title: New Orleans Man Guilty of  Firearm Possession to  Further Drug Trafficking

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – JOSHUA WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”) , age 21, pled guilty on December 12, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, WILLIAMS sold marijuana in the New Orleans area, including through his Instagram accounts. WILLIAMS frequently posted photos and videos to Instagram showing him in possession of firearms, marijuana, and large amounts of cash. Law enforcement tracked a GMC Sierra pickup truck, stolen in New Orleans to WILLIAMS’s residence. Officers executed a search warrant at WILLIAMS’s residence and recovered the following items: a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber firearm (reported stolen), a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter firearm, and a large glass jar containing 75 grams of marijuana, some of which was packaged for distribution. Both firearms were loaded and had extended magazines. WILLIAMS possessed the firearms and ammunition in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. WILLIAMS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by theUnited States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.


title: Alleged Crabtree Valley Mall Shooter Indicted for Possessing a Firearm and Ammo as a Convicted Felon

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – On November 21, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a Durham man after allegedly being involved in an October shootout at Crabtree Valley Mall. “The holiday season is a time for peace on earth – not shootouts in the parking deck,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “Our Violent Crime Team is working even more closely with local law enforcement this holiday, including using federal tools to keep our community safe.” According to the indictment and information presented to the court, Jamarion Burton, 22, allegedly possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon when he engaged in a shootout with another group of individuals at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh on October 26, 2024. The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) quickly responded to the scene where the shooting occurred and apprehended one suspect. After speaking to multiple witnesses and viewing surveillance footage from the mall, RPD allegedly identified Burton and learned that he and his companion had gotten into a verbal altercation with another group of individuals while inside the mall. The alleged altercation continued into the parking deck where both groups exchanged gunfire. Upon law enforcement arriving, Burton’s group allegedly fled the scene. Burton was later apprehended in Durham by the RPD with the assistance of the Durham Police Department. Burton had one of the firearms allegedly used in the mall shooting on his person at the time of his arrest. Burton is charged with one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison. The prosecution is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing. It is also a case that 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. Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and RPD are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaren E. Kelly is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Inver Grove Heights Man Indicted on Multiple Child Exploitation Charges

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – An Inver Grove Heights man has been charged with multiple counts related to the production of child sexual abuse material and for coercing minors to engage in unlawful sexual conduct, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, Samuel Eric Snell, 45, a.k.a. “Storm Blackwood” and “Candy Man Sam MN,” was a member of an online community on the gaming platform Discord that sold “services” to adult customers. Specifically, minor girls, referred to as “kittens,” would sell online companionship to adults, referred to as “masters,” in exchange for monetary payments, usually made through CashApp or as in-kind gifts. These Discord channel names included “Fun Time Kitty Klub,” “Pretty Kitty Hangout,” “Safe Kitten Konnection,” and “Kitten Server Name.” Direct messages obtained from Snell’s Discord account show he actively solicited illicit images from his chat partners—many of whom self-identified as minors and indicated that they were grappling with gender identity, sexuality, and mental health concerns. In general, Snell followed the same script when soliciting images from these minors, beginning with a request for photos of the minors’ inner thigh and then progressing to their pubic region. In several instances, Snell solicited and received sexually-explicit images of minor victims in an intent to groom them to eventually produce child sexual abuse material. Snell also sent his minor victims electronic sex toys that he controlled remotely, and then solicited and received depictions of them using the devices. On at least two occasions, Snell took a minor to a hotel, paid them $100 to engage in sexual intercourse, and provided emergency contraception afterwards. Investigators believe there may be other victims relevant to this investigation. If your minor dependent(s) have been in contact with Samuel Eric Snell, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov. The indictment charges Snell with six counts of production of child pornography and two counts of coercing a minor to engage in prostitution. Snell made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court yesterday before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster. A detention hearing has been scheduled for December 17, 2024. 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. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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 . This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, with assistance from the Inver Grove Heights Police and Woodbury Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison on Drug Charges

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BOISE – Efren Alexander Aviles-Pacheco, 29, of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, illegally living in Ontario, Oregon, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Senior U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Aviles-Pacheco to serve 10 years of supervised release, but advised Aviles-Pacheco that he will most certainly be deported to Mexico after serving his sentence. According to court records, Aviles-Pacheco, was arrested on November 22, 2022, in a motel room in Nampa. He was found in possession of 122 grams of methamphetamine, 365 grams of fentanyl, 29 grams of cocaine, $3,415 in cash, and a 9mm handgun. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on August 5, 2024. In 2019, Aviles-Pacheco was previously convicted of the same charge in the District of Idaho. On February 12, 2019, Aviles-Pacheco was sentenced to 46 months in prison and was deported to Mexico after serving his sentence. Shortly after being deported, he returned to the United States and resumed his drug trafficking activities. At sentencing, Judge Winmill found that he was likely responsible for the death of at least two individuals who overdosed on drugs provided by him. Judge Winmill stated that “if ever there was a case that screamed out for a long prison sentence, this is the case.” Aviles-Pacheco is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his status of being an illegal alien, yet in both of his federal cases, he possessed handguns. Aviles-Pacheco is the latest member of an Ontario, Oregon family that has been convicted of drug trafficking crimes. Aviles-Pacheco’s father, Efren Ramon Aviles-Lopez, a/k/a Marcelo Sanchez-Espinoza, was sentenced in the District of Idaho in 2015 to serve 20 years for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; His mother, Alma Loreno Pacheco-Ortiz, was sentenced in 2024 in the District of Oregon to time served and five years of supervised release after she was arrested transporting 40 pounds of methamphetamine, a kilo of heroin, and a firearm; His grandfather, Efren Avilez-Lopez, was sentenced in 2024 to 9 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 20 pounds of methamphetamine in the District of Idaho; His grandmother, Maria Medina-Zeveda, was sentenced in 2024 to 37 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 20 pounds of methamphetamine in the District of Idaho; His uncle, Victor Pacheco-Ortiz, was sentenced in 2024 to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 21 pounds of methamphetamine in the District of Idaho; and His sister, Esmeralda Aviles-Pacheco, was indicted, on December 10, 2024, on two counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of distributing fentanyl in the District of Idaho. On December 11, 2024, she appeared in court on the indictment and entered a not guilty plea. A trial was scheduled for February 10, 2025. “Through his repeated involvement in this longstanding drug trafficking operation in Oregon, this defendant has earned every day of his 15-year sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I commend our prosecutors and thank our law enforcement partners—in both Idaho and Oregon—for dismantling criminal networks like this one and eliminating drug distribution pathways into Idaho.” “We at the Drug Enforcement Administration and our partners work tirelessly to protect our community from people who sell drugs that harm and kill our citizens,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Repeat offenders like Mr. Aviles-Pacheco richly deserve long prison terms, since it is clear that there is no other way to keep our communities safe from them. Make no mistake: If you deal drugs in Idaho, our team will hold you accountable.” U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Nampa Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the High Desert Drug Task Force, with assistance from the Payette County Task Force, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian S. Nafzger prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. The High Desert Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. They are supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). An indictment is merely an allegation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Former Mustang Public Schools Payroll Services Director Pleads Guilty to Defrauding School District Out of More Than $471,000 and Filing a False Tax Return

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, KIM WEINRICH , 67, of Mustang, pleaded guilty to committing wire fraud and making and subscribing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On December 3, 2024, Weinrich was charged by Information with wire fraud and making and subscribing a false tax return. Public records reflect that between 2014 and April 2022, Weinrich was employed by Mustang Public Schools (the “District”) as Payroll Supervisor and was later promoted to Director of Payroll Services in 2021. In her roles with the District, Weinrich was responsible for administering, processing, and reconciling the bi-monthly payroll for the District’s employees. According to the Information, beginning in July 2016, Weinrich manipulated the District’s payroll accounting software to increase her net pay each pay period, and deposited the stolen funds into her personal bank account. Weinrich’s scheme resulted in several District employees underreporting their federal and state withholdings, which reduced the amount of their tax refunds. In all, between July 2016 and April 2022, Weinrich defrauded the District out of approximately $471,657.91. Additionally, public records indicate that Weinrich manipulated the District’s payroll accounting software to make it appear as if she paid substantial amounts in federal income taxes, when in reality, Weinrich had no federal income taxes withheld. On April 5, 2022, Weinrich filed a federal tax return where she reported an income that was substantially lower than the actual income received due to the fraud. On December 12, 2024, Weinrich pleaded guilty to the Information, and admitted that she adjusted payroll amounts to herself to increase her income, manipulated payroll software to make it appear as if she were paying substantial amounts in federal and state income taxes when in fact she wasn’t, and filed a federal tax return declaring she made $91,295 while knowing the actual income received was substantially more. At sentencing, Weinrich faces up to 23 years in federal prison and fines up to $350,000. This case is the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Brown is prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced for Six Federal Drug and Gun Crimes

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAMES WALLACE (“WALLACE”) , age 25, was sentenced on December 11, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to 88 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, along with a $600 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), (b)(1)(D), and 846; two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). According to court documents, on June 22, 2021, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) detectives were conducting surveillance in an area north of Airline Highway in Metairie, a frequent site of drug trafficking and firearms offenses. JPSO detectives observed WALLACE carrying a Glock Model 17 handgun equipped with a micro conversion kit, which places the handgun within a rifle-style platform. WALLACE is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior state drug trafficking offense. On October 13, 2021, WALLACE led a Louisiana State Police trooper on a dangerous car chase and, while evading law enforcement, threw several blister packs of tapentadol out of the window. Only months later, in January of 2022, special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) observed WALLACE back in the same area of Metairie where he was previously observed. On January 4th, ATF special agents observed WALLACE holding two handguns and carrying an orange backpack. Two days later, on January 6th, ATF special agents observed WALLACE carrying the same orange backpack and conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions with a handgun in his waistband. WALLACE handed the backpack, that contained fentanyl, heroin, marijuana, and tapentadol, to a co-conspirator who was arrested later that day. Despite the arrests of several of his co-conspirators, WALLACE continued to deal drugs in that same area and, on January 25th, he sold cocaine base to a confidential informant for the ATF. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Assault of Two Senior Citizens Gets DC Man 26 Year Prison Term

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Travon Eliy, also known as Travon Jackson, 38, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced for assault with intent to kill a senior citizen in a gun-free zone and other charges stemming from a robbery and daytime shooting that took place behind an elementary school in Southeast Washington. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). On December 9, 2024, the Honorable Milton C. Lee sentenced Eliy to 26 years in prison for his role in the attacks on both elderly victims. These charges carry an enhancement for crimes against senior citizens, which resulted in the above-guidelines sentence. Eliy was found guilty on April 18, 2019, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The jury also found him guilty of a total of 18 charges, including armed robbery of a senior citizen in a gun-free zone, and related assault and firearms offenses. According to the government’s evidence, on the afternoon of April 1, 2016, the victim, a 67-year-old woman, was walking home when she was followed by Eliy into an apartment building in the 600 block of Savannah Street S.E. Once inside, Eliy put a gun to her head and began pulling at her purse. Eliy dragged her out of the building and down a walkway before getting away with her purse. The woman screamed for help and a Good Samaritan, a 61-year-old man, intervened. The man was able to stop Eliy by pushing him up against a parked car. It was then that Eliy fired his gun one time at close range into the man’s chest before fleeing the scene. The shooting took place in broad daylight behind Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School. MPD officers stopped the defendant within 10 minutes of the shooting. In announcing the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Lenerz; former Special Counsel for DNA and Forensic Evidence Litigation Michael Ambrosino; former Forensic Operations Program Specialist Elizabeth Marrero; former Paralegal Specialists Kathryn Hoey, Sabrina Turner; former Victim/Witness Services Coordinator La June Thames, and former Finance Specialists Karen Lee-Putt, Marquetta Little and Sallie Rynas and Paralegal Specialists Lynda Randolph and Lashone Samuels. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah C. Santiago, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Bank Fraud Lands Former Bank Senior Vice President in Federal Prison for 16 Months

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, JOHN PADILLA , 44, of Lawton, was sentenced to serve 16 months in federal prison for bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On May 7, 2024, Padilla was charged by Information with bank fraud. According to the Information, between February 2013 and December 2019, Padilla served as senior vice president and commercial loan officer for a federally insured bank located in Lawton. During that time, Padilla executed a scheme in which he recruited borrowers to apply for loans, many of which were not creditworthy and were in fact Padilla’s friends and associates. Padilla told the borrowers he would use the loan proceeds to invest in his real estate ventures, and that he would pay the borrowers a percentage of the profit. In reality, Padilla would use most of the loan proceeds to support his gambling habit, while also using proceeds to make payments toward prior loans issued as part of the scheme. In all, Padilla’s actions cost the bank more than $1,000,000. On June 17, 2024, Padilla pleaded guilty, and admitted to recruiting an associate to apply for a loan, knowing the proceeds were for his own personal use. At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Padilla to serve 16 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. In announcing her sentence, Judge Dishman noted the seriousness of the offense and that it had spanned several years. Judge Dishman further explained that the fraud Padilla committed against his former, long-time employer, caused a significant loss to the bank. The Court also ordered Padilla to pay $1,092,135.50 in restitution. This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Brown prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Berkeley Man Sentenced To Six Years In Prison For Unlawful Possession Of Firearms And Ammunition

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: OAKLAND – A Berkeley man was sentenced this week to 72 months in federal prison for possession of firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a felony. The Honorable Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr., U.S. District Judge, imposed the sentence following the defendant’s guilty plea on one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of felon in possession of ammunition. According to his plea agreement, Rufus Rogers, 45, admitted to possession of firearms and ammunition when he knew he was a convicted felon. On Feb. 17, 2023, Rogers approached another person outside of a liquor store on San Pablo Avenue in Oakland with a loaded firearm between Rogers’s hands. Rogers followed the other person around the corner and engaged in a verbal altercation. After the other person fired one shot into the air, Rogers raised his gun towards the person and fired three rounds. Rogers also admitted to having multiple firearms in his possession on or about Aug. 2, 2023. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Gilliam also sentenced Rogers to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered Rogers to forfeit his interest in the recovered firearms and ammunition. The defendant was remanded into custody on Dec. 11, 2024. United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani made the announcement. Special Assistant United States Attorney Jillian Harvey is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by ATF.


title: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Carrying Loaded Firearm at MBTA Station in Boston

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to illegally carrying a loaded pistol. The defendant, a felon who also possessed armor-piercing ammunition, was first identified when his online purchasing history showed that he was acquiring firearm accessories and various chemicals that could create incendiary or explosive compounds. Pepo Herd El a/k/a Pepo Wamchawi Herd, 51, of Dorchester, pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Jan. 2, 2025. Herd El was arrested on Thanksgiving Day 2020 and has been detained in custody since that time. For about a year preceding his arrest, Herd El made many online firearms-related purchases, including buying a laser sight, magazines and a concealable holster. Herd El also purchased extended magazine plates, which allow magazines to hold more rounds, and a Glock firing pin safety, which reduces the force required to pull the trigger. Manufacturers claim that this modification decreases the fatigue that a user may experience when firing multiple rounds. According to court documents, Herd El adhered to the sovereign citizen ideology, which is generally considered anti-government and anti-authority. On Nov. 26, 2020, Herd El took a bus from his house in Dorchester to the Ruggles MBTA station. At Ruggles, Herd El was detained and searched pursuant to a search warrant. During that search, a loaded semi-automatic pistol, a laser sight, three spare magazines, 45 rounds of ammunition, a knife, and an infrared camera were discovered. Herd El was also wearing a bullet-proof vest and a jacket that had “security” written on it. He told law enforcement officers that he was on his way to Thanksgiving dinner. During a subsequent search of Herd El’s Dorchester residence, another magazine loaded with armor-piercing rounds was recovered. Additionally, various drawings of gun barrel designs, firearms suppressors and bullets were on the apartment walls. In the kitchen and dining area, various tools that could manufacture ammunition were found. A chemistry book containing handwritten notes about the materials needed to make TNT and C-4 was also found. Due to several 2004 state convictions for possessing firearms without permits and other crimes, Herd El is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Beck and Timothy Kistner of the National Security Unit are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Tolkoff of the Criminal Division also assisted in the prosecution.


title: Brooklyn Man Convicted of Threatening to Shoot and Kill Employees of the New York State Department of Labor

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Quadri Garnes of transmission of threats to injure. The verdict followed a five-day trial before United States District Judge Nina R. Morrison. When sentenced, Garnes faces up to five years in prison. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Daniel B. Brubaker, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS), announced the verdict. “The defendant used threats of violence as a weapon to terrorize government employees because he couldn’t get what he wanted and today, the jury’s verdict spoke loudly that such conduct will not be tolerated,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “My Office is committed to protecting civil servants who are subjected to work-related threats, and we will do so by vigorously prosecuting offenders like the defendant and demonstrating that there are consequences for such conduct.” “Today’s guilty verdict should signal to anyone who makes threats of violence against federal employees, or through creating an environment of fear, attempts to impede or obstruct the services these employees provide to the American people, that your actions will absolutely not be tolerated on any level. Postal Inspectors and our law enforcement partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York, will bring anyone who attempts or threatens to harm these dedicated employees to justice,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Brubaker. As proven at trial, Garnes was employed as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service (USPS) at the Homecrest post office in Brooklyn from March 26, 2022 to May 29, 2022. After crashing his postal truck into two vehicles, Garnes was terminated on May 31, 2022. Garnes subsequently applied for unemployment benefits but was denied because he had worked for the USPS for fewer than 60 days and was thus ineligible to receive benefits. On the morning of September 29, 2022, Garnes called the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) and was advised that he had worked for the USPS for too short a period to be eligible to receive benefits. In response, he threatened to shoot and kill employees of the USPS and DOL. During the 45-minute recorded call with two DOL employees, Garnes’s statements included: If I go back to the post office, I’m gonna shoot somebody. Y’all gonna make me go to jail for killing somebody. Do the city want me to kill five or six different people? I got 18 and a half years in jail. It don’t bother me to be in jail. I made myself, meaning like I’m made, as long as I’m in the New York City jail, I’m good. You might see this s--t on TV. Just remember my name. You might see it on TV tonight. You, just remember my name! Somebody might get shot today coming out of Department of Labor. Believe me, I’ll be at the New York State Department of Labor down on Schermerhorn or Livingston Street and I will make a big f----ng deal out of it. Garnes’s threats triggered an immediate response by the DOL, the New York State Police and by Postal Inspectors, who took precautions against Garnes’s return to the postal facility where he had briefly worked and the DOL office he named. Garnes was arrested approximately two weeks after making his threats. Assistant United States Attorneys Antoinette N. Rangel and Alexander Mindlin are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Rebecca Roth. The Defendant : QUADRI GARNES Age: 48 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-487 (NRM)


title: Los Angeles Man Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tracy Arnett, 39, of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit money laundering, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, from August 2023 through March 2024, Arnett and three co-conspirators conducted multiple financial transactions involving funds they believed to be proceeds of cocaine trafficking. Their belief as to the nature of the funds was based on representations of an individual working at the direction of law enforcement. In total, the co-conspirators received approximately $940,000 in purported drug trafficking proceeds. Of that amount, the co-conspirators laundered approximately $811,000. This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Thuesen and Whitnee Goins are prosecuting the case. A sentencing date for Arnett has not been set. Arnett is scheduled for a status conference regarding sentencing before U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins on June 13, 2025. Arnett faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the court’s discretion after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: Madison Man Sentenced to 14 Months for Passing Counterfeit $100 Bills

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Alex J. Stubbs, 27, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 14 months in federal prison for passing counterfeit U.S. currency. Stubbs pleaded guilty to this charge on September 19, 2024. He was also ordered to pay $3,400 in restitution. Between July and November 2023, Stubbs and codefendant Cornelius Stewart presented counterfeit $100 bills to more than three dozen merchants throughout Wisconsin. Stubbs and Stewart presented the phony bills when making small purchases, thereby receiving significant amounts of change in legitimate U.S. currency. Stewart manufactured the bills and gave them to Stubbs in exchange for legitimate currency. Stewart pleaded guilty on December 9, 2024. His sentencing is scheduled for February 27, 2025. The charges against Stubbs and Stewart were the result of an investigation conducted by Madison, Fitchburg, Sun Prairie, Cottage Grove, Cross Plains, Lake Mills, Marshall, Verona, Shorewood Hills, Tomah, Oconomowoc Police Departments, as well as the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson prosecuted this case.


title: Vacaville Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm Possession And Manufacturing DMT

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Robert Charles Crist, 58, of Vacaville, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm and manufacturing a controlled substance, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on Sept. 20, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Crist’s home and found a lab he used to manufacture N,N‑Dimethyltryptamine , or “DMT,” a Schedule I controlled substance. Crist traveled to Hawaii to obtain plant materials for manufacturing DMT, which he mailed back to California. From the plant materials, Crist extracted DMT liquid, which he then converted into a smokable crystalline form for distribution. Officers also found Crist in possession of a firearm. Crist is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has five prior felony convictions. This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Solano County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau is prosecuting the case. Crist is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Dena Coggins on March 21, 2025. Crist faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the firearm count and a maximum of 20 years in prison for the manufacturing a controlled substance count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Houstonian ordered to prison for sending threatening emails to Harris County officials and others

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 42-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for his role in the transmission in interstate commerce containing a threat to injure the person of another, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jeremy James Joseph represented himself at the re-arraignment and sentencing and entered a guilty plea Dec. 13. U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal has now ordered Joseph to serve 16 years in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing the sadistic way Joseph repeatedly threatened his victims. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Joseph did not show remorse for his actions or the harm he caused his victims. Joseph admitted during his plea hearing to sending threatening emails to multiple victims, including judges, lawyers and court personnel in the Harris County judicial system over a two-year period. These messages included explicit threats, including a threat to “rage gunfire and bombs on Harris County,” as well as graphic descriptions of the violence he intended to commit. Joseph also admitted to sending similar emails to news media outlets, universities and hospitals both within and outside the Houston area. The emails contained not only threats but also numerous racial, homophobic and ethnic slurs, amplifying the severity of his actions. Joseph declined the opportunity to address the court during his sentencing, opting not to speak on his own behalf. “Jeremy James Joseph's despicable actions involved sending heinous threats through emails to judges, lawyers and public officials over two years, expressing intentions to commit unparalleled violence and chaos,” said Hamdani. “His conduct breached the safety and peace of mind essential for public servants to carry out their duties effectively. My office’s commitment to protecting public officials from such unparalleled threats ensures the integrity and continuous functioning of our justice system, prevents fear and chaos from taking root in its operations and keeps Mr. Joseph off the streets for the next 16 years.” Joseph will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard D. Hanes is prosecuting the case.


title: OFAC-Sanctioned Afghan Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Narco-Terrorism and Witness Tampering

body_text: Haji Abdul Satar Abdul Manaf, 59, of Afghanistan, also known as Haji Abdul Sattar Barakzai, was sentenced to 30 in prison for attempting to import heroin into the U.S., engaging in narco-terrorism for the benefit of the Taliban, attempting to engage in narco-terrorism for the benefit of the Haqqani Network, and witness tampering offenses. Manaf was convicted after a two-week jury trial that concluded in August. According to court documents, evidence at trial, and statements made in public court proceedings, the Treasury Department sanctioned Manaf in June 2012, pursuant to the U.S.’ terrorism sanctions authority, Executive Order No. 13224, for storing or moving money for the Taliban. Upon announcing the sanctions against Manaf, the Treasury Department stated that Manaf “donated thousands of dollars to the Taliban to support Taliban activities in Afghanistan and has distributed funds to the Taliban” and provided money “to aid the Taliban’s fight against Coalition Forces.” Beginning in at least January 2018, Manaf attempted to import large quantities of heroin into the United Sates; paid benefits to the Taliban to support his heroin trafficking; and attempted to provide financial support to the Haqqani Network, a violent faction of the Taliban. Specifically, Manaf participated at in-person meetings, recorded telephone calls, and electronic communications with five individuals whom Manaf understood to be affiliated with an international drug trafficking organization. During those meetings, Manaf helped arrange to import large quantities of heroin into the U.S. with the assistance of — and recognizing that some of the proceeds of that narcotics trafficking would be provided to — the Taliban and the Haqqani Network. Four of these individuals were, in fact, DEA confidential sources. The fifth was an undercover DEA agent (the UC). The Haqqani Network and the Taliban have committed highly public acts of terrorism against U.S. interests, including U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan. In August 2018, Manaf sold the UC a ten-kilogram shipment of heroin in Afghanistan, after the UC told Manaf that the heroin would ultimately be imported into the United States for sale in New York. Manaf repeatedly told the UC that Manaf had paid the Taliban in connection with the production of the ten-kilo shipment and reported that heavily armed members of the Taliban would guard and transport future heroin shipments for Manaf and the UC. In August 2018, Manaf facilitated the transfer of thousands of dollars of what he believed to be narcotics proceeds through his money-remitting business to individuals Manaf had been advised were members of the Haqqani Network. Manaf subsequently agreed to supply the UC with thousand-kilogram loads of heroin for importation into the United States. Following his arrest overseas and subsequent extradition, while incarcerated in New York pending trial in this case, Manaf directed members of his family in Afghanistan to kidnap and threaten a DEA source — a witness to his crimes — in an effort to silence him. Specifically, in a series of recorded prison calls in February and March 2019, Manaf directed his brothers to bring the source to Manaf’s family home, to “not let him go even for a minute,” to take the source’s phone, and to hand the source over to a “security chief” who would make the source “confess like a parrot” and “tell the whole story in two minutes.” Manaf’s brothers did just as he directed — they kidnapped that DEA source at gunpoint in Afghanistan and threatened to kill him. In addition to the prison term, Manaf was sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit the proceeds of his crimes. The DEA Special Operations Division’s Bilateral Investigations Unit; the DEA European Regional Director; the DEA Copenhagen, Canberra, Dubai, Islamabad, Kabul, New Delhi, and Sydney Country Offices; the Government of Estonia; and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg, Nicholas S. Bradley, and Kimberly J. Ravener for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Joshua Champagne of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.


title: Gardena Street Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Murdering Victim in Front of the Victim’s Home

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A member of the Gardena 13 street gang was sentenced today to life in federal prison for murdering a 29-year-old man in furtherance of the Gardena 13 gang in front of the victim’s family home in November 2020. Justin Arteaga, 24, a.k.a. “Hitta,” of Gardena, was sentenced by United States District Judge André Birotte Jr., who also ordered Arteaga to pay $37,554 in restitution. At the conclusion of a five-day trial, a jury on July 1 found Arteaga guilty of one count of violent crime in aid of racketeering (VICAR) murder. He has been in federal custody since December 2020. “This defendant senselessly took a promising young life and will now spend the rest of his days in federal prison,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Gang violence brings devastation on our most vulnerable communities and immeasurable pain on hard-working families. My heart goes out to the victim’s family, and I applaud them for their courage in supporting justice and accountability.” “This sentencing ensures that the defendant will no longer pose a threat to the community,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “I hope that today will bring some peace and comfort to a family that has lost so much. HSI Los Angeles and law enforcement partners remain unwavering in our dedication to fighting violent crime and ensuring that justice is served.” On November 13, 2020, the victim and his brother were seated in a parked car in front of their home when they were confronted by three men on foot – Arteaga, Antonio Yanez, 26, a.k.a. “Tank,” and George Hernandez, a.k.a. “Lil Vampy” – who were all armed with handguns. Yanez and George Hernandez were members of the Gardena 13 street gang, and Arteaga was an associate of the gang. Following the victim’s perceived disrespect of Gardena 13 and the three assailants, all three assailants pulled out guns and began shooting the victim. After the victim had been shot, the victim’s father stepped out to help his son at which point a shootout between the victim’s father and the assailants, including Gardena 13 gang member Jesus Hernandez, 31, a.k.a. “Rowdy,” occurred. Police and paramedics responded and treated the victim who died at the scene from gunshot wounds. George Hernandez, who was found lying on the street with gunshot wounds to his head and chest, was brought to a hospital, where he later died. Arteaga was arrested four days later at Los Angeles International Airport as he was preparing to board a one-way flight to Mexico. Jesus Hernandez, who participated in the shootout, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and is serving a 110-month prison sentence. Yanez pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of VICAR, one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He is scheduled for sentencing on January 31, 2025. “These trigger pullers in the gangs who use intimidation in the form of murder will always be sought out and prosecuted,” said Christopher Bombardiere, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of the Los Angeles Field Division. “The senseless gun violence and lack of regard for life is inexcusable. My condolences goes out to the family who has suffered an unimageable loss.” “Today’s sentencing underscores the unwavering commitment of law enforcement and prosecutors to deliver justice for victims and their families,” said Gardena Police Chief Michael Saffell. “We sincerely appreciate the collaboration and hard work of the United States Attorney's Office and Homeland Security Investigations in pursuing this case. Their dedication ensured that those responsible for this senseless act of violence were held accountable, sending a clear message that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated in our community.” Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Gardena Police Department investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys, including Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Varun Behl of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Jessamine County Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearms Possession

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Nicholasville, Ky., man, Billy Wilkins, 44, was sentenced on Wednesday, to 360 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, following his convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by convicted felon. According to evidence presented at his trial, on November 4, 2021, in Nicholasville, law enforcement with the DEA and Jessamine County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant on a residence occupied by Wilkins. Inside the residence, officers located large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well as two firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition. A third firearm was later recovered under the residence’s crawl space. During the investigation, officers also confirmed that Wilkins was a convicted felon, with multiple prior Kentucky drug trafficking convictions. Under federal law, Wilkins 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 10 years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Kevin Grimes, Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Cabarrus County Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Tax Crime

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: GREENSBORO – A Concord, North Carolina man has been sentenced to prison for willfully failing to collect or pay over taxes, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC). RONALD JAMES McMURPHY, age 50, was sentenced on December 12, 2024, to 18 months in prison by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Chief United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC. At the conclusion of his active term of imprisonment, McMURPHY will be subject to a three -year term of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $712,017 in restitution. McMURPHY pleaded guilty on September 4, 2024, to failing to truthfully account for and pay over trust fund taxes, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202. According to court documents, McMURPHY was the president of McMurphy Hydraulics, Inc. and was required under law to account for and pay to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employment taxes consisting of Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes. From the first quarter of 2016 up to and including the third quarter of 2022, McMURPHY willfully failed to do so on behalf of McMurphy Hydraulics, Inc.’s employees and amassed $438,502 in employer tax liability. McMURPHY was also the president of Powertek Equipment, Inc. and required under law to account for and pay to the IRS employment taxes. From the fourth quarter of 2019 up to and including the third quarter of 2022, McMURPHY willfully failed to do so on behalf of Powertek Equipment, Inc.’s employees and accrued $273,515 in employer tax liability. The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine. ###


title: Kennedy Street Drug Gang Members Sentenced for Drug Trafficking While Armed with Guns

body_text: WASHINGTON – Angel Enrique Suncar, 31, and Tristan Miles Ware, 25, both of Washington D.C. and members of the violent Kennedy Street Crew (KDY), were sentenced today for their roles in a massive drug trafficking organization that operated open-air markets in Northwest Washington D.C. Suncar, a twice-convicted felon who sold marijuana and cocaine base and also possessed firearms to facilitate the crew’s drug trafficking activities, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison. Suncar, aka “Coqui,” pleaded guilty on June 12, 2024, to possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell ordered Suncar to serve five years of supervised release. Ware, aka “Greedy,” pleaded guilty July 11, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana and to possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Judge Howell sentenced Ware to 120 months in prison and also ordered him to serve five years of supervised release. The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives - Washington Division, and Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office. According to court documents, KDY members operated open-air drug markets on an 11-block stretch of Kennedy Street in Northwest Washington, D.C., as well as surrounding streets. Like many drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), KDY armed itself with fire power to facilitate the drug trade and defend its territory from rival crews. Suncar was a regular presence in the open-air drug market that KDY controlled. Law enforcement collected evidence of his trafficking at or near his residence on the 1200 block of Kennedy Street NW. Suncar’s role as a trafficker for the KDY crew was further borne out by law enforcement’s recovery of narcotics, cash, and two firearms at his residence on June 27, 2023. On that date, law enforcement searched his residence as part of a coordinated arrest operation conducted at locations in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. At Suncar’s residence, law enforcement discovered the hallmarks of a drug trafficker who manufactures his own supply: multiple baggies of crack cocaine, multiple Pyrex dishes containing powered residue, digital scales, two firearms, additional ammunition, and approximately $1,410 in cash. Ware was apprehended on June 26, 2023, at a residence on the 1300 block of 5 th Street NW, along with two co-defendants. At the residence, law enforcement recovered 3.5 kilos of marijuana, approximately $2,710 in cash, and six firearms. One of the firearms was a Glock 23 handgun which was swabbed for DNA and matched that of Ware’s. Months prior to the arrest, on January 26, 2023, law enforcement encountered Ware at a home on the 1700 block of D Street, NE, with several KDY members suspected of smuggling marijuana from California to the DMV via commercial flights. Agents recovered ten firearms, assorted ammunition, 21 kilos of marijuana packed in suitcases, and 40 grams of fentanyl-laced pills at the home. This investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the DEA’s Washington Division, ATF’s Washington Field Division, with assistance from FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation Washington, D.C. Office. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and Sitara Witanachchi, of the of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. DEFENDANTS NAME AGE CHARGES/SENTENCES Kenneth Ademola Olugbenga 27 Pleaded Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or more of Cocaine Base, and a Detectable Amount of Marijuana; and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. Sentencing is scheduled for January 16, 2025. Khali Ahmed Brown, aka “Migo Lee” 22 Pleaded Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana and 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl and Oxycodone; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense; and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. Sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2025. Keion Michael Brown 21 Pleaded Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana and Oxycodone and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2025. Miasiah Jamal Brown, aka “Michael Jamal Crawford” 21 Sentenced August 16, 2024, to Five Years for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Tristan Miles Ware, aka “Greedy” 23 Sentenced December 13, 2024, to 120 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilos of Marijuana; and Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime. Jovan Williams, aka “Chewy” and “Choo” 20 Pleaded Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana and Armed Carjacking. Sentencing is scheduled for January 16, 2025. Herman Eric-Bibmin Signou, aka “Herman Signour” 23 Sentenced March 22, 2024, to 40 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 100 Kilograms of More of Marijuana Cameron Xavier Reid 26 Sentenced May 31, 2024, to 60 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms of More of Marijuana. Warren Lawrence Fields, III, aka B-Dub 26 Sentenced May 16, 2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense and for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Juwan Demetrius Clark, aka “Squirrel” 28 Pleaded Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2025. Aaron DeAndre Mercer, aka “Curby,” 27 Sentenced September 13, 2024, to 120 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, Marijuana, and Cocaine Base. David Penn, aka “Turtle” 31 Sentenced November 15, 2024, to 220 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl, and a Mixture of Cocaine Base; and Two Counts of Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. Ronald Lynn Dorsey, aka “Ron G” and “HBGeezy” 29 Sentenced September 13, 2024, to 30 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Antonio Reginald Bailey, aka “Boy Boy,” and “Fellow King” 22 Sentenced February 8, 2024, to 24 Months for Receiving a Firearm While Under Indictment. Anthony Trayon Bailey, aka “Fat Ant,” and “Bizzle” 27 Sentenced April 26, 2024, to 15 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana, 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, and a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base. Angel Enrique Suncar, aka “Coqui” 29 Sentenced December 12, 2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime. Adebayo Adediji Green 30 Sentenced August 16, 2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Defendant Cameron Reid is from Falmouth, VA; all remaining defendants are from Washington, D.C. 23cr0202


title: Iowa Man Sentenced to 90 Months & Ordered to Pay $80,000 in Restitution to Victims for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Marty B. Jay Johnson, age 44, of Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on December 12, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for possession of child pornography. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Johnson to 90 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Johnson will be placed on a 5-year term of supervised release. Johnson was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $80,000.00 to twenty identified victims of his crimes. This investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) began with a “cyber tip” received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding suspicious internet activity. NCMEC’s resulting report to the NSP indicated that twenty-four files containing child pornography (videos and single image files) were uploaded from Johnson’s internet protocol (IP) address to Kik, a free instant messaging mobile app, between April 27, 2021, and August 3, 2021. On March 22, 2022, NSP served a warrant to search for child pornography at the Johnson’s residence. Investigators seized sixteen devices for forensic examination. Forensic examination of the devices yielded over 7,000 artifacts of child pornography on the various devices including 2,155 minutes of videos showing child pornography. There were over 6,700 child pornography image files and 285 videos of child pornography. The content included images of infants and toddlers, children less than 12 years of age, bestiality involving children, sadism and masochism involving children, and children 12 years of age and older. Twenty-seven known victims were identified by hash value comparison of the digital files, of whom twenty sought restitution. 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 United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession of Fentanyl Pills

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Rafael Magana, age 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced December 13, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for three drug trafficking crimes involving fentanyl, including possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Magana to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Magana’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. An investigation that began in March 2023 identified Magana as a supplier of fentanyl pills in Omaha. A confidential informant made four buys of fentanyl pills after the informant contacted Magana. Magana’s residence was searched pursuant to a warrant on July 24, 2023. Agents found more than 1,000 fentanyl pills and seized $6,680 cash. At the residence, agents also found paperwork for a storage unit. Magana gave consent to search the storage unit, which uncovered another 13,800 fentanyl pills. Magana faced an enhancement mandatory minimum for the possession charge because of a 2015 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. The $6,680 cash will be ordered forfeited to the United States as proceeds of illegal drug trafficking. The indictment also charged Magana and two co-defendants with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Zacharie Stinson, age 31, of Omaha pleaded guilty and was sentenced in September to 57 months in prison. Lucas Ehly, age 31, of Omaha has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced December 20, 2024. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omaha Metro Drug Task Force.


title: Hugo Resident Pleads Guilty To Possessing Child Sexual Exploitation Material

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Steven Mark McAnally, age 65, of Hugo, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of possessing certain material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. The Indictment alleged that in July 2023, McAnally knowingly possessed visual depictions from the internet of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, which McAnally accessed with intent to view. The charges arose from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. McAnally was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caila M. Cleary represented the United States.


title: Sequoyah County Resident Sentenced Federal Drug And Firearm Related Crimes

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Beau Don Morton, age 42, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for one count of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a user of controlled substances, and 30 months for one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office. On June 3, 2024, Morton pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators, on April 6, 2022, deputies with the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office executing a search warrant on Morton’s Muldrow residence discovered two small plastic baggies containing white crystalline methamphetamine, a metal canister of heroin, a small plastic bag containing 43 amphetamine tablets, a plastic container containing fentanyl tablets, multiple baggies containing sealed syringes, a set of digital scales, and an AR-15-style firearm with twelve loaded magazines of ammunition. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Morton will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edith Singer and Rachel Geizura represented the United States.


title: Ohio Auction Prevented from Conducting Business Due to Animal Welfare Act Violations

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: CLEVELAND – A federal court has entered a consent decree to prevent the Mt. Hope Auction Company from conducting business or exhibiting animals without a license. The Millersburg, Ohio company was a holder of a class B dealer license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, its license renewal was denied due to failing two relicensing inspections and failure to schedule a third, and final, inspection. A USDA license is required to obtain and sell Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulated animals in commerce. Since 2022, the USDA conducted 11 inspections involving Mt. Hope. All 11 inspections identified multiple violations of AWA regulations and standards. Under the consent decree, the Mt. Hope Auction agrees not to deal in or exhibit AWA-regulated animals without a license, and to allow the USDA access to ensure compliance with this provision. Moreover, if the Mt. Hope Auction applies for and obtains a new USDA license within the next three years, it agrees to a two-year probationary period. A civil complaint filed in September against Mt. Hope Auction alleged that it placed animals in serious danger and violated the AWA during their three-day, Mid-Ohio Alternative Animal and Bird Sales which it held three times a year. Each of these auctions featured thousands of animals and included more than 200 domestic and exotic species such a sheep, rabbits, parrots, bobcats, red kangaroos, giraffes, Egyptian fruit bats, and sloths. Endangered species such as ring-tailed lemurs were also included in the auction. If Mt. Hope Auction were to obtain a new USDA license, it would do so under a probationary period and agree to comply with AWA requirements to provide adequate veterinary care to animals consigned at the auctions; handle animals carefully; prevent the public from contacting animals without a responsible employee present; ensure that all facilities and enclosures are sanitary, in good repair and meet the minimum AWA standards; and create and maintain complete and accurate records. Mt. Hope also agrees to maintain veterinary records to allow for future monitoring of veterinary care. If Mt. Hope repeatedly violates the same AWA regulations and standards during the probationary period, its AWA license will be permanently revoked. “In recent years, Mt. Hope Auction has auctioned off more than 5,000 animals annually, which underscores the widespread effect of their violations,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The company’s ‘business as usual’ approach — risking injury, illness and harm to the animals at its auctions — will not continue. It is important for auction houses dealing in regulated animals to abide by the Animal Welfare Act and provide humane treatment to the animals that come through their doors.” “USDA is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of animals protected under the Animal Welfare Act,” said Deputy Administrator Sarah Helming for USDA’s Animal Care program. “The partnership between USDA and DOJ helps to ensure enforcement of the AWA regulations for those who put regulated animals at risk.” “Despite numerous opportunities to correct their business practices, Mt. Hope Auction chose not to comply,” said Rebecca Lutzko , U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “Their complete disregard for the laws regarding animal welfare and treatment placed both these animals and the public at large in danger. As this case demonstrates, we will hold accountable businesses that seek to profit from treating animals inhumanely.” At the time of the complaint filing, Mt. Hope had been cited for 69 AWA violations in less than two years. This included repeated violations for failing to provide veterinary care to sick or injured animals. In one instance, inspectors saw a calf unable to stand, with its legs splayed in an abnormal position and a member of the public reported that the calf had been in the same position since the day before. Other violations reported in court documents include Asian antelopes and cattle that were so emaciated that their ribs, scapula, pelvic bones, and individual vertebrae were visible; sheep and exotic cattle with diarrhea on their hind legs, a fox with eye discharge, birds with feather loss; and a pheasant with a wound on top of its head that was bleeding and its neck matted down from blood drainage as it lay lethargic with little to no reaction to the loud surrounding environment. The investigation also determined that animal enclosures were unsafe, improperly constructed, unsanitary, damaged or broken, too small, or did not provide adequate ventilation. Several animals were found covered in excrement or unable to move. Court documents further revealed that there was a lack of sufficient food and water for animals. Inspectors discovered rabbits that had been deprived of food and water. Once provided with water, one rabbit drank for more than 40 seconds, a nursing rabbit drank for more than two-and-a-half minutes, and a third rabbit drank for over four minutes. Mt. Hope also allowed the public to touch animals — including potentially dangerous coyotes, fox and bison — without proper barriers or employee supervision. The complaint also alleged that Mt. Hope had accepted hundreds of animals from sellers who did not hold a USDA license when they were required. The court entered a temporary restraining order against Mt. Hope on Sept. 13, requiring the auction company to comply with several AWA requirements at its September Alternative Animal and Bird Sale. Mt. Hope canceled that sale. Mt. Hope’s USDA license was set to expire at the end of September, and after failing to demonstrate compliance at two inspections, Mt. Hope declined the third and final opportunity for a re-licensing inspection and terminated the re-licensing process. The USDA investigated this case. Senior Trial Attorney Devon Flanagan and Trial Attorneys Kamela Caschette and Taylor Mayhall of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Wildlife and Marine Resources Section prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Andrachik and Elizabeth Deucher for the Northern District of Ohio. To report animal welfare violations, visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/awa/regulatory-enforcement/complaint . mt_hope_complaint.pdf signed_consent_decree.pdf


title: Jury finds Wilkes-Barre Man Guilty of Drug Trafficking And Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on December 10, 2024, a federal jury found Michael Jones, Jr, age 44, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, guilty on all 10 counts of an indictment charging conspiracy to distribute in excess of 40 grams of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute in excess of 40 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; possession of a firearm by a felon; possession of a stolen firearm; and maintaining a drug involved premises. The guilty verdicts were returned following a six-and-one-half day trial before United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on April 27, 2021, Jones was traveling from Philadelphia to Wilkes-Barre when he was stopped by the Pennsylvania State Police. Law enforcement found drugs hidden inside a stereo speaker in the trunk of Jones’ car which led to the search of Jones’ stash house. Law enforcement seized additional amounts of drugs, packaging materials, a stolen firearm, and $20,000 in cash at Jones’ stash house. During the trial, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented testimony of 22 witnesses, including a DNA expert. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Todd Hinkley are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. # # #


title: Undocumented Jamaican Citizen Sentenced To Federal Prison For Identity Theft

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Alandrae David Brown (30, Jamaica) to seven months in federal prison for identity theft. Brown entered a guilty plea on August 27, 2024. According to court documents, in September 2017, Brown obtained a Florida driver license in the name of another person. When he applied for the license, Brown represented that he was a United States citizen and that he was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In support of the application, he provided a purported U.S. Virgin Islands birth certificate and a valid Social Security number. In April 2024, Brown was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, at which time he identified himself as, and presented the driver license in the name of, the other person. Suspecting that Brown was not who he said he was, immigration authorities interviewed him about his identity and citizenship, but he insisted that he was in fact the person in whose name he had obtained the license. Federal agents obtained passport records and U.S. Virgin Islands driver license records for the person whose identity Brown had adopted and the photographs in the records were not of Brown. Virgin Islands authorities confirmed that the birth certificate Brown used to obtain the license was a forgery. After conducting this investigation, agents interviewed Brown and confronted him with the evidence they had collected, but he insisted that he really was the person whose identity he had stolen. After being charged, Brown admitted that his name was Alandrae David Brown, that he was from Jamaica, and that he was illegally present in the United States. Agents confirmed his identity with the Jamaican government. “This recidivist criminal’s pattern of disregard for the law and identity theft is a betrayal of conscience and a direct assault on the victim’s life,” said Tim Hemker, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville assistant special agent in charge. “Identity theft is never a victimless crime as it devastates people emotionally and financially. HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, are dedicated to uncovering the truth, no matter how criminals try to conceal it.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.


title: Former Palmetto Railways CEO Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Fraud

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. —Jeffrey McWhorter, 63, of Awendaw, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, which was committed during his time as President and CEO of Palmetto Railways. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that McWhorter introduced a known co- conspirator, referred to as T.B., to a company headquartered in Texas. T.B. hoped that McWhorter’s introduction would facilitate him being awarded a contract for work in the Charleston area by the Texas company. Prior to the contract being awarded to the Texas Company, McWhorter, TB, and an employee of the Texas company (Employee 1), had meetings and discussions about T.B. paying McWhorter and Employee 1 if his company was awarded the contract. McWhorter and his known coconspirators further agreed that T.B. would send money to a to Employee 1, and evidence revealed that TB did in fact wire the money to a bank account was in Employee 1’s wife’s business name. The agreement was that Employee 1 would then pay McWhorter his portion in cash. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, the evidence revealed that the payment McWhorter and Employee 1 were receiving caused, or could have caused, economic harm to the Texas company. T.B. ultimately wired at least $400,000 to Employee 1 in Texas and McWhorter received at least $90,000 of this in cash. McWhorter faces a maximum penalty of five in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge David C. Norton accepted the guilty plea and will sentence McWhorter after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case. ###


title: California Man Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Bank Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy That Targeted Bristol Municipal Funds, Businesses, and Individuals

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A California man, described in court documents as a key participant in business email compromise and money laundering scams that allegedly defrauded businesses, individuals, and the Town of Bristol, Rhode Island, out of nearly $9 million dollars has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft charges, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. The indictment alleges that a member of the conspiracy sent phishing emails to individuals, corporations, and the Town of Bristol that, when opened, allowed the senders to access to the recipients’ computer networks. After gaining access to the victims’ networks, it is alleged that Alec Tahir Baker, 60, of Corona, CA, and/or his co-conspirators, directed the victims’ banks to transfer money into an account controlled by Baker or another conspirator. As detailed in the indictment, it is also alleged that a member of the conspiracy would email employees of the victim companies by posing as a vendor seeking payment. The co-conspirator would then provide the employee with new bank account information into which funds should be paid, causing the employees to unwittingly send company funds to a bank account controlled by Baker or another conspirator. The indictment goes on to allege that as part of the conspiracy, Baker would provide false information and documents (at times fraudulently using the names of real people) to banks that had asked him for further details regarding funds that were being wired into his account, and falsely claimed that he had a business relationship with a victim company. .,. It is further alleged that as part of the conspiracy, Baker opened over 40 bank accounts in his name and in the name of any one more than a dozen companies that he created, in order to receive fraudulently obtained funds. Soon after funds were received into his accounts, Baker allegedly withdrew some of the money in cash and cashiers’ checks; transferred funds to separate accounts he controlled, including to Coinbase and other cryptocurrency accounts, and also transferred funds to accounts in the names of other individuals and entities, who were in turn directed to transfer the fraudulent funds to others, concealing their origin. The indictment alleges that individuals and businesses were defrauded of at least $8,854,243, and that approximately $7,649,876 in fraudulent proceeds were transmitted to bank accounts under Baker’s control. In addition to targeting corporate victims, the indictment alleges that on January 18, 2023, a member of the conspiracy gained access to the computer network used by the Town of Bristol, Rhode Island. The next day, a member of the conspiracy caused $310,500 to be wired from one of the Town’s bank accounts into a business account controlled by Baker, who then withdrew or transferred funds from that account and deposited the money into other accounts he controlled. These included, as alleged in the indictment: A January 20, 2023, withdrawal of $75,000 with the notation that funds were for “Q1 salary”; A January 23, 2024, withdrawal of $144,700 via a bank check payable to a company Baker controlled; and A January 23, 2024, withdrawal of $89,169.87 in the form of a cashier’s check made payable to a company under his control. The cashier’s check was deposited into another account controlled by Baker. Over the next week, he withdrew $46,000 from the account into which the cashier’s check was deposited. The indictment returned on Wednesday charges Baker with conspiracy to commit money laundering, bank fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The defendant was first charged in this ongoing investigation by way of a Criminal Complaint, filed and sealed on November 1, 2024. He was arrested in Dallas, TX, on November 5, 2024, and ordered detained after his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Dallas. He will be transported to Rhode Island and appear for arraignment in U.S. District Court in Providence on a date yet to be determined. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lee H. Vilker and Denise M. Barton . The matter is being investigated by the FBI. United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Bristol, RI Police Department; Genesee County, New York Sheriff’s Office; Baltimore County, MD Police Department; Hartland, Wisconsin Police Department; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas for their assistance. ### alec_tahir_baker_indictment.pdf


title: St. Tammany Parish Man Guilty of Conspiracy to Defraud Former Political Candidate and Four Other Louisiana Residents

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSEPH HAROLD WEST, JR. (“WEST”) , a resident of St. Tammany Parish, pled guilty on December 5, 2024 before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. According to court documents, from as early as November 2020, and continuing through at least May 2024, WEST, and others, conspired to: defraud Candidate 1 with fake campaign services; defraud Victim 1 out of approximately $236,867 in fake real estate purchases and associated costs; defraud Victim 2 out of approximately $83,268.05 in fraudulent claims of real estate and title work; and defraud Victims 3 and 4 out of approximately $112,328.18 in connection with a fake legal defense scheme. Among other things, WEST and others utilized numerous fake aliases and occupations, “burner” numbers for text messages and calls, and fraudulent invoices, all in order to defraud their victims. WEST faces up to five (5) years in prison, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. WEST has agreed to pay restitution of approximately $446,302.23 to his victims. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney, Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.


title: Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by the Mount Vernon, New York, Police Department

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Following a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department announced today that the Mount Vernon, New York, Police Department (MVPD) engages in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights secured by the U.S. Constitution and federal law. Specifically, the Justice Department finds that MVPD: Uses excessive force in numerous ways, including by unnecessarily escalating minor encounters and by overusing tasers and closed-fist strikes, particularly against individuals who have already been taken to the ground, are controlled by many officers or are already fully or partially restrained; Conducted unlawful strip searches and body cavity searches of individuals until at least 2023; and Makes arrests without probable cause. The department also identified serious concerns with MVPD’s practices regarding vehicle stops and evidence collection, as well as serious concerns that MVPD practices may result in discriminatory policing. Deficiencies in policies, training, supervision and accountability systems contribute to MVPD’s unlawful practices. “Our investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department reveals a pattern and practice of unlawful conduct that can and must be addressed,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “While officials have undertaken preliminary actions to address some areas of concern, the city and police department must institute comprehensive measures that will fully and finally bring an end to these unconstitutional practices. It will require commitment and hard work by the leadership of the city and the police department as well as by rank-and-file officers. We stand ready to work with Mount Vernon officials to achieve constitutional policing and to strengthen community trust. Police reform will not happen overnight. Across the country, the department’s investigations, findings reports and resulting reform measures help law enforcement agencies become the departments that their citizens need and deserve.” “Our investigation has found reasonable cause to believe that MVPD engages in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the constitutional rights of the citizens it has sworn to protect,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “The systemic deficiencies we identified have resulted in a pattern of MVPD officers using excessive force; making illegal arrests; and, for many years, regularly conducting unlawful strip searches and body cavity searches. We are encouraged by the recent steps the City of Mount Vernon and the MVPD have taken that evince a commitment to constitutional policing, and we look forward to continued cooperation to ensure that MVPD keeps its community safe from crime while respecting its citizens’ constitutional rights.” The Justice Department opened this investigation on Dec. 3, 2021. The investigation was conducted by career attorneys and staff in the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The department interviewed MVPD command staff and supervisors, patrol officers, police union representatives, Mount Vernon residents, prosecutors from the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, defense attorneys and local civic associations. The department also reviewed MVPD’s arrest reports, use-of-force reports, stops, search, and arrest data, policies, training materials and internal affairs files. The department met regularly throughout the investigation with city and MVPD officials to provide feedback on the observations by the department and the department’s policing experts. The city and MVPD cooperated throughout the investigation. The department conducted this investigation pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (Section 12601), which prohibits law enforcement officers from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law. MVPD has implemented a number of changes since the opening of the investigation. For example, MVPD is working with the city to equip all officers with body-worn cameras and less-lethal weapons. MVPD also has made progress in connection with strip and cavity searches, including by revising its policy and offering training on it. The department’s findings report outlines additional remedial measures necessary to address its findings. The City has pledged to work cooperatively with the Justice Department to address the findings. The Justice Department will be conducting outreach to members of the Mount Vernon community for input on remedies to address the investigation’s findings. Individuals may also submit recommendations by email at community.mvpd@usdoj.gov or by phone at 1-866-985-1378. Since January 2021, the Justice Department has opened 12 investigations into law enforcement agencies pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 12601, and has been actively monitoring over a dozen agreements with law enforcement agencies that were secured prior to that period. Since 2021, the department has successfully concluded agreements and portions of consent decrees with the Yonkers, New York Police Department ; the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Police Department ; the Suffolk County, New York, Police Department ; the Portland, Oregon, Police Bureau ; and the Seattle Police Department . The department has issued findings reports concerning several agencies including: Louisville, Kentucky, Metro Police Department ; the Minneapolis, Minnesota, Police Department ; the Phoenix, Arizona, Police Department ; the Lexington, Mississippi, Police Department ; the Trenton, New Jersey, Police Department ; the Memphis, Tennessee, Police Department ; and the Worcester, Massachusetts, Police Department . Investigations are ongoing regarding the Louisiana State Police ; the New York City Police Department’s Special Victims Division ; the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Police Department ; and the Rankin County, Mississippi, Sheriff’s Department . Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt . Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York is available at www.justice.gov/usao-sdny . The Justice Department will hold a virtual community meeting on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. ET. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more about the findings. Please register to join the meeting at www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_jxTvdftFR_KZtUwFvH1ADQ .


title: Registered Sex Offender Sentenced on Child Pornography Charges, Violating Terms of Supervised Release

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A Burrillville man has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for possessing child pornography and violating the terms of his supervised release, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Court documents detail that in November 2013, Jaymeson Delgizzi, 31, was convicted in Hickman County, TN, for aggravated sexual assault on a minor. He was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment and ordered to register as a sex offender. In January 2023, after he had been released on parole following his term of incarceration in Tennessee,, Delgizzi cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet and traveled to Rhode Island. Despite taking up residency in Rhode Island, Delgizzi failed to register as a sex offender, as required, and was charged by this Office for that offense. In October 2023, Delgizzi was convicted of violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), and sentenced to five years of federal supervised release. In November 2023, while on federal pretrial release, the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received information from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that a Google account belonging to Delgizzi was being used to upload images of child pornography. On January 17, 2024, a search warrant executed at Delgizzi’s residence uncovered both images and videos of child pornography in Delgizzi’s possession. Delgizzi pleaded guilty on September 17, 2024, to two counts of possession of child pornography. He was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 120 months in federal prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release. This Project Safe Childhood case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. ###