title: Felon In Possession Of A Gun Sentenced In Federal Court

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Robertsdale, Alabama, man was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for his possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony. David Alexander Brown, 28, pled guilty to the charge in federal court in Mobile during April of 2024. At the guilty plea, the case prosecutor informed United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer that during July of 2023, Brown was stopped by a Baldwin County Sheriff’s deputy for a traffic violation, including no tag displayed on the vehicle as required by law. Brown, the driver, and his two passengers displayed extreme nervousness while the deputy spoke to Brown about the violation and Brown admitted that he had a pistol on his hip. The deputy seized to gun, and Brown consented to a search of the vehicle. The deputy also found 4 grams of marijuana, 8.2 grams of methamphetamine and a glass pipe used to ingest drugs. Subsequent investigation established that Brown was under federal supervision for a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm from 2017. Court documents establish that Brown’s supervised release term was revoked in October of 2023. Brown was ordered to serve 18 months imprisonment for the violation of his conditions of supervision, to be followed by 18 months of additional supervision. Judge Moorer imposed the 42-month sentence on this new conviction and ordered that Brown serve another five-year term of supervision following his release from imprisonment. As conditions of supervision, Brown will also undergo testing and treatment for drug and/or alcohol abuse and mental health treatment. He will also be subject to a search of his person and premises upon reasonable suspicion. No fine was imposed but the judge ordered that Brown pay $100 in special assessments. The firearm used in the commission of the offense was ordered forfeited to the United States. The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Drug Trafficker Involved in High-Speed Chase with Spokane Police Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Juan Pablo Carrillo-Nava, 46, was sentenced on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 70 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed information that Carrillo-Nava was a drug runner for a drug trafficking organization based in Mexico and operating in Eastern Washington. On August 13, 2020, investigators arranged a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from the organization. When agents went to the location where the drug transaction was supposed to take place, Carrillo-Nava had not yet arrived. After an extended period, Agents went to a second location where the drug organization had conducted drug transactions in the past. Agents observed a green Honda Accord Carrillo-Nava had used previously. Agents requested a Spokane Police Department (SPD) marked patrol unit respond to the second location. An SPD unit responded and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of stopping, Carrillo-Nava sped off into a residential neighborhood, disregarding stop signs, and at times reaching speeds of 75 miles per hour in a 25-mile-per-hour zone. Carrillo-Nava eventually crashed his vehicle into an oncoming vehicle, which propelled his vehicle into a chain link fence in the front yard of a Spokane home. Carillo-Nava then took off running, pursued by several bystanders. He was taken into custody a short time later by SPD and DEA. Agents executed a search warrant on Carrillo-Nava’s vehicle and located $28,200 in cash, almost two pounds of heroin, and more than a ½ pound of methamphetamine. “Drug trafficking presents a serious danger to families, neighborhoods, and residents in our community. Mr. Carrillo-Nava attempted to avoid arrest by recklessly speeding through neighborhoods, ignoring traffic signs, and disregarding posted speed limits. Even after crashing his vehicle, Mr. Carillo-Nava attempted to escape responsibility by running from police,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Working with our federal, state, local and tribal partners, we will continue to target large-scale drug trafficking organizations, hold their members accountable, and keep our communities safe and strong.” “Our communities are safer when those who disregard the safety of others, through drug trafficking and reckless and violent behavior, are held accountable,” said Ron Deist, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Spokane District Office. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force in both Spokane and North Idaho. The Spokane Police Department also participated in the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.


title: Coeur d’Alene Man Convicted of Multimillion Dollar Accounts Receivable Factoring Scheme

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: COEUR D’ALENE – A federal jury convicted Douglas Worman, 63, of Coeur d’Alene, of 17 counts of wire fraud after a six-day trial, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit today. The jury acquitted Worman of five separate counts of bank fraud. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Worman owned and operated Worman Forest Management, a Coeur d’Alene-area forestry management company. In 2010, Worman, through his company, entered into a factoring agreement with J.S. Richards Forestry Management to sell millions of dollars of Worman Forest Management’s accounts receivable that were based on invoices for work the business had provided to its customers. Factoring is a form of short-term financing in which a business sells its accounts receivable to a third-party at a discount. In a factoring transaction, the seller of an invoice obtains immediate funding from a buyer, and the buyer of an invoice earns a fee for providing the up-front financing. According to court records, beginning in at least 2015 and continuing through September 2018, Worman submitted inflated and entirely false and fraudulent invoices to J.S. Richards Forestry Management for factoring, purportedly for work Worman’s business had performed for its customers. Between June 2018 and September 2018, Worman submitted more than $2 million in false and fraudulent invoices for factoring to J.S. Richards Forestry Management. Those invoices claimed to be for actual work performed by Worman Forest Management for its customers, but, in reality, the invoices were for amounts that were inflated and entirely fictitious. As a result of Worman’s fraud scheme, Worman fraudulently obtained at least $1.5 million from J.S. Richards Forestry Management. “I extend my gratitude to the jurors who diligently performed their civic duty and gave careful consideration to the evidence in this complex case,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “This case demonstrates the commitment and skill of our prosecutors, staff, and law enforcement partners. We will continue to root out fraud by following the facts wherever they lead.” “Fraud schemes may not be violent, but victims can suffer staggering losses from such crimes, which is why the FBI will seek accountability and justice,” said Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Even if there’s an association or a relationship built on trust between two parties, always thoroughly research an investment opportunity, and report any potential fraud to the FBI.” Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye accepted the jury’s verdict on August 13, 2024, and scheduled Worman to be sentenced on December 10, 2024, at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene. Worman faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigation by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittney Campbell and Sean Mazorol are prosecuting this case. ###


title: 18 Motorcycle Club Members Indicted for Armed Assaults Against Rivals

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Eighteen members and associates of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club have been indicted by a federal grand jury for a series of armed assaults against members of rival motorcycle clubs. A law enforcement operation conducted today resulted in 15 arrests along with the execution of seven search warrants; two of the defendants were already in custody. More than a dozen law enforcement agencies were involved in the operation that also resulted in the seizure of more than 40 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, body armor and a marijuana grow operation. According to the indictment, Pagan’s is a violent criminal organization that engaged in racketeering, an enterprise that involved illegal drug trafficking. Pagan’s maintains chapters in numerous states, including multiple active chapters in Missouri and Kansas. Christopher W. McGowen, also known as “Mac,” 40, of Platte City, Mo.; Arthur L. Reynolds III, also known as “Straight Edge,” 48, and Jarrid A. Hammer, also known as “Hammer,” 45, both of Independence, Mo.; Jeremiah Z. Hahn, also known as “Pass Out,” 41, and John J. Hahn, also known as “Krazy Legs,” 46, both of Cameron, Mo.; Charles E. Smith, Jr., also known as “Crash,” 38, and James W. Prettyman, also known as “Rugby,” 42, both of Blue Springs, Mo.; Mark A. Cottman, also known as “One Shot,” 49, of Kansas City, Mo.; Bryan S. Fletcher, also known as “Fletch,” 48, and Mark A. Crump, also known as “Navajo,” 54, both of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Jeffrey S. Hannah, also known as “Got-It,” 42, of Grain Valley, Mo.; Eric M. Forsyth, Jr., also known as “EZ,” 34, of Oak Grove, Mo.; Robert W. Miller, also known as “Flipper,” 46, and Brandon S. Hodge, also known as “Youngblood,” 25, both of Joplin, Mo.; Monty L. Mitchell, also known as “Smoke,” 58, of Windsor, Mo.; Alan M. Thornton, also known as “Bones,” 40, of Holden, Mo.; John Travis Fisher, also known as “T-Bone,” 51, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; and Graham S. Gattis, also known as “Dro,” 40, of Panama City, Florida, were charged in a five-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Aug. 7, 2024. The federal indictment was unsealed and made public today following the arrests of the defendants. The indictment alleges that Pagan’s is territorial and protects its territory from rival motorcycle clubs through violence and intimidation. The primary rivals to Pagan’s in Missouri include the Hells Angels, Outlaws, El Forastero, Galloping Goose, Sons of Silence, and the Bandidos. When members of rival motorcycle clubs were in areas Pagan’s believed to be under its control, says the indictment, Pagan’s threatened and intimidated them with violence. Pagan’s tried to eliminate other motorcycle gangs completely from their territory by assaulting, robbing, extorting and sometimes attempting to murder them, according to the indictment. The indictment alleges a series of assaults were committed as part of Pagan’s racketeering enterprise. McGowen and Jeremiah Hahn are charged together in one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. The indictment alleges they assaulted a rival motorcycle gang member with a dangerous weapon on May 30, 2022. McGowen, Reynolds, Smith, Miller, Prettyman, Mitchell, Cottman, John Hahn, Gattis, Forsyth, Fletcher, Hannah, and Hodge are charged together in one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. The indictment alleges they assaulted a rival motorcycle gang member with a dangerous weapon on Sept. 17, 2022. McGowen, Jeremiah Hahn, Smith, Fisher, Miller, Prettyman, Mitchell, and Thornton are charged together in one count of attempting to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. The indictment alleges they attempted to assault a rival motorcycle gang member with a dangerous weapon on Sept. 3, 2022. McGowen, Reynolds, Smith, Miller, Prettyman, Mitchell, Cottman, John Hahn, Gattis, Forsyth, Fletcher, Hannah and Hodge are charged together in one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The indictment alleges they discharged a firearm during an assault on Sept. 17, 2022. Cottman, Hammer, and Crump are charged together in one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering. The indictment alleges they seriously injured a rival motorcycle gang member during an assault on July 20, 2023. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department. Today’s law enforcement operation included the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, the Oak Grove, Mo., Police Department, the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and FBI national assets and field offices in St. Louis, Mo., Las Vegas, Nev., and Knoxville, Tenn.


title: Houston Men Convicted of Robbing Lake Charles Jewelry Store Receive Lengthy Federal Prison Sentences

body_text: LAKE CHARLES, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that four men from Houston, Texas, who robbed a jewelry store in Lake Charles on June 8, 2020, have been sentenced. All four defendants pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and were sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. Phaezon Stewart , 24, was sentenced to 151 months (12 years, 7 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Joshua Evans , 35, was sentenced to 137 months (11 years, 5 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Cary S. Nimmons, Jr. , 32, was sentenced to 105 months (8 years, 9 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Johnson Moore , 25, was sentenced to 135 months (11 years, 2 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. On June 8, 2020, Stewart and other individuals traveled from Houston to Lake Charles with the intention to commit a robbery of Nederland Jewelers. On that date, Stewart entered the store armed with a black Springfield XD handgun and ordered the employees to get on the ground. Evans and Terry entered the store wearing masks and armed with hammers and one carrying a backpack. While Stewart pointed the firearm at the employee victims, the others used hammers to break the glass display cases and remove over 34 Rolex watches with an estimated value of over $350,000. Stewart and the others then exited the store and fled the scene in a white Porsche. The white Porsche then traveled to the L’Auberge Casino and stopped and met with a Chevrolet Impala being driven by Nimmons, with Moore as a passenger. Evans and Terry exited the Porsche with the backpack containing the stolen Rolex watches and got into the Impala with Nimmons and Moore and began traveling towards a residence in Lake Charles. Law enforcement agents were able to track the suspects to a specific area on Pryce Street in Lake Charles and began to search the area. Officers located Terry and Evans hiding in a shed with the backpack in their possession which contained 32 of the 34 stolen Rolex watches. Nimmons was found in a nearby carport and Moore was found behind a residence less than 200 feet from where the other defendants were located, and all were subsequently arrested. Trevione James Terry , 26, a co-conspirator in this case, is scheduled to be sentenced October 10, 2024, at 1:30, for his involvement in this robbery, as well as the robbery of Korman Fine Jewelry in Austin, Texas on May 7, 2020. Terry pleaded guilty to a Bill of Information on July 8, 2024, charging him with interference with commerce by robbery, using carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lake Charles Police Department and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen. # # #


title: Theft of Firearm from Pawn Shop and Numerous Loaded Firearms Found in Possession of Convicted Felon Leads to Federal Prison for Two Shreveport Men

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

body_text: SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that two Shreveport men were sentenced today by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. for illegally possessing firearms. John Morgan, Jr. , 22, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of firearms by a convicted felon. On April 9, 2023, Shreveport Police Department Community Response Unit (CRU) was conducting a pro-active patrol when an officer observed a red Mercedes Benz travel westbound on Valley View Drive in Shreveport and saw the driver commit a traffic violation. The officer initiated a traffic stop but the driver of the Mercedes Benz did not immediately stop. Instead, the vehicle would begin to stop and then get back on the roadway and accelerate. The driver of the Mercedes Benz turned multiple times further into a neighborhood before stopping in a driveway on Liaison Street. Once there, the driver’s side door opened, and the officers made contact with the female driver. The driver and the front passenger, who was a juvenile, were ordered out of the vehicle and defendant Morgan, who was in the back seat behind the passenger’s seat was ordered out as well. Officers conducted a pat down of Morgan for weapons and observed an AK-47 style weapon protruding from underneath the front passenger seat, directly in front of where Morgan was seated. He was placed in handcuffs and the officer could see in plain view a clear extended handgun magazine underneath the front of the front passenger seat and marijuana residue on the front passenger floorboard. A search of the vehicle was conducted by Shreveport Police Department officers. The search yielded four firearms: a Glock pistol, model: 23 Gen 4, .40 caliber; a Glock pistol, model 21 Gen 4, .45 caliber; a Bushmaster SBR model XM15-E2S 223-5.56mm caliber; and a Century Arms International AOW, model: Micro Draco, 7.62x39mm caliber. All of the firearms were loaded. The Micro Draco was found to have been stolen in 2019. Morgan has a previous felony conviction for illegal use of a firearm in 2023 and was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. He was indicted and pleaded guilty to the charge on December 15, 2023. Roriguse Jordan , 30, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On January 6, 2023, around 4:30 pm, Jordan entered the Discount Jewelry and Loan (a Federal Firearms Licensee) at 2738 Mackey Lane in Shreveport. He spoke to an employee and recovered a TV he had pawned earlier and sold some jewelry. While he was there, he had to go back to his car and get his driver’s license. Jordan came back and pawned the jewelry and left. After he left, the employee noticed that a Glock 23, Model: Gen 4, Caliber: 40 pistol that had been on the counter was missing. After viewing the store’s surveillance video, Jordan can be seen at the counter, and while the store worker is distracted, taking the Glock firearm and tucking it in his waistband. The video then shows Jordan walk out of the store and retrieve his driver’s license. Jordan has a previous felony conviction for simple burglary in 2014 and was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. He was charged in an indictment and pleaded guilty February 26, 2024. The cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Shreveport Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Aaron Crawford. # # #


title: California Law Firm and Senior Managers Settle False Claims Act Allegations Regarding Misuse of Paycheck Protection Program Loan Funds

component: Civil Division

body_text: The Bloom Firm, a California law firm, and Lisa Bloom and Braden Pollock, members of the firm’s senior management, have agreed to pay a total of $274,000 to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly providing false information in support of a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application submitted by The Bloom Firm. Congress created the PPP in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide emergency financial support to the millions of Americans suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses struggling to pay employees and other business expenses. In December 2020, Congress approved funding for a “second draw” of PPP loan funds, which became available to borrowers beginning in January 2021. An entity’s first PPP loan is often referred to as a “first draw” PPP loan. When applying for forgiveness of any PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify the truthfulness and accuracy of all information provided in their applications, including that they spent the PPP loan funds on eligible expenses, such as payroll. The United States alleged that, at the direction and with the assistance of Bloom and Pollock, The Bloom Firm sought and obtained forgiveness of the firm’s first draw PPP loan by falsely certifying that the firm used the PPP loan funds for eligible payroll expenses. The United States contended that The Bloom Firm used a portion of its PPP loan to pay several employees who were ineligible to receive PPP funds or did not work for the firm during the covered period of the loan. As a part of the settlement announced today, The Bloom Firm will pay $204,200.34, and Bloom and Pollock will each pay $35,384.49. “PPP loans were intended to provide critical relief to small businesses,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to pursuing those who misused this taxpayer funded program.” “Attorneys have a duty to follow the law to the letter – especially when it comes to government programs aiding individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “This settlement reaffirms my office’s commitment to affirm and uphold the integrity of pandemic-assistance programs.” The settlement resolved claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The qui tam lawsuit was filed by Liberty Law Office Inc. and is captioned U.S. ex rel. Liberty Law Office Inc. v. The Bloom Firm et al., Dkt. No. 21-cv-06279 (C.D. Cal.) . Liberty Law Firm Inc. will receive a total of approximately $44,000 in connection with the settlement. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Office of General Counsel and the SBA Office of the Inspector General. Trial Attorney F. Elias Boujaoude of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Kollitz for the Central District of California handled the matter. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international actors committing civil and criminal fraud and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by visiting the webpage of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, which can be found here . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. Settlement


title: Montgomery Man Found Guilty of Selling Fentanyl Pills that Resulted in Another Man’s Death

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Montgomery, Alabama – On August 15, 2024, a federal jury convicted 37-year-old Lawrence Coley, III, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, on charges of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute the illegal drug, announced United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. According to court records and evidence presented during Coley’s trial, on August 26, 2022, law enforcement received a report of an unresponsive person inside a vehicle at a Montgomery residence. Officers arrived at the location and found a truck in the driveway. The truck’s ignition was on, and doors were locked. Inside they found a lifeless man with no visible signs of trauma or injury that would have caused his death. A medical examiner concluded that the victim died due to the toxic effects of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. The jury heard expert testimony stating that the quantity of fentanyl found in the victim’s blood was four to five times the lethal dose. An investigation into how the victim obtained the fentanyl revealed that, for over a year, Coley had been supplying the victim with illegal narcotics. These transactions occurred almost daily and sometimes even multiple times a day. The jury also heard testimony verifying that the victim purchased narcotics from Coley on the very morning of his death. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Coley’s residence and found 70 blue pills with “M” marked on one side, and “30” on the opposite side. The pills’ color and markings made them look like pharmaceutical oxycodone tablets. However, lab tests determined the pills were counterfeit and contained fentanyl instead of oxycodone. When officers arrested Coley during a traffic stop, they found him in possession of five additional counterfeit fentanyl pills. In finding Coley guilty, the jury determined that the fentanyl sold by Coley to the victim caused his death and that Coley intended to distribute the fentanyl pills in his possession. “Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have become commonplace in Alabama and throughout the United States,” said United States Attorney Ross. “Everyone should assume that any pill that does not come from a doctor or pharmacy may contain a fatal dose of fentanyl or another deadly drug. My office is committed to holding accountable individuals who sell these dangerous pills.” “The top priority of the Drug Enforcement Administration is to hold accountable those individuals and drug trafficking organizations who poison our communities with deadly drugs like fentanyl,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. “Today’s conviction is a step forward in our mission to build teams that save lives and make communities safer. While we celebrate this victory, we must remember the tragic death caused by the callous disregard for human life exhibited by this individual. The conviction sends a clear message: those who choose profit over people will be held accountable.” Following this conviction, Coley faces a sentence of 20 years to life in federal prison. A sentencing hearing for Coley will be scheduled in the coming months. At that hearing, a federal district court judge will determine Coley’s sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Christopher P. Moore are prosecuting the case.


title: Two New York Men Admit Committing Three Gunpoint Robberies and Conspiring to Commit Additional Robberies

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Two Brooklyn, New York, men admitted their roles in three gunpoint robberies of check cashing locations in different parts of New Jersey in 2021 and 2022, as well as conspiring to commit robberies in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Ramel Harris, 42, of Brooklyn, and Neville Brown, 40, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty on Aug. 14, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to three counts of an indictment charging them with Hobbs Act conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery, and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, namely the Hobbs Act robbery. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Between January 2021 and January 2022, Harris and Brown attempted to rob a check cashing location in Nanuet, New York, and thereafter successfully robbed three check cashing locations in different parts of New Jersey while brandishing a firearm and using zip ties to restrain employees at each location. During those robberies, Harris and Brown stole over $578,00. Law enforcement learned that the conspirators surveilled check cashing locations in the following locations: Mount Kisco, New York, Allentown, Pennsylvania and West Chester, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement obtained video surveillance footage that ultimately linked Harris and Brown to the robberies. Cell phone records indicate that Harris’s and Brown’s cellular telephones were around the locations of the various robberies around the times that they were committed. The Hobbs Act conspiracy and Hobbs Act robbery counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence count carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offenses, whichever is greatest. Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for Dec. 17, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited members of the FBI’s New Jersey field office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy; members of the FBI’s New York field office, under the leadership of Assistant Director In Charge James Smith; members of the FBI’s Philadelphia field office, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs; members of the Hackettstown Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Aaron Perkins; members of the Old Bridge Police Department, under the leadership of Chief of Police Thomas J. Montagna; members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Richard Pantina; members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll; members of the Clarkstown Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Jeffrey Wanamaker; members of the Westchester County (New York) Department of Public Safety; and members of the Borough of West Chester (Pennsylvania) Police Department, with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, Co-Chief of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. harrisbrown.indictment.pdf


title: Calabasas Law Firm and Senior Managers Settle False Claims Act Allegations Regarding Misuse of COVID-19 Business Loan Funds

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – The Bloom Firm, a Calabasas-based law firm, and Lisa Bloom and Braden Pollock, members of the firm’s senior management, have agreed to pay a total of $274,000 to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly providing false information in support of a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application submitted by The Bloom Firm. Congress created the PPP in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide emergency financial support to the millions of Americans suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses struggling to pay employees and other business expenses. In December 2020, Congress approved funding for a “second draw” of PPP loan funds, which became available to borrowers beginning in January 2021. An entity’s first PPP loan is often referred to as a “first draw” PPP loan. When applying for forgiveness of any PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify the truthfulness and accuracy of all information provided in their applications, including that they spent the PPP loan funds on eligible expenses, such as payroll. The United States alleged that, at the direction and with the assistance of Lisa Bloom and Braden Pollock, The Bloom Firm sought and obtained forgiveness of the firm’s first draw PPP loan by falsely certifying that the firm used the PPP loan funds for eligible payroll expenses. The United States contended that The Bloom Firm used a portion of its PPP loan to pay several employees who were ineligible to receive PPP funds or did not work for the firm during the covered period of the loan. As a part of the settlement announced today, The Bloom Firm will pay $204,200.34, and Lisa Bloom and Braden Pollock will each pay $35,384.49. “Attorneys have a duty to follow the law to the letter – especially when it comes to government programs aiding individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “This settlement reaffirms my office’s commitment to affirm and uphold the integrity of pandemic-assistance programs.” “PPP loans were intended to provide critical relief to small businesses,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to pursuing those who misused this taxpayer funded program.” The settlement resolved claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The qui tam lawsuit was filed by Liberty Law Office, Inc. and is captioned U.S. ex rel. Liberty Law Office Inc. v. The Bloom Firm et al. , Dkt. No. 21-cv-06279 (C.D. Cal.). Liberty Law Firm Inc. will receive a total of approximately $44,000 in connection with the settlement. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel and the SBA Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Kollitz of the Civil Division’s Civil Fraud Section and Trial Attorney F. Elias Boujaoude of the Justice Department’s Civil Division handled the matter. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international actors committing civil and criminal fraud and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by visiting the webpage of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, which can be found here. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.


title: Gang Member Admits Racketeering Charge

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang admitted to his role in a racketeering conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Kareem Green, aka “Try Me,”, 32, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to a superseding indictment that charged him with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy and a separate indictment charging him with distribution of cocaine. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From 2015 through Sept. 22, 2022, Green was a member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, a criminal enterprise responsible for acts of violence and the distribution of controlled substances in the District of New Jersey and elsewhere. On April 5, 2021, Green worked with other members of the gang to shoot a victim. On April 11, 2021, Green worked with other members of the gang to shoot another victim. On March 5, 2021, Green worked with another member of the gang to distribute cocaine. The racketeering conspiracy count is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 and the controlled substance offense is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz; IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti, as well as investigators of the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos; the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Police Division Director Tracy Bowers; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé; the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Samuel A. DeMaio; the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis L. Bindi; the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl J. Graves; the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tom Bryan; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel; the Spotswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Philip Corbisiero; and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips investigation. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Special Prosecutions Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake A. Nasar of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit of the Criminal Division. green.indictment.pdf


title: Saudi Arabian National Admits Interstate Transportation of Stolen School Bus

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Saudi Arabian man admitted transporting a stolen school bus across state lines, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Bader Alzahrani, 24, of Saudi Arabia, pleaded guilty on Aug. 14, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court to one count of an indictment charging him with interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle. According to documents filed in this case: On Jan. 15, 2023, a break-in was reported in an unoccupied residential home in Livingston, New Jersey. During a search of a backpack in that home, law enforcement saw a Saudi Arabian passport with the name Bader Alzahrani, along with other items that appeared to belong to Alzahrani. On Jan. 17, 2023, the Livingston, New Jersey Board of Education reported that a school bus was stolen from a parking lot across the street from the unoccupied residential home where the break-in was reported. During the ensuing investigation, law enforcement located Alzahrani in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. After Alzahrani was taken into custody, law enforcement searched Alzahrani and recovered the keys to the stolen school bus. The count of possession of a stolen vehicle is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and carries a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. He also thanked special agents of the FBI Field Office in Washington, D.C., under the direction of Assistant Director in Charge David Sunberg; special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; members of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; members of the Monroe County, Pennsylvania Office of the District Attorney, under the direction of District Attorney Mike Mancuso; members of the Livingston Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Gary Marshuetz; and members of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, Co-Chief of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. alzahrani.indictment.pdf


title: Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Child Pornography Offenses

component: Department of Justice

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Adam J. Heintzman, 26, was sentenced today to 228 months of imprisonment for the offenses of distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. At the sentencing hearing, the government established that Heintzman, who is formerly of Emden, Illinois, possessed over 200,000 images of child pornography, and that he engaged in online messaging where he declared a preference for children under the age of 10. The government also established that Heintzman had engaged in conversations where he expressed a desire to engage in the sexual abuse of a child. During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless noted that the sentence was appropriate based upon the quantity of images, the ages of the children involved, the fact that the depictions included images of sadistic or masochist conduct, and the transfer of obscene material to minors. Judge Lawless ordered Heintzman be remanded to the custody of the United States Marshall Service at the conclusion of today’s sentencing hearing. Judge Lawless further ordered that Heintzman serve seven years of supervised release following his sentence of imprisonment and that he pay over $80,000 in restitution to his victims. On December 21, 2023, Heintzman appeared in federal court, waived indictment, and pleaded guilty to an information before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. McNaught. The statutory penalties for distribution of child pornography are not less than five years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a life term of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and restitution. The statutory penalties for receipt of child pornography are not less than five years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a life term of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and restitution. The statutory penalties for possession of child pornography are up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a life term of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and restitution. “Each person who shares, receives, and possesses the lasting evidence of the sexual assaults suffered by children depicted in child pornography contributes to the irreparable harm suffered by these victims,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner K. Jacobs. “These predators value their own satisfaction at the expense of children. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their commitment to these investigations and cases.” The Logan County Sherriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Logan County State’s Attorney’s Office. AUSA Jacobs represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Heintzman was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ 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.


title: Mercer County Man, Former Pilot, Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison and Lifetime Supervised Release for Travelling to Philippines for Illicit Sexual Conduct

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, man formerly of Ocean County, New Jersey – a cargo pilot who traveled abroad frequently – was sentenced today to 144 months in prison for illicit sexual conduct abroad, including production of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Frank Maile, 68, of Hamilton, New Jersey, and formerly of New Egypt, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on Sept. 6, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to Count Four of a five-count indictment, charging him with illicit sexual conduct abroad, that is, a sexual act with a person under 18 years of age, a commercial sex act, and production of child pornography. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From as early as 2013, Maile traveled to the Philippines and had sexual contact with two minor sisters. Maile had extensive, explicit chats with the minors’ pimp to arrange these meetings. Maile created images and videos of the two minor females engaging in multiple sex acts, in which Maile also participated. These sex acts constituted commercial sex acts because they were performed for compensation. Maile also possessed additional images of child sexual abuse when he was searched upon entering the United States in Alabama on April 6, 2018, and at the time of his arrest in New Jersey on May 1, 2018. Maile also admitted that he had distributed some of the child pornography to his then-roommate/tenant Dennis Nerolich. Nerolich pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography before Judge Martinotti on June 20, 2024, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 6, 2024. In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Maile to lifetime supervised release, registration as a sex offender, a $5,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, and a $50,000 fine. Restitution will be determined at a later date. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the Criminal Division in Camden.


title: Pair indicted for RICO and RICO Conspiracy for string of violent robberies targeting Asian families across three Washington counties

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – Two men, who were in state custody on other charges, have been indicted federally for RICO and RICO Conspiracy for a series of violent home invasion robberies targeting Asian families, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. 28-year-old Kevin Thissel and 23-year-old Christopher Johnson are in state custody and have or will be transferred to federal custody. The RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) indictment outlines a pattern of violent crimes allegedly committed by Thissel, Johnson, and their co-conspirators. “The indictment alleges that in the summer of 2022, these men targeted certain families for robberies. To create a climate of fear, these men burst into their homes in the middle of the night, dressed in black, claiming to be police, and with guns drawn,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “The primary motive for this robbery crew was money – stealing any valuables they could ransack from these homes. Tragically, they shot and killed one young mother as her 7-year-old child lay next to her in bed. This indictment seeks to hold them accountable for the terror they visited on our community.” “These traumatic robberies and assaults occurred in the victims’ own homes where their families should have been safe," said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "During these crimes, children were restrained and were present during the violence, including the death of one child’s mother. I’m proud of the work of our investigators and prosecutors to ensure those responsible are held accountable, building a case across jurisdictions and with multiple law enforcement partners.” The indictment details that the robbery crew often targeted Asian families and committed the robberies between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM in King, Snohomish, and Skagit Counties. The conspirators would kick in doors or windows and disable any security cameras. The robbery crew dressed in black and wore masks. They would often yell “Police” when entering the homes to confuse the victims into thinking it was a law enforcement raid. The robbers would restrain all the victims, even children as young as nine years old, with zip ties. On one occasion, the robbers kidnapped a woman and forced her, at gunpoint, to go to bank ATMs in the middle of the night in an effort to withdraw funds from her bank account. Each member of the robbery crew had a certain job: surveilling the target homes; serving as a driver; kicking in the door; corralling the family; holding the victims at gunpoint; and ransacking the homes for valuables. Some of those participating in this violent robbery scheme were juveniles. Count one of the indictment lists seven distinct racketeering acts: May 24, 2022 – the armed robbery of a family in Mount Vernon, Washington. May 24, 2022 – the kidnapping of a young boy in connection with the Mount Vernon robbery. July 14, 2022 – the armed robbery of a couple in Burien, Washington. July 28, 2022 – the armed robbery of a woman in Kent, Washington. July 28,2022 – the abduction of the victim in the Kent robbery to force her to obtain cash from ATMs. August 19, 2022 – the Everett armed robbery of a couple and their child. August 19, 2022 – the murder of one of the Everett robbery victims. RICO and RICO conspiracy are punishable by up to life in prison. “These senseless acts of violence have profoundly affected our community, leaving a young child without his mother,” said Snohomish County Sheriff Susanna Johnson. “This investigation was exceptionally complex, and we would not have reached this point without the dedicated efforts of numerous agencies working together to identify the suspects and hold them accountable. We extend our sincere thanks to the Kent Police Department, the FBI, the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their invaluable assistance in this homicide investigation.” “This indictment demonstrates those who victimize members of our community will be held accountable,” said Chief Daniel Christman of the Mount Vernon Police. “I am very proud of the work Mount Vernon police detectives did to advance this case, and the partnerships with other Washington law enforcement agencies (both local and federal) that were a force multiplier for administering the rule of law, and ensuring those who engage in criminal activity are tirelessly pursued and aggressively prosecuted.” Johnson was in custody in Snohomish County serving a more than 90-month prison sentence for domestic violence convictions. He was transferred to federal custody this morning and will appear on the indictment today. Thissel has a pending federal charge for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Thissel is prohibited from possessing firearms due to several prior convictions, including three counts of Assault in the Second Degree involving a firearm. He is pending trial in Pierce County for Assault in the First Degree for another shooting. Thissel is currently in custody in Pierce County. “Any crime targeting a particular group of people is particularly disturbing and atrocious,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “Joining forces with fellow law enforcement agencies is key to our efforts in stopping such violent acts. We are grateful to have played a part in bringing these criminals to justice and hope this can help bring even a small comfort to the affected families.” “The indictments of the two violent repeat offenders for RICO is a significant step towards bringing justice to the families that were victimized by this criminal group in Kent and across our region,” said Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. “I am incredibly grateful for the immense work done by our detectives to identify and establish criminal charges for the portion of the crime spree that impacted Kent Residents. I also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for stepping in and seeking indictments at the federal level. Our communities benefit from the strong partnerships and collaboration amongst the local and federal public safety entities in Washington State.” The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the FBI with significant assistance from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, the Mount Vernon Police Department, the Kent Police Department, and the King County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen Hobbs and Mike Lang are prosecuting the case with assistance from the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. thissel-johnson_indictment.pdf


title: Readout of Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Participation in a Tribal Roundtable with Nine South Dakota Tribal Nations at the Yankton Sioux Nation

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland met yesterday with Tribal leaders and Tribal law enforcement officials from the nine South Dakota Tribal Nations at a roundtable held at the Yankton Sioux Nation to discuss public safety issues. The Attorney General was joined by Senator Mike Rounds. The visit highlighted the Department’s efforts to address public safety and justice in Tribal communities across South Dakota, including combating violent crime and drug-related crime, and the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous persons. The roundtable discussion also included representatives from the offices of Senator John Thune and Representative Dusty Johnson. Representatives from the nine South Dakota Tribal Nations, including the Yankton Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, discussed the public safety challenges facing each of their communities. Acting Director Daron T. Carreiro of the Justice Department’s Office of Tribal Justice and U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell for the District of South Dakota also participated in the roundtable. Discussion topics included the Department’s efforts to address pressing public safety needs, including violent and drug-related crime experienced by the Tribes. Recognizing that progress on public safety issues depends on successful partnerships, the Department — primarily through the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and U.S. Attorney’s Office — has launched joint operations to address violent and drug-related crimes in Tribal communities. These include FBI’s Safe Trails Task Forces to conduct joint investigations to combat drug trafficking in Tribal communities; FBI’s Operation Not Forgotten to surge resources into Tribal communities to address unsolved crimes; and the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program , which provides for the placement of an MMIP Assistant U.S. Attorney and an MMIP Coordinator in five designated regions with Indian Country across the United States, including South Dakota. In addition to increased operational support, since 2021, the Department has provided over $19 million in funding specifically for Tribes in South Dakota to support Tribal public safety programs. This funding has gone toward hiring, equipping, and training officers; improving the handling of child abuse cases; combating domestic and sexual violence; supporting Tribal youth programs; and strengthening victim services in Tribal communities. Addressing the crises of missing or murdered Indigenous people and human trafficking of Indigenous people continues to be a priority for the Justice Department. In addition to rolling out the MMIP Regional Outreach Program and addressing cold cases through the FBI’s Operation Not Forgotten, the Department continues to be guided by the recommendations in the Not Invisible Act Commission’s final report. The Departments of Justice and the Interior issued a joint response in March and are working to implement new commitments and strengthen ongoing efforts. Other topics raised during the Attorney General’s visit to Indian country included the need for increased public safety and justice finding and improvements to grant resources and officer training. Earlier in the day, Attorney General Garland met with prosecutors and federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota. During the meeting the Attorney General highlighted the Department’s work to decrease violent crime and combat the fentanyl epidemic. The Attorney General met with U.S. Attorney Ramsdell and discussed her office’s work to address violent crime and public safety in Indian Country. Photo credit: Senator Rounds’ office. Photo credit: Senator Rounds’ office. Photo credit: Senator Rounds’ office.


title: Utah Restaurant Owner Sentenced to Federal Prison for COVID Fraud

body_text: Salt Lake City, Utah – A Utah restaurant owner who obtained over $1.88 million by defrauding the COVID-19 Relief program was sentenced today to 12 months’ and one day imprisonment. Giuseppe Mirenda, 29, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nelson, Jr. after pleading guilty in February 2024 to two counts of conversion of government property. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Mirenda was sentenced to three years’ supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. According to court documents and statements made at the change of plea hearing, Mirenda, a co-owner of five Utah restaurants and Sicilia Restaurant Management, fraudulently applied for and signed agreements for six Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL loans) between March 2020 and June 2020. In 2021, Mirenda also applied for another $520,000 in EIDL loans, but those loans were denied. Under the CARES Act, EIDL loans were for small businesses struggling from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the EIDL loan applications, Mirenda represented and agreed that the loan proceeds would be used solely as working capital to alleviate economic injury caused by the pandemic, when in fact he used the loan money for his own personal benefit. Mirenda also misrepresented the citizenship status of his co-owners to improperly obtain the loans. In total, Mirenda unlawfully obtained $1,889,400 in EIDL loan funds. In less than a year, he used over $1.1 million of the fraudulently obtained funds to buy a house in West Jordan, Utah and Las Vegas, Nevada. Mirenda also misused at least another $81,781 in EIDL loan funds to buy luxury cars, including a BMW M3 and a Jaguar F-PACE, and $39,000 in cryptocurrency. Mirenda repaid about $680,000 of the EIDL funds. The United States also recovered approximately $1,251,469.29 from the seizure of the profits made from the forced sale of the two homes in Utah and Nevada. United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement. The Utah Federal COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force is investigating the case, which includes Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of Inspector General’s U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Department of Defense (DOD), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). The public is encouraged to share information about the abuse of the Paycheck Protection Program or other SBA programs by submitting a complaint here . Assistant United States Attorney Todd C. Bouton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: New Mexico Man Who Sexually and Physically Abused a Young Teen Following Abduction from a Kennewick Home, Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: Richland, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Lucas Daniel Murphy, age 38, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Online Enticement of a Minor. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 240 months imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Judge Dimke called Murphy’s actions “ugly” and noted few offenses are more serious or cause more harm than this. Directly addressing the victim, Judge Dimke said: “Thank you for being here today. You are incredibly strong and brave to be here today. If you can be here today to stand up for yourself, you can do anything.” According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in August of 2021, Murphy met a 13-year-old minor using an online application. Despite knowing the victim was 22 years his junior, Murphy began communicating regularly with the victim on SnapChat. At first, Murphy and the victim discussed shared interests in music. Over time, the communications changed, and involved Murphy instructing the victim to engage in sex acts over live Snapchat video. He also directed the victim to send specific sexually explicit photos. Murphy expressed a desire to be with the victim, which culminated in a plan to travel to the victim’s location, pick up the victim and transport the victim back to Murphy’s home in New Mexico. In December of 2021, the victim was staying with friends at a location in Kennewick, Washington. On or about December 18, 2021, Murphy drove from New Mexico to Kennewick, Washington, where he took the 13-year-old victim from a residential area. Murphy drove the victim to his residence in New Mexico. During the drive, Murphy provided the victim with alcohol and marijuana and sexually abused the victim. The two remained at Murphy’s residence in New Mexico for several days. Murphy returned to work while the victim remained at Murphy’s residence. During this time, Murphy continued to sexually abuse the victim. On December 22, 2021, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and local New Mexico law enforcement officers and surrounded Murphy’s residence. The victim was rescued from the location and Murphy was taken into custody. The victim was taken to the hospital interviewed by a certified forensic interviewer. Investigators documented bruises on the victim’s neck and leg. Months later, when the victim was ready, Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children investigators traveled to the victim’s location and conducted a painstaking interview, documenting the extent of Murphy’s abuse. “As a parent, I am horrified by Mr. Murphy’s conduct. Mr. Murphy meticulously planned the abduction of his young victim and took steps to make it difficult for law enforcement to track his whereabouts. Mr. Murphy repeatedly physically and sexually abused his victim resulting in significant trauma for the victim and their family. While no sentence can replace the horrors the victim faced, hopefully, it will serve as an important step on a long road to healing,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I want to commend the excellent work done by the Kennewick Police Department in the initial steps of this case, as well as the stellar follow-up investigation undertaken by our federal and local partners in Washington and New Mexico.” “The collaboration between our local and federal law enforcement agencies brought this victim home. Today, that victim stood before the Court and the community, addressed the harm the Defendant caused, and demonstrated that this harm will not define the victim’s life,” said Assistant United States Attorney Laurel Holland. “I am humbled by the strength of the victim and the victim’s family, and grateful for all of the community partners who enabled this outcome.” “Child sex offenders' prey on the most vulnerable victims. While today’s sentencing cannot erase the harm inflicted upon the victim, I hope that it will serve as the first step towards closure,” said FBI-Albuquerque Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will never stop working to put predators who harm children behind bars. These are incredibly disturbing cases to investigate, but each time we're able to step in and protect a child victim from further sexual abuse, it's a good day.” “Today’s sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of our community’s most vulnerable members,” said Richland Police Department Interim Chief, Craig Meidl. “The actions of this individual were heinous and will have lifelong impacts on the victim and her family. We remain dedicated to ensuring that perpetrators of such crimes are held accountable and that victims find the support they need to begin their healing process. Our thoughts are with the survivor and their family as they move forward from this traumatic experience.” “This was a targeted assault on a child, trading away their innocence and safety for a lifetime of scars,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “It is my intent that HSI, alongside our partners in federal and local law enforcement will not only hold child predators like Murphy accountable for their crimes, but increase our methods of educating the public on ways to identify potential abusers lurking online.” This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc. This case was investigated by the Kennewick Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurel Holland.


title: Mason City Man With Three Prior Drug Trafficking Convictions Sentenced to More Than 18 Years’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute Meth

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Andrew Snyder, age 56, from Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced today to more than 18 years in federal prison after a March 13, 2024, guilty plea to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual pure methamphetamine, and 2 counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual pure methamphetamine. Evidence in the case revealed that between July 2023 and August 2023, Snyder conspired to distribute pound-quantities of methamphetamine in the Mason City area. Law Enforcement utilized a confidential source to conduct a controlled purchase where Snyder exchanged approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine for cash and was in possession of approximately a pound more. On another occasion, during a traffic stop, Snyder was found to have six baggies containing approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine. Snyder has three previous convictions for trafficking methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Snyder was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 220 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Snyder is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-3033. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Sioux City Man Who Stole Firearm from Fleet Farm and Escaped on a Bicycle Sentenced to Federal Prison

body_text: A man who fled Sioux City Fleet Farm with the firearm was sentenced today, to more than 2 years in federal prison. Lythung Thach, age 23, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a April 3, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a stolen firearm. Evidence in the case revealed in June, 2023, Thach was inside Fleet Farm and requested assistance from an employee to view a handgun. An employee removed the firearm from the case, removed the magazine and handed it to Thach. Thach observed the firearm for a moment before suddenly fleeing out the front doors with the gun, where he got on a bicycle and fled the area. Upon review of surveillance cameras, officers were able to identify Thach. Two days after the incident, officers observed Thach on his bicycle at the intersection adjacent to the police department, where he was taken into custody for the stolen firearm. Thach had the firearm on his person and a magazine he acquired from an unknown source and further admitted to stealing the firearm for “fun”. Thach had previously attempted to gain access to the Sioux City Police Department through the personnel only secure entrance where he was directed to leave. Thach then entered through the public entrance where he advised that he was a new hire and was there to pick up his uniform. Command staff spoke with Thach where it became apparent Thach was not a new hire and he further advised that he had, in fact, not completed an application due to a prior domestic abuse conviction. Thach was previously arrested in December, 2022, for serious assault. Sioux City officers were dispatched for a physical disturbance between siblings. The victim had several lacerations on his back and advised that Thach had been hit several times with a PVC pipe. Thach was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 30 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Thach is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice-Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Sioux City Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-4054. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Gun Offense Stemming from Hartford Club Shooting in 2020

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARL JONES, also known as “M.O.B.,” 43, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm offense stemming from a shooting incident in 2020. According to the evidence disclosed during his trial and in court documents, in the early morning hours of February 16, 2020, Jones was involved in a gang-related shooting incident inside the Majestic Lounge on Franklin Avenue in Hartford. During the incident, Jones, a member of Los Solidos, chased down, shot, and wounded fleeing gang member Joshua Saez and an unintended second victim. Saez had just shot another gang member Marquis Treadwell, Treadwell’s girlfriend, and an unintended third victim. Treadwell later succumbed to his injuries. Jones used a .40 caliber Glock semiautomatic handgun, which he had retrieved from Treadwell after the initial shooting by Saez. Jones fled the scene with the firearm, but Hartford Police later recovered it from a vehicle on Lawrence Street during an unrelated drug trafficking investigation in September 2021. Jones’ criminal history includes convictions for felony narcotics, assault, larceny, and failure to appear offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Jones has been detained in federal custody since June 9, 2022. On August 23, 2023, a jury found him guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. Saez is serving a state sentence for the murder of Treadwell and the assault of Treadwell’s girlfriend. This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and Geoffrey M. Stone.


title: Hartford Man Admits Possessing Sexual Abuse Videos and Images

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN WILLIAMS, 33, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a child exploitation offense. According to court documents and statements made in court, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has been investigating a network of individuals who have been using private groups on an internet chat application to share images and videos of child sexual abuse. The investigation revealed that an account associated with Williams was an active member of one of these groups, and that Williams was convicted in 2015 in North Carolina of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree. On June 1, 2023, investigators conducted a court authorized search of Williams’ residence. Williams was arrested at that time after a preliminary review of his laptop revealed videos of child sex abuse. Subsequent analysis of his laptop and iPhone revealed more than 1,500 videos and 7,000 images depicting child pornography, including videos and images of sadistic and masochistic conduct and other depictions of violence and sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. Williams pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Williams’ prior conviction in North Carolina. Williams has been detained since his arrest. This matter has been investigated by HSI with the assistance of the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations, the Connecticut State Police, and the Hartford and Westport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings. This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: Jamaican National Sentenced to 32 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking, Identity Fraud, and Money Laundering Offenses

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ONIEL WILKS, 45, a citizen of Jamaica, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 384 months of imprisonment for narcotics trafficking, passport fraud, identity fraud, and money laundering offenses. According to the evidence presented during his trial, in November 2018, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force arrested several individuals, including Louie McDowell, who were distributing large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine in and around Bridgeport. The investigation subsequently revealed that McDowell was being supplied with heroin, fentanyl and cocaine by Wilks, who was using a false identity and living in California. Wilks, who had been removed from the U.S. to Jamaica in February 2014 and then illegally reentered the U.S., used stolen identifying information of an individual to apply for and receive a Florida driver’s license in 2015, and a U.S. passport in 2016. Investigators determined that Wilks had used his fraudulent passport to travel overseas, including to Japan and Thailand. In April 2019, Wilks, using his stolen identity, was stopped by law enforcement officers in southern California with five kilograms of suspected cocaine in the car he was driving. As the investigation into Wilks’ drug trafficking activities continued, in July 2019, investigators seized a package containing six kilograms of cocaine that was being mailed from California to Connecticut. On August 5, 2019, Wilks was arrested and court-authorized searches of two residences and a vehicle connected to him revealed approximately four kilograms of fentanyl/xylazine, items used to process and package narcotics, false identifications and more than $160,000 in cash. On December 22, 2021, a jury found Wilks guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of making a false statement in a passport application; one count of aggravated identity theft; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Wilks has been detained since his arrest. This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Stratford, Norwalk, Seymour and Trumbull Police Departments. The investigation was assisted by law enforcement in California, including the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (“HIDTA”) Task Force Group 44, the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Narcotics Suppression Program, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Culver City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and A. Reed Durham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Groton Man Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that RYAN CAMERON, 21, of Groton, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with receipt and distribution of child pornography, soliciting child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Cameron appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven. He has been detained in state custody since his arrest on unrelated state charges on May 20, 2024. As alleged in court documents, Cameron was convicted in 2023 in state court of illegal dissemination of intimate images of a 15-year-old female. In April 2024, while Cameron was on state probation, his state probation officer conducted a home visit and discovered Cameron was in possession of a cell phone in violation of the conditions of his probation. A subsequent forensic examination of the phone revealed that the phone contained videos and images constituting child pornography. Also located on the phone were messages between Cameron and individuals on messaging applications showing Cameron soliciting and distributing child pornography. The charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography and soliciting child pornography carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo. This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: California Man Indicted for Unlawfully Exporting Aircraft Components to Iran

body_text: The Justice Department unsealed an indictment charging U.S.-Iranian national Jeffrey Chance Nader, 68, with crimes related to the illicit export of U.S.-manufactured aircraft components, including components used on military aircraft, to Iran in violation of U.S. economic sanctions and other federal laws. Nader was arrested yesterday in California. “This action demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to keeping military-grade equipment out of the hands of the Iranian regime,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “We will aggressively investigate, disrupt, and hold accountable criminal networks that supply sensitive technology to hostile and repressive governments in contravention of U.S. sanctions.” “Attacks by Iran and its proxies on U.S. allies in the Middle East and its ongoing supply of Russia with drones and other technology to be used in its illegal war against Ukraine demonstrate why we must do all that we can to stop Iran from acquiring U.S. parts, services, and technology," said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “The charges announced today represent the latest step in our ongoing effort to hold accountable those who illegally funnel goods and services to Iran and to deter others from doing the same.” “Iran has no business using U.S.-manufactured parts and components to keep their planes and drones in the sky,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security. “Stopping these items before they get to our adversaries – like we did here – reflects the real-world impact we’re having through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force.” “This indictment highlights the FBI’s commitment to enforcing export laws by holding those accountable who allegedly try to smuggle U.S.-origin military equipment to the benefit of Iran,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Any circumvention of U.S. export control law is unacceptable, and the FBI works diligently with its partners across the globe to seek out and bring to justice those who violate export laws along with any shell companies that support such activities.” According to the indictment, beginning at least in 2023, Nader and other associates, conspired to purchase and illegally export – and attempted to export – from the United States to Iran four types of aircraft components, totaling nearly three dozen individual pieces. Some of these components are for use on military aircraft operated by Iran’s armed forces, including the F-4 fighter jet. Nader, acting on purchase orders he received from customers in Iran, coordinated the purchase of relevant aircraft components with business associates in Iran, by which Nader and his Iran-based associates would reach out to U.S.-based suppliers of such components. In several instances, Nader falsely identified himself and his company, California-based Pro Aero Capital, to the U.S.-based suppliers as the end user of the items. Once Nader obtained the aircraft components, he attempted to export the items on multiple occasions to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The items were then to be transshipped to the ultimate customer in Iran. The items discussed in the indictment, however, were detained by a Special Agent with the Department of Commerce, and none were successfully exported from the United States. The FBI Washington Field Office and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security is investigating the case, with assistance provided by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven B. Wasserman for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sean Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. Significant assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. This prosecution is being coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states. Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. Government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Indictment Charges California Man for Unlawfully Procuring Aircraft Components on Behalf of Iran

body_text: WASHINGTON – U.S.-Iranian national Jeffrey Chance Nader, 66, of Arcadia, California, was arrested on an indictment charging him with crimes related to the procurement of U.S.-manufactured aircraft components, including components used on military aircraft, in violation of U.S. economic sanctions and other federal laws. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, FBI Assistant Director David Sundberg of the Washington Field Office, and Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod. According to the indictment, beginning at least in 2023, Nader and others conspired to purchase and export – and attempted to export – from the United States to Iran four types of aircraft components, totaling nearly three dozen individual pieces. Some of these components are for use on military aircraft operated by Iran’s armed forces, including the F-4 fighter jet. Nader, acting on purchase orders he received from customers in Iran, would coordinate the purchase of relevant aircraft components with business associates in Iran, by which they would reach out to U.S.-based suppliers of such components. In several instances, Nader identified himself and his company, California-based Pro Aero Capital, to these U.S.-based suppliers as the end-user of these items. Victim companies in this procurement scheme were located across the United States. Once the aircraft components were obtained, Nader attempted to export the items on multiple separate occasions. The items were then transshipped to the ultimate customer in Iran. None of the transactions discussed in the indictment were successfully exported; they were detained on export by a Special Agent with the Department of Commerce. “Attacks by Iran and its proxies on U.S. allies in the Middle East and its ongoing supply of Russia with drones and other technology to be used in its illegal war against Ukraine demonstrate why we must do all that we can to stop Iran from acquiring U.S. parts, services, and technology.” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. “The charges announced today represent the latest step in our ongoing effort to hold accountable those who illegally funnel goods and services to Iran and to deter others from doing the same.” "Today's action demonstrates the Justice Department's commitment to keeping military-grade equipment out of the hands of the Iranian regime," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division. “We will aggressively investigate, disrupt, and hold accountable criminal networks that supply sensitive technology to hostile and repressive governments in contravention of U.S. sanctions.” “Today’s indictment alleges that this defendant circumvented U.S. sanctions and illegally procured aircraft components on behalf of Iran,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg, of the Washington Field Office. “These violations not only undermine the impact of U.S sanctions but can also adversely affect national security. The FBI and our law enforcement partners at the Department of Commerce will continue to identify and disrupt those who seek to violate U.S. law and steal our technology on behalf of hostile nations.” “Iran has no business using U.S.-manufactured parts and components to keep their planes and drones in the sky,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod. “Stopping these items before they get to our adversaries – like we did here – reflects the real-world impact we’re having through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force.” Nader was arrested yesterday and had an initial appearance in the Central District of California. This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security. Significant assistance was provided by the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven B. Wasserman for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sean Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Significant assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. This prosecution is being coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states. Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. Government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Plainfield Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Three Armed Robberies of Indy Area Businesses

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Larry Gibson, 65, of Plainfield, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery. According to court documents, between August 25 and September 5, 2019, Larry Gibson robbed three different Indianapolis area businesses. On August 24, he robbed an OfficeMax on East Washington Street and stole $320. On August 28, he robbed a CVS on Southeastern Avenue and stole $115. On September 5, he robbed a Wendy’s on Post Road and stole $276. In each robbery, Gibson brandished what the employees believed to be a firearm and demanded cash. Gibson was arrested on September 6, 2019, and admitted to committing each robbery. During a search of Gibson’s residence, officers located a toy gun that resembled a real firearm. “Every person deserves to feel safe where they live and work. This defendant terrorized and threatened innocent employees and businesses for weeks,’ said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These frightening, senseless crimes have no place in our communities, and we are safer with this man behind federal prison bars. I am grateful to the FBI for ensuring that this criminal has been held accountable for his actions.” The FBI and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###