title: West Palm Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Laundering, Gambling, and Prostitution Proceeds, and Evading Taxes

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI — A West Palm Beach man has pleaded guilty to operating an illegal sports gambling business, conspiring to commit money laundering, using a facility of interstate commerce to carry on prostitution activities, and tax evasion. As part of his guilty plea, Dion De Cesare, 53, has agreed to forfeit to the United States two commercial properties, five condos, six vehicles, a Rolex watch, and approximately $93,000 in criminal proceeds. During a hearing before United States Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart, De Cesare admitted that from around April 2008 to November 2022, he owned two social clubs: Whispers All Girls Staff and NXT. During various times, the businesses provided an array of prostitution services regularly to its customers. De Cesare collected the proceeds from those businesses and laundered them through third party bank accounts and the payment of mortgages and expenses owed on several of his properties in West Palm Beach. De Cesare also admitted that from about May 20, 2015 to October 2022, De Cesare also operated an online sports gambling business through a website whose server was located in Costa Rica. De Cesare laundered the gambling proceeds by having the gamblers send their debt payments to third party individuals and entities for De Cesare’s benefit. Finally, De Cesare admitted that from 2011 to 2017, he owned Renegades, a restaurant and nightclub in West Palm Beach. From various times between 2011 and 2013, and from 2015 to 2016, De Cesare failed to pay personal and payroll taxes. De Cesare has agreed to pay $1,177,438.65 in restitution to the IRS. De Cesare is scheduled to be sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robin L. Rosenberg later this year. He faces 20 years in prison on the conspiracy charge, and five years on the gambling, prostitution, and tax charges. In total, De Cesare is facing a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison, 12 years’ supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine – all in addition to restitution. U.S Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami; Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO); and Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement. HSI West Palm Beach Office, PBSO, and IRS-CI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Dispoto and Trial Attorney Francesca Bartolomey of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting it. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Laserna and William T. Zloch are handling asset forfeiture. You may find related court documents and information on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 21-cr-80188. ###


title: Connecticut Man Faces Kidnapping and Stolen Vehicle Charges

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont — The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Barry Perez, 37, of Hartford, Connecticut, was arraigned in federal court this morning on charges of kidnapping and interstate transport of a stolen motor vehicle. Perez had been indicted by a federal grand jury in Burlington on May 11, 2023. United States Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle ordered Perez detained in federal custody pending further proceedings. According to court records, Perez stole a box truck in Lebanon, New Hampshire in the early hours of the morning of January 13, 2023, and drove it into Vermont before crashing it into a rock outcropping in the median of Interstate 89. When a good Samaritan truck driver pulled over to render aid, Perez pointed a realistic-looking faux firearm at the truck driver and compelled the truck driver to drive him northbound on Interstate 89. The truck driver was eventually able to flee from the truck in a parking lot in Berlin. Responding officers found Perez in the cab of the truck and arrested him. The indictment is an accusation only, and Perez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Perez faces a maximum possible penalty of life imprisonment. The actual sentence in the case will be determined by the court with reference to the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Berlin Police Department, the Lebanon, New Hampshire Police Department, and the Vermont State Police. He also thanked the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Barre City Police Department, and the Montpelier Police Department for their assistance safely taking Perez into custody. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul van de Graaf and Ray Sun represent the government. Perez is represented by Federal Defender Michael L. Desautels, Esq. and Michael J. Leddy, Esq.


title: Cambria County Woman Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Commit Health Care Fraud

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Florentina Mayko, age 39, of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on June 14, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson to conspiracy to commit health care fraud for defrauding Medicare and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services between 2017 and 2019. Mayko had been charged in a one-count Information on May 9, 2023. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Mayko agreed with others to defraud Medicare by submitting medically unnecessary urine drug tests for chronic opioid patients at medical clinics where she was the chief executive officer, including a group of clinics known as Pain Medicine of York or “PMY” (also known as All Better Wellness). Mayko became the CEO of Pain Medicine of York around January 2018. Prior to that, Mayko served as Director of Operations of a group of medical practices known in the Information as “Practice Group 1.” Mayko was hired to work at Practice Group 1 by an individual known in the Information as Physician 1. The owner of PMY, known as “PMY Owner” in the Information, was friends and business partners with Physician 1. Physician 1 was imprisoned for health care fraud and federal tax offenses in mid-2017, at which point the operation of Practice Group 1 was transitioned to PMY. When Mayko was promoted to the position of CEO of PMY, her responsibilities did not materially change. From the time of her promotion onward, Mayko was in charge of the day-to-day management of PMY’s operations, which included the practices previously associated with Practice Group 1. PMY had a practice, established in 2016 by Physician 1 and PMY Owner, of ordering multiple urine drug tests for each patient at every PMY office visit, despite a lack of medical necessity. From mid-2017 onward, Mayko and PMY Owner were repeatedly confronted with information regarding the unlawful nature of the company’s UDT billing practices but continued to utilize the practice until search warrants were executed at PMY’s various locations in November 2019. PMY ceased operations soon thereafter because it could no longer retain medical providers. PMY billed Medicare for more than $10 million in urine drug tests from mid-2017 through the end of 2019, and Medicare paid out over $4 million for these urine drug tests. The urine drug tests ordered by PMY were sent to an in-house laboratory at PMY whenever possible. As a result, when medically unnecessary tests were billed to Medicare, the proceeds from them went to PMY itself. A large portion of these proceeds went to PMY Owner and Mayko. Mayko, in turn, purchased several investment properties using these funds. Mayko agreed to pay $1,408,976.48 in restitution to the United States. She also agreed to forfeit to the United States several properties located in Ocean City, Maryland and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smultkis are prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for conspiracy to commit health care fraud is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. # # #


title: Paragould Man Who Shot At Police Officers Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—A Paragould man who admitted to shooting at police officers was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison today by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky, the maximum sentenced allowed by law. On February 7, 2021, Paragould police officers observed Taj Harris, 23, walking near the area of Walnut Street and Second Street in Paragould. Officers knew Harris had an active warrant for his arrest. As an officer attempted to take Harris into custody, Harris pulled out a firearm and began shooting at the officer, forcing the officer to dive to the ground to avoid being shot. A second Paragould officer saw Harris shoot at the first officer and saw that officer dive to the ground. Believing the first officer had been hit, the second officer fired multiple shots at Harris, who then returned fire at the second officer. Officers then pursued Harris on foot, who fled the scene. A civilian trapped Harris between a house and a fence by threatening him with a golf club and flagged down officers to make the arrest. Officers then located a stolen firearm with a large capacity magazine next to Harris’s feet. Harris is a convicted felon. The next day, in a phone conversation with his mother from the Greene County Jail, Harris admitted to his mother that he shot at police officers, and that he intended on shooting them if they tried to put their hands on him. On July 6, 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Harris for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge that carries a maximum of 120 months’ imprisonment. Harris pleaded guilty to the charge on November 15, 2022. In addition to the 10 years in prison Harris must serve, he was sentenced to three years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the Paragould Police Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney J. William Crow prosecuted the case for the United States. # # # This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar Twitter: @EDARNEWS


title: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Impersonating Federal Officers in Nationwide Elder Fraud Scheme

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – CHRISTOPHER L. KEEL , age 52, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty on June 14, 2023 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and false impersonation of an employee or officer of the United States, arising from his actions to defraud elderly victims in Louisiana and Washington State, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle scheduled KEEL’S sentencing for October 11, 2023. According to court documents, KEEL was arrested on April 4, 2022, by Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies in Hammond, Louisiana, while attempting to defraud a 77-year-old woman identified as “Victim A.” Deputies had received an earlier report from the victim’s son, that his mother had been contacted by people posing as U.S. Department of Treasury agents. These “agents” told Victim A that she should withdraw money from her bank accounts and send it to them for safekeeping because her accounts had been allegedly implicated in fraud or money laundering. Beginning in early March 2022, Victim A transferred approximately $60,000 via Green Dot cards to the “agents.” The agents also instructed Victim A to give an additional $60,000 to another “agent” on April 3 rd . Victim A complied and handed over this sum to the “agent”, later identified as KEEL , at a mall in Hammond. The next day, the perpetrators called Victim A and instructed her to withdraw the remaining funds from her accounts and hand them over as well. Victim A’s bank contacted her son, who then called the police. While deputies met with Victim A on April 4 th , the “agents” called her again and gave her instructions to hand over the rest of her money. Deputies arranged a sting operation and arrested KEEL after he approached Victim A in the mall parking lot. Victim A identified KEEL as the same man she met with the prior day. Deputies seized a cell phone and hotel receipts from KEEL . Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) continued the investigation and learned that KEEL and a co-conspirator, had both traveled to New Orleans within the past 48 hours on plane tickets purchased with the same credit card. They flew from Seattle, where agents identified another victim (“Victim B”). Victim B, a 76-year-old woman, had been defrauded of $300,000. A search of KEEL’S phone showed that he sent a photograph of a box with Victim B’s name and address on it. Victim B said she used this box to deliver her money to the “agent” she met with in Tukwila, Washington. HSI Agents also identified another victim (“Victim C”), an 80-year-old woman living in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. Agents learned that Victim C had withdrawn $36,000 from her account because purported federal “agents” called and told her that her accounts had been compromised. However, prior to delivering the money, local police were contacted and waited at her home. Police observed a vehicle circle near Victim C’s house then depart. An officer recorded the vehicle’s license plate. Later, HSI Agents obtained rental records showing that the vehicle had been leased by a co-conspirator at the time of the attempted fraud. The search of KEEL’S cell phone revealed his contacts with other co-conspirators dating back to 2021, and his travel to other states, including Texas and Oklahoma, to further the conspiracy. HSI and Federal Bureau of Investigation agents determined that, since October 2021, KEEL and his co-conspirators caused approximately $4,498,327 in actual and attempted losses to 31 victims located throughout the United States. KEEL pleaded guilty to both counts of the superseding indictment pending in this case. As to Count 1, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, KEEL faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. As to Count 2, false impersonation of an officer or employee of the United States, KEEL faces a maximum penalty of three years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571, followed by up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Field Office in investigating this matter. U.S. Attorney Evans also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Detroit Field Office,) the Homeland Security Investigations (Seattle Field Office,) the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this successful prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne, Senior Litigation Counsel, is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Former Alaska Advanced Nurse Practitioner Sentenced to 30 Years for Illegally Prescribing Millions of Opioids Causing Five Deaths

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—Former Advanced Nurse Practitioner Jessica Joyce Spayd (52) was sentenced in U.S. District Court yesterday to 30 years (360 months) imprisonment for illegally prescribing and dispensing opioids outside the scope of legitimate medical practice that resulted in the deaths of five people between 2014 and 2019. United States District Judge Joshua M. Kindred handed down the sentence. A jury convicted Spayd on October 27, 2022, of 10 crimes including five counts of illegal drug distribution that resulted in death and one count of maintaining a drug involved premises. She was also ordered to forfeit $117,000 in unlawful proceeds. The parties presented 51 witnesses during the four-week trial. Government witnesses included pharmacists who refused to fill prescriptions from Spayd, law enforcement agents and officers who investigated the deaths, Spayd’s employees, individuals who received pills from Spayd, medical experts, every Medical Examiner in Alaska (each of whom performed autopsies on different overdose victims), and family members of the victims. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Spayd prescribed and dispensed 4.5 million dosages of opioids in just over five years including fentanyl, methadone, oxycodone, and hydromorphone. Many times she combined those prescriptions with prescriptions for dangerous other drugs like valium and muscle relaxers, known as the “holy trinity,” greatly increasing the chances of overdose death. She wrote these prescriptions with little to no medical justification or treatment plan; minimal, if any, tests or physical examinations; and little, if any, considerations of non-opioid treatment. Many of her patients were vulnerable and suffering from chronic pain, addiction, and mental illness, yet Spayd disregarded their medical histories, risk factors, past overdoses, symptoms, and pleas to reduce or taper their doses. She also ignored warnings from patients’ family members, pharmacists, and other medical providers, and defied thousands of warning letters sent by insurance companies about the dangers of her practices. In imposing the sentence, Judge Kindred emphasized the trust that society places in medical practitioners like Spayd and remarked that “when [practitioners] fail in their responsibilities, [they] can do far greater harm than the drug dealer on the street corner.” He also acknowledged that Spayd “knew she was in effect killing people, and she just kept doing it,” for nearly two decades. “This is the deadliest drug case in this district’s history. And disturbingly, the five deaths the Defendant was convicted of at trial are just the tip of the iceberg” because “Spayd may have caused or contributed to the deaths of dozens: 20 total confirmed drug overdoses and many others suspected. She was a serial killer with a ‘poison pen,’” Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan D. Tansey wrote in a sentencing memorandum filed with the court. “[H]er conduct was far more insidious” than that of a street level dealer “because she sanctioned (and supplied) lethal levels of drugs for her patients, day after day, year after year, under the shroud of a prescribing license, assuring them that it was safe and necessary. In the process, she abused her authority and violated her oath as a medical professional, prescribing higher doses per patient than any other prescriber in Alaska during the charging period.” “Medical practitioners who abuse their positions of trust by supplying millions of opioids for no legitimate medical purpose wreak havoc on our community,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker. “Let this sentence send a clear message to any other medical practitioners considering similar conduct in Alaska: our office and law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute these cases, and you will be punished severely.” “Ms. Spayd betrayed the trust of her profession, those under her care, and her community by prescribing a staggering amount of opioids along with other powerful narcotics,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This lengthy sentence emphasizes the seriousness of Ms. Spayd’s actions and should be seen as deterrent to those who aim to bring harm to our communities.” “Spayd callously abused her dispensing authority, while fueling the opioid epidemic and poisoning our communities in the process,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “This investigation and subsequent prosecution was about seeking justice for the victims and their families, and holding Spayd accountable for her destructive and lethal crimes. With Spayd’s abuse linked to a significant loss of life, this sentence will undoubtedly have a direct public safety impact on our community.” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Tansey and Michael Heyman prosecuted the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case, with invaluable assistance from members of the North Slope Borough Police Department, the Alaska Health Care Fraud Task Force, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Office of Law Enforcement and Security, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Alaska State Parks Rangers, Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department, Alaska Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the State of Alaska Division of Insurance. The Alaska Health Care Fraud Task Force (AHCFTF) is a partnership of local, state, federal, and private agencies focused on the investigation of health care fraud, waste, and abuse in Alaska or affecting Alaskan interests.


title: Cherokee Man Sentenced to Over 29 Years in Federal Prison For Sexually Exploiting a Child

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A Cherokee man who took videos while sexually abusing a minor child pled guilty on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City. James Franklin Buckingham, age 33, from Cherokee, Iowa was convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor. In a plea agreement, Buckingham admitted that he sexually abused a minor child, under the age of 12. While sexually abusing the child, Buckingham took at least 4 videos of the abuse. Buckingham was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 354 months’ imprisonment, he was also ordered to make a payment of $4,116.35 in restitution to the victim. Buckingham must also serve a 7-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” Buckingham is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by Cherokee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-CR-04067. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Man with multiple arrests in Washington and Idaho sentenced to ten years in prison for drug trafficking while armed with a firearm

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 59-year-old man with arrests in three Western Washington counties and Idaho was sentenced this week in U.S. District Court in Seattle to ten years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Kermit Kellin Faglier pleaded guilty in October 2022 to one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of access device fraud offense. U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour imposed the sentence. According to records filed in the case, Faglier was originally charged in the District of Idaho for a January 10, 2020, attempt to use a counterfeit credit card to purchase merchandise at a sporting goods store. The criminal charges from Idaho were later transferred to Washington as part of a global resolution of the case. Faglier was arrested in Western Washington three times between January and May 2021. The first was January 23, 2021, in the town of Snoqualmie, where he was stopped driving a stolen vehicle. In the car, law enforcement found a stolen Smith and Wesson .38 revolver, a Glock semi-automatic pistol, methamphetamine, heroin, multiple driver’s licenses belonging to others, forged Washington driver’s licenses with Faglier’s picture but different names, multiple check cards, checks belonging to other people, and more than $2300 in cash. Barely a week later, Faglier was arrested a second time in Mukilteo for attempting a fraudulent cash withdrawal from a bank. The February 1, 2021, arrest resulted in the seizure of counterfeit currency, checks, credit and debit cards, and multiple IDs from various states. Two guns were seized from the vehicle Faglier had been riding in – a 9 mm pistol and a 40 mm pistol. The van also contained heroin and meth. On May 4, 2021, Faglier was contacted by officers in Spanaway, Washington because he had used a stolen identity to purchase a Ford F-150 truck. During the search incident, his arrest officers found methamphetamine in his pocket and a stolen Glock 43 semi-automatic handgun was in the center console of the truck. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Snoqualmie Police Department, the Mukilteo Police Department, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson. 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: Federal Grand Jury Indicts  New Orleans Men  for Federal Gun and Drug Offenses

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On Friday June 9, 2023, DANIEEL MUTIN , age 18, and JUAN MATTHEWS , age 21, both residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged in a five-count indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. In Count 1, MUTIN is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). If convicted of Count 1, MUTIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. In Count 2, MUTIN is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A). If convicted of Count 2, MUTIN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. In Count 3, MATTHEWS is charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and tapentadol, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D). If convicted of Count 3, MATTHEWS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. In Count 4, MATTHEWS is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A). If convicted of Count 4, MATTHEWS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. In Count 5, MATTHEWS is charged with possession of a machinegun in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(o) and 924(a)(2). If convicted of Count 5, MATTHEWS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. As to each count, MATTHEWS faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.. U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for  Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – KENNETH MUSE , age 24, of New Orleans, was sentenced on June 13, 2023 by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey for violations of the Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, MUSE admitted to possessing a machinegun as well as tramadol pills that he had been selling. The gun MUSE possessed had been equipped with a “Glock switch,” transforming the normally semi-automatic pistol into fully automatic. Specifically, MUSE admitted to deputies that he possessed the tramadol with the intent to distribute, that he possessed the gun in furtherance of drug trafficking, and that he was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Zainey sentenced MUSE to fifteen years in the Bureau of Prisons, five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Two Mexico drug traffickers sentenced to prison for roles in transporting 29 pounds of meth to Bozeman, Billings

body_text: BILLINGS — Two Mexico citizens convicted of trafficking 29 pounds of methamphetamine from Denver, Colorado, to the Bozeman and Billings communities were sentenced this week to prison terms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Isidro Vega Carmona, 28, was sentenced on June 15 to 14 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Carmona pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to possession with intent to distribute meth. Co-defendant Risela Anahid Heredia Soberanes, 33, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. Soberanes pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute meth. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. According to court documents, law enforcement arrested Carmona in October 2022 in Billings as he was walking with a rolling suitcase containing 25 pounds of meth toward a downtown hotel to deliver the drugs to an undercover person. Officers also arrested Soberanes at a residence on Broadwater Avenue as she was sitting in Carmona’s vehicle. Soberanes admitted to transporting the 25 pounds of meth from Denver for delivery to Carmona. The government alleged that during an investigation in mid-July 2022, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of cocaine from Carmona in Bozeman. Another co-defendant, identified at Victor Ocampo, was with Carmona during the purchase. About a month later, Carmona and another person, known as “Guero,” agreed to sell an undercover individual four pounds of meth. In late August, the undercover went to Carmona’s residence to purchase the four pounds of meth. Investigators determined that Soberanes had transported the meth from Denver to Carmona on behalf of “Guero.” The government further alleged that in October 2022, Carmona offered to sell the undercover 25 pounds of meth for $100,000 and that he would deliver it to Billings. On Oct. 12, 2022, Carmona contacted the undercover and confirmed that Soberanes was again driving the 25 pounds of meth to Billings from Denver and that he would meet the undercover in Billings. Law enforcement subsequently arrested Carmona and Soberanes in Billings. Twenty-nine pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 105,000 doses. Ocampo has pleaded not guilty to charges and is pending trial in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Missouri River Drug Task Force. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. XXX


title: Former Army Reservist Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government Funds

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – Former United States Army reservist CHANTELLE DAVIS was sentenced on June 15, 2023, to 2 years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Pursuant to the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act, Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown further imposed restitution of $8,399.65, which DAVIS has already paid. DAVIS previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, having stolen $8,399.65 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors ceremonies that never happened. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors for active duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans. At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.” U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, including Special Agents Dustin Stevens, John Hiniker, Jeffrey Riedeman, and Denny Richter. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office hosts United Against Hate meeting in Missoula

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA — The U.S. Attorney’s Office held its second United Against Hate event today in Missoula with a meeting of federal and local law enforcement representatives and members of the LGBTQI+ community, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. United Against Hate is an initiative launched by the Department of Justice focused on improving the prevention of hate crimes and hate incidents by building relationships at the local level. Through this initiative, the Justice Department seeks to create and strengthen partnerships among law enforcement, community leaders and residents. “Our United Against Hate Initiative is a reflection of the United States Department of Justice’s priority to bring people together to discuss how we can work collaboratively to fight hate crimes and prevent violence. It is timely and appropriate to hold this meeting during Missoula PRIDE’s celebrations so we can hear directly from the LGBTQI+ community and people of Missoula. No one should be violently targeted because of their gender identity or who they love and if they are, our office will not hesitate to hold them accountable. Earlier this week, a Basin man was sentenced to 18 years in prison for federal hate and firearm convictions after firing bullets into the home of a Basin woman because she identified as an LGBTQI+ community member. We are determined to protect the civil rights of all Montanans and to ensure all of us, regardless of our sexual orientation or gender identity, have equal protection under law,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. The meeting, held at the University of Montana Alexander Blewett III School of Law, provided an opportunity for members of the LGBTQI+ community to have a better understanding of hate crimes and hate incidents, how to report them to law enforcement and to learn about available resources. Speakers at the Missoula event included U.S. Attorney Laslovich and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Vestal, civil rights coordinator for the office. In addition, the event featured a panel discussion and question and comment session that included U.S. Attorney Laslovich, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Charles Sampson, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Equal Opportunity Lead Specialist Kate Boyd, Missoula Police Department Detective and LGBTQI+ Liaison Ethan Smith, Missoula County Attorney Chief Deputy Matt Jennings and the University of Montana’s Associate Vice President of Conflict, Resolution and Policy Alicia Arant. The District of Montana will be holding additional United Against Hate events in the coming months in communities across the state. The first United Against Hate event was held on April 19 in Billings with members of the faith community. XXX


body_text: NEW ORLEANS – Former United States Army reservist LYNEA SANDERS was sentenced on June 15, 2023, to 3 years of probation, 150 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Pursuant to the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act, Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown further imposed restitution of $21,780.18, which SANDERS has already paid. SANDERS previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, having stolen $21,780.18 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors ceremonies that never happened. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans. At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.” U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, including Special Agents Dustin Stevens, John Hiniker, Jeffrey Riedeman, and Denny Richter. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced Thursday that GEORGE JEFFERSON , age 46, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on June 15, 2023 before Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to a four-count indictment for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of heroin. JEFFERSON , a convicted felon, also pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. JEFFERSON faces up to forty years of imprisonment, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and faces up to twenty years of imprisonment, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for possession with intent to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C). JEFFERSON faces a mandatory five years of imprisonment, imposed consecutively to the charged drug offenses for possession of a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber gun, in furtherance of dealing fentanyl and heroin, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 924(c). JEFFERSON also faces up to ten years imprisonment, up to 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2). Additionally, for each of the four counts to which he pled guilty, JEFFERSON faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. JEFFERSON is scheduled to be sentenced on October 12, 2023. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – JUAN MARTINEZ-CASTANEDA , age 54, was sentenced for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) on June 14, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents , JUAN MARTINEZ-CASTANEDA (“ MARTINEZ-CASTANEDA ”) admitted reentering the United States after being previously deported on February 3, 2003. MARTINEZ-CASTANEDA was sentenced by Judge Susie Morgan, to 8 months in federal prison. He will be deported again following the completion of his sentence. He was also ordered to pay a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. was in charge of the prosecution.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of  the Federal Gun Control Act

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – COREY HALE , age 32, pleaded guilty on June 15, 2023, before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to two counts of an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. HALE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 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 Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty  to Violations of the  Federal Gun Control Act

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On , June 15, 2023, KEDRICK RILEY , age 27, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with violations of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. In Count 1, RILEY is charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). In Count 2, RILEY is charged with Possession of a Machine Gun, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(o) and 924(a)(2). Each offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. According to court records, the New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) observed RILEY on social media in possession of a firearm. RILEY was on probation at the time. In March 2022, NOPD executed a search warrant at RILEY ’s residence. During the search, 5 firearms were found hidden underneath a mattress in RILEY ’s bedroom. A manufacturing conversion device, commonly known as a Glock switch, was attached to one of the firearms. This device converts a semi-automatic firearm to a fully functioning automatic firearm with the single pull of the trigger. RILEY , a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Chief United States District Judge, Nannette Jolivette Brown, will sentence RILEY on October 12, 2023. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Public Integrity Unit.


title: New Orleans Man Charged with False Statements on  Individual Tax Return

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, CHRISTOPHER COBURN (“COBURN”) , age 51, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged with making false statements on an individual tax return, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to the bill of information, COBURN willfully under-reported the gross receipts for his tax preparation business by approximately $30,311.39 for the calendar year 2017 on his United States Individual Tax Return, Form 1040. If convicted, COBURN faces a maximum sentence of three (3) years of imprisonment. Upon release from prison, COBURN also faces a term of supervised release for up to one (1) year, and/or a fine of $100,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. COBURN also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the work of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations on this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.


title: Rotterdam Man Sentenced for Marijuana and Gun Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Tyquan Armstrong, aka “Moose,” age 44, of Rotterdam, New York, was sentenced today to 90 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute marijuana and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; Chief Daniel DeWolf of the Troy Police Department; and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. In pleading guilty, Armstrong admitted to being a member of a marijuana-trafficking organization that shipped large quantities of marijuana from Fresno, California, to locations throughout the United States, including the Capital Region of New York. The marijuana was shipped from Fresno through UPS and FedEx and, to track the packages, Armstrong’s coconspirator text messaged him shipping receipts with tracking information. Armstrong admitted to receiving at least 19 packages of marijuana from Fresno at his apartment in Rotterdam between July 2021 and June 2022, which he sold in and around Schenectady, New York. The defendant also admitted that his participation in the conspiracy involved at least 50 kilograms, or 110 pounds, of marijuana. On June 15, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Armstrong’s apartment in Rotterdam and discovered seven (7) vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana weighing 10 pounds, which Armstrong planned to sell. The apartment contained two money counters and $18,723 in cash, which was earned by the defendant selling marijuana. Law enforcement also seized a loaded .357 revolver, a loaded .22 caliber “ghost gun,” and 125 rounds of .357 ammunition. Armstrong possessed the revolver and “ghost gun” to protect his marijuana and marijuana proceeds. Armstrong’s apartment also contained a gold Rolex watch, gold chain with a diamond-encrusted cross pendant, and two gold rings encrusted with diamonds, all of which were purchased with marijuana proceeds. Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also imposed a 6-year term of supervised release and ordered forfeiture of the $18,723 in cash, jewelry, firearms, and ammunition. The ATF, DEA, Troy Police Department and HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Dustin C. Segovia prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Washington County Man Sentenced for Cocaine Distribution

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Victor Aguero Vasquez, age 48, of Granville, New York, was sentenced today to 130 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine, and possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug distribution operation. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement. As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Vasquez admitted that between November 2018 and September 2019, he obtained at least 5 kilograms of cocaine from his New York City-based drug supplier that he then sold to cocaine redistributors in the Northern District of New York. The defendant also admitted to possessing multiple firearms in a shed behind his home to protect over 1 kilogram of cocaine that was stored with the firearms. Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also sentenced Vasquez to a 4-year term of supervised release to begin after imprisonment. Nestor Cordero-Hernandez pled guilty in March 2020 to conspiring with Vasquez to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and was sentenced in July 2020 to 87 months in prison. William Gonzalez pled guilty in August 2020 to conspiring with Vasquez to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2023 before United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. DEA investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda prosecuted this case.


title: Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by the Minneapolis Police Department and the City of Minneapolis

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Following a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department announced today that the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and the City of Minneapolis (City) engage in a pattern or practice of conduct in violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law. The Department also announced that the city and MPD have agreed in principle to resolve the Department’s findings through a court enforceable consent decree with an independent monitor, rather than through contested litigation. Specifically, the Justice Department finds that the MPD: Uses excessive force, including unjustified deadly force and unreasonable use of tasers; Unlawfully discriminates against Black people and Native American people in its enforcement activities, including the use of force following stops; Violates the rights of people engaged in protected speech; and Along with the city, discriminates against people with behavioral health disabilities when responding to calls for assistance. The Department identified and concluded that persistent deficiencies in policy, training, supervision, and accountability contribute to the unlawful conduct. “ George Floyd’s death had an irrevocable impact on his family, on the Minneapolis community, on our country, and on the world,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The patterns and practices of conduct the Justice Department observed during our investigation are deeply disturbing. They erode the community’s trust in law enforcement. And they made what happened to George Floyd possible. Today, we have completed our investigation, but this is only the first step. We will continue to work with the city and the MPD toward ensuring that MPD officers have the support and resources they need to do their jobs effectively and lawfully as we work together toward meaningful and durable reform.” “I know this community is still hurting and that today’s announcement may also open up old wounds,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “The Justice Department is committed to working with Minneapolis on a path forward, to constitutional policing, and stronger police-community trust. Together we can build a Minneapolis that protects the rights, safety, and dignity of all.” “Every American deserves policing that is fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The protests that unfolded across Minneapolis, and the country, underscore the urgency behind our efforts to ensure that police departments respect constitutional rights, while garnering public trust. We will stand by the people of Minneapolis as we work to institute reforms that are lasting and enduring.” “These findings present a sobering picture of a flawed system – but today we turn towards change through justice,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Bildtsen for the District of Minnesota. “This thorough investigation is the foundation to make fair and lawful policing a reality for our entire community.” The city and MPD cooperated fully with the Justice Department’s investigation. The Department provided a comprehensive written report of its investigative findings to the city and MPD. The report acknowledges the changes already made by the city and MPD, and it identifies additional remedial measures that the Department believes are necessary to fully address its findings. The Department opened this investigation on April 21, 2021. The investigation was conducted by career attorneys and staff in the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. The team conducted numerous onsite tours of MPD facilities; interviewed MPD officers, supervisors, and command staff; spoke with city officials and employees; accompanied behavioral crisis responders and officers on ride-alongs; reviewed thousands of documents; and watched thousands of hours of body-worn camera footage. Department attorneys and staff also met with community members, advocates, service providers, and other stakeholders in the Minneapolis area. The Department conducted this investigation pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (Section 12601), which prohibits law enforcement officers from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law, the Safe Streets Act of 1968, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The findings announced today are the result of the Department’s civil pattern or practice investigation and are separate from the Department’s criminal cases against former MPD officers for federal crimes related to the death of George Floyd. The Department will reach out to members of the Minneapolis community for input on remedies to address the Department’s findings. Individuals may also submit recommendations by email at Community.Minneapolis@usdoj.gov or by phone at 1-866-432-0268. This is one of eight investigations into law enforcement agencies opened during this Administration by the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department under Section 12601. The Department has ongoing investigations into the Phoenix Police Department ; the Mount Vernon Police Department ; the Louisiana State Police ; the New York City Police Department’s Special Victims Division ; the Worcester Police Department ; and the Oklahoma City Police Department . The Department has issued Section 12601 findings reports in the past year regarding the Louisville Metro Police Department, as well as the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Department . Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt . Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota is available at www.justice.gov/usao-mn . Information specific to the Civil Rights Division’s Police Reform Work can be found here: www.justice.gov/crt/file/922421/download . The Justice Department will hold a virtual presentation on the findings at 5:00 p.m. CT. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more about the findings. Please join the meeting here .


title: El Departamento de Justicia halla vulneraciones de los derechos civiles por parte de la Policía de Minneapolis y la Ciudad de Minneapolis

body_text: Tras una investigación integral, el Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que la Policía de Minneapolis («MPD», por sus siglas en inglés) y la Ciudad de Minneapolis (Ciudad) han incurrido en un patrón o una práctica de conducta que vulnera la Constitución de los EE. UU. y las leyes federales. El Departamento anunció además que la Ciudad y la MPD han acordado, en principio, resolver los hallazgos del Departamentos mediante una orden de consentimiento ejecutable por los tribunales con un asesor de cumplimiento técnico independiente en vez de entrar en litigio contencioso. En concreto, el Departamento de Justicia halló que la MPD: Emplea fuerza excesiva, lo que incluye la fuerza letal no justificada y el uso irrazonable de pistolas paralizantes; Discrimina de manera ilícita contra personas negras y nativas indígenas en sus actividades de aplicación de la ley, incluyendo el uso de fuerza después de una parada; Infringe en los derechos de personas que están ejerciendo su derecho de expresión protegida; y Junto con la Ciudad, discrimina contra personas con discapacidades de salud del comportamiento a la hora de responder a llamadas de auxilio. El Departamento identificó y concluyó que las deficiencias continuas en las políticas, capacitación, supervisión y rendición de cuentas contribuyen a la conducta ilegal. «La muerte de George Floyd tuvo un impacto irrevocable en su familia, en la comunidad de Minneapolis, en nuestro país y en el mundo», afirmó el Fiscal General Merrick B. Garland. «Los patrones y prácticas de conducta que el Departamento de Justicia observó durante nuestra investigación son profundamente inquietantes. Minan la confianza de la comunidad en las autoridades policiales. Y hacen posible lo que le pasó a George Floyd. Hoy hemos acabado nuestra investigación, pero este es solo un primer paso. Seguiremos colaborando con la Ciudad y la MPD con el fin de garantizar que los agentes de la MPD dispongan de apoyo y los recursos que necesitan para hacer su trabajo de una manera eficaz y legal, a medida que vayamos trabajando juntos hacia una reforma significativa y duradera». «Yo sé que esta comunidad todavía sufre y que el anuncio de hoy posiblemente ha vuelto a abrir viejas heridas», comentó la Fiscal General Asociada, Vanita Gupta. «El Departamento de Justicia se ha comprometido a trabajar con Minneapolis a caminar hacia adelante, hacia una vigilancia policial constitucional y una mayor confianza entre la policía y la comunidad. Juntos podemos construir una Minneapolis que protege los derechos, la seguridad y la dignidad de todos». «Cada estadounidense merece una vigilancia policial justa, equitativa y no discriminatoria», afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «Las manifestaciones que tuvieron lugar por todo Minneapolis y el país resaltan la urgencia de nuestros esfuerzos por asegurar que las policías respeten los derechos constitucionales a la vez que obtengan la confianza pública. Nosotros apoyaremos a la gente de Minneapolis a medida que implementemos reformas duraderas y permanentes». «Estos hallazgos muestran una imagen solemne de un sistema fallido, pero hoy giramos hacia el cambio a través de la justicia», dijo la Primera Fiscal Federal Auxiliar para el Distrito de Minnesota, Ann Bildtsen. «Esta investigación a fondo constituye la base para convertir en realidad, para toda la comunidad, una vigilancia policial justa y legal». La Ciudad y la MPD cooperaron plenamente con la investigación del Departamento de Justicia. El Departamento proporcionó a la Ciudad y la MPD un informe escrito integral de sus hallazgos investigativos. El informe reconoce los cambios ya implementados por la Ciudad y la MPD, y también identifica medidas correctivas adicionales que el Departamento cree que son necesarias para abordar sus hallazgos en su totalidad. El Departamento inició esta investigación el 21 de abril del 2021. La investigación fue llevada a cabo por abogados de carrera y personal de la Sección de Litigios Especiales de la División de Derechos Civiles y la División Civil de la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito de Minnesota. El equipo realizó varias visitas guiadas de las instalaciones de la MPD; entrevistó a agentes, supervisores, y personal de comando de la MPD; habló con oficiales y empleados de la Ciudad; acompañó a agentes y al personal de respuesta en sus vehículos; revisó miles de documentos y observó miles de horas de grabaciones provenientes de cámaras corporales. Asimismo, los abogados y personal del Departamento también se reunieron con miembros comunitarios, defensores, proveedores de servicios y otras partes interesadas del área de Minneapolis. El Departamento realizó esta investigación de acuerdo con la Sección 12601 del Título 34 del Código de los EE. UU. (Sección 12601), que prohíbe que los policías incurran en un patrón o una práctica de conducta que prive a las personas de derechos amparados por la Constitución o las leyes federales, la ley de Calles Seguras de 1968, el Título VI de la ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 o el Título II de la ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades. Los hallazgos que se anunciaron hoy son el resultado de la investigación de patrón o práctica y son separados de los casos penales del Departamento contra exagentes de la MPD por delitos federales que se cometieron en conexión con la muerte de George Floyd. El Departamento se comunicará con miembros de la comunidad de Minneapolis para pedir comentarios sobre medidas correctivas que aborden los hallazgos del Departamento. Las personas pueden también someter sus recomendaciones por correo electrónico a Community.Minneapolis@usdoj.gov o por teléfono al 1-866-432-0268. Esta es una de ocho investigaciones de agencias de aplicación de la ley que se han iniciado durante esta Administración por la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia, en virtud de la Sección 12601. El Departamento tiene pendiente otras investigaciones en curso de la Policía de Phoenix ; la Policía de Mount Vernon ; la Policía Estatal de Louisiana ; la División de Víctimas Especiales de la Policía de New York ; la Policía de Worcester ; y la Policía de Oklahoma City . Durante el último año, el Departamento ha publicado informes de hallazgos en virtud de la Sección 12601 en conexión con la Policía Metropolitana de Louisville, así como la Fiscalía y el Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Orange . Información adicional sobre la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia está disponible en su sitio web en www.justice.gov/crt . Para más información sobre la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito de Minnesota, vaya a www.justice.gov/usao-mn . Para información específica sobre el trabajo de reformación policíaca de la División de Derechos Civiles, vaya a: https://www.justice.gov/crt/file/922421/download . El Departamento de Justicia realizará una presentación virtual sobre los hallazgos a las 5:00 de la tarde, Hora Central. Se anima a los miembros del público a asistir para aprender más sobre los hallazgos. Puede unirse a la reunión aquí .


title: Lab Billing Company Settles False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Unnecessary Respiratory Panels Run on Seniors Receiving COVID-19 Tests

component: Civil Division

body_text: VitalAxis Inc., a Maryland-based billing company for diagnostic laboratories, has agreed to pay $300,479.58 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it caused the submission of false claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary respiratory pathogen panels run on seniors who received COVID-19 tests. Throughout 2020, VitalAxis performed billing services for a diagnostic laboratory in Atlanta, Georgia that provided COVID-19 testing to residents of senior living communities. For one chain of communities, the laboratory directed VitalAxis to bill Medicare for respiratory pathogen panels purportedly ordered by a physician who had not actually ordered the tests and who was ineligible to treat Medicare beneficiaries. VitalAxis found the credentials of a different physician and, without authorization, billed Medicare using that physician’s name. Medicare subsequently paid the laboratory for these medically unnecessary tests. “Federal health care programs only pay for items or services that are reasonable and medically necessary,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to pursue those who exploited the COVID-19 pandemic by billing the government for wasteful tests that nobody wanted or needed.” “Unscrupulous companies that exploit the Medicare billing system divert important resources away from the program and abuse patient trust,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. “This civil resolution confirms that our district is committed to protecting our federal programs from fraud and holding those accountable who knowingly waste taxpayer dollars.” “When companies bill for medically unnecessary services, they waste valuable taxpayer dollars and undermine the integrity of federal health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala Miles with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “As this settlement illustrates, HHS-OIG is committed to protecting the interests of the American taxpayer and holding health care providers accountable should they attempt to exploit the Medicare program.” VitalAxis received a credit in connection with the settlement announced today in recognition of their cooperation, including by performing and disclosing the results of an internal investigation, disclosing relevant facts and material not known to the government but relevant to its investigation, providing information relevant to potential misconduct by other individuals and entities, and admitting liability. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. This matter was handled by Deputy Director Paul R. Perkins of the Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mellori Lumpkin-Dawson and Civil Investigator Alena Evans of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department 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 actors committing civil and criminal fraud and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by visiting the webpage of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, which can be found here . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Woman Pleads Guilty to Murder Conspiracy

component: Criminal Division

body_text: An Illinois woman pleaded guilty today for her role in a conspiracy to murder her mother while they vacationed in Bali, Indonesia, in August 2014. According to court documents, Heather Mack, 27, originally from Chicago, and her boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, conspired to kill Mack’s mother while Mack and her mother vacationed in Bali. Mack arranged for Schaefer to travel to Bali using her mother’s credit card. After Schaefer arrived, Mack and Schaefer exchanged a series of text messages about how and when to kill Mack’s mother, which included a discussion about suffocating or beating the victim. Shortly after these text messages were exchanged, on Aug. 12, 2014, Schaefer entered her mother’s hotel room and, while Mack was present, brutally beat and killed Mack’s mother. Mack and Schaefer then placed the victim’s body into a suitcase and tried to leave the hotel in a taxi. When the driver of the taxi refused to accept their fare, Mack told hotel employees that she was going to go call her mother. Mack and Schaefer then fled the hotel and abandoned the suitcase containing the victim’s body in the taxicab. Mack and Schaefer were arrested by Indonesian police at another hotel in Bali the day after the murder. In 2015, Mack and Schaefer were convicted in Indonesia of local criminal charges related to the murder. Mack was sentenced to 10 years in prison and released after serving seven years. Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years in prison and currently remains imprisoned in Indonesia. In November 2021, upon arrival in the United States, Mack was arrested on U.S. federal charges relating to the murder. Schaefer was also charged in the U.S. indictment, and those charges remain pending against him. Mack pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to kill a U.S. national. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 18 and faces a maximum penalty of 28 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois, and Special Agent in Charge Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler Jr. of the FBI Chicago Field Office made the announcement. Senior Trial Attorney Frank Rangoussis of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Marie Ursini for the Northern District of Illinois are prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, as well as the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Jakarta, Indonesia. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Canadian Man Convicted in Multimillion-Dollar Psychic Mass-Mailing Fraud Scheme

body_text: A federal jury in the Eastern District of New York convicted a Canadian man today for perpetrating a decades-long mass-mailing fraud scheme that stole more than $175 million from victims in the United States. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Patrice Runner, 57, a Canadian and French citizen, operated a mass-mailing fraud scheme from 1994 through November 2014. As part of the scheme, Runner sent letters to millions of U.S. consumers, many of whom were elderly and vulnerable. The letters falsely purported to be individualized, personal communications from so-called “psychics,” including Maria Duval (leading this type of fraud scheme to be referred to as a “Maria Duval Scam”), and promised that the recipient had the opportunity to achieve great wealth and happiness with the psychic’s assistance, in exchange for payment of a fee. Once a victim made a single payment in response to one of the letters, the victim was bombarded with dozens of additional letters, all purporting to be personalized communications from the psychics and offering additional services and items for a fee. Although the scheme’s letters frequently stated that a psychic had seen a personalized vision regarding the recipient of the letter, in fact, the scheme sent nearly identical form letters to tens of thousands of victims each week. Runner and his co-conspirators obtained the names of elderly and vulnerable victims by renting and trading mailing lists with other mail fraud schemes. In reality, the so-called “psychics” identified in the letters sent by the scheme had no role in sending the letters, did not receive responses from the victims, and did not send the additional letters after victims paid money. Some victims made dozens of payments in response to the fraudulent letters, losing thousands of dollars. Runner directed the scheme for the entirety of its 20-year operation, providing instructions to co-conspirators who ran the day-to-day operations through a Canadian company. Runner used a series of shell companies registered in Canada and Hong Kong to hide his involvement in the scheme while living in multiple foreign countries, including Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, and Spain. Runner was extradited from Spain to the United States in December 2020. “This case exemplifies the commitment of the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch and its partners in the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to investigating and prosecuting fraud schemes targeting Americans, no matter where in the world those schemes originate,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will work with our law enforcement partners in the United States and around the world to bring to justice criminals who target Americans.” “For over 20 years, Patrice Runner managed a predatory scheme that targeted older American by mailing personalized letters to millions of victims purporting to be from a world renown psychic. Yesterday’s verdict should have come as no surprise to Mr. Runner,” said Inspector in Charge Chris Nielsen of the Postal Inspection Service’s Philadelphia Division. “Postal Inspectors are committed to protecting American consumers by eliminating these fraudulent mailings from the mailstream.” Runner was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, eight counts of mail fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He was found not guilty on four counts of mail fraud. Runner will be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. He remains in prison pending sentencing. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Four other people previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with this mass-mailing fraud scheme: Maria Thanos, 59, of Montreal, Canada; Philip Lett, 52, of Montreal, Canada; Sherry Gore, 72, of Indiana; and Daniel Arnold, 61, of Connecticut. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant Director John W. Burke and Trial Attorneys Charles B. Dunn, Rachel Baron, and Ann Entwistle of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Spain to secure the arrest and extradition of Runner. The department urges individuals to be on the lookout for lottery, prize notification, and sweepstakes scams. If you receive a phone call, letter, or email promising a large prize in exchange for a fee, do not respond. Fraudsters often will use official-sounding names or the names of real lotteries or sweepstakes, or pretend to be a government agent purportedly helping to secure a prize. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. The Federal Trade Commission also provides a hotline at 877-FTC-HELP and a website at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov to receive consumer complaints. More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . The Department of Justice provides information about a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which are available at www.ovc.gov.


title: Man Convicted of $54M Bribery and Kickback Scheme Involving Fraudulent Prescriptions

body_text: A federal jury convicted a Florida man for his role in a $54 million bribery and kickback scheme involving TRICARE, a federal program that provides health insurance benefits to active duty and retired service members and their families. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, David Byron Copeland, 55, of Tallahassee, was a part-owner and senior sales manager at Florida Pharmacy Solutions (FPS), a Florida-based pharmacy that specialized in compounded prescription drugs. Copeland, along with his accomplices, engaged in a practice known as “test billing” to develop the most expensive combination of compounded drugs to maximize reimbursement from TRICARE. Copeland and his accomplices targeted physicians who treated TRICARE beneficiaries and paid bribes and kickbacks to physicians and salespeople to encourage the referral of prescriptions to FPS. The bribes included lavish hunting trips and expensive dinners. In addition, Copeland and his accomplices used “blanket letters of authorization” that allowed FPS to modify the prescription components to make them more profitable. Copeland and his sales representatives were paid millions of dollars in kickbacks based on a percentage of the amount that TRICARE reimbursed for their prescriptions, which provided an incentive to seek prescriptions for the most expensive compounded drugs possible, including pain and scar creams. Copeland facilitated the kickbacks through companies he set up to receive and funnel the payments. From late 2012 through mid-2015, FPS billed TRICARE over $54 million for its compounded pharmaceuticals. The jury convicted Copeland of two counts of soliciting and receiving illegal health care kickbacks and three counts of offering and paying illegal health care kickbacks. The jury acquitted Copeland of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 14. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each kickback count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Two other men, James Wesley Moss, the former chief executive officer of FPS, and Michael Gordon, a former FPS sales representative, previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme and are awaiting sentencing. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Darrin K. Jones of the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DOD-OIG), Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Southeast Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Omar Perez of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge David Spilker of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), Southeast Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge David Walker of the FBI Tampa Field Office made the announcement. The DOD-OIG, HHS-OIG, VA-OIG, and FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Devon Helfmeyer, Katie Rookard, and Clayton Solomon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting 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, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: District Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison  for Drug and Gun Offenses

body_text: WASHINGTON – Demetrius Green, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for gun and drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge is Craig B. Kailimai, and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department. Green was convicted, on December 14, 2022, after a one-week jury trial, of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person (previous conviction for a term of imprisonment exceeding one year) and three counts of unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (including crack cocaine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone). According to the evidence, on January 20, 2020, at approximately 4:45 a.m., Green, a twice convicted felon, stepped onto the back porch of 917 Wahler Place, Southeast, in Washington, D.C., and fired a machinegun into the air. The Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”) quickly responded and knocked on both the back and front door, but the individual inside refused to come out. MPD officers gathered the spent shell casings from the back porch and obtained pole camera footage from a camera that had been installed days earlier to monitor suspected drug trafficking and violence in the area. The pole camera captured Green stepping onto the back porch and firing off a weapon at 4:45 a.m, and then stepping onto the same back porch on at least two occasions later that morning. After reviewing this footage, law enforcement returned that evening with a search warrant. As the warrant was executed, Green attempted to run out the back door, but was stopped and arrested. From inside the residence, MPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) recovered approximately $30,000 of drugs (including 33 zips of crack cocaine, 288 hydromorphone pills, and 700 oxycodone pills), drug paraphernalia, and a machinegun that forensically matched the five spent shell casings that MPD had recovered from the back porch. Green was the only individual inside the residence. Several of Green’s ID cards were found merely feet away from the crack and the machinegun, and Green appeared to be the only person living in what the Government’s expert witness testified was a quintessential “stash house,” where controlled substances were stored in order to be sold to the public. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Kailimai, and Interim Chief Benedict commended the work of the detectives and patrol officers of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Seventh District, and agents and experts from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). They also expressed appreciation to those who prosecuted the case Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Henek from the office’s Violence Reduction and Trafficking offenses section and Gilead Light from the Federal Major Crimes section.


title: District Physician’s Assistant Arraigned on Two Counts of Second Degree Sexual Abuse of a Patient or Client

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: Defendant Accused of Sexually Assaulting Two Patients During Physical Exams WASHINGTON – Haileleoul Erbello (Desta), 47, of Laurel, Maryland, was arraigned today on six counts of second degree sexual abuse of a patient or client arising from events that occurred in August of 2019 and April of 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict of the Metropolitan Police Department. On May 17, 2023, Erbello was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on six counts of second degree sexual abuse of a patient or client. He faces a maximum of five years in prison on each count if convicted. According to the government’s evidence, between August of 2019 and April of 2021, the defendant was working at Metro Lab clinic in Washington, D.C. On or about August 20, 2019, he was performing a physical exam on a patient to certify her eligibility for employment when he groped her breasts, pressed his chest up against her breasts, and pressed his genitalia up against her arm. The indictment also charges that Erbello sexually abused a second patient on or about April 10, 2021. He was, again, performing a physical exam to certify a patient’s employment eligibility when he pressed his groin up against the patient’s buttocks, groped her breasts, and touched her buttocks with his hand. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty. In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Benedict commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit. They acknowledged the efforts of those who are working on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Investigative Analyst Durand Odom; Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson; and Paralegal Specialists Cynthia Muhammad and ReShawn Johnson. Finally, they commended the work of former Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Buckner, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Bonnie Thompson, who is investigating and prosecuting the case.


title: Defendant Threatened Violent, Antisemitic Action

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Seann Pietela, 19, of Pickford, Michigan was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and charged in a criminal complaint with transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure another. “Antisemitic threats and violence against our Jewish communities – or any other group for that matter – will not be tolerated in the Western District of Michigan,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “Today and every day we take all credible threats seriously. I’m incredibly grateful to the FBI for their swift action to identify and arrest Pietela.” As outlined in the complaint, Pietela is alleged to have communicated with others on Instagram and evinced a neo-Nazi ideology, antisemitism, glorification of past mass shooters, and a desire and intent to mimic past mass shooters or mass casualty events. Pietela allegedly communicated about planning to commit acts of violence to kill other people. Pietela’s home was searched earlier today, and law enforcement seized ammunition, magazines, a shotgun, a rifle, a pistol, various knives, firearms accessories, tactical vests, mask, a Nazi flag, a ghillie suit, gas masks, and military sniper/survival manuals. Also seized was Pietela’s phone, and in the notes app, he had identified a particular synagogue in East Lansing, a date, and a list of equipment. “No American should face threats against them based on their race or religion,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “Crimes like the one alleged in this complaint have a profound effect not only on the intended target, but on their entire community. I would like to thank the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office for their close collaboration during this investigation. Every Michigander should rest assured that law enforcement at all levels are working together to ensure that those who engage in this type of behavior see justice under the law. The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office, TRI-county Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET), and Michigan State Police Emergency Services Team assisted the FBI with this case. A copy of the complaint is attached. The charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. Pietila Complaint Affidavit # # #


title: Coon Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to $1.29M Romance Fraud Scheme that Targeted Elderly Victims

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Coon Rapids man has pleaded guilty to mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, from at least in or about June 2020 through in or about March 2021, Solomon Eghosa Wilfred, 42, and other scheme participants knowingly and intentionally participated in and facilitated an online romance fraud scheme that targeted primarily elderly victims and lured them into sending money under false pretenses. The scheme relied on impersonating a real or plausible but fictitious person, such as a senior U.S. diplomat or military official, that contacted the victims through online social media applications. The scheme participants then sought to forge a romantic connection with the victims. If successful, the scheme participants would then ask the victims for money purportedly to assist the false persona with some problem or need. Occasionally, the scheme participants would even introduce the victims to a purported third-party intermediary who would corroborate the false persona’s story and assist in defrauding the victims. The victims eventually were directed to send large sums of money by mail or other commercial means to a specified name and address. Wilfred also assisted with the collection and transfer of the fraudulently obtained funds. Wilfred opened at least six Post Office boxes in Minnesota to receive victims’ packages and to send funds from victims to other scheme participants. Wilfred also communicated with some victims to facilitate the fraud scheme. For example, Wilfred admitted to sending victims cards and rings using the name of the false persona. In total, Wilfred received over 400 victim packages containing approximately $1,294,995 in fraud proceeds during the scheme. Wilfred kept some of the proceeds for his personal benefit and disbursed the remainder of the proceeds to other scheme participants. Wilfred pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Katherine M. Menendez to mail fraud. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan L. Sing and Robert M. Lewis are prosecuting the case.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for a Drug Distribution Offense

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – An Omaha man was sentenced yesterday, June 15, 2023, for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Jerome Wallace, III, 22, was sentenced to 180 months in prison following his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Wallace must serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Wallace was also ordered to pay restitution reimbursing funeral expenses. According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, on March 2, 2021, the Council Bluffs Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to a home in Council Bluffs to provide medical treatment to an unresponsive male, who ultimately died from a fentanyl overdose. Wallace distributed pressed pills containing fentanyl to the victim. Officers linked Wallace to the fentanyl overdose death after reviewing phone and social media information, and conducting witness interviews. Wallace along with codefendants Karlee Rosenthal and Linsey Stisi distributed pressed pills containing fentanyl as part of the conspiracy from January to August of 2021 in Omaha, Nebraska and Council Bluffs. In January 2023, Rosenthal, 21, was sentenced to time served and five years of supervised release, following her plea of guilty to her role in the conspiracy to distribute a controlled sentence. In March 2023, Stisi, 20, was sentenced to time served and four years of supervised release, following her plea of guilty to her role in the conspiracy to distribute a controlled sentence. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Council Bluffs Police Department, Omaha Police Department, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website to learn more about One Pill Can Kill.