminals: call us before we call you.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Cyberattacks are growing increasingly more sophisticated, targeting all manner of businesses and posing a great risk to economic security. Nathan Austad and Kamerin Stokes were allegedly part of a cyber intrusion that resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars being stolen from victims’ accounts. As these defendants found out, if you conduct a cyberattack for profit, you can bet the FBI can and will bring you to justice.” As alleged in the Complaint: [1] On or about November 18, 2022, AUSTAD, Joseph Garrison, and others launched a “credential stuffing attack” on the Betting Website. During a credential stuffing attack, a cyber threat actor collects stolen credentials, or username and password pairs, obtained from other large-scale data breaches of other companies, which can be purchased on the darkweb. The threat actor then systematically attempts to use those stolen credentials to obtain unauthorized access to accounts held by the same user with other companies and providers, in order to compromise accounts where the user has maintained the same password. Here, in connection with the attack on the Betting Website, there was a series of attempts to log into the Betting Website accounts using a large list of stolen credentials. AUSTAD and Garrison successfully accessed approximately 60,000 accounts at the Betting Website (the “Victim Accounts”) through the credential stuffing attack. In some instances, the individuals who unlawfully accessed the Victim Accounts were able to add a new payment method on the account, deposit $5 into that account through the new payment method to verify that method, and then withdraw all the existing funds in the Victim Account through the new payment method ( i.e ., to a newly added financial account belonging to the hacker), thus stealing the funds in the Victim Account. Access to the Victim Accounts were sold on various websites that traffic in stolen accounts, which are frequently referred to as “Shops.” AUSTAD and Garrison sold some of the Victim Accounts on shops that they each directly controlled, and AUSTAD’s shop was named after the character Snoopy from the Peanuts comic strip. A photo of AUSTAD’s Shop website with victim companies redacted is below: As to other of the Victim Accounts, AUSTAD and Garrison sold them in bulk to co-conspirators, who in turn sold them on their own Shops. STOKES controlled his own Shop, used the alias “TheMFNPlug,” and purchased Victim Accounts in bulk from Garrison. Garrison and STOKES messaged each other as to what prices STOKES should charge and what Garrison’s cut of the sales should be. Garrison provided STOKES with Victim Accounts with a total listed account value of over $125,000. Photos from STOKES’s Instagram account advertising the availability of Victim Accounts for purchase on his Shop are below, with the name of the Betting Website redacted: On or about December 2, 2022, AUSTAD messaged about the existence of this investigation, “everyone 3hould’ve been prepared for this before cashing out lol,” and a co-conspirator replied, “lol fbi can’t do shit.” On or about May 19, 2023, AUSTAD messaged about the existence of this investigation, “like we I know the risk when we started lol . . . everyone knows their committing fraud.” In order to advertise the success of his Shop that sold stolen accounts, AUSTAD used artificial intelligence image generation tools to create images using the following prompts: “8k hyper-realistic digital art snoopy hacking into 8k hyper-realistic computer with hacker stuff on the screen,” “8k hyper realistic snoopy designed jet but instead of smoke trails it has money trails,” and, “100 bill hyper realistic but instead of the president its snoopy.” AUSTAD also controlled cryptocurrency accounts that received cryptocurrency worth approximately $465,000, and those accounts appear to be proceeds of his credential stuffing attacks and sale of stolen accounts. Ultimately, AUSTAD, STOKES, Garrison, and others stole approximately $600,000 from approximately 1,600 Victim Accounts. Garrison was previously arrested in connection with the attack on the Betting Website, and, on November 15, 2023, he pled guilty to conspiracy to commit computer intrusion in connection with that attack. Garrison’s sentencing is scheduled for February 1, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. * * * AUSTAD, 19, of Farmington, Minnesota, and STOKES, 21, of Memphis, Tennessee, are each charged with (i) conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; (ii) unauthorized access to a protected computer to further intended fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; (iii) unauthorized access to a protected computer, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; (iv) wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (v) wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and (vi) aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison. The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Williams also thanked the New York City Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Minnesota and the Western District of Tennessee for their assistance in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Micah Fergenson 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 therein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Federal grand jury indicts Buffalo man on drug charge involving death of a toddler

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Javonte Holloway, 23, of Buffalo, NY, with distribution of controlled substances causing death and trafficking in counterfeit drugs causing death. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on December 2, 2022, Holloway distributed fentanyl, which caused the death of a toddler. In addition, Holloway sold counterfeit M-30 oxycodone hydrochloride pills containing fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino, III, New York Field Division, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, and the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Steven Abbott. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Hobbs Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Federal Firearms Offense

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

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Jeffrey C. Boshek II, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, announced today that Zachary Ray Gonzales was sentenced to 63 months in prison. Gonzales, 28, of Hobbs, pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm on July 10, 2023. According to court records, on March 19, 2022, deputies from the Lea County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Gonzales for an arrest warrant for first-degree murder. Gonzales was arrested and the vehicle he had been driving was towed. Deputies secured a search warrant for the vehicle. During the resulting search, deputies located a handgun on the rear passenger side floorboard. Gonzales had multiple prior felony convictions. As a previously convicted felon, Gonzales could not possess a firearm or ammunition. In 2023, Gonzales pled guilty to state charges of voluntary manslaughter, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery and was sentenced to 15 years in state prison, which will run consecutive to the federal 63-month sentence. Therefore, Gonzales will serve over 20 years in prison between his state and federal time. Upon his release from prison, Gonzales will be subject to 3 years of supervised release. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Lea County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ry Ellison is prosecuting the case. View the Plea Agreement # # # 24-38


title: Four Plead Guilty to Healthcare Offenses, Including Doctor and Lab Owners

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Four defendants in separate, but related, cases pleaded guilty for their roles in a scheme to pay and receive kickbacks in relation to toxicology tests, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Mark Rubin, 58, Renee Field, 44, Kelly Nelson, 52, and Carlos Hornedo, 61, were all charged via felony informations in December 2023. Mr. Rubin, on January 17 th , and Mr. Hornedo, on January 10th, both pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to solicit and receive illegal kickbacks. On December 13th, Ms. Field and Ms. Nelson both pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks. The defendants each face a maximum penalty of not more than five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and may be ordered to pay restitution. According to the plea documents filed in the case, Ms. Fields was the owner and the Clinical Director at RK Clinical Solutions, LLC (“RK”). Ms. Nelson was the co-owner of RK. RK sought to financially incentivize medical providers to send tests to RK by providing them with illegal financial incentives that were disguised as legitimate business transactions. Dr. Rubin, a pain management doctor, agreed to submit the majority of his toxicology orders to RK in exchange for kickbacks He also agreed to order a significant number of toxicology tests to justify the kickbacks. RK was paid by Medicare and other federal healthcare programs in excess of $481,000 and in exchange, Dr. Rubin received over $330,000 in kickbacks. The kickbacks consisted of medical advisor agreement, in which Dr. Rubin would be paid for theoretical advisory services. Dr. Rubin did not perform services sufficient to justify his compensation, was not paid on an hourly rate, and the agreements were used as a way to funnel kickbacks to Dr. Rubin. In a similar fashion, Dr. Hornedo, a medical doctor, agreed to order certain toxicology tests for patients he saw and ordered the test to be performed by Unified Laboratory Services, LLC (“Unified”) and Spectrum Diagnostic Laboratory, LLC (“Spectrum”). Dr. Hornedo agreed to submit a substantial number of his toxicology orders to Unified and Spectrum in exchange for kickbacks. He submitted orders that resulted in billings by Unified and Spectrum in excess of $4,100,000 to federal health care programs. In exchange, Dr. Hornedo received approximately $412,000 in kickbacks, $45,000 in lease payments, $109,000 in medical advisor payments and ownership shares in Reliable Labs, LLC. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and the Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General is investigating the case, along with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys P.J. Meitl and Nancy Larson are prosecuting.


component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – One Iranian and two Canadian nationals have been charged with conspiracy to use interstate commerce in the commission of a murder-for-hire plot. According to court documents, from December 2020 through March 2021, Naji Sharifi Zindashti, 49, Damion Patrick John Ryan, 43, and Adam Richard Pearson, 29, conspired with each other in a plot to murder two residents of the state of Maryland. The defendants, one of whom is based in Iran, used an encrypted messaging service called “SkyECC” to recruit individuals who would travel into the United States to carry out the killings, to discuss the identities and locations of the would-be victims, to plan logistics and mechanics of how to carry out the murders, and to negotiate payment for completion of this “job” in Maryland. The intended victims of this plot, who at the time resided in Maryland, had previously fled to the United States after one of them defected from Iran. Concurrent with today’s indictment, the Treasury Department took action against Zindashti’s criminal network that targets Iranian dissidents and opposition activists for kidnapping and assassination at the direction of the Iranian regime. Pursuant to today’s designations , Zindashti and several of his key associates are prohibited from engaging in any transaction or dealing that involves a U.S. person or occurs in the United States. “To those in Iran who plot murders on U.S. soil and the criminal actors who work with them, let today’s charges send a clear message: the Department of Justice will pursue you as long as it takes – and wherever you are – and deliver justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “As alleged, Mr. Zindashti and his team of gunmen, including a Minnesota resident, used an encrypted messaging service to orchestrate an assassination plot against two individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger for the District of Minnesota. “Thanks to the skilled work of federal prosecutors and law enforcement agents, this murder-for-hire conspiracy was disrupted and the defendants will face justice.” “Today’s charges show a pattern of Iranian groups trying to murder U.S. residents on U.S. soil,” said Assistant Director Suzanne Turner of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “Mr. Zindashti and his accomplices’ alleged plot is reprehensible, and the FBI will not tolerate such acts against U.S. residents, and we will continue to pursue these individuals until they are brought to the U.S. to face justice.” As alleged in the indictment, between December 2020 and January 2021, Zindashti and Ryan communicated about “jobs,” “equipment,” “tools” and plans to “make some money.” In January 2021, they discussed a job in the United States, with Ryan noting that doing a job in the United States was challenging, but that he “might have someone to do it.” That same day he messaged Pearson about a “job” in Maryland. Pearson stated, “shooting is probably easiest thing for them,” and that he was “on it.” Ryan recommended “2 guys go with proper equipment.” Pearson said he would encourage the recruits for the job to “shoot [the victim] in the head a lot [to] make example” and that he would tell them “we gotta erase his head from his torso.” On or about Jan. 30, 2021, Zindashti messaged Ryan on SkyECC seeking an update on the job. Ryan responded that he was getting “things in order” and that he would need money. A few days later, Zindashti told Ryan that Zindashti’s organization was ready to move forward. Zindashti and Ryan then agreed on a $350,000 payment for the “job,” in addition to $20,000 to cover expenses. After Zindashti introduced Ryan to Co-Conspirator 1, Ryan responded: “We have a 4 man team ready.” Over the days that followed, Ryan and Co-Conspirator 1 continued to correspond on SkyECC about the plot. Specifically, Co-Conspirator 1 sent Ryan information about the would-be victims, including their photographs and images of a map that highlighted the victims’ known address. In or around March 8, 2021, Co-Conspirator 1 facilitated a $20,000 payment to Ryan for purposes of covering travel expenses associated with the plot. All three of the defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. Pearson is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a fugitive from justice and one count of possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the United States. Zindashti currently resides in Iran. Ryan and Pearson are currently incarcerated in Canada on unrelated offenses. The FBI is investigating the case with valuable assistance from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter for the District of Minnesota, Trial Attorney Menno Goedman of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Trial Attorney Joshua Champagne of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Zindashti et al. Indictment


title: Orlando Man Pleads Guilty To Methamphetamine Distribution

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kyle Jay Hunter Baronville (36, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Baronville faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Baronville in Orange County. During the first controlled purchase, Baronville sold the confidential source 357.3 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine. During the second purchase, Baronville sold the confidential source 892.5 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.


title: Eastern District of New York U.S. Attorney's Office Joins in Collections of Nearly $1.8 Billion in Criminal and Civil Actions in Fiscal Year 2023

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: United States Attorney Breon Peace announced today that the Eastern District of New York collected a total of $1,787,750,466.06 in criminal and civil actions filed in the Eastern District of New York and in cases in which the Office worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $273,839,971.81 was collected in criminal actions and $1,513,910,494.25 was collected in civil actions. “I take great pride in the Eastern District’s substantial recoveries in Fiscal Year 2023, which is the result of our team’s strong commitment to justice and holding wrongdoers accountable for their crimes and misconduct,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Providing restitution to victims of crime is also an important step in remedying the harm they have suffered and reaching some closure.” The U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. FY 2023 Collections Highlight In August 2023, UBS AG and several of its U.S.-based affiliates agreed to pay $1.435 billion in penalties to settle a civil action filed in November 2018 that alleged misconduct related to UBS’ underwriting and issuance of residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) issued in 2006 and 2007. UBS paid the United States $1,435,000,000 in civil penalties in exchange for dismissal of the complaint filed in the action. The settlement resolved the last case brought by a Department of Justice Working Group dedicated to investigating the conduct of banks and other entities for their roles in creating and issuing RMBS leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. FY 2023 Forfeiture Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected over $722,000,000 in asset forfeiture actions last year. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.


title: Houma Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JARRETT SCURTO , age 36, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced on January 25, 2024 to 210 months imprisonment, five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. SCURTO previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). According to court documents, on April 28, 2021, SCURTO , a known methamphetamine distributor in Terrebonne Parish, was stopped by law enforcement while traveling on Louisiana Highway 182. A subsequent search of SCURTO’s vehicle revealed the presence of 58 grams of pure methamphetamine hidden in his trunk. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Terrebonne Parish Sherriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Getaway Driver from Stratton Sentenced to 4 Years for Role in Violent Attempted Theft of Drugs from Rangeley Home

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Stratton man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court today for his role in a violent home invasion in Rangeley in 2016. U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced John Raymond , 36, to 48 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. According to court records, in July 2016, Raymond, along with others, developed a plan to steal controlled substances from a Rangeley residence. On July 28, 2016, Raymond purchased drugs from the owner of the residence, confirming the illegal drug trafficking. He then drove two of the co-conspirators to the residence later the same evening, remaining in the car while the two men entered the home. During the commission of the robbery, the intended target of the robbery shot and killed one of the co-conspirators. Raymond fled the scene when he heard the commotion and was later stopped by police officers while driving another co-conspirator to a bus station. Co-conspirators Andre Muller (aka “Dre Muller”) , 53, and Robert Holland (aka “Kurt Holland”) , 44, both of New York, were both convicted in a jury trial in November 2023 and are awaiting sentencing. Hector Munoz , 56, of Florida pleaded guilty and was sentenced on January 12, 2024 to 54 months imprisonment. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Maine State Police; Rangeley Police Department; U.S. Border Patrol; and Carrabassett Valley Police Department investigated the case, with assistance provided by the Maine Office of the Attorney General. ###


title: Minnesota Man Sentenced for the Theft of the “Ruby Slippers” from the Classic 1939 Film “The Wizard of Oz”

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz, U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, Duluth, MN, sentenced Terry Jon Martin, age 76, of Grand Rapids, MN, to time served, one year supervised release and $23,500 Restitution to the Judy Garland Children’s Museum for theft of major artwork, an object of cultural heritage from the care, custody, or control of a museum. Investigation revealed that in 2005, Martin stole an authentic pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film, “The Wizard of Oz,” from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The ruby slippers, which were recovered by the FBI and Grand Rapids Police Department in July 2018, are widely viewed as among the most recognizable memorabilia in American film history. “It took brains, heart, and courage to bring this case to a successful conclusion, and those are qualities our FBI partners have in spades,” Schneider said. “This result is the product of determined efforts by FBI investigators. They secured the safe return of an iconic piece of Americana and, working together with our career prosecutors, provided a measure of justice in this case.” “The FBI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, worked diligently to bring this case to a resolution," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. "Today's sentencing underscores our commitment to safeguarding iconic artifacts. The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to exploit and unlawfully acquire pieces of historical memorabilia." This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Art Crime Team, and the Grand Rapids, MN, Police Department, with support from FBI Salt Lake City and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Greenley, District of North Dakota. This matter was assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 515(a). The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota will have no additional comment or statements outside this press release. ###


title: Massachusetts Man Arrested for Threatening Local Synagogue; Allegedly Threatened to Kill Members of Jewish Community and Bomb Places of Worship

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Millis, Mass. man was arrested by federal authorities today for allegedly threatening to kill members of the Jewish community and bomb places of worship. John Reardon, 59, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of using a facility of interstate commerce to threaten a person or place with harm via an explosive. Reardon was arrested this morning and will appear in U.S. District Court in Boston at 2 p.m. today. Reardon was previously arrested by local law enforcement Jan. 25, 2024 and has remained in custody since. “The allegations here about the series of threats Mr. Reardon made against the Jewish community are deeply disturbing and reflect the increasing torrent of antisemitism across our country and right here in Massachusetts. The numbers do not lie — incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia are spiking. We will continue to work every day with our federal, state and local partners to track down people who allegedly engage in such hateful conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “John Reardon is accused of using his words as a weapon, leaving a threatening message to frighten members of the Congregation Agudas Achim,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “No one should have to fear becoming the victim of physical violence at the hands of an angry stranger. While the FBI does not and will not police ideology, we take all threats to life seriously, and so should anyone thinking about making one.” According to the charging documents, on the morning of Jan. 25, 2024, Reardon allegedly called Congregation Agudas Achim, a synagogue in Attleboro, Mass. and left a voicemail making the following statements: “You do realize that by supporting genocide that means it’s ok for people to commit genocide against you;” “With supporting the killing of innocent little children, that means it’s OK to kill your children;” “From the river to the sea;” “People are going to use your logic against you, you stupid f**ks;” “Guess what? We are going to use your logic —if you can kill the Palestinians, we can kill you;” “If you can bomb their f**king places of worship we can bomb yours, if you can kill their children we can kill yours;” “You people need to stop the f**king genocide;” “End the genocide, or it is time to end Israel and all the Jews;” “I supported Jewish people though. Not anymore. A matter of fact I think we should kill you(s) all;” and “Have a lousy day and oh don't be surprised if there's pig blood on your steps tomorrow.” It is further alleged that, within 10 minutes of leaving the voicemail at the Congregation Agudas Achim, Reardon called another local Synagogue as well as a local Jewish affiliated organization. Reardon was arrested by local law enforcement after the calls were made. The charge of using a facility of interstate commerce to threaten a person or place with harm via an explosive provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. The Attleboro and Wrentham Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; Bristol County District Attorney’s Office; and Bristol County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Riley-Cunniffe and Torey B. Cummings of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Violent Kokomo Felon Sentenced to Over Five Years in Federal Prison After Posting Instagram Pictures of Himself Illegally Possessing a Firearm

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Bradley Morgan, 24, of Kokomo, Indiana, has been sentenced to 68 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, in March of 2021, investigators with the Kokomo Police Department Violent Crimes Task Force began an investigation into Bradley Morgan after becoming aware of Instagram posts by Morgan, showing him pointing firearms at the camera. Morgan was known to be a convicted felon, on probation, and had an active warrant at the time of the discovery. On April 14, 2021, investigators obtained and executed a search warrant at Morgan’s East Taylor Street residence in Kokomo. During the search, investigators found Morgan hiding in the bedroom closet. In the same bedroom, investigators located a quantity of controlled substances, a .40 caliber Glock with a 23-round capacity extended magazine, and a 9mm Smith & Wesson. Morgan is prohibited under federal law from ever possessing a firearm due to his previous felony convictions for criminal recklessness and criminal recklessness with a dangerous weapon in Howard County. “Multiple convictions for violent crimes were not enough to convince this offender to stop carrying a deadly weapon,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “The serious federal prison sentence imposed here should send a message to citizens returning to the community from custody: if you choose to possess a gun you will go right back to prison. Our office will continue to partner with the ATF and local task forces in Kokomo and all across our district to ensure that the most dangerous armed offenders are taken off our streets.” “This is another successful collective investigative effort between federal and local law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime in our community. The dedicated men and women of the Kokomo Police Department, Howard County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, and our federal partners will continuously work together to do whatever is necessary to prosecute violent crime offenders and make our communities safer for all law-abiding citizens,” said Chief of Kokomo Police, Doug Stout. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Kokomo Police Department Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney II. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Corbin Houston, who prosecuted this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Former IRS Contractor Sentenced for Disclosing Tax Return Information to News Organizations

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A former IRS contractor was sentenced today to five years in prison for disclosing thousands of tax returns without authorization. “Charles Littlejohn abused his position as a consultant at the Internal Revenue Service by disclosing thousands of Americans’ federal tax returns and other private financial information to news organizations. He violated his responsibility to safeguard the sensitive information that was entrusted to his care, and now he is a convicted felon,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message that those who violate laws intended to protect sensitive tax information will face significant punishment.” According to court documents, Charles Littlejohn, 38, of Washington, D.C., while working at the IRS as a government contractor, stole tax return information associated with a high-ranking government official (Public Official A). Littlejohn accessed tax returns associated with Public Official A (and related individuals and entities) on an IRS database after using broad search parameters designed to conceal the true purpose of his queries. He then uploaded the tax returns to a private website in order to avoid IRS protocols established to detect and prevent large downloads or uploads from IRS devices or systems. Littlejohn then saved the tax returns to multiple personal storage devices, including an iPod, before contacting News Organization 1. Between around August 2019 and October 2019, Littlejohn provided News Organization 1 with the tax return information associated with Public Official A. Littlejohn subsequently stole additional tax return information related to Public Official A and provided it to News Organization 1. Beginning in September 2020, News Organization 1 published a series of articles about Public Official A’s tax returns using the tax return information obtained from Littlejohn. “This sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who is considering emulating Mr. Littlejohn’s actions,” said Acting Inspector General Heather Hill of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). “TIGTA relentlessly investigates individuals who illicitly access and disclose taxpayer information, regardless of their personal motivation. TIGTA appreciates the commitment of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in ensuring those who abuse their positions of public trust are held accountable for their actions.” In July and August 2020, Littlejohn separately stole tax return information for thousands of the nation’s wealthiest individuals. Littlejohn was again able to evade detection by uploading the tax return information to a private website. In November 2020, Littlejohn disclosed this tax return information to News Organization 2, which published nearly 50 articles using the stolen data. Littlejohn then obstructed the forthcoming investigation into his conduct by deleting and destroying evidence of his disclosures. Littlejohn pleaded guilty in October 2023 to unauthorized disclosure of tax returns and return information. TIGTA investigated the case. Trial Attorney Jonathan E. Jacobson and Deputy Chief Jennifer Clarke of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section prosecuted the case, with substantial assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney for the Northern District of West Virginia.


title: Information Technology Professional Pleads Guilty to Selling Stolen MacBooks

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Andrew Halvorsen, 49, of Livermore, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to transport stolen property interstate, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Halvorsen worked as the Senior Director of Information Technology for a cloud-based machine data analytics company. In his role at the company, Halvorsen was responsible for ordering Apple MacBooks for company employees. In November 2019, Halvorsen began stealing MacBooks that he ordered and sold for cash to an individual who, in turn, resold and shipped them to buyers outside the state of California. In total, Halvorsen stole and sold at least 141 MacBooks. The cost to his employer of those MacBooks was over $535,000. This case is a product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen is prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller is scheduled to sentence Halvorsen on April 15, 2024. Halvorsen faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – LUIS LEMUS-MARTINEZ , age 34, was indicted on January 25, 2024, for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to the indictment, LUIS LEMUS-MARTINEZ , (“ LEMUS-MARTINEZ ”) reentered the United States after being previously deported on October 14, 2009. If convicted, LEMUS-MARTINEZ faces up to two years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine , up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr.,of the General Crimes Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Mexican National Sentenced for Transporting and Storing 60 Pounds of Methamphetamine

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Francisco Javier Torres Mora, aka Johnathan Benjamin Torres, 30, a Mexican national residing in McFarland, was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 60 pounds of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, in April 2021, Torres possessed 60 pounds of methamphetamine at a commercial property that he intended to distribute. Law enforcement officers seized the methamphetamine after wire intercepts indicated that Torres was holding the methamphetamine for Jorge Calderon-Campos, 42, also a Mexican national, who was the target of a wiretap investigation that resulted in the seizure of an additional 26 pounds of methamphetamine and 1 kilogram of heroin. The wiretap investigation also uncovered an illegal cockfighting enterprise involving Calderon-Campos, who is charged in a second indictment with violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Co-defendant Alberto Gomez-Santiago, 28, a Mexican national also residing in McFarland, was involved in the 26-pound methamphetamine transaction, and was sentenced earlier this month to 57 months in prison. An associate of Calderon-Campos, Horacio Ortega-Martinez, 36, a Mexican national residing in Bakersfield, previously entered a guilty plea to the unlawful possession of gamecocks for an animal fighting venture and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Charges are pending against Calderon-Campos and four other co-defendants The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was the product of an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Kern County Sheriff's Office, the Kern County Probation Department, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: United States Attorney’s Office Observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – As National Human Trafficking Prevention Month draws to a close, United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz is renewing his Office’s commitment to prosecuting human traffickers, protecting victims, empowering survivors, and preventing the proliferation of these abhorrent crimes. Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex using physical and/or psychological force, fraud, or coercion. The exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion is used by the trafficker. “Whether it’s forced labor, domestic servitude, or sex trafficking of children and adults, human trafficking is the exploitation of human beings for profit and has no place in any society,” said Mr. Ritz. “Yet every day, these horrific crimes are happening in the United States and worldwide, stripping victims of their dignity, and forcing them into a life of fear and a state of servitude.” To enhance awareness and educate the community about human trafficking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has released a public service announcement on how to identify potential trafficking situations and where to report suspected human trafficking activity. In that video, U.S. Attorney Ritz highlights the importance of education and outreach in the prevention, identification, and disruption of human trafficking activity, and commends community organizations for their partnership and provision of trauma-informed services to trafficking victims and survivors. As part of its commitment to this work, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has a team of experienced prosecutors and personnel that handle human trafficking cases. In West Tennessee, this work is handled out of the Office’s National Security and Civil Rights Unit. A federal prosecutor serves as the Western District’s Human Trafficking Coordinator and works closely with the Office’s Victim Witness Coordinator to ensure that the rights and needs of trafficking victims remain central throughout the investigation and prosecution of each case. The Office also works with non-governmental organizations and service providers to ensure that appropriate trauma-informed care and resources are made available to rescued trafficking victims and survivors. Anyone who has information about a potential human trafficking situation or a person who may be experiencing human trafficking should contact the FBI, local law enforcement, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 (text: 233733).


title: HSI San Juan Arrests Two Men on Child Exploitation Charges

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Two men were arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on criminal charges related to child exploitation conduct. On January 26, 2024, the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Taskforce (PRCACTF) led by HSI, arrested Elvin Jhohanie Molina-Rosado, a 35-year-old man from Corozal. A federal grand jury indicted Molina-Rosado on January 24, 2024, with four counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children, Sexual Enticement of a Minor, Receipt of Child Exploitation Material, and Possession of Child Exploitation Material. According to court documents, from February of 2020 through April of 2022, the defendant used his computer, cellular phones, and internet social media applications to persuade and entice a female minor, between 12 and 14 years of age, to engage in sexually explicit conduct. During the same period, Molina-Rosado produced, received, and transmitted child exploitation material. He also knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view, said material containing images of child pornography. If convicted, the defendant faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant US Attorney (AUSA) Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega, Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit Chief, is prosecuting the case. In a separate case, Edwin Martínez-Ortiz, a 45-year-old man from Caguas was arrested on January 26, 2024, by HSI’s agents from the Fajardo office. A federal indictment and arrest warrant were issued on January 24, 2024, against Martínez-Ortiz with two counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children and Possession of Child Exploitation material. According to the indictment, from March of 2016 through May 1, 2022, the defendant knowingly used a cellular phone to induce a minor between 10 and 16 years of age to engage in sexually explicit conduct, and to produce and transmit the depiction of such conduct. During the same period, Martínez-Ortiz possessed, and accessed with intent to view, images of child exploitation material, including of a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. If convicted, Martínez-Ortiz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. AUSA Emelina M. Agrait-Barreto of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit is prosecuting the case. “We are committed to bringing the defendants in these cases to justice and protecting every child,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I would like to thank the agents and state and local partners who are relentless in their pursuit of child predators.” Rebecca González-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Juan said: “Crimes Against Children have a direct impact in our society. Individuals that attack our most vulnerable will be prosecuted and taken to face justice. HSI Agents will protect our children from these predators by dedicating all efforts towards gathering evidence from electronic devices and our multidisciplinary team will assist the victims and their families to ensure their mental health during these investigations.” For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit iGuardians™: Combating Child Predators and to denounce suspicious activities call 787-729-6969. For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from online sexual abuse, visit https://www.ice.gov/topics/iGuardians . This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ### About Homeland Security Investigations HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement. # HSI #


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Offense

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DARRAN BOYKINS , age 29, pled guilty on January 25, 2024 to being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). BOYKINS up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. BOYKINS ’s sentencing is set for April 25, 2024. According to court documents, on March 20, 2021, New Orleans Police Department officers responded to an aggravated assault with a firearm at a residence in the Seventh Ward neighborhood of New Orleans. During the investigation, officers discovered ammunition in a dresser in the residence, along with BOYKINS’s Louisiana identification card. BOYKINS had prior felony convictions punishable by a term of imprisonment in excess of one year, that made his ammunition possession illegal. Most recently, BOYKINS was convicted on January 23, 2019, in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Hosts Federal, State, and Local  Partners for ‘United Against Hate’ Event at UCLA

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – The United States Attorney’s Office hosted its third “United Against Hate” outreach event on Friday, January 26, at UCLA in Westwood, where approximately 200 participants from federal, state, and local civil rights enforcement agencies joined with community leaders to work together to combat the growing problem of hate crimes and incidents. The event featured remarks by Dolores Huerta, one of the most influential labor activists of the 20th century and a leader of the Chicano civil rights movement, and United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “As the chief federal law enforcement officer in the nation’s most populous and culturally diverse district, I am troubled by the acts and rhetoric of hate we see across the country,” U.S. Attorney Estrada said. “Hate is meant to divide us, so it is imperative that we come together as a community to reject these acts and embrace the diversity of this nation, which has always been its strength. United, we can overcome hate.” United Against Hate is a nationwide Department of Justice initiative to inform communities about hate crimes and reporting hate-related incidents. The Department launched the initiative in 2022 with the goal of building trust, opening lines of communication, and strengthening coordination between relevant partners and the community to help combat a growing number of hate and bias-related incidents since 2021. Today’s event included a panel discussion regarding federal, state, and local initiatives to combat hate that featured leaders of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, the California Civil Rights Department, the California Commission on the State of Hate, and L.A. Civil Rights. Participants at today’s event also received training on identifying, reporting and responding to hate crimes and hate incidents. Additionally, there were presentations by the Justice Department’s Community Relations Service and LA Civil Rights. Following the event, UCLA hosted a reception for community and governmental leaders. This is the third United Against Hate event hosted by the United States Attorney’s Office. The office will continue to host presentations throughout the district to help communities understand what hate crimes are, how federal agencies respond to hate crimes, and what people can do to help victims. Community organizations or leaders that wish to partner with the United States Attorney’s office to hold a United Against Hate event in their community should send their request to USACAC.CV-CivilRights@usdoj.gov . Anyone who feels they have been the victim of a hate crime or may have witnessed a hate crime should immediately report the crime to state or local police by dialing 911, then quickly report it to the FBI through their online portal or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). In addition, please report the incident to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division or by filing a civil rights complaint with the United States Attorney’s Office.


title: Sacramento Woman Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sofia Cisneros-Noyola, 39, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, in 2020, a team of local and federal law enforcement officers partnered in an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Cisneros-Noyola and her co‑defendants Esmerelda Ceja-Mendez, 43, of Ceres; Julian Loeza, 33, of Ceres; and Victor Ramirez, 37, of Atwater. On Dec. 2, 2020, law enforcement agents stopped Cisneros-Noyola while she was en route from Modesto to a location where she had arranged to conduct a narcotics transaction. Agents searched the vehicle and seized 20,000 counterfeit oxycontin M-30 pills weighing more than 2 kilograms from under the front passenger seat. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antonio J. Pataca, Sam Stefanki, and Audrey Hemesath are prosecuting the case. Cisneros-Noyola is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on June 24, 2024. Cisneros-Noyola faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi‑agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Stash House Operator Sentenced for Human Smuggling Charges in Del Rio

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A California woman was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 76 months in prison for her role as a stash house operator and facilitator for a human smuggling organization (HSO). According to court documents Veronica Pech, 57, of Ridgecrest, California, operated several stash houses in Del Rio and facilitated the harboring and transport of undocumented noncitizens. Pech had organized pickups from the brush of many migrants, harbored them at her stash houses, and ultimately arranged for them to be transported into the interior of the U.S. From Jan. 1, 2021, through March 30, 2021, Pech harbored approximately 500 undocumented noncitizens. As a leader and organizer, Pech was also responsible for the finances of the HSO’s harboring operation in Del Rio, paying the rent of a stash house, paying guides and load drivers, paying for the migrants’ food and drinks, and ensuring funds were appropriated and sent to the organization’s upper leadership. On March 30, 2021, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Pech and apprehended 35 undocumented migrants she was harboring at her main stash house. She pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens. In addition to the imprisonment, Pech was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. Co-defendant Dakota Leon, 31, who operated as a load driver for the HSO, was sentenced in March 2023 to 46 months for conspiracy to transport aliens. "Pech ran multiple stash houses and played many key roles in the operation of the organization that, in just three months, smuggled more than 500 migrants through Del Rio.” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Special thanks to the U.S. Border Patrol criminal investigators for disrupting and dismantling a major human smuggling organization operating from Del Rio to Comanche." “Not only did these human smugglers conspire to undermine our nation’s immigration laws multiple times for their own profit, but they did so by thinking they would get away with their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for the HSI San Antonio Division. “Thanks to the outstanding teamwork between HSI and BP, these smugglers will be spending the next several years behind bars.” “Consequences are necessary to combat transnational criminal organizations,” said Chief Patrol Agent Robert Danley for the U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector. “I am proud of how our strong law enforcement partnerships made this success possible and brought justice for our community.” HSI and USBP investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner prosecuted the case. ###


title: Plaquemines Parish Men Plead Guilty to Fentanyl, Heroin and Cocaine Conspiracy

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DWAN RILEY, age 37, and RODERICK PARKER , age 53, both Plaquemines Parish, residents, pleaded guilty on January 25, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. RILEY pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. PARKER pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. According to court documents, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents began investigating RILEY , PARKER , and others in October 2019 for narcotics distribution in the metro New Orleans area. The investigation revealed HERBERT RICHARDSON and RAY MARSHALL to be RILEY’s primary sources of supply for counterfeit oxycodone pills, which also contained heroin and fentanyl. On numerous occasions, RICHARDSON and MARSHALL supplied RILEY with 100 to 250 pills containing heroin and fentanyl. Further, MARSHALL regularly supplied RILEY with cocaine as well as supplying PARKER with 25 - 50 heroin and fentanyl pills. RILEY and PARKER would, in turn, distribute the narcotics to their own customers. RILEY and PARKER each face up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 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. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Northridge Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Stalking Charge and  Admits to Threatening Mass Shooting of Synagogues

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of stalking and admitted to engaging in a 14-month campaign in which he threatened a victim and threatened to shoot synagogues and “exterminate” Jewish people and Asian Americans. Andre Morrow Lackner, 35, of Northridge, pleaded guilty to one count of stalking. According to court documents, from June 2021 to October 2022, Lackner sent a series of abusive text messages to the victim. In these messages, Lackner directed a series of anti-Semitic remarks to the victim, including, “Hitler was right about you people,” “I want to see every single Jew exterminated from this earth,” “Would you like to celebrate the next synagogue shooting?” and “I will make sure I kill a Jew before I leave this Earth.” Lackner also texted the victim multiple racist statements against Asian Americans, including “We need to start more Asian hate and wipe” Asian people “off the planet too.” The text messages Lackner sent the victim placed her in reasonable fear of death and serious bodily injury to herself or one of her immediate family members, according to court documents. Lackner has been in federal custody since December 2022. “My office will remain steadfast in standing up to hate and working to unite our community,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We must hold accountable those like this defendant who make vile, anti-Semitic, and racist threats that put victims in fear for their lives. I applaud law enforcement for acting decisively to intervene and protect the victim.” “The defendant's abhorrent words and actions caused his victim to experience fear of harm and death,” said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI urges victims of stalking to contact law enforcement to make a report.” United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer scheduled a June 3 sentencing hearing, at which time Lackner will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. The FBI investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Amanda B. Elbogen of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Two Albuquerque Men Charged with 2023 Crime Spree

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that James Adam Metts and Demetrius Antonnie Bailey have been charged in relation to a summer 2023 crime spree. Bailey, 40, of Albuquerque, previously appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with one count of interference with commerce by robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Today, Metts, 45, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with eight counts of interference with commerce by robbery, using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bailey and Metts will remain in temporary custody pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for January 29, 2024. According to the indictment, on July 11, 2023, Metts and Bailey allegedly took tools from Harbor Freight Tools using force, violence and fear of injury. During the incident, Metts pointed a firearm at John Doe 1, an employee of Brosnan Security at Harbor Freight Tools. Additionally, on Sept. 28, 2023, Bailey allegedly possessed a firearm and ammunition, knowing that he had previously been convicted of multiple crimes. Following the July robbery, Metts allegedly robbed a Metro by T-Mobile of cash and merchandise using force, violence and fear of injury on Aug. 26, a T-Mobile on Sept. 1, another Metro by T-Mobile on Sept. 9, a Verizon on Sept. 12, another T-Mobile on Sept. 14, and a JC Penney and third T-Mobile on Sept. 16. During the Sept. 16 incident at T-Mobile, Metts allegedly brandished a firearm. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Bailey faces up to 20 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Metts faces a minimum of seven years and up to 20 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment # # # 24-39


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on January 24, 2024. Vine Phillip Hayes, age 49, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Hayes was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on November 9, 2023. The conviction stemmed from Hayes’ role in the beating death of a man near Pine Ridge, South Dakota, in November of 2021. In the early morning hours of November 28, 2021, Hayes and co-defendants Lance Red Cloud and Michael Red Cloud drove the victim, an adult male, to a remote area outside of Pine Ridge. The defendants pulled the victim out of their vehicle and beat him. They then drove back to Pine Ridge, leaving the victim lying on the ground with severe injuries. The victim subsequently died from his injuries. Lance Red Cloud pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder, based on his role in the attack, and was sentenced on August 11, 2023, to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Michael Red Cloud pleaded guilty to Accessory to Second Degree Murder, based on his role in the attack, and was sentenced on December 11, 2023, to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court. Hayes was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Charge

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on January 24, 2024. Donald Shepersky, 68, was sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Shepersky will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Shepersky was indicted for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 25, 2023. Shepersky was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in relation to an upload of child pornography to Kik. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce executed a search warrant on Shepersky’s residence and located multiple electronic devices. A forensic examination of those devices found hundreds of images of child pornography. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case. Shepersky was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.