title: Louisville Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced this week to 5 years and 3 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony offense. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Interim Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents, Joshua Young, 28, was sentenced to 5 years and 3 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony offense. Young was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On September 5, 2018, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Young was convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. On July 7, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Young was convicted of receiving stolen property under $10,000. On February 13, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Young was convicted of promoting contraband in the first degree. On January 29, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Young was convicted of retaliating against a participant in the legal process. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the ATF and LMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Lantz and Erin McKenzie prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A man from Guatemala has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on September 27, 2021, as part of an ongoing investigation, law enforcement conducted a controlled operation, meeting Ramiro Guerra, 67, at a previously designated Twin Cities location. Guerra arrived in a semi-truck bound from California. The semi-truck was searched, and law enforcement recovered approximately 72 pounds of methamphetamine and 80 kilograms of cocaine from inside the cab of his semi-truck. Guerra pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine yesterday in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and several other supporting agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter is prosecuting the case.


title: San Gabriel Valley Man Pleads Guilty to Sending  Bomb Threat to Security Guard at Bank in El Monte

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A San Gabriel Valley man pleaded guilty today to sending a bomb threat to a security guard El Monte last year and nearly two weeks later sending a fake bomb threat to himself in an unsuccessful effort to evade detection by law enforcement. Daniel Isaac Gonzalez, 23, of Montebello, pleaded guilty to one count of making a threat, and conveying false information, through interstate commerce to kill another person and to damage and destroy buildings by means of an explosive. According to his plea agreement, on July 13, 2023, Gonzalez knowingly and willfully sent a bomb threat and conveyed false information via text message to the victim, a security guard at Cathay Bank in El Monte. The text message falsely stated, “I put a bomb where u work [expletive] I know where u work bank.” On July 26, 2023, Gonzalez knowingly and willfully sent another bomb threat via text message, this time to his own work telephone while he was working at Cathay Bank in El Monte. The text message falsely stated, “This Michael you did me dirty. I put a bomb by your job guy [expletive] you and see you in hell bitch. -anonymous 909.” Gonzalez admitted in his plea agreement that the threats and false information concerned an attempt to kill, injure, and intimidate the victim, and to unlawfully damage and destroy a building and other property by means of an explosive. He also admitted that his conduct resulted in a substantial disruption of public, governmental or business functions or services. United States District Judge Wesley L. Hsu scheduled an October 25 sentencing hearing, at which time Gonzalez, who remains free on bond, will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the El Monte Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander H. Tran of the General Crimes Section and Daniel H. Weiner of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section, are prosecuting this case.


title: Former Driving Instructor Sentenced for Bribing RMV Road Test Examiner for Driver's License

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A former driving instructor was sentenced yesterday for conspiring to defraud the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) into issuing driver’s licenses to applicants who did not pass the road test. Ngan Dinh, 48, of Boston, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to two years’ probation with the first six months to be served as home confinement with GPS monitoring, a fine of $4,000, and a $5,450 forfeiture. In March 2024, Dinh pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud. Dinh, a naturalized U.S. citizen who speaks Vietnamese and some English, circulated business cards to the Vietnamese community. The potential licensees who contacted Dinh were Vietnamese immigrants who did not speak or read English. They relied on Dinh to help them comply with RMV rules and requirements they did not understand. Instead, Dinh bribed a road test examiner at the Brockton RMV to misrepresent to the RMV that Dinh’s customers had passed the road test – when in fact they had not. Some customers did not even show up for the test. Customers paid Dinh as much as $1,200 – with Dinh insisting that all payments be in cash. Dinh persuaded some customers to pay him such large amounts by lying to them. For example, he told some applicants that the RMV was not offering road tests because of the pandemic, which was false, and that he could get them licenses because he was a “certified rep” for the RMV – a non-existent position. Dinh paid the RMV employee a $100 cash bribe for each of his customers and kept the rest of the money for himself. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Pensacola Sex Offender Sentenced To Federal Prison For New Child Pornography Offenses

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Donovan E. Whidden, 21, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to online receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “Protecting innocent children from sexual predators remains one of our highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors who work tirelessly to identify these predators and bring them to justice so that they may never exploit a child again. Due to their collective efforts, our community is safer, and this repeat offender is exactly where he belongs – behind bars.” In September 2023, the Pensacola Police Department received cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that led back to Whidden’s residence. Law enforcement was aware that Whidden was on state court probation for a conviction for Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child in 2022. A search warrant was obtained for his residence, and law enforcement located evidence of Whidden utilizing the media platform Discord to upload and obtain child pornography. Whidden also used a cloud storage platform to maintain his child pornography. “We must always protect our children. Our relentless pursuit to hunt down sexual predators remains a top priority for our law enforcement partners,” said Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall. “Let this sentence be a reminder to anyone that wants to hurt our children, we will find you and use every available law enforcement resource to get justice.” Whidden’s prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and he will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions. “This recidivist predator once again showed no respect for humanity by actively collecting and trading child sexual abuse material online,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Thanks to the investigative efforts of our persistent special agents and the Pensacola Police Department, this repeat offender will now spend well deserved time behind bars.” The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, and the other investigate agencies that comprise the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Northern Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Convicted Felons Plead Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearms in Separate  Project Safe Neighborhoods Investigations in Albany

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. – Two Albany residents with criminal pasts are facing up to fifteen years in prison each for illegally possessing firearms in separate Project Safe Neighborhoods investigations. Marcus Ryan Telfair, 30, and Kentravious Montrell Ware, 36, both pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of a firearm before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on June 26. Both defendants face a maximum of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencings will be scheduled by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system. “These convicted felons not only illegally possessed firearms but also threatened citizens with those guns,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Project Safe Neighborhoods helps keep our community safer due to strong partnerships between local, state and federal law enforcement in Albany and across the Middle District of Georgia united by our shared goal to reduce violent crime.” “Mr. Telfair and Mr. Ware both terrorized an entire community," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “Their actions threatened the lives of citizens and law enforcement alike. In the Middle District of Georgia, we will continue our relentless pursuit of dangerous felons who possess firearms, especially those who show no regard for human life. We must hold them accountable." "Here is another example of the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the Albany Police Department working to address the criminal actions of others,” said APD Chief Michael Persley. “These defendants have proven that they are repeat offenders and do not value the life of others. I hope that the victims have received the support they deserve, and this will be another lesson learned that crime doesn’t pay." According to documents and statements referenced in court in the Telfair case, Albany Police Department (APD) officers responded to a disorderly conduct call on Oct. 23, 2023, on West Society Avenue. A landscaper working nearby called 911 after he observed Telfair dragging a woman by her hair in the street, who was screaming for help. The landscaper attempted to intervene, but Telfair drew a gun, pointed it at the man and threatened to shoot him if he did not step away. When the police arrived, Telfair ran off and was found hiding underneath a porch. A 9mm semiautomatic pistol and a knife were located in Telfair’s backpack; the gun was stolen out of a truck earlier in the year. In addition, another citizen contacted police on Oct. 14, 2023, after a man matching Telfair’s description flashed a gun at him while stealing items from his truck. APD recovered some of the stolen items from inside the backpack Telfair had in his possession during his arrest. Telfair has several prior criminal convictions in the Superior Court of Dougherty County including robbery, entering auto and interfering with government property. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. According to documents and statements referenced in court in the Ware case, APD officers responded to a disorderly conduct call at a business on Ledo Road in Albany on July 22, 2023. The reporting individual stated that Ware and another customer were arguing in the store when Ware pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the man. The interaction was captured on video surveillance. The officers located Ware at the nearby Country Inn and Suites. Ware told officers he was carrying a firearm, and officers located a .380 semiautomatic pistol on his waistband. Ware told officers he got into the argument after the man bumped into him at the store. Ware has prior felony convictions for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in the Superior Court of Cobb County, Georgia, and theft by receiving stolen property in the Superior Court of Dekalb County, Georgia. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. Both cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results. The Telfair and Ware cases were investigated by the Albany Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting both cases for the Government.


component: USAO - Florida, Southern


title: Cocoa Woman Charged With Offenses Related To Car Theft And High-Speed Chase On Patrick Space Force Base

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Krishna Jade Janosky (29, Cocoa) with unauthorized entry onto a military installation, grand theft auto, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, and damaging government property. If convicted on all counts, Janosky faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, on February 7, 2024, Janosky entered Patrick Space Force Base, a military installation within the jurisdiction of the United States, without lawful authority or credentials to enter the installation. While on the base, Janosky obtained and used the motor vehicle of another individual, knowing she was not entitled to the use of the vehicle. The indictment also charges Janosky with fleeing from law enforcement officers at a high rate of speed and in a manner demonstrating a wanton disregard for the safety of persons and property. Finally, Janosky is alleged to have willfully damaged the Patrick Space Force Base flightline gate. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigation, the 45 th Security Forces Squadron, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.


title: Trio Sentenced

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: FORT WAYNE –Three individuals were sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to access device fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Giovanni Mazzone, 34, of Gilbert, AZ was sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release. Lucian Neagu, 32, of Fullerton, CA was sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release. Julian Dumbrava, 36, of Baytown, TX was sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in October 2023, the above defendants possessed devices that were installed on ATMs for the purpose of stealing ATM card information. In general, shimming devices and skimming devices are designed to obtain information from the magstripe on the back of, or the microchip implanted in, credit and debit cards. Both devices are most often accompanied by cameras that are installed on the ATM to capture a customer’s PIN number. These devices are usually placed onto or within the ATM for a limited period of time and then removed. The fraudster then creates fraudulent credit and debit cards using the PIN number and captured data which are then used to illegally obtain goods, services, and currency. TIP: When you use your card at an ATM, gas pump, or other payment keypad, it is a good practice to be mindful of anything unusual with the machine and to cover your hand as you input your PIN number. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in coordination with the Indiana State Police and the Huntington Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.


title: Riverside County Man Who Trafficked Pound Quantities of Fentanyl and Cocaine Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Hemet man was sentenced today to 228 months in federal prison for knowingly mailing pound quantities of fentanyl and marijuana, possessing more than four pounds of fentanyl and more than 35 pounds of cocaine in his house and for illegally possessing firearms, including one so-called “ghost” machinegun lacking a serial number. Ignacio Alcala, 38, was sentenced by United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha. Alcala pleaded guilty in November 2023 to one count of distributing fentanyl, two counts of possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. In August 2022, Alcala knowingly mailed from a post office in Riverside to Rochester, New York, a parcel that contained approximately 1 kilogram of fentanyl. Later that month, he knowingly mailed another parcel from another post office in Riverside to New Orleans that contained approximately 2.5 kilograms of marijuana. Law enforcement arrested Alcala at his residence in December 2022. Inside Alcala’s residence, law enforcement seized a bag containing 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of fentanyl, along with two firearms, a .357 revolver reported stolen in 2019, and a Glock-style pistol that did not bear a legitimate serial number – commonly known as a “ghost gun” – beside a stack of children’s toys. The ghost gun had an empty large capacity magazine inserted and a Glock switch affixed to the striker plate, rendering the firearm a fully automatic machinegun pistol. Officers also found more than 16 kilograms of cocaine inside an air duct and almost half a kilogram of cocaine inside a kitchen cabinet. “This is not a one-time incident, rather this is evidence of a serial and dangerous drug trafficker who poses a significant danger to society,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[Alcala] has contributed to the nationwide devastation by trafficking in fentanyl and using the United States Postal Service to move bulk quantities of fentanyl from Southern California to the rest of the nation.” The United States Postal Inspection Service, in conjunction with the Riverside County Gang Impact Team, investigated this matter. The Gang Impact Team is supervised by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and staffed by agents from the DA’s Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, and detectives and resources from the Beaumont, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Hemet, Murrieta, and Riverside Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Mitchell M. Suliman of the Riverside Branch Office prosecuted this case.


title: U.S. Army Research Biologist Pleads Guilty To  Engaging In A Bribery Scheme

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – Jason Edmonds, age 45 of North East, Maryland pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of bribery relating to a bribery scheme at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. The guilty plea was announced by Erek L. Barron U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Special Agent in Charge William DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, and Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland of the Army Criminal Investigation Division. According to the guilty plea, Edmonds was employed by the United States Army as a Research Biologist at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (“CCDC”) Chemical Biological Center (“CB Center”) located at the Aberdeen Proving Ground (“APG”). The CCDC CB Center was the nation’s principal research and development center for non-medical chemical and biological weapons defense. The CB Center developed technology in the areas of detection, protection, and decontamination. From 2012 to 2019, Edmonds accepted cash and other financial benefits from John Conigliaro, the owner and CEO of EISCO, Inc. in exchange for favorable action on CB Center contracts. For example, in July 2013, Edmonds directed a $300,000 CB Center project to EISCO. Three months later, in October 2013, Conigliaro gave Edmonds $40,000 in cash so that Edmonds could purchase two rental real estate properties. Once Edmonds purchased the rental properties, Conigliaro paid for thousands of dollars of renovations to the rental properties. Relative to the cash exchange, Edmonds and Conigliaro executed a “Promissory Note,” which was subsequently amended by Edmonds on June 14, 2014. In the amended “Promissory Note,” Edmonds credited himself $18,100 against the $40,000 in cash for past projects that Edmonds had directed to EISCO at the CB Center. Edmonds also wrote that Conigliaro would provide him an additional $25,000 in exchange for future projects that Edmonds would direct to EISCO. Between December 2016 and August 2017, Edmonds directed a series of government projects to EISCO in exchange for a stream of benefits from Conigliaro, including a kitchen remodel at Edmonds’s personal residence, the purchase of a granite countertop, a kitchen sink, and new siding to his home. In June 2020, after federal agents attempted to interview Edmonds and Conigliaro, the co-conspirators met approximately three times to discuss the investigation. During those meetings, Edmonds proposed that he and Conigliaro inform federal investigators that Edmonds had repaid Conigliaro with gold and baseball cards, knowing that it was false. Edmonds faces a maximum of five years in federal prison for conspiring to commit bribery. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, and the Army Criminal Investigation Division for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bijon A. Mostoufi and Michael Cunningham, who are prosecuting the federal case, and Paralegal Specialist Joanna Huber. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Maryland Resident Sentenced To 40 Months’ Imprisonment For Bank Fraud

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that that Evan R. Wechsler, age 46, and a resident of Bethesda, Maryland, was sentenced to 40 months in prison for bank fraud. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Wechsler was the leader of a check kiting scheme from 2016 to 2017. During this period of time, Wechsler wrote, signed, and deposited hundreds of worthless checks between accounts at different banks that he controlled. These accounts included personal accounts and business accounts in the names of affiliated companies that he ran. Branch Banking & Trust (BB&T, now known as Truist) sustained a loss of nearly $6.3 million due to Wechsler’s fraud. During the check kiting scheme, Wechsler typically sent a large wire transfer each week from his BB&T account and also wrote checks from BB&T to an account at another bank. Then, over the course of a given week, Wechsler wrote numerous checks from that account to other accounts, including the one at BB&T. These worthless checks were then used to fund the outgoing transfers from BB&T at the beginning of the following week. Over time, the value of the fraudulent checks that Wechsler wrote continued to grow, from over $100,000 in early 2016 to nearly $700,000 in mid-2017. In May 2017, Wechsler’s BB&T business checking account received over $118 million in fraudulent credits and had over $95 million in fraudulent debits. By conducting this scheme, Wechsler was able to inflate his businesses’ outward financial condition and receive what was, in effect, an interest free loan from the banks that he utilized for the check kiting scheme. Wechsler was not ordered to pay restitution because he had paid BB&T back for the losses that it incurred prior to his sentencing hearing. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case. # # #


title: One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership to Host Third Annual Peacenic at O’Hair Park This Saturday

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT - More than 70 community organizations and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies will gather at O’Hair Park THIS Saturday, June 29 (Rain Date: June 30) for the third annual Peacenic. The event will run from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m .. The Peacenics are part of the One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership, a coalition of community and law enforcement partners working together to develop and execute the best strategies to reduce violent crime. The strategy has three components—enforcement, prevention, and reentry. As part of its Safe Summer Streets initiative, One Detroit will hold its third annual Peacenics in coordination with its enhanced summer enforcement strategy aimed at reducing gun violence in Detroit’s neighborhoods with the highest incidence of violent crime – Detroit’s 8th and 9th Precincts. The Peacenics are a collective gathering of the community and law enforcement coming together in the name of peace and where residents can have fun, engage with law enforcement, and obtain resources to improve the quality of their lives. The Peacenics will feature vendors offering a variety of resources including job training, literacy programs, mental health and medical screenings, utility assistance, educational and vocational opportunities, tutorial and career development programs, expungement assistance and more. Several law enforcement agencies will be there to engage with the community and recruit to fill vacancies in their organizations. In addition to the resources, there will be bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting, and a free throw tournament for kids. There will also be community basketball and volleyball games. The Detroit Public Library will have their bookmobile on site for kids to enjoy storytelling time. Adults will be able to join in the fun with Hustle Dance lessons, and a Spades tournament as well as Uno tables. And back by popular demand will be the Peacenic Thrift Clothing Boutique, where residents can shop for free gently used clothing for all ages. Free food, such as pizza, hot dogs, sliders, and ice cream will also be available for residents at the Peacenics. Media is encouraged to attend.


title: Scranton Man Sentenced To 100 Months’ Imprisonment For Firearms Offense

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Victorious Minter, age 28, of Scranton, PA, was sentenced today to 100 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for a firearms offense. According to United States Attorney Karam, on January 5, 2022, Minter possessed a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 24 rounds in an extended magazine, after having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Minter was found guilty after a four-day trial in February of 2024. During trial, evidence showed that Minter had waived the gun at another driver on the North Scranton Expressway during a road rage incident. After the other driver called 911, officers with the Scranton Police Department spotted Minter’s car and conducted a traffic stop. During that stop, the loaded pistol was discovered stuffed in the front passenger seat next to Minter’s girlfriend. Minter’s two-year-old child was also in the backseat of the car. The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Scranton Police Department, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. # # #


title: Luling Man Indicted Federally for Possession of Firearm by Felon

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANTHONY KENNER (“KENNER”) , age 40, of Luling, LA, was indicted on June 21, 2024, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, on February 20, 2024, KENNER knowingly possessed a Glock Model 30, .45 caliber handgun, after having previously been convicted of a felony. If convicted, KENNER , faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 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 St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Florida Woman Sentenced To 48 Months’ Imprisonment For Embezzling $2 Million From Former Employer

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Catherine Latoski, age 53, formerly of Exeter, Pennsylvania and currently a resident of Davenport, Florida, was sentenced by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 48 months of imprisonment for committing wire fraud by embezzling nearly $2 million from her former employer. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Latoski was the Director of Accounting Services for a Scranton-based for-profit educational institution. Beginning in November 2016, through her termination in June 2021, Latoski charged nearly $2 million in personal expenses on corporate credit cards issued by her former employer, spending the funds on vacations, Disney timeshares and cruises, personal utility bills and shopping expenses, her child’s college tuition, and to fund her and her family members’ personal businesses selling health and beauty products for Jordan Essentials. Latoski then used her accounting position to facilitate having her former employer pay off the credit card charges, including by creating false entries in the company’s books and records to conceal the expenses. In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, Judge Mannion also ordered Latoski to serve three years of supervised release following her term of imprisonment. Judge Mannion also ordered Latoski to pay $1,843,741.22 in restitution, and to forfeit five Disney timeshares that she purchased with the proceeds of her fraud, and placed in the names of her family members. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Maryland Man Sentenced To Over Six Years In Federal Prison For Laundering More Than $1.8 Million In Drug Proceeds

component: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow today sentenced Gerrod Davis, age 46, Glen Burnie, Maryland, to six years and three months in federal prison for laundering more than $1.8 million in drug proceeds. The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division, and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department. According to the guilty plea, as part of the drug trafficking organization, Davis handled bulk cash narcotics proceeds while his associates were responsible for street-level distribution of narcotics. Members of the drug trafficking organization shared the cash proceeds of their street-level distributions with Davis, who laundered the money on behalf of the organization. Davis conducted “money drops” in which he transported large sums of drug proceeds to an individual purporting to act on behalf of a Mexican Cartel. Davis made these transactions with the intention of promoting the drug trafficking organization and its business relationship with the Cartel as well as concealing the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds of the drug trafficking organization. Between July 20, 2020, and May 6, 2021, the amount of money Davis laundered, or attempted to launder in furtherance of the conspiracy was at least $1,811,611. This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DEA for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adeyemi Adenrele and Darryl Tarver, who prosecuted the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: West Monroe Man Charged in Federal Court in Connection with the Department of Justice’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that criminal charges have been filed against a West Monroe man in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Medicare. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action. Michael L. Riggins , 61, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud for his role in a durable medical equipment (“DME”) scheme. As alleged in the indictment, Riggins was the owner of Bluewater Healthcare (“Bluewater”), a DME supply company in West Monroe, Louisiana. It is alleged that from 2018 to 2023, Riggins paid for doctors’ orders for pneumatic compression devices (“PCDs”), a type of DME, and tricked doctors into signing DME orders and certificates of medical necessity in order to bill for the expensive and medically unnecessary DME. In total, Riggins submitted over $3.8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for supplying PCDs and was reimbursed over $1.8 million. These charges are part of a strategically coordinated, two-week nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 147 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes that resulted in the submission of over $2.5 billion in alleged false billings. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets, and the Government, in connection with the enforcement action, seized over $150 million in cash, luxury vehicles, gold, and other assets. The Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Southern District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Connecticut, Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, Western District of Louisiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Rhode Island, Middle District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Tennessee, Eastern District of Virginia, and Southern District of West Virginia; and the State Attorney Generals’ Offices for California, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and South Dakota are prosecuting the cases in the National Enforcement Action, with assistance from the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team. An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Western District of Louisiana in particular, worked with the Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the enforcement period. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Flanagan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorneys Samantha Usher and Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Strike Force. # # #


title: Former Courtesy Patrol Executive Sentenced for Bankruptcy Fraud

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Robert Martin, 67, of Beckley, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay $205,802.49 in restitution for fraudulent receipt of property from a debtor. Martin admitted to paying himself without authorization while serving as the chief executive officer of the entity that operated the West Virginia Courtesy Patrol. According to court documents and statements made in court, Martin was CEO of Citizens Conservation Corp (CCC) when it filed for bankruptcy on April 3, 2019. Martin formed CCC in 1993 and its primary source of income beginning in 1998 was a multimillion-dollar contract with the State of West Virginia to operate the Courtesy Patrol roadside assistance service. CCC became financially unstable after it lost that state contract in 2018, leading to the bankruptcy filing. On May 2, 2019, Martin testified at a bankruptcy creditors meeting that CCC was not generating income, that he was not receiving a salary because of the lack of income, and that he expected CCC to be paid on some receivables owed to it. The United States Trustee, who oversees the administration of bankruptcy cases in the Southern District of West Virginia, told Martin that he was not allowed to take a salary as a controlling officer without U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval. On May 8, 2019, CCC received more than $41,000 from the West Virginia Treasury, and the money was deposited in CCC’s bank account. Two days later, Martin caused $50,000 to be transferred from that bank account to an account at a different bank. Martin paid himself $32,072.76 from those transferred funds with six separate checks. Martin admitted that he did not seek or obtain U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval for those payments, even though he knew that was required. Martin further admitted that he did not get prior approval because he intended to hide these payments from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Martin also admitted that CCC knowingly misspent $108,751.60 it had received from the United States Department of Interior National Park Service (NPS) between September 10 and October 1, 2018. CCC entered into a cooperative agreement with NPS on November 20, 2014 to recruit, hire, train and place young adults for internship positions at national parks throughout the country. Funding made available under the agreement included $111,221.09 to hire and pay two interns to work at the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation for 13 months. Martin admitted that CCC did not hire or place any interns with that funding. Instead, CCC drew down all but $2,469.49 of that funding for unallowable CCC operating expenses following the loss of the Courtesy Patrol contract. Martin admitted that he knew that the funds were misapplied or fraudulently converted in this way. The $205,802.49 in ordered restitution consists of $37,072.76 for the Bankruptcy Estate of CCC and $168,729.73 for the U.S. Department of Interior National Park Service. Martin paid the $37,072.76 owed to the Bankruptcy Estate on June 13, 2024. CCC Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Douglas, 48, of Beckley, pleaded guilty on May 6, 2024 to theft from federal programs and awaits sentencing. Douglas admitted that CCC knowingly misspent the $108,752.60 received from NPS under the cooperative agreement. “Mr. Martin held a position of trust within the bankruptcy proceedings. He abused that trust and then became unresponsive and uncooperative with the Bankruptcy Court,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “His pattern of avoidance, non-responsiveness, and flagrant disregard for the law makes his offense gravely serious.” Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Interior-Office of Inspector General (DOI-OIG). The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. “Integrity, honesty, and transparency are foundational to the bankruptcy process, and the FBI and our partners stand together in upholding fairness and justice for our legal system,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “We will not allow those who choose deceit over truth to continue lining their own pockets at the public’s expense.” “Chapter 11 requires debtors in possession of bankruptcy estate assets to be forthright with the court and with their creditors,” said Acting U.S. Trustee Gerard Vetter for Region 4, which includes West Virginia. “This case shows that the Justice Department and the U.S. Trustee Program will vigorously pursue those who divert estate assets and take money out of creditors’ pockets.” “Mr. Martin knowingly misspent funds that should have been used to hire and pay interns working at national parks,” said DOI OIG Special Agent in Charge Katie Balestra. “The AUSA's office, the FBI, and DOI-OIG worked hard to achieve justice in this case.” United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Holly Wilson prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-147. ###


title: Jacksonville Methamphetamine Dealer Pleads Guilty To Federal Charges After High-Speed Chase

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Sedrick Williams, Jr. (24, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Williams faces a minimum mandatory term of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, on December 6, 2023, detectives with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) were patrolling the area of Broadway Street and Garfield Street in Jacksonville related to an ongoing investigation. During the investigation, detectives observed two men exit a residence and enter two separate vehicles before departing the residence. Detectives believed one of the men to be the suspect from the investigation but did not recognize the other individual, later identified as Williams. The suspect from the unrelated investigation entered a silver sedan, and Williams entered a gray sedan. Both vehicles then departed the residence. Detectives followed both vehicles as they traveled along Broadway Avenue, but both vehicles drove away at a high rate of speed. Detectives lost sight of the silver sedan but maintained sight of the vehicle driven by Williams. Detectives continued to pursue Williams and observed his vehicle commit multiple traffic violations, including speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and generally operating in a reckless manner. After Williams ran a red light, detectives initiated emergency equipment to conduct the traffic stop. Williams did not stop and initiated a high-speed chase that continued along multiple streets. During this pursuit Williams drove into oncoming traffic, forcing vehicles and pedestrian traffic off the road. Williams eventually crashed in a ditch. Williams – the sole occupant of the vehicle – then fled on foot for a short distance before a JSO officer apprehended and detained him. Detectives searched the crashed and abandoned vehicle and located a loaded black Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus handgun and a black latex glove, which contained several loose 9mm rounds. Inside the center console, detectives found various narcotics in separate bags and a loaded extended magazine. One bag contained approximately 4.3 grams of fentanyl, a second bag contained approximately 2.1 grams of cocaine base, and a third bag contained 10.5 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine. Detectives learned the firearm had been reported stolen in Jacksonville in 2022. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh. 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: New Orleans Man Sentenced  for Role in Drug Conspiracy

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARK WILLIAMS (“ WILLIAMS”) , age 22, of New Orleans, was sentenced on June 25, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to 66 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute tapentadol and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846; possession with intent to distribute those substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). According to court documents, on May 17, 2023, the FBI executed a search at WILLIAMS’s mother’s residence. WILLIAMS and his brother, Jonathan Gonzalez, a co-defendant in this case, were both present at the residence. They each had loaded firearms and possessed tapentadol pills and marijuana with the intent to distribute those substances. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Gainesville Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possession Of A Firearm By A Convicted Felon

body_text: GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Ethan Anderson, 44, of Gainesville, Florida was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “Our law enforcement partners play a vital role in fighting crime and protecting the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Due to their swift action, a habitual felon who discharged a firearm during a heated argument is back where he belongs, behind bars. His incarceration will not only make the community safer but also illustrate the real and severe consequences for federal firearm offenses.” On February 28, 2023, the Gainesville Police Department responded to reports of an armed disturbance. Officers learned that a subject, later identified as Anderson, possessed, and discharged a firearm during an argument with others. Anderson was subsequently located inside a nearby residence. A search of the residence revealed a firearm containing Anderson’s DNA. Anderson later admitted to possessing and discharging the firearm. "The FBI is committed to safeguarding our communities from violent crime,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Kristin Rehler. “This sentencing should serve as a message that we will continue to join forces with our law enforcement partners and use all tools available to tackle the issue of gun violence in our neighborhoods and ensure those who commit violent acts are punished to the full extent of the law.” Anderson’s prison sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. This case was investigated by the Gainesville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Harley W. Ferguson prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Three Baton Rouge Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Connection with the Department of Justice’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced criminal charges against three individuals in connection with an alleged scheme to acquire controlled substances by fraud, to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and to defraud Medicaid. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action. Kevan Andre Hills, age 30, Devin Tyrone Stampley, Jr., age 32, and Asia Deshan Guess, age 27, all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were charged by indictment for their respective roles in a conspiracy to acquire and obtain controlled substances by fraud, to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, and to commit health care fraud, in the Middle District of Louisiana and elsewhere. As alleged in the indictment, beginning in or around April 2021, and continuing through at least February 2023, Hills, Stampley, Guess, and their co-conspirators fraudulently obtained controlled substances from pharmacies in the Baton Rouge area and elsewhere using at least 97 forged and fraudulent prescriptions bearing the DEA registration numbers and other identifying information of at least 12 physicians and other medical professionals without authority. It is alleged that, in April 2022, Stampley also burglarized a pharmacy in Louisiana and stole 54 different controlled substances worth approximately $10,600 from said pharmacy. The charges are part of a strategically coordinated, two-week nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 193 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes that resulted in the submission of over $2.75 billion in alleged false billings. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets, and the Government, in connection with the enforcement action, seized over $231 million in cash, luxury vehicles, gold, and other assets. “It does not matter if you are a trafficker in a drug cartel or a corporate executive or medical professional employed by a health care company, if you profit from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances, you will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will bring to justice criminals who defraud Americans, steal from taxpayer-funded programs, and put people in danger for the sake of profits.” “Today’s charges underscore our unwavering commitment to combating health care fraud and opioid abuse, which threaten the well-being of our communities and the integrity of our health care system,” said United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. “The defendants allegedly exploited the trust placed in our health care system to unlawfully acquire and distribute controlled substances, causing harm not only to the individuals directly affected but to the entire community. We will continue to work tirelessly with our federal, state, and local partners to bring those who engage in such fraudulent activities to justice.” “We will not tolerate fraud that preys on patients who need and deserve high quality health care,” said the Honorable Christi A. Grimm, the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The hard work of the HHS-OIG team and our outstanding law enforcement partners makes today’s action possible. We must protect taxpayer dollars and keep Americans safe from harms to their health, privacy, and financial well-being.” The Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Southern District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Connecticut, Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, Western District of Louisiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Rhode Island, Eastern District of Tennessee, Middle District of Tennessee, Eastern District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, and Eastern District of Wisconsin; and State Attorney Generals’ Offices for Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and South Dakota are prosecuting the cases in the National Enforcement Action, with assistance from the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team. Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website at https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit/2024-national-hcf-case-summaries . The Middle District of Louisiana in particular, worked with the Department’s Criminal Division and the following law enforcement organizations to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the enforcement period: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Louisiana State Police (LSP) Fugitive Task Force and Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen L. Craig of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and Trial Attorneys Gary A. Crosby II and Samantha E. Usher of the Gulf Coast Strike Force. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: St. Johnsbury, Vermont Man Arrested on Drug Distribution Charges

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Dakota McAllister, 25, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont has been charged by criminal complaint with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base in May and June 2024. McAllister was arrested on the complaint during the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Lyndon, Vermont, where McAllister had been staying and from where he had been distributing drugs. McAllister’s initial appearance is scheduled for today at 3:30 p.m. before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle in Burlington. According to court records, in May and June 2024, over three separate transactions, McAllister twice distributed fentanyl and once cocaine base to a confidential informant, who met McAllister at the Lyndon residence to purchase the drugs. On June 27, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Lyndon residence. In searching the Lyndon residence, law enforcement found and arrested McAllister. Among other items, law enforcement seized from the Lyndon residence multiple firearms, including multiple handguns, an assault-style pistol, and an assault rifle, as well as approximately 38 grams of suspected fentanyl and approximately 55 grams of suspected cocaine. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that McAllister is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. McAllister faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the current charges in the complaint. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts and hard work of Homeland Security Investigations, Vermont State Police, Vermont Drug Task Force, Lyndonville Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman. McAllister is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq. 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 . 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Former Northeastern University Employee Convicted of Staging a Hoax Explosion and Making False Statements to a Federal Agent

body_text: BOSTON – A former Northeastern University employee was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston of staging a hoax explosion and making false statements to a federal law enforcement agent about the hoax. Jason Duhaime, 46, formerly of San Antonio, was convicted of intentionally conveying false and misleading information related to an explosive device and two counts of making materially false statements to a federal law enforcement agent. United States Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Oct. 2, 2024. Duhaime was initially arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Oct. 2, 2022, and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury Duhaime on Oct. 27, 2022. “Bomb hoaxes like the one the defendant fabricated here have real life consequences. Communities are put in fear, law enforcement personnel are diverted from other important duties and there are significant financial repercussions,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As we experience a wave of bomb hoaxes in schools, houses of worship and other gathering places, we will work closely with our local, state and federal partners to hold accountable anyone who tries to inject fear and distress into our community.” “Staging a hoax explosion and lying to the FBI about it isn’t a harmless act. It’s a crime,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The FBI and our partners take all threats to life seriously because protecting human life is our absolute priority. Anyone who pulls a stunt like this should expect the FBI to investigate and you should consider whether you really want to end up where Jason Duhaime is now awaiting sentencing for three federal felonies.” As of September 2022, Duhaime was employed as the New Technology Manager and Director of the Immersive Media Lab (the “Lab”) at Northeastern University (“Northeastern”). At approximately 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2022, Duhaime called the Northeastern Police Department and reported that he was injured by sharp objects expelled from a plastic case he opened inside the Lab that evening. Specifically, Duhaime told an emergency police dispatcher that he and a Northeastern student who was working in the Lab that evening had collected several packages—including two plastic “Pelican cases”—from a mail area and brought them into the Lab. Duhaime said that when he opened one of the cases inside a storage closet, “very sharp” objects flew out of the case and under his shirt sleeves, causing injuries to his arms. Duhaime also reported that the case contained an anonymous “violent note” threatening to “destroy the lab” and stating: “In the case you got today we could have planted explosives but not this time!!! Take notice!!! You have two months to take operations down or else!!!!! WE ARE WATCHING YOU.” Duhaime’s report and concern about a second, unopened Pelican case triggered a significant law enforcement response that included, among other things, the assistance of the Boston Police Department’s bomb squad, the assistance of multiple federal and state law enforcement agencies, and the evacuation of a portion of the Northeastern campus. In statements to first responders and in subsequent interviews with law enforcement on both Sept. 13 and 14, 2022, Duhaime provided statements about the incident that were consistent with what he told the emergency police dispatcher. He expressly denied fabricating his story about the Pelican case, the anonymous threat letter, and the injuries to his arms. During a search of Duhaime’s office at Northeastern on Sept. 14, 2022, several laptop computers were found. A subsequent forensic examination of one of the computers revealed a word-for-word electronic copy of the anonymous threat letter that Duhaime claimed was inside the Pelican case. According to evidence presented during the trial, this electronic copy of the threat letter was created and printed between approximately 2:50 p.m. and 3:56 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2022 – just hours before he reported the incident to the Northeastern Police Department. The charges of intentionally conveying false and misleading information related to an explosive device and making materially false statements to a federal law enforcement agent each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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; FBI SAC Cohen; Michael A. Davis, Vice President of Campus Security and Chief of Police at Northeastern University; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in cooperation with the Northeastern University Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Timothy H. Kistner of the National Security Unit are prosecuting the case.


title: Jacksonville Pharmacist Charged With Drug Distribution And Tax Offenses

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces today the return of an indictment charging Alan O. Abidogun with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and three counts of filing false tax returns. If convicted, Abidogun faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the drug offense and up to 3 years’ imprisonment for each of the tax offenses. According to the indictment, from 2017 through December 2019, Abidogun conspired with others to distribute and dispense oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, without a legitimate medical purpose. The activity involved the filling of prescriptions that were not issued for a valid medical reason or in the usual course of professional practice. In addition to the drug-related offense, Abidogun is also charged with filing false U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns for the same years (2017 through 2019). The indictment asserts that he failed to report additional income derived from his pharmacy business. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Group, Tactical Diversion Squad, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.


title: Former Soldier Pleads Guilty to Posting YouTube Video in Which He Threatened the Lives of Military Personnel at Fort Irwin Army Base

body_text: RIVERSIDE, California – A Northern California man and former soldier pleaded guilty today to a federal criminal charge for posting online videos of himself threatening to kill multiple military personnel at the Fort Irwin army base in San Bernardino County. Christian Ernest Beyer, 42, of Petaluma, pleaded guilty to one count of sending threats by interstate communication. “Our military servicemembers deserve our utmost appreciation and respect, not fear and intimidation,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Threats against our servicemembers, as against all public servants, cannot and will not be tolerated.” “Mr. Beyer sought to take his personal vengeance out on innocent military members honorably serving their country, as well as their families,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will investigate all threats to American military personnel and pursue prosecution for the offenders.” According to court documents, in October 2023, Beyer published a video on his personal YouTube page. The video is approximately three minutes in length and contains multiple threats directed at four victims and their families. The victims were specific military personnel at Fort Irwin. Beyer is an army veteran formerly stationed at Fort Irwin who was court martialed in 2021 for assault. He has been in federal custody since November 2023. United States District Judge Suzanne S. Sykes scheduled a September 20 sentencing hearing, at which time Beyer will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. The FBI investigated this matter as part of its Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Coe-Odess of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Dominican Man Previously Convicted of Drug-Related Offenses Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to unlawful reentry. Julio Pimentel-German, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Sept. 24, 2024. Pimentel-German was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024. Pimentel-German was previously deported from the United States on June 1, 2021. Sometime after his 2021 removal, Pimentel-German unlawfully reentered the United States. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement became aware of Pimentel-German’s unlawful presence in the United States upon his arrest for the drug-related offenses in July 2022. On Sept. 28, 2023, Pimentel-German was convicted for possession to distribute fentanyl, trafficking fentanyl, and possession of a firearm without a permit, among other charges in Essex Superior Court. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Massachusetts Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: New Haven Man Sentenced to 52 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Ring

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KELVIN MUNOZ, also known as “Kel,” 29, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 52 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a New Haven area drug trafficking ring. According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2022, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was operating in the Fair Haven neighborhood of New Haven. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance, and several controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine from Munoz and others. The investigation also identified individuals who were acquiring and distributing prescription narcotic pills. On September 20, 2022, investigators made a controlled purchase of a Polymer 80 .40 caliber handgun (“ghost gun”), ammunition, and a quantity of fentanyl from Munoz and a co-defendant. On March 9, 2023, shortly after Munoz completed a meeting with his state probation officer, investigators made a controlled purchase of approximately 48 grams of fentanyl from him. Munoz has been detained since his arrest on a state charge on August 23, 2023. On April 5, 2024, he pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances. This investigation, which resulted in federal charges against 12 individuals, has been conducted by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Bridgeport Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Gun Possession

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEROND ROGERS, JR., 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2022, law enforcement received information that Rogers, who was known to be associated with a violent Bridgeport gang, was in possession of a firearm. On October 25, 2022, Rogers ran from investigators who had a court-authorized search warrant for his vehicle, removed a black handgun from his waistband, and ran into oncoming traffic on Maplewood Avenue, where he was hit by a car. Investigators retrieved the gun, a loaded Glock 26 semi-automatic pistol, and Rogers was transported to this hospital. Rogers’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for sale of narcotics, criminal possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Rogers has been detained since his federal arrest on March 20, 2023. On January 23, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Karen L. Peck This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Polk County Man Arrested For Fentanyl Overdose Death

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Kenneth Bernard Graham (67, Lakeland) on an indictment charging him with distributing fentanyl resulting in death. If convicted, Graham faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. According to the indictment, on September 10, 2022, Graham distributed a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl to an individual who died after ingesting it. Two days later, Graham possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Lakeland Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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 . It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo.


title: Six Block Gang Member Pleads Guilty To Possession Of A Machine Gun

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Trillian Mitchell (Jacksonville, 19) today pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a machine gun. Mitchell faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, on January 7, 2024, officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling eastbound near Golfair Blvd. and Myrtle Ave. During the encounter, the officers smelled the odor of marijuana and conducted a probable cause search of the car. They discovered a Glock handgun beneath Mitchell’s seat. The firearm was loaded with 22 rounds of ammunition in an attached extended magazine. Additionally, a “Glock-switch” was observed on the rear of the firearm’s slide. These devices are designed to convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic machine guns. JSO officers also seized controlled substances found in the vehicle and on Mitchell’s person during the encounter. The firearm was sent to the FBI laboratory for further analysis. The lab report indicated that the Glock pistol was functional and fully automatic, and Mitchell’s DNA was present on the firearm. JSO listed Mitchell as a documented Six Block gang member in the Jacksonville area. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike. 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: Rochester man pleads guilty to stealing mail

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nathan Romar Arnold, 23, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to possession of United States Postal Service key, and theft of mail, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that on October 1 and 2, 2023, Arnold and others stole mail matter from USPS mail receptacles located near the USPS Brighton Station Post Office on N. Winton Road, the Greece Post Office on Latta Road, and the Jefferson Road Post Office. The key had been stolen from a USPS letter carrier and thereafter used to open the mail receptacles and steal the mail matter, which Arnold intended to keep for his own use and profit. The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood. Sentencing is scheduled for September 25, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci. # # # #


title: Tennessee Man Arrested For Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, And Making A False Claim To The IRS

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Clarence Christofer Ward, a/k/a Khaled Yaqud Mansur-El, on an indictment charging him with one count of wire fraud, ten counts of money laundering, and one count of making a false claim to the Internal Revenue Service. If convicted, Ward faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each count of money laundering, and 3 years in federal prison for the false claim offense, along with the forfeiture of at least $4,197,981, which represents the proceeds obtained from these offenses. According to the indictment, between January 1, 2019, and February 22, 2021, Ward devised a scheme to defraud the IRS. As part of the scheme, he electronically submitted a false tax return to the IRS for a trust. Ward falsely reported that this trust had overpaid the IRS $4,159,229. He then received a $4,197,981.28 refund from the IRS based on the fraudulent representations he made on the tax return. Afterward, Ward used the refund money in transactions with title companies and a car dealership, including the purchase of four real properties in Chattanooga, Tennessee. An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.


title: Federal jury convicts Rochester man of possessing a machinegun

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury convicted David L. Rivera-Ruiz, 31, of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison, and a maximum of life in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas E. Gregory and Brandon Gonzalez, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on October 27, 2022, Ruiz possessed a machinegun, a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, equipped with a conversion device. Ruiz also possessed additional firearms. In addition, Ruiz possessed with the intent to sell, quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. In September 2016, Ruiz was convicted of felon gun crimes in Camden County, New Jersey and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith. Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, who presided over the trial.


title: Guatemalan Man Previously Convicted of Rape of a Child with Force Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Guatemalan man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to unlawful reentry. Wilson Hernandez-Bautista, 34, plead guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Oct. 3, 2024. Hernandez-Bautista was indicted by a federal grand jury December 2023. Hernandez-Bautista was deported from the United States on Oct. 9, 2013. Sometime after his 2013 removal, Hernandez-Bautista unlawfully reentered the United States. In On Nov. 23, 2024, Hernandez-Bautista was convicted of rape of child with force in Essex County Superior Court. While serving a five-to-seven year sentence, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement became aware of Hernandez-Bautista’s unlawful presence in the United States. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Massachusetts Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Washington felon sentenced for illegally purchasing ammunition in Virginia

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Washington man was sentenced yesterday to a year and six months in prison for illegally acquiring ammunition after a previous felony firearm conviction. According to court documents, April 13, 2023, Kiyel Tyquello Kearney, aka “KhiGlock,” and “Glock,” 20, was convicted in the Circuit Court of Prince George’s County, Maryland, of unlawful possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle. Approximately three weeks following his Maryland conviction, on May 3, 2023, Kearney traveled to Arlington and purchased ammunition from a federally licensed gun store. As a previously convicted felon, Kearney could not legally possess firearms or ammunition. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel K. Amzallag prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-4.


title: Million-dollar ammunition smuggling ring dismantled

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 34-year-old man residing in Mexico has pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy to launder money related to the purchase of over two million rounds of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Erving Alberto Sauceda aka Alberto Lizarraga Barrera admitted to conspiring with others to smuggle currency and monetary instruments from Mexico into the United States. Sauceda and co-conspirators planned to then place large scale ammunition orders through various internet retailers. As part of the scheme, Sauceda admitted he and others purchased approximately $1,057,464 worth of ammunition and magazines from approximately August 2021 through the time of his arrest this April. The ammunition included 1,760,010 rounds of 7.62x39mm, 278,000 rounds of .223, 111,000 rounds of 5.56, 30,000 rounds of .308, 1,000 rounds of 9mm and 504 AK rifle magazines. The items were subsequently shipped to various locations in the Rio Grande Valley for their intended unlawful export to Mexico. Sauceda admitted he knew the ammunition and magazines were purchased for the purpose of being unlawfully smuggled from the United States to Mexico in violation of federal law. “Smuggling millions of rounds of ammunition into Mexico is astounding and historic, even for the Southern District of Texas, a district that is ground zero in the battle against Mexico’s cartels and the illicit supply of firearms and ammunition to cartels,” said Hamdani. “This prosecution holds accountable the individuals and transnational criminal networks financing and smuggling firearms and ammunition into Mexico. Today’s guilty pleas are a result of the close partnership between federal and state law enforcement.” Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing Sept. 12. At that time, Sauceda faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $500,000 maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Texas Department of Public Safety - Criminal Investigations Division are conducting the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, Hidalgo County Constable’s Office and police departments in Mission, La Joya and Palmview. 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 on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage . Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez Jr. is prosecuting the case.


title: Participant in Armed Robbery of North Haven Gas Station Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT SMITH, also known as “Robbie,” 20, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses related to his role in the gunpoint robbery of a North Haven gas station in 2022. According to court documents and statements made in court, an ATF and New Haven Police Department investigation revealed that Christian Borrero of New Haven committed a series of gunpoint robberies and a carjacking in late June and early July 2022. On July 6, 2022, Smith assisted Borrero’s commission of an armed robbery of a Shell Gas Station located at 195 State Street in North Haven. After the robbery, Smith drove Borrero and a juvenile, who also participated in the robbery, to Meriden where they stole a car from a woman who was parked in her driveway. Smith has been detained since January 3, 2023. On September 28, 2023, he pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Hobbs Act robbery, and aiding and abetting the carrying, using, and brandishing of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Borrero pleaded guilty to related charges and, on April 1, 2024, was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment . This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) with the assistance of the New Haven, East Haven, West Haven, Ansonia, and North Haven Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Sean P. Mahard. U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorneys for the Judicial Districts of New Haven and Ansonia/Milford for their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter. This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn .