title: Court Enjoins Fraudulent Medical Debt Collection Scheme Targeting Veterans and Older Americans

component: Civil Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that, as of Aug. 2, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma has entered permanent injunctions that bar three Tulsa, Oklahoma-area men and two companies from running a fraudulent medical debt collection scheme that targeted current and former servicemembers and older Americans. In its civil complaint, the United States alleged that Christopher Parks, 63, Christopher Noah Parks, 31, and Stephen Miller, 39, sent thousands of fraudulent debt collection notices on Assured Collections LLC and Assured Financial LLC letterhead to consumers nationwide. The letters demanded thousands of dollars in payment purportedly for medical devices that some consumers received for past medical procedures, such as leg compression devices used to prevent blood clots after surgery. The United States alleged that defendants had no authority to collect any debt from those consumers and that the debts for which defendants sought repayment were in many cases illusory — i.e., consumers did not actually owe the money, but many paid it anyway. The complaint further alleged that Christopher Parks and his co-defendants knew that the debt collection notices were fraudulent yet continued to harass consumers and demand payments. According to court documents, Christopher Parks directed significant aspects of the scheme while spending time in prison on other healthcare fraud charges. For example, recorded telephone calls obtained from the facility where Parks had been incarcerated revealed that Parks directed Stephen Miller to switch names and operate under Assured Financial LLC instead of Assured Collections LLC after numerous consumers filed Better Business Bureau complaints accusing Assured Collections LLC of fraud. Under the terms of their civil consent decrees, defendants agreed to be permanently enjoined from, among other things, engaging in any future billing and debt collection activities and accepting any future payments from any consumer who received a debt collection notice from Assured Collections LLC or Assured Financial LLC. Additionally, defendants agreed to disclose the consent decrees to any current, prospective and/or future employee, employer, business partner, client or associate engaged in the healthcare or debt collection industries. “The department is committed to preventing vulnerable consumers from being harmed by false claims about debts they purportedly owe,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “I am thankful for the tireless efforts of our investigative partners who were integral to our success in this case.” “Christopher Parks, a former attorney, devised a scheme to defraud Northern District of Oklahoma citizens of millions of dollars while he was in prison for a previous healthcare fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “Defendants were brought to justice for their brazen scheme through a collaborative effort between the department and our investigative partners. My office will zealously pursue fraudsters who swindle citizens of their hard-earned money.” “Protecting the integrity of the healthcare system for our military members and their families is a top priority of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan Settle of the DCIS Southwest Field Office. “DCIS will continue to work with its law enforcement partners and the Justice Department to hold fraudsters accountable for their illicit activities and to ensure America’s service members are not victimized.” “Preserving veterans’ access to world-class health care is a priority for the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG), and we will investigate anyone who would seek to exploit VA’s programs and services,” said Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper with the VA OIG’s South Central Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and our law enforcement partners for their efforts to achieve justice in this case.” In an unrelated case brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma, Christopher Parks was sentenced in October 2023 to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to offer and pay health care kickbacks as part of a scheme where consumers were steered to obtain prescriptions from Parks-controlled compounding pharmacies. Parks is also currently awaiting trial in the Eastern District of Texas on other federal criminal healthcare fraud charges stemming from his billing practices as the principal of a company called USA Medical. The VA-OIG, DCIS, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorney Wesline N. Manuelpillai and Assistant Director Patrick R. Runkle of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marianne Hardcastle for the Northern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case. 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 at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department 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. 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 www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-ndok . Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov / or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov .


title: Bessemer Man Charged in Elder Fraud Scheme

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Bessemer man has been charged in an elder fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples. A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Terrance Alonzo Pruitt, 47, of Bessemer, with wire fraud. According to the indictment, in September 2023, Pruitt executed a Power of Attorney over the victim, an elderly family member, without the victim’s knowledge or permission. Between September 2023 and December 2023, Pruitt devised a scheme to defraud the victim by becoming a joint account holder on the victim’s bank accounts, removing two payable on death (POD) beneficiaries from one of the accounts, and adding two POD beneficiaries to an account. Pruitt also transferred more than $500,000 in funds from the victim’s accounts to his personal bank accounts. Pruitt faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan S. Rummage is prosecuting the case. Reporting from consumers about fraud and attempted fraud is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is 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, is staffed by experienced professionals who 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 staffed 10am-6pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov . Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324. An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Former Boston Police Officer Sentenced for Overtime Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A former Boston Police officer was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with an investigation of overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) evidence warehouse. Diana Lopez, 62, of Milton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to six months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. Lopez was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and $36,028 in restitution. In June 2021, Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds. Between January 2015 and February 2019, Lopez submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime hours that she did not work for overtime shifts at the evidence warehouse. The “purge” overtime was a 4 – 8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. For the “purge” shift, Lopez claimed to have worked from 4 – 8 p.m., but she routinely left at 6 p.m., or earlier. Between January 2015 and February 2019, Lopez personally collected approximately $36,028 for overtime hours she did not work. To date, over a dozen Boston Police officers have been charged in connection with committing overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse. Lopez is the eighth officer to be sentenced. From 2016 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohan, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Russell W. Cunningham Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Lenoir Methamphetamine Trafficker Is Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison for Drug and Gun Offenses

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Larry Dewayne Colvin, Jr., 51, of Lenoir, N.C., was sentenced today to 168 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release on drug and gun offenses, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, Robert Schurmeier, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Sheriff Alan C. Jones, of the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Len Hagaman, of the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, and Chief Brent Phelps of the Lenoir Police Department, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court documents and court proceedings, on December 12, 2022, law enforcement received information that Colvin was trafficking methamphetamine in Lenoir and surrounding areas. During the investigation, law enforcement arranged controlled buys during which they observed Colvin sell methamphetamine to a Confidential Informant (CI). Court records show that on December 16, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Colvin’s residence in Lenoir, where they seized methamphetamine and a firearm. A second firearm, an ammunition magazine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and more than $7,400 in cash drug proceeds were seized from a vehicle parked on the property. According to court records, a second search warrant was executed at another location where Colvin was using a camper as a stash house for methamphetamine. From the camper, law enforcement seized more methamphetamine, five handguns, two rifles, and a shotgun. During an interview with Colvin, the defendant told law enforcement that he also hid methamphetamine at his workplace. Law enforcement traveled to Colvin’s workplace where they seized over 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as $30,000 in cash drug proceeds from Colvin’s vehicle. On January 8, 2023, law enforcement in Lenoir responded to a call about Colvin communicating threats to an individual. Law enforcement encountered Colvin at a gas station, where he admitted to having a firearm in the vehicle. Law enforcement retrieved the firearm along with $2,500 in cash drug proceeds. On October 31, 2023, Colvin pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a felon. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. The ATF, the SBI, the Caldwell County Sherriff’s Office, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lenoir Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven R. Kaufman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) William Wiseman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. Mr. Wiseman is a state prosecutor with the office of the 26 th Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Spencer Merriweather to serve as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte. Mr. Wiseman is sworn in both state and federal courts. The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the office of the 26 th Prosecutorial District and the United States Attorney’s Office. 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: Newton Man Is Sentenced To 10+ Years In Prison For String of Armed Robberies in North Carolina

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Newton, N.C., man was sentenced to prison today for a string of armed robberies in North Carolina, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Adrian Alexander Bryson, 29, was ordered to serve 121 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for Hobbs Act Robbery and possession and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Ron Campurciani of the Mooresville Police Department, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court records, between October and December 2022, Bryson planned and executed at least nine robberies of HT Hackney delivery trucks as they were attempting to deliver cartons of cigarettes to convenience stores. During the robberies, Bryson and his co-conspirators wore masks and either displayed firearms to the delivery drivers or behaved as if they were armed. Court records show that the robbers generally knew where the higher end tobacco products would be located on the delivery truck and stole the cartons of cigarettes that were the most valuable. In total, HT Hackney reported a loss of more than $70,800, which consisted of 1,129 cartons of cigarettes stolen during the robberies. According to court documents, investigators determined that a red/maroon GMC Envoy was involved in some of the robberies. Investigators were able to locate the vehicle in Newton and trace it to an address where Bryson had resided. Law enforcement also determined that Bryson was a former HT Hackney employee, who had worked for the company from May to September 2022, and had left after he had been confronted about missing cigarette cartons. Law enforcement also determined that the targeted delivery routes were routes that Bryson used to deliver as a driver. On December 28, 2022, Bryson was arrested in Hickory and a search warrant was executed at a hotel room where he was staying. During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement found several containers belonging to HT Hackney, with dates and delivery locations that corresponded with some of the reported robberies. Law enforcement interviewed Bryson, who admitted to arranging and setting up the robberies. Law enforcement also located numerous text messages and photos on Bryson’s phone related to the thefts, as well as photos of Bryson posing with firearms matching the description of those used during the robberies. On March 6, 2024, Bryson pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery and possession and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the ATF and the Mooresville Police Department for their investigation of the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) William Wiseman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. Mr. Wiseman is a state prosecutor with the office of the 26 th Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Spencer Merriweather to serve as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte. Mr. Wiseman is sworn in both state and federal courts. The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the office of the 26 th Prosecutorial District and the United States Attorney’s Office. 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: Tucson Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Assaulting a Federal Officer with a Vehicle

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Guadalupe Fermin Ramirez, 37, of Tucson, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Ramirez pleaded guilty to Assault on a Federal Officer on May 9, 2024. On November 30, 2023, the Pascua Yaqui Police Department (PYPD) received a 911 call from an individual who reported that his vehicle had been stolen from his residence by Ramirez. The investigation revealed that, after stealing the vehicle, Ramirez drove it to a gas station on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation and subsequently attempted to steal another vehicle, a delivery truck. Ramirez took the delivery driver’s personal belongings from inside the truck, and then fled from the area in the originally stolen vehicle. During PYPD’s pursuit, Ramirez deliberately collided into the driver’s side of a police car while driving approximately 45 mph. The victim officer was able to disengage his seatbelt and tuck toward the center console of his vehicle before being struck to avoid injury, but the vehicle sustained substantial damage. After hitting the police vehicle, Ramirez sped away and ran several stop signs, causing two other vehicles to collide. Ramirez was apprehended shortly thereafter and arrested. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pascua Yaqui Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Carin C. Duryee and Brandon Bolling, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution, along with Special Assistant United States Attorney Russell E. Boatwright from the Pascua Yaqui Prosecutor’s Office. CASE NUMBER: CR-23-02362-TUC-JCH RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-108_Ramirez # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

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

body_text: Public Land Offenses Robin Thoenig , 58, of Jackson, Wyoming, was convicted of reckless driving, speeding, failing to notify authorities of a motor vehicle accident, and impermissibly removing a motor vehicle from the scene of an accident. On May 10, at approximately 9:30 p.m. while visitors in Grand Teton National Park were gathered to view the aurora borealis, Thoenig was driving in Grand Teton National Park at speeds of up to 127 mph in areas where the speed limit is 45 mph. While doing so, Thoenig struck and killed an elk, then drove her vehicle several miles from the scene, left it near the Gros Ventre Campground and obtained a ride out of the park. Upon pleading guilty to the four charges, she was sentenced to three days of incarceration and ordered to pay a $750 community service payment, $1,000 in fines and $70 in mandatory court costs. This crime was investigated by the National Park Service and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes. Child Pornography Thomas Matthew Ezell, 46, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced on Aug. 1, to 120 months in federal prison with 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography, subsequent offense. He was also ordered by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy J. Freudenthal to pay $9,000 in restitution and a $100 assessment. According to court documents, between August and December 2023, CyberTips received several notifications from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving the possession and distribution of child pornography from an account on Snapchat and X (Twitter). Search warrants conducted on those accounts linked them back to the defendant. Ezell is a registered sex offender with two previous convictions involving children and possession of child pornography. Ezell pleaded guilty on April 24. This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Drug Trafficking & Firearm Offenses James Eugene Nemeth , 65, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on July 30. According to court documents, on Nov. 10, 2023, Casper Police Department received a tip that a man named “Jim” was selling narcotics out of the Super 8 Motel in Evansville. Deputies conducted a free air sniff around the defendant’s vehicle in which K9 Duke indicated to the presence of controlled substances. Officers received a motel roster and confirmed James, aka Jim Nemeth, was staying there. The K-9 also indicated to the presences of controlled substances in Nemeth’s room. Nemeth cooperated with officers and told them he had a loaded weapon, a half a pound of methamphetamine, and over $5,000 in cash. Nemeth pleaded guilty on May 7. This crime was investigated by the Casper Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison. Firearm and Ammunition Offenses Joshua Allen Frescas , 34, of Rawlins, Wyoming, was sentenced to 44 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on July 31. According to court documents, on July 30, 2023, the Rawlins Police Department received a report of a stolen vehicle. Officers located it at a gas station. A review of the station’s security camera showed that Joshua Frescas pulled into the station driving it, then exited the vehicle and got into another vehicle. Officers located the other vehicle and placed Frescas under arrest for the stolen vehicle and five outstanding warrants. Frescas also had a backpack with 4.5 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a firearm and ammunition. Frescas was a convicted felon, which prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition. He pleaded guilty on May 8. This crime was investigated by the Rawlins Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U. S. Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom prosecuted the case. About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. Victim Witness Assistance The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking


title: Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Brandon Christopher Solomon, 29, of South Charleston, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 6, 2023, Solomon sold approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine and 10 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in the Kanawha City area of Charleston. Solomon is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-54. ###


title: Former Keene Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Almost $500,000

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A former Keene woman pleaded guilty today in federal court to stealing almost $500,000 from her employer between 2015 and 2021, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Stephanie Pratt, 39, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for November 12, 2024. Pratt was the office administrator for a company based in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. She had full access to the company’s finances, including its bank accounts and credit cards. Over the course of six-and-a-half years, Pratt stole $492,325.34 from the company. She cashed unauthorized checks to herself and entered them as payments to legitimate vendors in the company’s accounting system. Pratt also used the company’s credit cards to make over 1,000 unauthorized personal purchases, including for items like plane tickets, a smart TV, a hot tub, Patriots tickets, and miscellaneous herbs and spices. She concealed the fraudulent credit card purchases by deleting them on credit card statements her employer received. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case. ###


title: “Frickenwierdo” imprisoned for sending child pornography in chat room

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 47-year-old Corpus Christi man has been sentenced for distributing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jonathan Follis pleaded guilty Feb. 5. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Follis to serve 228 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including conversations Follis had with others detailing sexual assaults he committed in the past, including his family members. The court was also provided with numerous impact letters from the victims of the child pornography materials. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted the “horrendous” conduct demonstrated an illness that Follis will be dealing with for the rest of his life. Follis was further ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution to the victims and will serve eight years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Follis will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. The investigation into Follis began when authorities discovered he was participating in chat rooms involving discussions of child pornography. Follis conducted the majority of these conversations using a cellular phone kept in his office at work. Law enforcement later conducted a search at that office where they discovered a phone hidden under his keyboard. Follis admitted to using the phone to distribute child pornography. Law enforcement conducted a forensic analysis of the phone. It confirmed Follis had been engaging in chat rooms discussing child pornography utilizing the username “frickenwierdo.” In addition to those rooms, Follis participated in distributing child pornography in private chats. The investigation further revealed Follis distributed a video of child pornography April 5, 2023, approximately one month before law enforcement executed the search warrant leading to his arrest. Follis will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Overman and John Marck prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.


title: Plymouth Woman Indicted for Paycheck Protection Program Fraud and Money Laundering

body_text: BOSTON – A Plymouth woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on behalf of herself and her father fraud and money laundering. Katherine Reynolds, 65, was indicted on two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Reynolds will be arraigned in federal court on Aug. 8, 2024. In May 2024, Reynolds was charged by criminal complaint. According to the charging documents, Reynolds submitted two fraudulent loan applications seeking loans for herself and her father pursuant to the PPP. The loan applications falsely claimed that Reynolds and her then 86-year-old father earned over $100,000 per year providing massage services in their home. The loan applications also included fraudulent tax forms that were not filed with the IRS. In addition, on June 25, 2021, Reynolds withdrew $20,000 in cash from the account into which the PPP loans were paid. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The chard of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. The Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: North Haven Counselor Admits Defrauding Medicaid of More Than $1.6 Million

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced that RACHEL COLLINS , 44, of Hamden, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to health care fraud. According to court documents and statements made in court, Collins was a state-licensed professional counselor and owner of Rachel Collins, LPC Counseling Services LLC, located in North Haven. Collins provided psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults, but particularly children and adolescents with a variety of behavioral and mental health issues. She was enrolled individually as a Behavioral Health Clinician provider in the Connecticut Medicaid Program (“Medicaid”). Between January 2018 and March 2024, Collins submitted and caused to be submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were purportedly provided to his Medicaid clients. Specifically, Collins submitted claims under her own billing and performing provider identification number for dates of service when no services of any kind had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims. Collins submitted claims for purported dates of service when she was purportedly working as a full-time clinician for another provider; billed for 12 hours of purported services in a day and, in some cases, 24 or more hours in a day; submitted false claims for dates when she was traveling out of state, during national holidays, and on weekends; and submitted claims after she had stopped treating the claimed client, had never treated the claimed client, or the claimed client was in the hospital. Through this scheme, Collins defrauded Medicaid of $1,647,031.51. As part of her plea, Collins has agreed to pay full restitution. She also has agreed to forfeit $114,085.55 that was seized from a bank account during the investigation. Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for October 30, at which time Collins faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Collins is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing. This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang. People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.


title: Waterbury Gang Member Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: D’ANDRE BURRUS, also known as “Dopeman,” 30, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 216 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses related to his participation in a violent Waterbury street gang. Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo. According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang. On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging Burrus and 15 other 960 gang members with racketeering, narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, murder, attempted murder and assault, and obstruction of justice offenses. On March 4, 2024, Burrus pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, and admitted that he trafficked heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in furtherance of the 960 enterprise. He also admitted that he conspired to murder members of a rival gang in retaliation for the murder of a fellow 960 member. On October 11, 2018, 960 members Gabriel Pulliam and Julian Scott shot into a crowd of people, killing an innocent bystander, 30-year-old Fransua Guzman, and paralyzing a second victim. Burrus was in one of two cars 960 members drove to the scene of the shooting. Guzman was the mother of four children. Burrus has been detained since his arrest on February 19, 2019. This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southington Police Department, Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the DEA Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo of the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, who have been cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter. This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn . OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Putnam County Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Unemployment and COVID-19 Benefits

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gary Lomax, 62, of Hurricane, pleaded guilty today to theft of public money, property or records. Lomax admitted that he fraudulently obtained approximately $8,760 in unemployment benefits, including COVID-19 supplementary funds, and a $20,832 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about March 24, 2020, Lomax applied for unemployment compensation after he was laid off as a sales associate at a Charleston auto dealership when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Lomax legitimately received unemployment benefits until the week ending April 18, 2020, when he returned to work. Lomax admitted that from at least April 25, 2020 through at least June 27, 2020, he continued to apply for unemployment benefits that he knew he was not entitled to because he had returned to work. Lomax fraudulently obtained approximately $8,760 in unemployment benefits, including supplementary funds provided by the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC) of the CARES Act. WorkForce West Virginia administers the unemployment compensation program for the State of West Virginia. Lomax admitted that as part of his scheme, he falsely certified on the WorkForce West Virginia website for 10 consecutive weeks that he was entitled to unemployment benefits. Lomax submitted the false certification answers while using his personal electronic device in St. Albans. On March 29, 2021, Lomax applied for a PPP loan by falsely representing that he had earned $369,730 during the 2020 tax year as an independent contractor. PPP loans were available to qualifying independent contractors and self-employed individuals adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to replace their normal income and for certain other expenses. Lomax admitted that he had no independent contractor income to report for that tax year. Lomax further admitted that he made this false representation in order to receive $20,832, the maximum loan amount available to independent contractors. Lomax also admitted that he used the fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits and PPP loan funds to make purchases and pay his bills. Lomax is scheduled to be sentenced on November 13, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Lomax also owes $29,592 in restitution. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the WorkForce West Virginia Integrity Section, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General (NASA OIG), the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman is prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, 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 https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-114. ###


title: Long Island Construction Company Sentenced for Worker Safety Violation Causing Death of Employee

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Northridge Construction Corporation was sentenced today in federal court for violating a worker safety standard, which caused the death of one of its employees, and for making two false statements obstructing a federal agency’s subsequent investigation. U.S. District Court Judge Joan M. Azrack for the Eastern District of New York sentenced Northridge to pay a fine of $100,000 and serve a five-year term of probation, which will require, among other conditions, increased safety training for Northridge employees. The company pleaded guilty in January. According to court records, in December 2018, during the construction of a shed on Northridge’s property in East Patchogue, New York, one of its employees fell from an improperly secured roof and died. Among other worker safety standards, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations require always maintaining the stability of a metal structure during construction. An investigation revealed that Northridge failed to adhere to the structural stability standard, and that Northridge employees made false statements to obstruct the ensuing federal inquiry into the death. Northridge supervisor Richard Zagger pleaded guilty in July to related charges and is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 16. Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) made the announcement. The Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorneys Daniel Dooher and Richard J. Powers and Trial Attorney Rachel Roberts of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Missouri Sex Offender Admits Possessing Child Pornography

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A registered sex offender from Chesterfield on Tuesday pleaded guilty to a felony charge of possession of child pornography. Charles R. Hamilton, 65, of Chesterfield, admitted possessing 1,288 image files and 185 video files containing child sexual abuse material on his phone. The investigation began in May of 2023, when law enforcement officers in Alabama identified a Kik social media account that was being used to distribute child sexual abuse material. They traced the account to Hamilton, a convicted sex offender with an active sex offender registration requirement. When investigators interviewed Hamilton on his front porch on May 25, 2023, he denied possessing any unregistered social media accounts but consented to a search of his phone. That search revealed an email account appearing to match the account associated with the Kik user. Hamilton then admitted using the Kik account but denied using it to distribute child pornography. Investigators later found images of child pornography matching those distributed via the Kik account. A forensic examination found that Defendant had used Kik, Instagram and Telegram accounts to receive and transmit child pornography, Hamilton’s plea agreement says. Hamilton is scheduled to be sentenced February 13, 2025. The FBI, the St. Louis County Police Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a  Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport man pled guilty today to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, Daunte Taylor, 21, was found in possession of two firearms and over 100 grams of methamphetamine at his residence in Gulfport. Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gulfport Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Moss Point Man Pleads Guilty to Being  a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: Gulfport, Miss. – A Moss Point man pled guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court documents, Larry Donnell Smith, 44, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a firearm by the Moss Point Police Department during a traffic stop on December 31, 2023. Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Moss Point Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Cartel-Linked Minnesotan Indicted for Operating a Mexico-Based Drug Trafficking Operation

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Fifteen individuals have been charged in a Mexico-based drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. “Every year, thousands of Minnesotans die from illicit drugs trafficked into our communities, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other synthetic opioids,” said U.S. Attorney Luger. “Today’s indictment disrupts one of the most sophisticated and significant drug trafficking organizations we have prosecuted in my tenure as U.S. Attorney, and I am grateful to the DEA and FBI for their hard work bringing this operation to justice. The Department of Justice would also like to recognize the Mexican authorities for their assistance on this case.” “While many people look for ways to improve and grow their communities, Clinton Ward aligned himself with two Mexican cartels thinking only of the profits lining his pocket,” Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “Ward’s organization left a trail of destruction in its wake. This investigation and today’s arrests are the result of exceptional teamwork. Never underestimate the unified strength of state, local and federal law enforcement agencies.” "Drugs trafficked into our communities fuel violent crime and endanger the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. "Thanks to the strong partnership between local, state, and federal agencies, today's arrests have disrupted a significant drug trafficking network. The FBI remains committed to protecting our communities and bringing those who threaten them to justice." According to court documents, on January 4, 2019, Clinton James Ward was arrested in the parking lot of a motel in Vadnais Heights with more than eight pounds of methamphetamine. At the time, Ward was selling methamphetamine from his hotel room to various customers. Within weeks of his arrest, Ward fled to Jalisco, Mexico, where he met up with Mexican and American drug traffickers who all had ties to the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). According to court documents, from January 2019 until his arrest in March 2024, Ward established and operated his own cartel-sourced Mexican-based drug trafficking organization that distributed thousands of pounds of methamphetamine to Minnesota through a network of drug traffickers. Using an existing cartel pipeline, Ward would transport large drug loads into the United States through various means including concealing shipments in semi-trailers crossing the border at various locations. The shipments were later broken down into smaller quantities and transported into Minnesota via private vehicles and semi-trailers. Over the course of the investigation, more than 50 defendants with connections to Ward have been charged with methamphetamine trafficking and other drug trafficking offenses. In total, law enforcement has seized more than 1,600 pounds of methamphetamine, four kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of fentanyl, 30,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, 45 firearms, and more than $2.5 million in drug proceeds. On March 11, 2024, Ward was taken into custody by Mexican authorities and returned to the United States to face prosecution. The following thirteen members and associates of the Ward drug trafficking organization are in custody and have been charged in a federal superseding indictment: Clinton James Ward, 45, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. Shawnette Lynn Andreasen, 46, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Jonathon Beau Bailey, 33, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Vin Chanry, 37, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Perry John Coyle, 65, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. James Joseph Graczyk, 51, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Benjamin DeWayne Johnson, 40, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Joseph Allen Pappenfus, 41, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Breezie Lynn Pena, 46, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. Aaron Michael Teadt, 47, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. Jimmy Thithavong, 38, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. Peter Charles Watkins, 45, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. Nicole Marie Williams, 41, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. All defendants made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the DEA, FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Minnesota Department of Corrections, Minnesota State Patrol, St. Paul Police Department, Mounds View Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Firefighter candidate trying to work in the South Pole forged medical documents

body_text: HOUSTON – A 30-year-old man will have to submit to monitoring following his conviction related to his attempt to circumvent a needed and required screening process for those charged with protecting National Science Foundation (NSF) facilities in Antarctica, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Brandon Mikula pleaded guilty April 23. At his sentencing hearing, the court heard how Mikula’s conduct was intended to circumvent the medical screening process the NSF imposes upon anyone joining the agency’s mission in Antarctica. The court heard that by submitting false documents and providing false medical information during the screening, Mikula was attempting to undermine a process that aims to protect the lives of the individuals working at the NSF bases in Antarctica - and any rescuers that might be needed for a medical emergency. “Antarctica is the highest, driest and coldest continent on earth. Average winter temperatures at dip below -75 degrees Fahrenheit. Medical evacuations from NSF’s Antarctica facilities, in those harsh conditions, could take days or weeks in the winter," said Hamdani. "As a firefighter at the Antarctic Fire Department, Mikula would have been responsible for the daily safety of those occupying NSF’s stations. While Mr. Mikula’s misconduct may at first blush seem minor, his misconduct had the potential to end in tragedy for him and for others. That’s why my office will work with agency partners like the NSF to ensure that any efforts to circumvent their requirements or deceive the public will result in accountability.” The screening process is designed to ensure applicants are medically and psychologically fit to endure the extreme conditions of life in Antarctica. Proper evaluations are necessary and important given the extreme risks of any rescue operation. Under optimal conditions, a medical evacuation could take several days or even a week - and only if a vessel is in the vicinity. Winter evacuations are high-risk events that may take weeks and may, depending on conditions, be impossible. “It is imperative that federal contractors are fully qualified to perform critical functions, especially in Antarctica’s extremely remote and harsh environment.” said Allison Lerner, NSF Inspector General. The NSF - Office of Inspector General (OIG) is committed to vigorously pursuing oversight of the U.S. Antarctic Program, and I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its strong support in this effort.” The NSF’s - Office of Polar Programs supports Arctic and Antarctic science through grants to research across the United States and by providing polar facilities and operational support. Among other things, NSF operates McMurdo Station, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and Palmer Station in Antarctica. In 2022 , an NSF contractor had hired Brandon Mikula, Mexico, Missouri, to work as a firefighter at the U.S. Antarctic Program’s Antarctic Fire Department. The Antarctic Fire Department is responsible for all emergency responses for the Antarctic Program, including fire, rescue, emergency medical services, hazmat and other emergency situations. All buildings on the Antarctic bases are considered critical, and the loss of a single structure could effectively shut down a significant portion of station operations. As a result, NSF required contractors like Mikula to undergo a rigorous medical screening process. Mikula also had to submit a physician’s evaluation and other materials to staff at the UTMB-Galveston staff. Mikula provided false information on required NSF forms and hid, among other things, certain medical conditions and medications. On Aug. 2, 2022, UTMB and NSF staff determined Mikula was not physically qualified to travel to Antarctica. Subsequently, in an effort to reverse this determination, Mikula submitted false information. Among other things, Mikula faxed a letter to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) from his primary care physician claiming he was medically fit; however, he had forged the letter. He also submitted other false documents and sent harassing emails to UTMB and NSF officials in efforts to reverse their determination. Ultimately, investigators identified that documents Mikula had submitted were forgeries. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown has now ordered Mikula to serve one year of probation, during which time he will need to submit to monitoring and other conditions. NSF-OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Eden Prairie Man of COVID Relief Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Money Laundering

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – Following a ten-day trial, a federal jury convicted an Eden Prairie man of fraudulently applying for more than $2.1 million in COVID-19 relief funds and then spending the fraud proceeds on himself, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. As proven at trial, between March and May 2020, Harold Bennie Kaeding, 75, applied for at least $2,182,625 in loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program. Kaeding used the name of his own close family members to submit the loan applications in the names of six different purported corporate entities. But these entities filed no tax returns and did not report the payment of wages to a single employee for calendar years 2019 and 2020. Kaeding instead fabricated tax documents, manufactured bank statements, and submitted other records to ensure the applications appeared legitimate. These false statements to lenders included the number of employees a given entity employed, the amount of average monthly payroll expenses, and false statements about the intended use of the loan proceeds. As a result of his material falsehoods and omissions, Kaeding initially received approximately $1,642,670 in fraud proceeds before some banks detected irregularities and clawed back some of the money. This left Kaeding with $658,490 in fraud proceeds, which he transferred to bank accounts—often opened in the names of close family members—that he controlled. Kaeding then used his fraud proceeds to, among other things, get his personal residence out of impending foreclosure, purchase an SUV, and stockpile more than $80,000 in cash. In early 2021, Kaeding fled to Colombia in an apparent attempt to evade prosecution. Law enforcement eventually located Kaeding and successfully deported him back to the United States to face prosecution. Following a ten-day trial before Judge Eric C. Tostrud in U.S. District Court, a jury found Kaeding guilty on August 2, 2024, of three counts of wire fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of money laundering. A sentencing hearing will take place at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and IRS. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan L. Sing and Robert M. Lewis tried the case.


title: Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Charge

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced ANTHONY SANTOS, also known as “A-1,” 36, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 17, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and Hartford Police Department conducted a court-authorized search of Santos’ apartment on Park Street in Hartford. When investigators entered the apartment, Santos ran to the window and threw a loaded Draco 7.62x39mm firearm with a high-capacity magazine containing 30 rounds of ammunition. The firearm landed on a rooftop below and was recovered. Inside the apartment, investigators seized, three firearm magazines, ammunition, a small amount of fentanyl, large bags containing bulk quantities of marijuana, thousands of bags of marijuana in pre-packaged sleeves, drug processing and packaging materials, jewelry, and cash. A search of two vehicles associated with Santos that were parked near the apartment revealed a loaded Smith &Wesson .357 revolver and a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol, both of which had been reported as stolen. Santos’ criminal history includes state convictions for felony narcotics distribution offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for October 29, at which time Santos faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. Santos has been detained since October 17, 2023. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has assisted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reed Durham and Geoffrey Stone. 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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Members of U.S. Attorney’s Office Join Local Law Enforcement and the Community for National Night Out

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia joined law enforcement partners, along with community organizers and neighbors, at Sycamore & Oak in the District’s Congress Heights neighborhood, for National Night Out this evening. “Our fellow community members both inspire us in our work and are invaluable partners in our efforts to hold those who harm our community accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “On National Night Out, we thank our fellow community members for all that they are doing in this fight—the 35% reduction in violent crime we have seen this year would not be possible without their partnership.” This year, hundreds of residents across the District of Columbia participated in various National Night Out events in their communities. This annual community-building campaign promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve in order to foster safer neighborhoods. Established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice, the initiative is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization. With coordination by local law enforcement and community partners, National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together in a positive way, by hosting neighborhood block parties, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, and more fun activities. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe. For more information, visit https://natw.org/ .


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Additional Sentence Against Defendant for Escape from Federal Custody

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A defendant previously convicted for assaulting an intimate partner was sentenced to an additional 14 months in prison after escaping from federal custody while transitioning to a residential reentry program. According to court documents, William Valencia , 33, an enrolled member of Laguna Pueblo, was initially sentenced on January 23, 2020, to 75 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for assault of an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating. On July 27, 2023, while at Diersen Residential Reentry Center in Albuquerque, Valencia tested positive for alcohol and left the facility without permission. He remained at large until October 5, 2023, when he was arrested by Albuquerque Police for possession of fentanyl. Upon his release from prison, Valencia will be subject to an additional three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today. The United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Texas Resident Sentenced To 30 Years For Travel With Intent To Engage In Illicit Sexual Conduct And Sexual Exploitation Of A Child

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Wayne Green, age 64, of Irving, Texas, was sentenced to 360 months in prison for one count of Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct and 360 months in prison for one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child. The terms of imprisonment are to be served concurrently. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office. On January 2, 2024, Green pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators, in July 2022, Green traveled from his home in Texas to the Eastern District of Oklahoma to engage in sexual acts with a child under the age of twelve, caused the child to engage in sexual conduct, and used his cell phone to create photos and videos of the child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. “This defendant made the depraved decision to sexually exploit a child, not only failing to meet any standard of human decency, but choosing instead to inflict pain and suffering on an innocent victim,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Joseph Skarda of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “I’m grateful for the collaborative effort between the FBI and our law enforcement partners to ensure Mr. Green will spend the next 30 years behind prison walls, where he undoubtedly belongs.” “Michael Wayne Green violated his position of trust in the most horrifying, reprehensible, and detestable manner possible,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “I commend the collaborative work of the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sequoyah County District Attorney’s Office, and federal prosecutors in bringing Green to account for his heinous crimes.” The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Green will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorneys Morgan Muzljakovich and Jessica Bove represented the United States. 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.justice.gov/psc . We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding child sexual exploitation, trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography, or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement. You can file a report on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)'s website at www.cybertipline.com , call 1-800-843-5678, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or call 877-4-HSI TIP.


title: New Jersey Man Sentenced for Money Laundering and Identity Theft in Scheme Linked to City of Lexington

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A North Bergen, N.J., man, Jean Mejia-Garcia was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to 72 months, for conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated identity theft. He was also ordered to pay $4,690,870.81 in restitution. According to his plea agreement, from February 2022 to February 2023, Garcia worked with his co-conspirators, Nana Kwabena Amuah and Shimea McDonald, to commit money laundering. Garcia also worked for Amuah to procure fake identity documents, establish shell companies with numerous Secretaries of State, and open bank accounts in the names of other, real people to receive funds that Amuah directed towards the accounts. Once the money was received in those accounts, Amuah would notify Garcia of the payments and directed Garcia to bring him the stolen funds, after Garcia retained his portion. Garcia would then wire or bring money or checks to the co-conspirators who facilitated further transfers or initiated the underlying scheme to defraud the victims. Garcia also helped to procure fake identification cards for other coconspirators to use to open bank accounts for the purpose of laundering other victim funds. In August 2022, using email, the coconspirators impersonated a nonprofit organization working to reduce poverty, which was working with the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government (the “City”) on a housing project. The coconspirators then convinced a City official to wire funds owed to the nonprofit organization, to a bank account at Truist Bank. That account was in the name of Gretson Company LLC, but coconspirator Shimea McDonald had opened that account, in the name of another person, using a fake identity card provided by Garcia. The City wired a total of $3,905,837.05 to the Gretson Company LLC bank account at Truist Bank. At Amuah’s direction and using checks provided by McDonald, Garcia then wrote checks, funded with the money the City had wired, to other bank accounts. Ultimately, Truist Bank and the City were able to recover all the funds that were transmitted. Amuah was previously sentenced to 86 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. McDonald was previously sentenced to 80 months, followed by three years of supervised release. Both were ordered to pay $4,690,870.81 in restitution. Under federal law, Garcia must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department; jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. — END —


title: California Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine and Fentanyl and Firearm Charges

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Ramon Lopez-Larios, age 53, of San Ysidro, California, was sentenced August 6, 2024 in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 100 grams or more of fentanyl and for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Lopez-Larios to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Lopez-Larios is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. He will also forfeit $2,900.00 in U.S. currency to the United States as drug proceeds. On August 18, 2022, Nebraska State Patrol conducted a traffic stop of a California vehicle on I-80 at mile marker 231. Law enforcement utilized a K-9, which indicated to the presence of narcotics. Law enforcement then searched the vehicle and located two statues. Law enforcement used a Viken Backscatter X-ray machine, and it showed concealed packages inside the statues. Troopers tested the packages, and they contained meth. Law enforcement seized 59 pounds of meth and 9 pounds of fentanyl from the vehicle. Upon further investigation, a firearm was located inside a bucket in the back of the vehicle. Law enforcement confirmed that Lopez-Larios is an illegal alien. In addition, $2,900.00 in U.S. currency was seized from Lopez-Larios’ pants pocket. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: Louisville Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A Louisville, Ky., man, Arthur Powers Jr., 44, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 250 months, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to his plea agreement, Powers was found to be in possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to others. Specifically, on September 10, 2023, enforcement was informed that Powers was travelling to Laurel County from Louisville to deliver five pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement then stopped Powers’ vehicle and seized 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine, which he later admitted he was bringing into the area to distribute. Under federal law, Powers must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Dotson prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. — END —


title: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO BECOMES SECOND CARIBBEAN NATION TO IMPLEMENT INTERPOL WASHINGTON BORDER SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS

component: Interpol Washington

body_text: INTERPOL Washington, with support from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), has deployed advanced technology and software solutions in Trinidad and Tobago that will help law enforcement detect and interdict transnational criminals and terrorists traveling through the nation. Trinidad and Tobago is now the second nation in CARICOM to implement these sophisticated border security enhancements, following Barbados’s announcement on July 26 . “This tremendous milestone underscores the vital importance of international partnerships in enhancing border security,” said INTERPOL Washington’s lead for Project Terminus, Keith Hood. “By working together with Trinidad and Tobago, we are fortifying not only their borders but also the security of the entire Caribbean region and beyond. Collaborative efforts like these are essential in our global fight against crime and terrorism.” Through Project Terminus, an INTERPOL Washington team successfully installed two custom software solutions: the Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) Workbench and the Stolen Motor Vehicles (SMV) Workbench, both developed by INTERPOL Washington. These systems empower Trinidad and Tobago to efficiently share, manage, and extend vital document and vehicle information with 195 other INTERPOL member nations. The newly installed applications include 11,000 test records and 243 live records that have already been successfully uploaded to the INTERPOL SLTD database. The SLTD Workbench solution has also been used to extend 100 expiring records. They also enhanced critical day-to-day operations for INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Trinidad and Tobago. Lt. Col. Michael Jones, Executive Director of CARICOM IMPACS, stated that crime and criminality is an issue that affects everyone in the region. “It is for this reason that collaboration among agencies is important to combat the effects of crime and terrorism that are plaguing our Member States. CARICOM IMPACS is pleased to partner with and support Project Terminus as we work together to reduce and eliminate the impact of this scourge.” The success was achievable through funding from the U.S. Department of State Counter Terrorism Bureau and close coordination with NCB Trinidad and Tobago. INTERPOL Washington’s Project Terminus, a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of State, aims to enhance INTERPOL screening and record submission by member countries by providing cutting-edge computer hardware and custom software solutions. These initiatives are designed to streamline service adoption and maximize data usability and effectiveness. Beyond its primary goal of capacity-building, Project Terminus is pivotal in supporting the broader U.S. government law enforcement mission. By fostering connections between U.S. government law enforcement agencies and partner nation entities, this project enhances the law enforcement capabilities of partner nations and helps build a safer world.


title: Two Nigerian Men Extradited to U.S. in Connection With the Sextortion and Death of an Area Young Man

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Imoleayo Samuel Aina, 26, and Samuel Olasunkanmi Abiodun, 24, were extradited from Nigeria to the United States to face charges related to the sexual extortion and death of a young man in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Aina is charged with cyberstalking, interstate threat to injure reputation, and receiving proceeds of extortion. Both Aina and Abiodun are charged with wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. After being charged by complaint, Aina and Abiodun were arrested in Nigeria and taken into custody by the FBI on July 31, 2024. They were extradited to the United States with the assistance of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI Legal Attaché in Abuja, and the FBI. The support and assistance of Nigerian security authorities was essential to this effort, notably that of Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Justice’s International Criminal Justice Cooperation Department, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Aina and Abiodun have now been brought to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for prosecution and appeared in federal magistrate court in Philadelphia before U.S. Magistrate Elizabeth T. Hey on Friday, August 2. If convicted of the charged offenses, Aina faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment, and Abiodun faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Abington Township Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Brown. An indictment, information or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Michigan

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in several communities in western Michigan for the Aug. 5 primary election. The department will monitor in Allegan County (Clyde Township and the City of Fennville) and Van Buren County (Covert Township). The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order. The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Act and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting . Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section . Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.


title: El Departamento de Justicia monitoreará el cumplimiento de las leyes federales de derechos electorales en Michigan

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que monitoreará el cumplimiento con las leyes federales electorales en varias comunidades en la región oeste de Michigan en las elecciones primarias del 5 de agosto. El Departamento monitoreará en Allegan County (Clyde Township y la ciudad de Fennville) y en Van Buren County (Covert Township). El Departamento de Justicia hace cumplir las leyes federales de derechos electorales que protegen el derecho de acceso a las urnas de todos los ciudadanos. El Departamento envía su personal periódicamente a monitorear el cumplimiento con las leyes federales de derechos civiles en las elecciones de comunidades a través de todo el país. Además, la División de Derechos Civiles envía observadores federales de la Oficina de Administración de Personal de EE. UU., según autorizado por una orden judicial federal. La Sección de Votación de la División de Derechos Civiles, en colaboración con las Oficinas de los Fiscales Federales, vela por el cumplimiento de las leyes federales civiles que protegen el derecho al voto, incluyendo la Ley del Derecho al Voto, la Ley Nacional de Inscripción de Votantes, la Ley Ayudemos a Estados Unidos a Votar, y la Ley de Votación para los Uniformados y los Ciudadanos en el Extranjero. Información adicional sobre la votación y las elecciones está disponible en el sitio web del Departamento de Justicia en Civil Rights Division | Sección de votación | United States Department of Justice . Denuncias relacionadas a posibles vulneraciones de las leyes federales de derechos electorales pueden presentarse mediate el formulario en línea de la División de Derechos Civiles en Comuníquese con la División de Derechos Civiles | Departamento de Justicia (justice.gov) (disponible en español) o por teléfono al (800) 253-3931.


title: Non-Profit Executive Convicted Of Conspiring To Defraud Federal Government And To Obstruct Federal Administrative Proceeding

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that on Friday, August 2, 2024, a jury found ARIE RANGOTT guilty of conspiring to defraud the federal Head Start program, to submit a false document to the federal government, and to obstruct a federal administrative proceeding. RANGOTT was found guilty following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2024. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “By secretly exploiting a non-profit entity for personal gain, Arie Rangott defrauded the federal government and undermined the public’s trust in the Head Start program. This Office is committed to pursuing justice against those who place greed above their responsibility to be stewards of federal funds, and I commend our law enforcement partners and the dedicated team of career prosecutors of this Office for their outstanding work.” According to the Indictment, public court filings, and the evidence presented at trial: Between 2021 and January 2023, RANGOTT was the shadow executive director of a non-profit entity, Project Social Care Head Start Inc. (“PSCHS”), that operated in the New York City area. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), which administers the federal Head Start program, annually granted to PSCHS millions of dollars that were to be overseen by an independent board of directors, to be used exclusively on the Head Start program, and from which earning a profit is prohibited by law. RANGOTT and others conspired to submit numerous fictitious documents to HHS that fraudulently asserted PSCHS had an independent board of directors and had in place controls to guard against fraud, waste, and abuse. In truth, PSCHS had neither an independent board nor sufficient controls in place. RANGOTT and his co-conspirators used their control over PSCHS to impermissibly direct PSCHS’s Head Start funding to for-profit companies owned by co-conspirators through rampant undisclosed self-dealing. In December 2021, HHS sent a letter to PSCHS detailing several complaints about self-dealing at PSCHS, among other things. In response, RANGOTT and his co-conspirators prepared and submitted a report to HHS that falsely denied the self-dealing and made other misstatements. Then, in August and September 2022, the HHS Office of the Inspector General opened an investigation into related issues at PSCHS. RANGOTT and his co-conspirators agreed to obstruct that investigation by lying to the investigators, coordinating stories, and submitting false documents. Several of RANGOTT’s co-conspirators have pled guilty. Among others, Martin Handler and Menachem Lieberman, each of whom secretly controlled PSCHS and directed PSCHS to steer federal funds to their own for-profit companies, pled guilty in March 2024. Isidore Handler, who played a significant role in falsifying documents submitted to HHS, pled guilty in September 2023. All three await sentencing. * * * RANGOTT, 54, of Toms River, New Jersey, was convicted of conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to falsify documents and records, and conspiracy to obstruct an agency proceeding. Each of the three offenses carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the HHS Office of the Inspector General. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General and the New York City Department of Investigation for their assistance. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob R. Fiddelman, Catherine Ghosh, Stephanie Simon, and Daniel H. Wolf are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Jayda Foote.


title: Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Accessory after the Fact. The sentencing took place on August 1, 2024. Charles Brings Plenty, age 32, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,938.48 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Brings Plenty was indicted for the charges of Second-Degree Murder and False Statement by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. He pleaded guilty to Accessory after the Fact on April 3, 2024. Brings Plenty and his juvenile codefendant picked up the victim from the East Ridge housing area in Pine Ridge on the evening of April 21, 2023. Brings Plenty and the juvenile defendant went to a fairly isolated area near the Old Sundance Grounds in Pine Ridge. Brings Plenty and the juvenile codefendant were intoxicated. On the way to the Old Sundance Grounds, the death of a relative that Brings Plenty and the juvenile codefendant shared was brought up. Brings Plenty got out of the car and began to question the victim. The juvenile codefendant used the vehicle to assault the victim and then assaulted him with a black baseball bat. Brings Plenty assisted the juvenile codefendant and then left the victim. The victim was reported missing by his family approximately two-weeks later. In July of 2023, the skeletal remains of a human were found north of the Old Sundance Grounds. DNA testing revealed that the remains were that of the victim. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case. Brings Plenty was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.