title: Foreign National Convicted of Conspiring to Export US-Made Drill Rigs to Iran in Violation of US Sanctions Laws

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: WASHINGTON — A federal jury convicted Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, yesterday of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), attempted unlawful export of goods from the United States to Iran without a license, attempted smuggling goods from the United States, submitting false or misleading export information, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. “The defendant schemed to unlawfully export U.S.-origin mining drills to Iran, while deceiving his employer into believing that they were being sent to Iraq,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This conviction affirms the Justice Department’s resolve to disrupt and hold accountable those who evade our sanctions against Iran, wherever in the world they may be.” “As this verdict makes clear, no matter how hard you try to obfuscate your scheme to send restricted U.S. items to Iran, we will work tirelessly to bring your conduct to light and ensure you face justice,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “We take action whenever we uncover attempts to evade our sanctions, especially when those efforts are designed to support adversaries like Iran.” “Efforts to conceal impermissible transactions and circumvent imposed sanctions represent a threat to both the United States economic and national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida. “Today’s verdict demonstrates our collective resolve to hold those who violate regulatory restrictions accountable for their criminal conduct.” According to evidence presented at trial, Assi was a Middle East-based salesman of a multinational heavy machinery manufacturer with a U.S.-based subsidiary and production plant located in northern Florida. Assi conspired with individuals affiliated with Sakht Abzar Pars Co. (SAP-Iran), based in Tehran, Iran, to export U.S.-made heavy machinery indirectly to Iran without first obtaining the required licenses from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Assi and his Iranian co-conspirators orchestrated the scheme by locating an Iraq-based distributor to serve as the forward-facing purchaser of two U.S.-origin blasthole drills from the U.S. subsidiary of Assi’s employer. The drills are a type of heavy machinery used to create holes in the ground that are then filled with controlled explosives for mining. Assi facilitated the sale of the drills and attempted to export them to Iran and used freight forwarding companies to ship the heavy equipment from the U.S. to Turkey. In doing so, Assi concealed any Iranian involvement in the transaction from his employer, claiming the drills were ultimately destined for use in Iraq. But in truth, Assi intended for his Iranian co-conspirators to transship or reexport those items from Turkey to Iran, in circumvention of U.S. export control and sanctions laws. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Assi concealed his activities with his Iranian co-conspirators by causing false information to be entered into the Automated Export System (AES), a U.S.-government database containing information about exports from the United States. The U.S.-based plant hired a U.S. freight forwarder to arrange the drill’s export from the United States to Iraq. As part of the shipping process, the freight forwarder submitted information to AES about the shipment, including the ultimate consignee’s name and the ultimate delivery destination. Assi misled his employer by claiming that the Iraqi distributor was the ultimate consignee, and that the ultimate delivery destination was Iraq. In fact, Assi knew that his coconspirators in Iran were the true intended recipients, and Iran was the ultimate intended delivery destination. In furtherance of the illicit transaction, Assi and his coconspirators caused the transfer of approximately $2.7 million from Turkey to pass through the United States. Sentencing for Brian Assi is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025. The BIS is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Grogan and Harley W. Ferguson for the Northern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Second Conviction in 2019 Kidnapping

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni woman pleaded guilty in federal court to a count of kidnapping. This crime eventually resulted in the victim’s death at the hands of a co-defendant and the burning of the victim’s body in an attempt by the co-defendant to conceal evidence. Her co-defendant was previously convicted and sentenced to prison for the subsequent killing. According to court documents, between July 1 and July 16, 2019, Kendra Panteah , 37, participated in and continued the confinement of John Doe in the trunk of his own vehicle and contacted the co-defendant for assistance in order to avoid getting in trouble. Along with the co-defendant, Panteah then drove around for over a day through the Navajo Nation with John Doe locked in the trunk before stopping near Bass Lake, NM. There, John Doe attempted to escape by forcing the trunk open. Before he could get out, however, the co-defendant repeatedly stabbed Doe with a machete. The co-defendant then closed the trunk on the victim, and Panteah and the co-defendant then sat on the trunk until John Doe stopped moving. Doe died as a result of the stab wounds. Panteah and co-defendant then drove the vehicle, with Doe’s body in the trunk to a residence where it was abandoned for several days. The co-defendant eventually towed the vehicle to a remote location, doused it with gasoline, and set it on fire with John Doe's body inside to destroy evidence of the crime. Doe was only identified through hip replacement devices found in the burned vehicle. Her co-defendant, Gilbert John Jr., pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 21 years in prison. At sentencing, Panteah faces between a binding range of no less than 10 years up to no more than 18 years imprisonment. Upon her release from prison, Panteah will be subject to up to five years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Probasco and Alexander F. Flores are prosecuting the case. PLEA AGREEMENT as to Kendra K. Panteah (fs) 31791459.pdf.pdf # # #


title: Man Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Exposing Himself on an Aircraft

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An Indian man, arrested last week for masturbating and exposing himself on a flight within the view of two other passengers, has pleaded guilty and was sentenced. Krishna Kunapuli, 39, pleaded guilty on Oct. 24, 2024 to one count of committing lewd, indecent, or obscene acts on an aircraft. Kunapuli was also sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy to two years of probation and a $5,000 fine. He was also ordered to delete, in the presence of law enforcement, photographs that he took of a female passenger during the flight and to have no contact with her. According to the charging documents, Kunapuli made unwanted sexual advances towards a female passenger on board a flight from Abu Dhabi to Boston, including touching her hair and taking pictures of her without her permission. After a crew member intervened, Kunapuli returned to his seat. Later in the flight, two male passengers seated near Kunapuli noticed Kunapuli masturbating under a blanket and, at times, with his penis fully exposed. One of the passengers reported this conduct to a flight attendant, who intervened, and alerted law enforcement. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: United States Attorney Announces Election Day Program

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Daniel Tvedt will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Tvedt has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Iowa, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. United States Attorney Duax said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.” The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). United States Attorney Duax stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Tvedt will be on duty in the Cedar Rapids area while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 319-363-6333. AUSA Ron Timmons will be on duty in the Sioux City area and can be reached at 712-255-6011.” In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 402-493-8688. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931. United States Attorney Duax said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.” Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.


title: Eight Defendants Charged in Federal Drug Trafficking Probe Targeting Fentanyl and Cocaine Sales in Chicago

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal investigation has resulted in federal drug and firearm charges against eight individuals for allegedly trafficking fentanyl and cocaine on the South Side of Chicago. An indictment unsealed Friday in federal court in Chicago accuses the eight defendants of conspiring to traffic fentanyl and cocaine from March 2023 to July 2024. During the conspiracy, the defendants used a residence in the 2000 block of West 69th Place in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago to carry out their illicit activities, the indictment states. The defendants possessed loaded handguns while engaged in their drug trafficking crimes, the indictment states. During the investigation, law enforcement seized distribution quantities of suspected fentanyl-laced heroin and crack cocaine, as well as more than a dozen firearms and associated ammunition. Charged with federal drug and firearm offenses are PATRICK TUCKER, 33, THOMAS CUNNINGHAM, 29, DARIUS JOHNSON, 23, KYWANTE SHUMAKE, 26, KEONTIS SHUMAKE, 23, KAMARI ROSS, 26, DREQUAN BASS, 26, and LACOLA WILLIAMS, 26, all of Chicago. The charges in the indictment carry a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Tucker and Cunningham also face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, while the others face a mandatory minimum of ten years. The defendants were arraigned in U.S. District Court in Chicago and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen B. McCurry and Michael Maione. The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers and other criminal offenders that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement against criminal networks. The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. tucker_et_al_indictment.pdf


title: U.S. Attorney and ATF Charge Albuquerque Brothers with Federal Firearms Offenses

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

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Two Albuquerque brothers face federal charges for firearms-related offenses. Riley Kellner , 22, is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on August 10, 2024, Riley possessed a firearm and ammunition, knowing that he had been previously convicted of shooting at or from a motor vehicle. Riley appeared before a federal judge and was detained pending trial, which has not been set. Adin Kellner , 26, is charged with 11 counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm. The indictment alleges that between October 8, 2019, and February 24, 2023, Adin made false statements to licensed firearms dealers when he executed the ATF’s Form 4473 stating that he was the actual buyer of the firearm when he was in fact acquiring it on behalf on another individual. Adin appeared before a federal judge and was placed on conditions of release pending trial, which is currently scheduled for December 16, 2024. If convicted, Riley faces up to 15 years in prison and Adin faces up to 10 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today. The ATF and Albuquerque Police Department jointly investigated these cases. Assistant United States Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting both cases. Riley Kellner Indictment.pdf Adin Kellner Indictment.pdf An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: Midwest Manufacturer To Pay Over $3.6 Million To Resolve Allegations It Received Paycheck Protection Program Loan In Violation Of Employee Size Rules

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Exo-s US LLC, a manufacturing company with plants and offices located in Coldwater, Michigan, and Howe, Indiana, has agreed to pay $3,628,819.44 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by falsely obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which it was ineligible. “The Paycheck Protection Program provided important relief to eligible small businesses and other entities,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “Today’s resolution demonstrates our continued commitment to work with the Small Business Administration to protect taxpayer dollars and investigate allegations of fraud on critical government programs.” When Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in 2020 and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021, it enacted a program to provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and businesses suffering economic and public health effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. ARPA continued the CARES Act’s PPP loan program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), creating a second-draw PPP loan that allowed eligible businesses that had previously received a PPP loan to apply for a second loan. One of the eligibility requirements for receiving this second-draw loan was that the applicant had no more than 300 employees, including employees of affiliated entities. In March 2021, Exo-s US LLC obtained a second-draw PPP loan, which the SBA subsequently forgave. The United States alleges that the company was not eligible for this loan because Exo-s US LLC and its affiliates had more than 300 employees. “The favorable settlement in this case is the product of enhanced efforts by federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, other federal law enforcement agencies, as well as financial institutions or private individuals who uncover misconduct to recover the lending program’s damages,” said Therese Meers, SBA General Counsel . The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act against Exo-s US LLC. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement or judgment. Here, the United States elected to take over the case, investigated it, and negotiated the settlement. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. GNGH2 Inc. v. Exo-s US LLC , No. 1:24-cv-264 (W.D. Mich.). The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan and the SBA. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Hull investigated this case. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. # # #


title: Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Murdering Best Friend and Conspiring to Influence a Witness

body_text: WASHINGTON – Eugene Burns, 32, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a Superior Court jury of first-degree murder while armed and related firearm offenses. The jury also found Burns and co-defendant Tyre Allen, 24, of Washington, D.C., guilty of conspiracy and obstruction of justice in relation to the murder case. The verdicts were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled sentencing for both defendants on January 31, 2025. Burns faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison, and Allen faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. On October 24, 2024, following a five-week trial in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, the jury convicted Burns of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license. On October 28, 2024, the jury convicted Burns and Tyre Allen of conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice (corrupt persuasion of a witness), and obstruction of justice (due administration of justice). In 2017, Burns was convicted by a jury of murdering the victim, but the conviction was overturned on appeal in 2020. Following the reversal, Burns and co‑defendant Tyre Allen, Burns’s cousin, conspired to and did obstruct justice by corruptly influencing a witness in the murder case to sign a false affidavit in October 2020 recanting the witness’s prior grand jury and trial testimony incriminating Burns in the murder. On November 14, 2015, defendant Burns lured his best friend, Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III, to Burns’s mother’s apartment in the 2900 block of 2 nd Street Southeast, Washington, D.C. Once inside the apartment, Burns shot the victim four times, killing him. Burns then fled the apartment but returned the next day with family members, falsely reporting to police that they had just found the victim’s body. Evidence introduced at trial established that Burns had been planning to murder the victim for several days. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch, with valuable assistance provided by the ATF Washington Division and investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Charles R. Jones and Sharon Donovan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.


title: CAREER ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY TO LEAD DOJ ELECTION DAY PROGRAM IN THE DISTRICT OF NORTH DAKOTA

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: Fargo - United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Rick L. Volk will lead the efforts of the Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Volk has served as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of North Dakota for the past 20 years, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the Office’s handling of Election Day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department headquarters in Washington. “Lawfully casting a vote without interference or discrimination and having that voted counted in a fair and free election is a fundamental right in North Dakota and across the country,” Schneider said. “There is a history in the District of North Dakota of election officials and staff serving their critical roles without being subject to unlawful threats or violence, and the Department of Justice will do its part to uphold that tradition and protect the integrity of the election process. With an experienced career federal prosecutor as a point of contact on Election Day, our Office stands ready to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns or election fraud in real time while the polls are open.” Volk has led the Office’s Election Day efforts since 2004 and has served as DEO during five presidential elections. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Volk will be on duty while the polls are open in the District of North Dakota. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 701-530-2420 and/or 701-297-7400. In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The relevant FBI field office for the District of North Dakota can be reached by the public at 763-569-8000. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931. Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). # # #


title: Federal Escapee Sentenced to Prison

body_text: A man who was finishing his prison sentence at a residential reentry center for a 2020 escape and then escaped again in 2023 was sentenced on October 28, 2024, to more than two years in federal prison. Caleb Lee Olson, age 49, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 15, 2024, guilty plea to one count of escape from Federal Bureau of Prisons custody on November 27, 2023. At the guilty plea, Olson admitted that on November 27, 2023, he was completing his sentence for a 2020 escape in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons at Gerald R. Hinzman Center in Cedar Rapids when he left the facility without permission and did not return. Olson was found in Marion, Iowa, and was arrested on December 5, 2023. Olson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Olson was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Olson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and investigated by United States Marshals Service and the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-00003. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Federal Indictment Charges Three Men With Chicago Carjacking

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted three men on carjacking and firearm charges for allegedly violently stealing a vehicle in Chicago. MARQUELL DAVIS, 22, RAMONE BRADLEY, 26, and EDMUND SINGLETON, 34, all of Chicago, conspired to take an Infiniti Q50 and a BMW X6 on Nov. 3, 2022, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Davis carried a firearm while the trio carjacked the Infiniti’s driver at a gas station in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, the indictment states. Later that day, Bradley and Davis carried firearms while they attempted to carjack the BMW at a gas station in Chicago’s Douglas neighborhood, the indictment states. Davis took the BMW driver’s car key, but he and Bradley were not successful in stealing the vehicle, the indictment states. All three defendants are currently in law enforcement custody. Bradley faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. Davis and Singleton face mandatory minimum sentences of seven years and a maximum of life. Arraignments are scheduled for Nov. 5, 2024, at 1:15 p.m., before U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly. The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret A. Steindorf. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. davis_et_al_indictment.pdf


title: Two New York City Residents Plead Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking in Western Pennsylvania

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Brooklyn, New York, and a resident of Queens, New York, have pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking related to a six-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around Blair, Cambria, Centre, and Clearfield counties, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Miguel Arce, 40, of Brooklyn, and Timothy Paz, 32, of Queens, each pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines. In connection with the guilty pleas, the Court was advised that Arce and Paz were both couriers who transported narcotics from the New York City area to Altoona, Pennsylvania, on behalf of Juan Duran, a large-scale narcotics supplier. In total, Arce transported over 10 pounds of methamphetamine and Paz transported approximately seven pounds of methamphetamine. Both Arce and Paz also transported large amounts of money from Jason Lynn, the Altoona-based narcotics distributor, to Duran, which represented payment for the methamphetamine. Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for Paz for January 9, 2025, and for Arce for February 11, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both for Paz, and not less than 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both for Arce. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the Court ordered that both Paz and Arce remain detained. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: California Company Charged with Conspiring to Sell Misbranded N95 Masks to Hospital in Early Months of COVID-19 Pandemic

body_text: BOSTON – A California company, and three individuals who owned and managed the company, have been charged and have agreed to plead guilty to charges relating to the shipment of facemasks that were misbranded as N95 respirators during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Advoque Safeguard LLC (ASG) was charged with one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded devices into interstate commerce with intent to defraud or mislead, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Jason Azevedo, 33, of Cedar Creek, Texas; Paul Shrater, 51, of Simi Valley, Calif.; and Andrew Stack, 52, of Santa Cruz, Calif., were charged with one count of introduction of misbranded devices into interstate commerce. Plea hearings have not yet been scheduled by the Court. Earlier this month, a second company, JDM Supply LLC (JDM), and two individuals, Daniel Motha and Jeffrey Motha, were charged and agreed to plead guilty in connection with this investigation. In addition, in August 2023, another individual, Jason Colantuoni, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit price gouging. According to the charging documents, in the spring of 2020, during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, ASG and JDM conspired to ship facemasks that were misbranded as National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved, N95 respirators. It is alleged that one hospital, identified as “HOSPITAL 1,” accepted and paid for hundreds of thousands of purported N95 masks that were manufactured by ASG and sold to HOSPITAL 1 by JDM. (HOSPITAL 1 did not use the masks, which were eventually returned to ASG.) It is further alleged that ASG and JDM misled the hospital into believing that the ASG masks were NIOSH-approved N95s, when in fact they were not. In August 2020, a NIOSH lab tested a sample of the ASG masks that had been shipped to HOSPITAL 1. All 10 ASG masks tested between 83.94% and 93.24% filtration efficiency, and thus fell under the 95% minimum level of filtration efficiency required for N95 respirators. The charge of conspiracy to introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce a misbranded device with intent to defraud or mislead provides for a fine of $500,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss of the offense, whichever is greater and up to five years of probation. The charge of introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce a misbranded device provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison; up to one year of supervised release; and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal 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; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Fernando McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Brady and Howard Locker of the Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Two Men Sentenced Following Federal Gun and Drug Convictions Stemming from Conduct in Tallapoosa County

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced that a federal judge sentenced two Opelika, Alabama residents after a jury found them guilty of committing federal crimes in Tallapoosa County. On October 29, 2024, 45-year-old Jeffrey Monkentee Hill received a sentence of 250 months in prison. Previously, on September 19, 2024, a judge ordered 34-year-old Carstavious Shadon Stovall receive a 92-month sentence. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in February 2022, the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force began an investigation into suspected drug trafficking. The investigation eventually revealed that Hill was involved with the sale of illegal drugs at a residence in Camp Hill, Alabama. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence. During the search, law enforcement found Hill and Stovall present at the house, along with cocaine, methamphetamine, and multiple firearms. Both Hill and Stovall have previous felony convictions and are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. On June 5, 2024, a federal jury found both Hill and Stovall guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The jury also convicted Hill on the additional charges of possessing cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the illegal drugs and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Based on Hill’s criminal history, the sentencing judge determined that he qualified as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. This ruling increased the guidelines range for Hill and resulted in a significant sentence. Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson would like to thank the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for investigating this case. In addition, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Marshals Service’s Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force provided valuable assistance in the investigation and apprehension of the defendants. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Ashley J. Avera prosecuted the case.


title: Los Angeles Attorney Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge for Willfully Evading Payment of More Than $4 Million in Income Tax over Two Decades

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Milton C. Grimes, a long-time Los Angeles lawyer, pleaded guilty today to evading the payment of more than $4 million in federal taxes over a 21-year period. Grimes pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion relating to his 2014 taxes, admitting that he failed to pay $1,690,922 to the IRS. According to his plea agreement, Grimes did not pay federal income taxes due for 23 years, 2002 through 2005, 2007, 2009 through 2011, and 2014 through 2023 – a total of $4,071,215 owed to the IRS. Grimes also admitted he did not file a 2013 tax return with the IRS. From at least September 2011, the IRS attempted to collect Grimes’ taxes by issuing more than 30 levies on his personal bank accounts. However, from at least May 2014 to April 2020, Grimes willfully evaded the payment of the outstanding income tax owed to the IRS by not depositing income he earned from his clients into his personal bank accounts that were subject to levy. Instead, Grimes purchased approximately 238 cashier’s checks totaling $16 million to keep the money out of the reach of the IRS. Grimes would routinely purchase cashier’s checks and withdraw cash from his client trust account, his Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA), and his law firm’s bank account, rather than pay the IRS. For example, on December 5, 2018, Grimes purchased nine cashier’s checks worth approximately $1,001,961, following the deposit of the same amount and on the same date into his IOLTA bank account. United States District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr. scheduled a February 11, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which time Grimes will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. Prosecutors have agreed to seek a prison sentence of no more than 22 months for Grimes. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Valerie L. Makarewicz and Sarah S. Lee of the Major Frauds Section and Trial Attorney Sara E. Henderson of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office and DEA Announce Federal Charges Against Albuquerque Based Drug Trafficking Organization

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Five members of a drug trafficking organization based in Albuquerque have been charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. Tomas Rubalcaba , 45, Joaquin Rubalcada , 40, and Humberto Gastelum , 65, appeared before a federal judge last week and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. The federal judge permitted Frederick Chavey , 38, to remain in the third-party custody of his sister pending trial. The fifth defendant, Ismael Vargas , 37, remains a fugitive. According to court records, the defendants belong to the Rubalcaba Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), which has been distributing large quantities of narcotics in the Albuquerque area since at least 2021. The organization is allegedly led by brothers Tomas and Joaquin Rubalcaba . Tomas Rubalcaba coordinated narcotics sales through his business, Albuquerque Classics. Throughout 2024, undercover agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted multiple undercover purchases of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from the brothers, Gastelum , Chavey , and Vargas . In total, approximately 5,582 grams of fentanyl, 518 grams of cocaine, 187 grams of heroin, and 2,025 grams of methamphetamine were allegedly sold to undercover agents over an eight-month period. On October 23, 2024, the DEA, along with the Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, executed search warrants at multiple locations associated with the DTO. Agents seized approximately 715,000 fentanyl pills, over seven kilograms of cocaine, and multiple firearms. At the residence of Joaquin Rubalcaba alone, agents allegedly found 660,000 fentanyl pills, three kilograms of cocaine, and five firearms, two of which were determined to be stolen. In addition to serving search warrants on the premises of the indicted members of the Rubalcaba DTO, law enforcement searched residences of uncharged DTO members. During these operations, authorities discovered over 5 kilograms of suspected cocaine at the residence of Luke Scarpetta , 35, and more than 600 grams of suspected fentanyl at the home of Richard Garcia , 44. As a result of these searches, both Scarpetta and Garcia were charged with A level narcotics offenses. A federal judge ordered Garcia to remain in custody pending trial, while Scarpetta was permitted to reside at a halfway house. Photo of guns and drugs seized by DEA on October 23, 2024 Photo of guns and drugs seized by DEA on October 23, 2024 If convicted, all of the defendants face a minimum of ten years of imprisonment. The defendants could receive a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division, made the announcement today. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph M. Spindle and Raquel Ruiz Velez are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: U.S. Attorney, HSI and ATF Charge Belen Teen with Federal Firearms Offenses

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Belen teen faces federal charges for allegedly possessing a machine gun conversion device. Christopher Gammon II , 19,is charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun. Specifically, the indictment alleges that on June 28, 2024, Gammon possessed a machine gun conversion device. Machine gun conversion devices and auto sears are illegal devices designed to modify a semi-automatic firearm so it is capable of fully automatic fire, that is, continuous firing with a single trigger pull. The possession, manufacture, and/or sale of machine gun conversion devices without proper licensing is a federal offense punishable by severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. The use of machinegun conversion devices poses a significant public safety risk, as they transform semi-automatic firearms into dangerous machine guns capable of causing catastrophic harm. Gammon appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending trial, which is currently set for February 10, 2025. If convicted, Gammon faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today. Homeland Security Investigations and the ATF jointly investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Eagle is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris Announces Election Day Program

component: Department of Justice

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – United States Attorney Gregory K. Harris announced today the Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) who will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. The AUSAs appointed to serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) in each of the district’s four divisions are: Gregory M. Gilmore in the Springfield headquarters office; Darilynn J. Knauss in the Peoria branch office; Timothy J. Sullivan in the Urbana branch office; and John K. Mehochko in the Rock Island branch office. As DEOs, the AUSAs are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. United States Attorney Harris said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.” The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). United States Attorney Harris stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs Gilmore, Knauss, Sullivan, and Mehochko will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. The DEOs can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: Springfield: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore, 217-492-4450; Urbana: Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Sullivan, 217-373-5875; Peoria: Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Darilynn J. Knauss, 309-671-7050; and, Rock Island: Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney John K. Mehochko, 309-793-5884 In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 217-522-9675. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931. United States Attorney Harris said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.” Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.


title: Ohio Man Sentenced to 26 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND – Brian Patterson, 44, of Canton, Ohio, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison by U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese after pleading guilty to multiple charges including sexual exploitation of children, receipt and distribution of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), also referred to as child pornography. He was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release after imprisonment and must register as a sex offender. According to court documents, law enforcement officials discovered that Patterson possessed 766 images of CSAM that included 50 images of children under the age of 12. The remaining images were of a child known to law enforcement and who was unaware that she was being surreptitiously recorded by a hidden camera. This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division and the Canton Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Dangelo for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case. To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org , or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


title: Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Guilty Plea Of Fourth Defendant In Connection With Poisoning Of Four Children At A Bronx Daycare

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: “Grei Mendez has just admitted she conspired to maintain and distribute large quantities of dangerously toxic fentanyl in a Bronx Daycare center, a place where parents expected their children would be protected and safe. Mendez’s reprehensible conduct resulted in the needless and tragic death of a child, and the poisoning of three others. From the beginning, this case has shown the senseless collateral damage caused by the fentanyl epidemic, and should remind us all that the demand for illegal narcotics so often puts innocent bystanders at risk while drug traffickers ruthlessly pursue profits. This Office will continue to protect New Yorkers from the grave threat fentanyl presents.”


title: Justice Department Designates Madison County for Federal Support to Reduce Domestic Violence

body_text: FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland approved 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022, and U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe announced Madison County as a designee. With this designation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Illinois and the Kansas City Field Division for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives partnered with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office to develop a plan to reduce firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g) from owning firearms. “To address domestic violence in our communities, it’s important to strengthen the relationships between prosecutors and law enforcement in order to hold abusers accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “As October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to reduce intimate partner violence by working directly with our community and law enforcement partners.” “This partnership strengthens the commitment of the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office to reduce violent crime in our homes, which should be places of peace and joy, not fear and harm. Effective prosecution of abusers can mean the difference between life and death for victims, as well as for the law enforcement officers who respond to incidents of violence,” said Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine. “With this partnership, we will continue to deploy prosecution resources to ensure that victims of domestic violence are protected and their abusers brought to justice.” To select designees, the Justice Department used data to identify communities that could benefit from an increased focus on intimate partner violence. The partnership will connect stakeholders with resources and increase the use of federal tools to prosecute offenders under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). partnership and coordination between the department and the local jurisdiction to ensure federal resources are being leveraged effectively to address intimate partner firearm violence. “In April, ATF hosted the first Inaugural Gun Violence Survivors’ Summit to honor those who have fallen to domestic violence and today’s announcement is an example of how ATF will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities every day,” stated Bernard G. Hansen, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Kansas City Field Division. “ATF’s mission is as critical as it has ever been, we will not stop working to prevent gun violence and will do everything we can to stop the cycle of domestic abuse.” The Justice Department anticipates additional jurisdictions to be designated. All USAOs, with or without specific community designations under Section 1103, will continue to combat intimate partner firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy and in support of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Oxycodone Conspiracy and Structuring Cash Transactions

body_text: BOSTON – A Texas man pleaded guilty yesterday to a drug conspiracy involving the distribution of oxycodone pills across Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. Christan Russell, 33, of Tomball, Texas pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone pills and structuring cash transactions. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Feb. 5, 2025. Russell was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023 along with five co-conspirators. As part of his plea, Russell agreed to forfeit $860,833.00; four firearms and four bank accounts. Between approximately February 2023 and July 2023, Russell supplied oxycodone pills to co-conspirator Kenneth Veiga, who then redistributed those oxycodone pills to Austin Gonsalves and John Campbell. Russell obtained these pills from a variety of sources in the Houston, Texas area. On March 13, 2023, Russell traveled from Houston to Boston to meet with Veiga. Russell met with Veiga in a hotel room in Rhode Island that Russell had rented. During that meeting, Russell supplied oxycodone pills to Veiga, and Veiga provided cash in exchange. On March 14, 2023, the defendant engaged in four structured cash deposits at ATMs in the Boston area. For each of these deposits, the defendant orchestrated the deposit to be less than $10,000 in an attempt to evade the bank from reporting the deposit to the Internal Revenue Service. Veiga pleaded guilty and in July 2024, was sentenced to 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gonsalves pleaded guilty and in May 2024 was sentenced to 41 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Campbell pleaded guilty in September 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 15, 2025. The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone pills provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of structuring cash transactions provides for a sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division,, made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office; and the Barnstable, Dennis, Bourne, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Sandwich and Falmouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy, and Samuel R. Feldman of the Criminal Division and Alexandra Amrhein of the Asset Forfeiture Unit are prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf . The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Two Convicted Felons from Nashua and Manchester Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Ghost Guns and Ammunition

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Nashua man and a Manchester man were sentenced today in federal court for separate firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. “Two unrelated felons, Mr. Reidy and Mr. Maker, were each a danger to their respective communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Both of these defendants were distributing narcotics while illegally owning weapons and ammunition, which is always a perilous combination. Mr. Reidy also put law enforcement officers in harm’s way by engaging in a three-hour standoff with the Nashua Police Department to conceal his three ghost guns, ammunition, and an AR-style rifle underneath the insulation in his attic. Mr. Maker attempted to flee from Manchester police officers at the time of his arrest. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not stand by and allow dangerous individuals to possess deadly weapons. As demonstrated by today’s sentencings, this office will investigate and prosecute convicted felons in possession of firearms with the goal of removing them from the public in a concerted effort to make our communities safer.” “ATF is firmly committed to removing illegal drugs, firearms, and ghost guns from the streets of New Hampshire, particularly from the hands of convicted felons,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “By dismantling trafficking networks, targeting the proliferation of untraceable ghost guns, and collaborating with our local, state, and federal partners, we aim to create safer communities and protect citizens from the harm associated with these illegal activities.” Robert Reidy, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 87 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. In July 2024, Robert Reidy pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person and one count of possession of unregistered firearms. In October 2023, the Nashua Police Department learned that Reidy was selling drugs out of his home in Nashua. In October and November 2023, Reidy allegedly engaged in three controlled purchases of methamphetamine. During these alleged controlled purchases, law enforcement used audio and video recording, which captured images of firearms within the defendant’s bedroom. Reidy was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of a prior felony conviction for Escape from a Penal Institution in 2017. On December 5, 2023, members of the Nashua Police Department arrived at Reidy’s residence to execute a state search warrant. Reidy refused multiple commands to exit his residence, and ultimately surrendered after chemical munitions were deployed into his residence. Law enforcement ultimately located one short-barreled AR-style rifle with a silencer threaded onto the barrel, three additional disassembled firearms hidden in the attic that all appeared to be privately manufactured, as well as 160 rounds of ammunition. Reidy also did not register the short-barreled rifle or silencer as required by the National Firearm Act. Reidy’s alleged distribution of methamphetamine is pending in state court. Nashua Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Monytung Maker, a/k/a “MoSavage,” 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 12 months and a day in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. In July 2024, Monytung Maker pleaded guilty to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In May, June, and July 2023, Maker allegedly sold cocaine to a confidential informant on several occasions. On or about August 2, 2023, officers from the Manchester Police Department executed a search warrant at Maker’s Manchester apartment and found a backpack in Maker’s bedroom containing his bank cards and a 9mm pistol loaded with eight rounds of 9mm ammunition. Maker was prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of a 2019 felony conviction for unlawful possession of a handgun without a permit in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County. Maker’s alleged distribution of cocaine is pending in state court. The Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany Scanlon prosecuted both cases. These 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 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: United States Attorney Jane E. Young Appoints District Election Officer  for the November 5, 2024 General Election

body_text: CONCORD – An Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) has been designated as the District of New Hampshire’s Election Officer to lead the efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office in connection with the U.S. Department of Justice’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces. The Assistant United States Attorney will oversee the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud. “While there is a designated Election Officer, the entire United States Attorney’s Office is committed to supporting a free and fair election. Last year, a Civil Rights Assistant U.S. Attorney was appointed to ensure every citizen can live their lives free of discrimination, including when voting ,” said United States Attorney Jane E. Young. “The United States Attorney’s Office will work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process, and as always, will work with our law enforcement partners to combat threats of violence directed at public servants.” Federal law protects against crimes such as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, the District’s Election Officer will be available in New Hampshire while the polls are open. The District’s Election Officer can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (603) 406-1242. In addition, the FBI field office will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 857-386-2000. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931. Please note, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. ###


title: Trillium Capital Manager Sentenced to Federal Prison for Securities Fraud Scheme Involving Getty Images

body_text: BOSTON – A Mashpee man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a scheme to artificially inflate the trading price of Getty Images Holdings, Inc. (Getty Images) and attempting to cover up the scheme. Robert Scott Murray, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 10 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Murray was also ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $227,543. In June 2024, Murray pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud. Murray was a long-time investor who previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of multiple public companies, including Stream Global Services and 3Com. In 2023, Murray was the owner and manager of Trillium Capital LLC (Trillium Capital), a venture investment company located in Massachusetts. Between October 2022 and April 2023, Murray bought approximately 300,000 shares, as well as other options contracts, for shares in Getty Images, a visual media company publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GETY. Murray then attempted to use Trillium Capital to pressure Getty Images to change its business strategy and to add Murray to Getty Images’ board of directors. When those efforts failed, Murray used Trillium Capital to launch a fake takeover bid of Getty Images for the purposes of driving up the trading price of Getty Images’ stock so that Murray could sell the shares he owned at the artificially inflated price. On Friday, April 21, 2023, GETY shares closed at a trading price of $5.06 per share. On Monday, April 24, 2023, prior to the market opening, Murray caused the publication of a press release in which Trillium Capital made a proposal to acquire Getty Images for “$10 per share.” When the market opened, GETY shares traded at $7.88 per share, nearly 56 percent above the prior closing price. Murray then sold all the GETY shares he owned within less than one hour for approximately $1,486,467. Through this scheme, Murray was able to sell the GETY shares he owned for $227,543 above the fair market price of those shares. Murray then attempted conceal the scheme by making public false statements and obstructing the investigation. On April 24, 2024, after selling his shares, Murray interviewed with news outlets where he continued to portray the fake offer by Trillium Capital to purchase a controlling stake in Getty Images as “genuine.” Murray also privately directed an acquaintance to obstruct the investigation by destroying evidence and making false statements in response to a subpoena. For example, Murray instructed the acquaintance to delete Murray’s text messages and stated that the texts were “like virginity, once you delete your virginity you ain’t getting it back.” Murray later lied to federal agents about his communications with the acquaintance. The Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil complaint against Murray alleging violations of the securities laws. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division made the announcement. The Securities and Exchange Commission provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI Announce Charges in Domestic Violence and Firearms Case

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Red Valley, Arizona man was charged by indictment with kidnapping, assault and federal firearms offenses stemming from a domestic violence incident in Shiprock, New Mexico. Curley Nakai Jr. , 23, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending trial. According to court records, on August 24, 2024, Nakai allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, Jane Doe, in Shiprock, New Mexico. A witness observed Nakai dragging Jane Doe by her shirt and striking her. Nakai then forced Jane Doe into the backseat of a pickup truck. Concerned for Jane Doe's safety, the witness followed the pickup and attempted to get identifying information. While following, the witness saw Nakai appear to punch Jane Doe in the vehicle. The situation escalated when Nakai and Jane Doe arrived at a supermarket parking lot. As police were contacted by the witness, Nakai exited the pickup and pointed a rifle at her while yelling aggressively. At this point, the witness was approximately thirty feet away with her car window down. After driving past the pickup and parking nearby, the witness observed that Jane Doe managed to exit the vehicle and walk awayy. If convicted, Nakai faces up to life in prison. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case. view_the_indictment_nakai.pdf An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: Middletown Meth Dealer Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON FABEL, 46, of Middletown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 16, 2022, Fabel was arrested after the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and Middletown Police Department conducted a court-authorized search of his Middletown residence and seized approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of ketamine, narcotics paraphernalia, and a loaded 9mm handgun. On April 27, 2023, while Fabel was released on bond and awaiting trial, he was arrested for violating conditions of his pretrial release. At the time of his arrest, he possessed approximately 24 grams of methamphetamine, six grams of ketamine, and 10 grams of MDMA (“ecstasy”). Fabel has been detained since April 27, 2023. On July 15, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.


title: 2nd Georgia Man Sentenced for Role in Stolen Check Scheme

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: An Atlanta, Georgia man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland this week for conspiring to commit bank fraud. U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Rasheed Colbert , 33, to 10 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $69,744 in restitution. Colbert pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024. According to court records, in March 2022, Colbert and coconspirators stole checks out of the mailboxes of local businesses then used the stolen checks to create counterfeit checks. The counterfeit checks were made payable to unhoused individuals Colbert and others recruited to cash them. Colbert and his coconspirators netted just under $70,000 from the cashed counterfeit checks. Coconspirator Mantavious Jones , 36, also of Atlanta, received a 16-month prison sentence for his role in the scheme to be followed by three years of supervised release. The New England Cyber Fraud Task Force and Kennebunk Police Department investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Saco and Scarborough police departments. ###


title: Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Guns from Georgia to Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYREE THOMAS, 39, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking firearms from Georgia to Connecticut. According to court documents and statements made in court, Thomas’ criminal history includes felony convictions and he is prohibited from purchasing firearms. Between approximately August and December 2021, Thomas traveled to Georgia multiple times where, using a family member as a straw purchaser, he acquired approximately 24 firearms. He then transported the firearms to Connecticut where he sold or transferred them to others, including felons, gang members, and juveniles. Nine of the firearms that Thomas acquired in Georgia have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut, including three that were seized during traffic stops, one of which was possessed by a juvenile; one that was found in the possession of felon who was subsequently federally prosecuted for the offense; one that was used in a Bridgeport shooting incident in August 2022, that resulted in the death of one of victim and injury to two others; one that was recovered from a Bridgeport murder suspect who used it to commit suicide during a standoff with law enforcement in Tennessee in June 2022; and one that was recovered from a homicide victim in Meriden in March 2023. Fifteen of the guns have not been located. Thomas was arrested on September 6, 2023. On June 17, 2024, he pleaded guilty to crossing state lines with the intent to engage in the unlawful dealing of firearms. Thomas, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 7. This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Rahul Kale. through 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: Baltimore Man Sentenced To 75 Months In Federal Prison For Illegal Possession Of A Firearm And Ammunition

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – On October 28, 2024, U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Larry Benner, age 39, of Baltimore, Maryland to 75 months prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department (“BPD”). According to the guilty plea, BPD officers were monitoring Citiwatch cameras in Baltimore city on January 21, 2023 when they observed Benner and two codefendants engaged in drug activity. BPD officers arrived on scene and placed the defendants under arrest. Officers recovered various controlled dangerous substances from Benner, including approximately 87 grams of cocaine, 5 grams of fentanyl, and quantities of heroin, Alprazolam, and Buprenorphine. Officers also recovered from Benner a Smith & Wesson 9mm Luger pistol loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition and an additional drum magazine loaded with 35 live 9mm cartridges. 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. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Liane Kozik and Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. O’Donohue III, 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: Federal Court Permanently Shuts Down Indiana Tax Preparer and Company

component: Tax Division

body_text: The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana permanently enjoined an Indianapolis-area tax return preparer and his company yesterday from preparing federal tax returns for others and from owning or operating any tax return preparation businesses in the future. According to the civil complaint filed in the case, Juan Santiago resides in Lakeland, Florida, but travels to Indianapolis for tax preparation season to operate his tax preparation business, Madison Solutions LLC. Santiago failed to respond to the civil complaint filed against him, so the court entered the permanent injunction against him by default. The civil complaint alleges that Santiago and Madison Solutions used a variety of schemes to improperly reduce their customers’ tax liabilities or to obtain tax refunds to which the customers were not entitled. The complaint alleges that Santiago repeatedly placed false or incorrect items, deductions, exemptions or statuses on customers’ tax returns without their knowledge. For example, the complaint alleges that Santiago routinely elected head of household filing status and child tax credits for customers when they were otherwise not qualified for such status or credits. The complaint also alleges that Santiago reported fictitious businesses on customers’ returns and fabricated business expenses and income to fraudulently reduce taxable income. Deputy Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers 10 tips to avoid tax season fraud and ways to safeguard their personal information. In the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website . An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page . If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details. Santiago - Permanent Injunction.pdf


title: Leader And Three Members of Poly-Drug Trafficking Organization Are Sentenced To Prison

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The leader and three members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) were handed down sentences ranging from 70 months to 27 years in prison today for the bulk distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other narcotics, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina, Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. Led by the FBI, ATF, and CMPD, this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation successfully dismantled a poly-drug network that trafficked large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Mecklenburg County. The investigation identified nine members of the DTO who were prosecuted federally in connection with this case. The four sentenced today are: George Irving Rivens, 38, of Charlotte, and leader of the DTO, was sentenced to 27 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Paul Alexander Kaber, 29, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 172 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Christopher Ahmad Townsend, 32, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Joseph Earl Connor, 34, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl. The five DTO members previously sentenced and the charges they pleaded guilty to are as follows: Daneon Hansen, 47, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. Deion Rashaad Thompson, 30, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl; distribution of methamphetamine; and two counts of distribution of fentanyl. Joseph Stewart, 36, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 15 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl. Naliyah Tekayla Herd, 26, of Charlotte, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Alexis Taylor, 27, of Mount Holly, N.C., was sentenced to four months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. According to court documents and court proceedings, from at least January 1, 2021, to June 3, 2022, Rivens supplied the members of the DTO with methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine for local distribution in Charlotte. During the investigation, law enforcement identified a residence in Charlotte the DTO was using as a wholesale stash house to store and traffic drugs. On June 3, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at the stash house, seizing 16.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 5.7 kilograms of fentanyl, over 2.6 kilograms of cocaine, over a kilogram of heroin, 37 kilograms of marijuana, and more than half a kilogram of cocaine base. In addition, 10 firearms and nearly $30,000 in cash drug proceeds were seized. Court record show that, when law enforcement conducted the search warrant, it appeared that some of the occupants of the stash house had been attempting to destroy evidence by flushing methamphetamine down the toilet. On the same day, investigators also executed a search warrant at another location, seizing 3.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.1 kilograms of heroin, three firearms, and $60,000 in cash. From another residence used by Rivens, law enforcement seized $30,303 in cash and two more firearms. In total, over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized over a quarter million dollars in drug cash proceeds and other assets, including over $100,000 worth of jewelry, a 2020 Dodge Charger Scat Pack, and a residence used by the DTO to facilitate drug trafficking. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the FBI, ATF, and CMPD for leading this 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 . Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Belzoni Man of Conspiracy for Role  in Firearms Trafficking

body_text: Aberdeen, MS – A federal jury convicted Belzoni resident Jarvis Hood, 23, of conspiring to transfer firearms to Chicago, Illinois residents and making false statements to federal firearms licensees during the purchase of multiple firearms. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the investigation began after agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives noticed a high volume of firearms recovered in crimes in the City of Chicago, Illinois had been purchased in the Northern District of Mississippi. Some of the firearms involved in new crimes had been purchased as recent as one day prior to use in a new offense. Several of the firearms were recovered in violent crimes and had machinegun devices attached that converted the firearms to be able to fire automatically. In total, investigators identified over 60 firearms that were purchased illegally and transported to Chicago for resale. Five defendants previously pled guilty for their roles in the offense. Hood was charged with conspiracy to transfer firearms to out-of-state residents and to make false statements to federal firearms licensees during firearms purchases. After a five-day trial, a federal jury returned a verdict Monday finding Hood guilty of the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2025. “This defendant and his cohorts profited and contributed to the gun violence plaguing Chicago by illegally trafficking in firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “AUSAs Julie Addison and Sam Stringfellow led an interagency team that has helped to stem the flow of illegal firearms from Mississippi to Chicago while also ensuring that the defendant will be held accountable for his criminal actions.” “Machine gun conversion devices threaten the safety of our communities and law enforcement officers, and this verdict reinforces the urgent need to dismantle trafficking networks bringing these dangerous devices and firearms to the streets of Chicago,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “I thank the ATF Oxford Mississippi Field Office and the Northern District of Mississippi United States Attorney’s Office for their continued partnership.” The case was investigated by the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the ATF Oxford, Mississippi Field Office. Valuable contributions were made by the Chicago Police Department, Wilmette Police Department, and Amtrak Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Addison and Samuel Stringfellow 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: Doctor Sentenced for $54M Medicare Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Texas doctor was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison and ordered to pay over $34 million in restitution for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare by prescribing durable medical equipment and cancer genetic testing without seeing, speaking to, or otherwise treating patients. According to court documents, Daniel R. Canchola M.D., 54, of Flower Mound, agreed to electronically sign doctor’s orders for durable medical equipment (DME) and cancer genetic testing that he knew were used to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare. From August 2018 through April 2019, Canchola received approximately $30 in exchange for each doctor’s order he signed authorizing DME and cancer genetic test orders that were not legitimately prescribed, not needed, or not used — totaling more than $466,000 in kickbacks. The doctor’s orders Canchola signed were used to submit more than $54 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare. According to court filings, the Medicare beneficiaries for whom Canchola prescribed DME and cancer genetic testing were targeted by telemarketing campaigns and at health fairs, and they were induced to submit to the cancer genetic testing and to receive the DME regardless of medical necessity. In October 2022, Canchola pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Dallas Regional Office; and Chief William Marlowe of the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement. HHS-OIG and MFCU investigated the case. Assistant Chief Brynn Schiess and Trial Attorney Ethan Womble of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Thornton Man Sentenced to 52 Months For Falsely Filing Client Tax Returns

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Lance McCuistion, 56, of Thornton, was sentenced to 52 months in prison after pleading guilty to preparing false tax returns on behalf of clients. According to the plea agreement, in July 2014, McCuistion plead guilty to preparing false tax returns in a prior investigation and was sentenced to probation. As a result of that offense, McCuistion was unable to obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). However, from approximately April 2018 through April 2022, McCuistion used PTINs in the names of three individuals associated with McCuistion to prepare tax returns on behalf of clients. These tax returns claimed items for which McCuistion knew the taxpayers were not eligible in order to increase refunds or reduce taxes due. “Tax preparers are trusted by their clients to do the right thing,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “We will continue to prosecute tax preparers who abuse that trust for personal gain.” “This case is an example of the commitment IRS-CI brings to financial investigations involving tax preparers who abuse the system and line their pockets rather than doing what is best for their clients.” said Tom Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “The dishonesty and disregard exhibited by individuals like McCuistion violates the trust clients place in their tax preparers who have a duty to handle clients’ returns accurately and in compliance with the law.” United States District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney presided over the sentencing. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Weiss. Case Number: 24-cr-00116-CNS