title: Federal Inmate Convicted of Producing Obscene Images of Children

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A federal judge convicted a federal inmate yesterday on charges of producing and possessing obscene images of children. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Jesse Fernando Perez, 36, is currently serving a 121-month federal sentence for possession of child pornography at the Federal Correctional Complex in Petersburg, Virginia. While incarcerated, he copied images of children from books and magazines, and then drew on the images to create depictions of the children engaged in sexually explicit activity. Perez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison when sentenced on December 11. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young announced his verdict. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons assisted in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael C. Moore and Trial Attorney Angelica Carrasco from the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-19.


title: Boston Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery of Postal Worker

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for the armed robbery of a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier in Massachusetts. Anthony Diaz, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to four years in prison and three years of supervised release. In April 2023, Diaz pleaded guilty to forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating and interfering with a United States Postal employee, while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties, and did so by use of a deadly weapon, a firearm; and assaulting a person having lawful charge, custody and control of United States mail, money and other property of the United States, with the intent to rob, steal and purloin that mail, money and other property of the United States, and in doing so put the life of that victim in jeopardy by the use of a firearm. USPS has seen a rise in the use of Arrow Keys to facilitate the theft of U.S. Mail. An Arrow Key is a specific key designed to open designated blue USPS collection boxes in a specific area. These Arrow Keys are the property of USPS, and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one. Since July 2022, there have been at least 12 assaults on USPS letter carriers while in the performance of their official duties in Boston and surrounding cities and towns. In January 2023, in Peabody, Mass., Diaz approached a USPS letter carrier and stated, “Give me the keys,” while pointing a semi-automatic pistol at the victim. After the victim handed Diaz the USPS vehicle key, Diaz responded, “Give me the rest of the key,” and “Hurry up or I’ll shoot you.” The victim removed his keychain, which was attached to his belt, containing his USPS Arrow Key and asked if he could have his vehicle key back. Diaz did not respond, placed the firearm in his right jacket pocket and departed in a nearby vehicle. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Ketty Larco Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Barbados Resident Who Allegedly Posed as Ivy Leaguer with Wall Street Experience Charged with Running $3.1 Million Stock Scam

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – A convicted felon who allegedly posed as an experienced Wall Street stock trader has been charged with running a securities scam that caused victim investors to lose approximately $3.1 million, the Justice Department announced today. Christopher Anthony Slaga, 50, a.k.a. “Keith Renko,” was charged with eight counts of wire fraud in an indictment filed on August 2. Slaga is currently a fugitive being sought by authorities. According to the indictment, from at least March 2018 through this year, Slaga operated several companies, including JMC 4 Group LLC and Q4 Capital Group LLC, that purportedly trading businesses that implemented “different strategies for long-term and short-term gains” through “a bifurcated trading approach.” In addition to being the president and CEO of these companies, Slaga – using his “Keith Renko” alias – purportedly ran JMC 4 and Q4 Capital’s East Coast operations and trading desk before establishing a West Coast office and a trading desk in Newport Beach. Using private placement memoranda (PPM) – securities disclosure forms issued by companies engaging in private securities offerings – as well as websites, emails and telephone calls, Slaga allegedly solicited individual investors to make capital commitments of at least $25,000 to his companies, falsely telling them that he was running a hedge fund for lay people. Slaga promised victims he would use their money to invest in a broad range of securities by using a proprietary computer-based quantitative and statistical algorithm through brokerage accounts at JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, the indictment alleges. His purported investment objective was to “maximize total return on capital by seeking capital appreciation,” according to the indictment. In each of the PPMs, Slaga allegedly falsely claimed he personally made capital investments of at least $2 million into his companies, and that he was a “seasoned trader,” who previously worked at Merrill Lynch and who was a Dartmouth College graduate. Slaga allegedly failed to disclose as required to investors that in 2003 he was convicted of wire fraud in the Southern District of Texas, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, and was ordered to pay $19,665,300 in restitution. Slaga allegedly never invested the victim investors’ money in JMC 4 and Q4 Capital. Instead, he used it to repay other investors, pay commissions, and for his own personal expenses, such as rent, loan and credit card payments, personal stock trading, and private school payments, according to the indictment. He allegedly also produced bogus documentation purportedly from Deloitte, JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs to show investors false holdings and fabricated returns. In total, Slaga caused 13 investors to lose approximately $3.1 million, according to the indictment. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted of all charges, Slaga would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday filed a lawsuit against Slaga in connection with the alleged scheme to defraud investors. The FBI is investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Waier of the Santa Ana Branch Office is prosecuting this case.


title: Santa Fe Man Charged with Child Abuse in Indian Country

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Luis Xavier Rael made an initial appearance in federal court on an indictment charging him with abandonment and abuse of a child, assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an individual who has not attained the age of 16 years, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Rael, 36, of Santa Fe, will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday, August 10, 2023. According to the indictment, on January 19, 2021, Rael, a non-Indian, assaulted his stepson, John Doe, a 12-year-old Indian boy, with a belt and a tree branch because Doe failed to perform physical activities that Rael forced Doe to do as a result of Doe’s perceived misbehavior. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Rael faces up to 18 years in prison. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-172


title: City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, University of Virginia Become Project Safe Neighborhoods Communities

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. –The Department of Justice’s Executive Committee for Project Safe Neighborhoods has unanimously approved the addition of the greater Charlottesville-Albemarle County-University of Virginia region into the program. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, community-based partners, and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. “Confronting gun violence in the vibrant communities of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the University of Virginia demands a collaborative approach that harnesses the strength of all federal, state, and local stakeholders,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “By forging a united front, we can strike at the root of this pressing issue, ensuring safer streets and fostering a resilient community where every individual can thrive, free from the shadows of violence.” “Addressing the complex issue of gun violence requires us to not just react to crime, but to also pro-actively partner with our community and our law enforcement partners. I thank United States Attorney Chris Kavanaugh for his steadfast support in addressing gun violence in our community. The safety of our residents requires a robust, thoughtful, and strategic, multi-faced approach. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all those who live, work, and visit the City of Charlottesville,” Charlottesville Police Chief Mike Kochis said today. “The Albemarle County Police Department is committed to working with Project Safe Neighborhood partners to identify the most pressing issues impacting our community and develop comprehensive solutions to make this region a safer place for everyone,” said the Albemarle County Police Department Chief of Police Colonel Sean Reeves. “Leveraging the resources and expertise of federal, state, local, and tribal partners, will provide our entire community the best opportunity to respond to and prevent violent crime in our area.” “We are incredibly proud to be part of a partnership that not only seeks to reduce violence in our community but fully embraces the important of community engagement, thoughtful collaboration with stakeholders, and the irrefutable importance of preserving a safe and health community,” said Tim Longo, Associate Vice President for Safety and Security, and University Chief of Police. PSN follows four key design elements of successful violent crime reduction initiatives: community engagement, prevention, and intervention, focused and strategic enforcement, and accountability. In addition, PSN communities are eligible to apply for DOJ grant funds. For more information about PSN, please visit: https://bja.ojp.gov/program/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn/overview .


title: Former Leader of Clan Del Golfo Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Related Charges

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Note : To obtain copy of b-roll of the U.S. Marshals Service transporting Otoniel via NYPD helicopter on May 5, 2022 click here . Earlier today in federal court, a citizen of Colombia was sentenced to 45 years in prison for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise as a leader of the multibillion-dollar paramilitary and drug trafficking organization known as the “Clan del Golfo” (CDG). According to court documents, Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, aka Otoniel, 51, of Antioquia, Colombia, was also sentenced to 45 years in prison for engaging in a maritime narcotics conspiracy and 45 years in prison for engaging in a narcotics importation conspiracy. The sentences will run concurrently. As part of the sentence, the court ordered Úsuga David to pay $216 million in forfeiture. The defendant pleaded guilty to all three charges in January 2023. “Otoniel led one of the largest cocaine trafficking organizations in the world, where he directed the exportation of massive amounts of cocaine to the United States and ordered the ruthless execution of Colombian law enforcement, military officials, and civilians,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This sentence sends a clear message: the Justice Department will find and hold accountable the leaders of deadly drug trafficking organizations that harm the American people, no matter where they are and no matter how long it takes.” “The FBI’s goal is to save lives by stopping the supply of deadly narcotics before they reach our borders and targeting the leadership of these criminal enterprises,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The success of this case is due to the collaborative efforts of partners who work to dismantle these dangerous drug trafficking organizations and stop these criminals from harming our communities.” “Today’s sentencing demonstrates DEA’s commitment to defeating deadly criminal networks who have no regard for human life,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram. “DEA investigated Otoniel – one of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers in the world – for almost 20 years. Under Otoniel’s leadership, the Clan del Golfo shipped massive quantities of cocaine into the United States, terrorized the Colombian people, and killed civilians, law enforcement officers, and rivals in Colombia who threatened the organization’s trafficking operations. I commend the men and women of the DEA for their many years of outstanding work that culminated in today’s sentencing.” “The human misery caused by the defendant’s incredibly violent, vengeful, and bloody reign as leader of the Clan del Golfo drug trafficking organization may never be fully calculated due to its magnitude, but today’s lengthy sentence delivers appropriate justice and sends a message to other paramilitary and cartel leaders that the United States will seek their arrest and extradition in order to hold them accountable in our courts of law,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “Today’s 45-year sentence of Clan del Golfo’s notoriously violent leader illustrates the United States’ tenacious approach to securing justice against those who threaten the security of our nation and communities,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe. “Cartel leaders like Úsuga David will be found, extradited, and prosecuted.” “Today’s sentencing of notorious Clan del Golfo leader Dairo Antonio Úsuga David is the culmination of years of collaborative efforts between HSI and our local, federal and international law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York. “Criminals should take note of this sentencing and heed its warning; HSI remains committed to these joint efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations whose illicit activities threaten the national security of the United States and the safety of our communities.” Between June 2003 and October 2021, Úsuga David was the leader of a continuing criminal enterprise responsible for exporting multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico and Central America for ultimate importation into the United States. Additionally, Úsuga David participated in conspiracies to distribute narcotics via maritime vessels and also to manufacture and distribute cocaine, knowing and intending that the narcotics would be illegally imported into the United States. The Clan Del Golfo The CDG is one of the most violent and powerful criminal organizations in Colombia, and it is one of the largest distributors of cocaine in the world. With as many as 6,000 members at times, the CDG exercises military control over vast amounts of territory in the Urabá region of Antioquia, Colombia, one of the most lucrative drug trafficking areas within Colombia due to its proximity to the Colombia-Panama border and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Clad in military uniforms, CDG members employ military tactics and weapons to reinforce their power and incite wars and violence against rival drug traffickers, paramilitary organizations, and Colombian law enforcement authorities who threaten the CDG’s control. The CDG funds its operations primarily through a multi-billion-dollar drug trafficking operation. It imposes a “tax” on any drug traffickers operating in territory under its control, charging fees for every kilogram of cocaine manufactured, stored, or transported through areas controlled by the organization. The CDG also directly exports cocaine and coordinates the production, purchase, and transfer of weekly and bi-weekly multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia into Central America and Mexico for ultimate importation to the United States. To maintain control over CDG territory, Úsuga David and the CDG employed an army of “sicarios,” or hitmen, who carried out acts of violence, including murders, assaults, kidnappings, torture, and assassinations against competitors and those deemed traitors to the organization, as well as their family members. The CDG murdered and assaulted Colombian law enforcement officers, Colombian military personnel, rival drug traffickers and paramilitaries, potential witnesses, and civilians. Úsuga David and the CDG used violence to promote and enhance the reputation and position of the CDG with respect to rival criminal organizations; preserve, protect, and expand the CDG’s power and territory; finance the CDG’s operations and enrich its leaders through the collection of drug debts; maintain discipline among its members and associates; and protect CDG members from arrest and prosecution by attempting to silence potential witnesses and retaliating against law enforcement authorities and those assisting law enforcement. Úsuga David served as a high-ranking leader within the CDG from its inception and was its principal leader for approximately 10 years. During his reign, Úsuga David oversaw all of the CDG’s activities and directed its members to engage in extensive criminal acts, including acts of violence, mandated shutdowns of all business activities and civilian movement within designated regions of Colombia, retaliation against law enforcement authorities and potential witnesses, the exertion of control over drug manufacturing facilities and trafficking routes, and the exportation of cocaine in multi-ton quantities. Úsuga David assumed power and territorial control over vast swaths of the Colombian coastline and personally directed members of the CDG to commit acts of violence to reinforce that power. This included violence against civilians. For example, in early 2012, following the death of Úsuga David’s brother in a police raid, Úsuga David ordered a multi-day shutdown be imposed on towns and communities within the CDG’s control. During the strike, CDG members ordered that all businesses remain closed, and that residents stay in their homes. Úsuga David ordered CDG members to execute those who did not adhere to his orders. Úsuga David also personally ordered CDG members to commit murders of specific individuals, including the murders of rival drug traffickers and members of the CDG who betrayed him or the organization. For example, Úsuga David ordered the assassinations of multiple individuals who worked for a rival drug trafficking organization. In addition, Úsuga David regularly directed CDG members to use violence, intimidation, and murder to dissuade law enforcement authorities from performing their duties and to silence potential witnesses. For example, at Úsuga David’s direction, the CDG carried out organized campaigns, referred to as “Plan Pistolas,” to kill Colombian law enforcement and military personnel using military-grade weapons, including grenades, explosives, and assault rifles. Úsuga David offered bounties for the murder of Colombian police officers and military personnel to intimidate law enforcement authorities and prevent them from capturing him or interfering in the CDG’s business. Úsuga David’s organization made numerous attempts to assassinate individuals who were believed to be cooperating with law enforcement. Úsuga David was also extensively involved in the narcotics activities that funded the CDG and enabled its power. He oversaw the CDG’s drug trafficking exports and directed a network of “debt collectors” tasked with the enforcement and collection of taxes paid by drug trafficking organizations that operated in regions controlled by the CDG. In addition, Úsuga David controlled cocaine manufacturing facilities and used the CDG’s extensive distribution network to export cocaine independently for his own personal profit. As part of the sentence, the court ordered Úsuga David to pay a $216 million forfeiture money judgment. The forfeiture money judgment is subject to the agreement between the U.S. government and the Government of the Republic of Colombia concerning the sharing of forfeited proceeds and instrumentalities of crime. The DEA, HSI, FBI, New York City Police Department (NYPD), and New York State Police (NYSP) investigated the case. The United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Florida and Eastern District of Texas, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), Judicial Attachés in Bogotá, Colombia, and attorneys assigned at the Special Operations Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Port Authority Police Department, the Colombian Attorney General’s Office, the Colombian National Police, the Colombian Ministry of National Defense, the Colombian Ministry of Justice, and the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided valuable assistance in the investigation, arrest, and extradition of the defendant. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Navarro, Gillian Kassner, and Tara B. McGrath for the Eastern District of New York prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian for the Eastern District of New York is handling forfeiture matters. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Emery for the Southern District of Florida and Alexander Li for the Southern District of New York led the prosecutions for their respective offices. The investigation, extradition, and conviction of Úsuga David is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Georgia-Based Rental Property Owners and Manager

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a Fair Housing Act lawsuit against Iraj Shambayati and several other defendants alleging that Shambayati sexually harassed and retaliated against female tenants at residential properties he has owned or managed in Savannah, Georgia. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, alleges that since at least 2008, Shambayati has made repeated and unwelcome sexual comments and advances to female tenants, inappropriately touched their bodies without their permission, entered their homes without their permission or knowledge, requested sexual acts from them, offered them rental benefits in exchange for sex and took retaliatory actions against female tenants who rejected his sexual advances. The complaint also alleges that his son Daniel Shambayati, Akbar Keshavarz, 1511 Rosewood LLC and IDHD Properties LLC are vicariously liable for Iraj Shambayati’s discriminatory conduct, because he acted as their agent when he sexually harassed tenants at properties in which they had an ownership interest. “Landlords and other housing providers who abuse their positions by sexually harassing tenants violate the Fair Housing Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit sends the message that the Justice Department will take concrete action to stop this illegal conduct.” “Tenants have a right to fair treatment – and it’s the law,” said U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg for the Southern District of Georgia. “We will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment or abuse.” The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to vindicate the public interest and a court order barring future discrimination. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings managed by Iraj Shambayati, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291. Select 1 for English, and select option number 2, then option number 02 to leave a message. Individuals may also e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov or submit a report online . The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The department’s initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 33 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $10.8 million for victims of such harassment. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt . The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct. The allegations must be proven in federal court. Complaint


title: Ship’s Operator, Captain, and Chief Engineer Sentenced for Environmental Crimes Aboard a Rhode Island-Bound Oil Tanker

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE –The Greek company that owned and operated the Galissas , its captain, and chief engineer were each sentenced in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island today for environmental crimes committed in February 2022, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Zeus Lines Management S.A., (Zeus) owner/operator of the Gallissas , was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary S. McElroy to pay a total monetary penalty of $2.25 million, consisting of a fine of $1,687,500 and a community service payment of $562,500. The community service payment will go to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to fund projects to benefit marine and coastal natural resources located in the State of Rhode Island. Additionally, Zeus will serve a four-year term of probation, during which any vessels operated by the company and calling on U.S. ports will be required to implement a robust environmental compliance plan. The Galissas ’ captain and chief engineer were also sentenced to terms of probation. During earlier proceedings in May 2023, Zeus admitted violating The Ports and Waterways Safety Act and The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. The Galissas ’ captain, Master Jose Ervin Mahinge Porquez, a resident of the Philippines, admitted to violating The Ports and Waterways Safety Act; Galissas ’ Roberto Cayabyab Penaflor, also a resident of the Philippines, admitted violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. According to information presented in court, while the Galissas was conducting cargo operations in Rotterdam, the Netherlands in February 2022, crew members became aware that the vessel’s inert gas system became inoperable. The inert gas system is necessary to ensure that oxygen levels within the vessel’s cargo tanks remain at safe levels and do not pose a hazardous condition. Rather than remaining in Rotterdam until the inert gas system could be repaired, Zeus and the ship’s captain, Porquez, decided to instead sail to the United States, where a spare part would be delivered upon the vessel’s arrival. On February 11, 2022, while crossing the Atlantic, Porquez submitted a “Notice of Arrival” to the U.S. Coast Guard which failed to report the hazardous condition. On February 15, 2022, the Coast Guard sent an email in preparation for inspection which inquired about the vessel’s inert gas system. Porquez responded but did not disclose the inoperable inert gas system. Upon arrival off the coast of Rhode Island on February 19, 2022, the vessel embarked a local ship’s pilot to sail the vessel closer to shore and take delivery of the spare part. Although the crew installed the spare part, the inert gas system remained inoperable. Porquez failed to report to the Coast Guard the hazardous condition that the vessel’s inert gas system was inoperable while the tanks were not gas free. The following day, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded the Galissas to conduct an inspection. Only then did Porquez inform the Coast Guard that the inert gas system was inoperable. The Coast Guard immediately took measurements of the oxygen levels within the vessel’s cargo tanks, which registered more than double the maximum allowable levels. The Coast Guard then ordered that the vessel be moved further offshore so as to not endanger the port of Newport, Rhode Island. Additionally, Zeus’ Operations Manager directed Porquez to create a logbook showing oxygen levels during the transatlantic voyage. Porquez had a logbook created that falsely indicated the cargo tanks were at safe oxygen levels when the vessel left the Netherlands and remained at safe levels during the majority of the vessel’s transit of the Atlantic Ocean. In reality, the crew had not taken any readings of the oxygen levels in the cargo tanks during the vessel’s voyage. The fraudulent logbook was presented to the U.S. Coast Guard during its inspection. Additionally, in a separate infraction, Zeus and chief engineer Penaflor admitted that throughout the transatlantic voyage oily bilge water was illegally dumped from the Galissas directly into the ocean without being properly processed through required pollution prevention equipment. Oily bilge water typically contains oil contamination from the operation and cleaning of machinery on the vessel. They also admitted that these illegal discharges were not recorded in the vessel’s oil record book as required by law. Penaflor ordered crew members under his supervision to discharge a total of approximately 9,544 gallons of oily bilge water from the vessel’s bilge holding tank directly into the ocean using the vessel’s emergency fire pump, bypassing the vessel’s required pollution prevention equipment. Penaflor instructed crew members on several occasions to not tell the Coast Guard about bypassing the pollution prevention equipment resulting in illegal discharges. The case was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Stephen Da Ponte of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams for the District of Rhode Island, with assistance from Lieutenant Commander Paul J. Milliken from the U.S. Coast Guard District One Legal Office. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service investigated the case. ###


title: KC Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Child Victim, Distributing Video of Abuse Online

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to recording his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old victim and sharing a video of the abuse online. Jeffrey A. Knight, 32, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of producing child pornography. By pleading guilty today, Knight admitted that he used his iPhone to create an image and two video recordings of his sexual abuse of the child victim on Feb. 2, 2020. Knight then distributed one of those videos over the internet. Knight also admitted that he sexually abused the child victim on multiple occasions until April 2022. Knight has been involved in the trafficking and possession of child pornography since at least 2013. He routinely used messaging applications, such as Telegram, to send and receive child pornography from other individuals over the internet. He also paid money to join online groups that focused on the trafficking of child pornography, and engaged in the trafficking of child pornography with other members of those online groups. Knight uploaded hundreds of images and videos of child pornography to his online storage accounts, including Google and Dropbox, from 2013 until his arrest on Feb. 3, 2023. Knight was in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography at the time of his arrest. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Four sentenced in Eastern Panhandle drug trafficking operation

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an Eastern Panhandle drug trafficking operation. Kirk Leon Grantham, age 45, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 57 months for the distribution of controlled substances. Grantham was the leader of a drug trafficking conspiracy and worked with others in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties to sell cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Three of Grantham’s co-defendants were also sentenced, as follows: Julian Demont Pace, age 48, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia was sentenced to 41 months. Ronald Lee Jackson, age 36, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 15 months. William Brown, age 75, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to three years of probation. Pace, Jackson, and Brown each have multiple prior drug trafficking convictions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.


title: Caldwell Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: BOISE – Richard Alan Stansell, 53, of Caldwell, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for possession child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, in October 2021, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force began investigating CyberTip reports from Google, Instagram, and Facebook. According to the reports, several online accounts had been used to upload child pornography. ICAC’s investigation revealed that the accounts belonged to Stansell. ICAC also learned that the Idaho State Police had an active investigation involving Stansell. As part of that investigation, Stansell had communicated online with two undercover detectives posing as 13-year-old females. During the online communications, Stansell engaged in sexually explicit conversation with the purported children and sent them pictures of his penis and other pornographic images. ICAC obtained a federal search warrant to seize and search Stansell’s electronic devices. In May 2022, ICAC, and other members of law enforcement, executed the search warrant and seized Stansell’s cellphone. A forensic examination of the cellphone revealed numerous images and videos of child pornography and evidence that Stansell had traded files of child pornography with other individuals online. Investigators also located evidence that Stansell had been communicating with juveniles. During an interview, Stansell admitted to receiving, viewing, and distributing images of child pornography. Stansell also admitted to chatting online with underage girls and to receiving explicit images from them. “The defendant’s illegal and harmful conduct in this case is deserving of the significant sentence imposed,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Other offenders tempted to produce, obtain, or share child pornography should know that they cannot hide. Our office and our law enforcement partners, including the ICAC Task Force, are laser-focused on prosecuting to the fullest extent anyone who would victimize children, and our collaborative efforts in these critical investigations are second to none.” “I am proud of the work done by our office in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney, Idaho State Police, and the Caldwell Police Department. The ICAC unit has been instrumental in protecting children by putting offenders away. Furthermore, I want to thank the law enforcement professionals in the state and U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the diligent work that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Stansell,” Idaho Attorney General Labrador said. U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford also sentenced Stansell to 16 years of supervised release, which will start upon completion of his prison sentence, and entered an order forfeiting the cellphone that was used to commit the offense. Stansell was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victims in the images that he possessed. Stansell will also be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction and pay a $5,100 special assessment to the Court. U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the ICAC Task Force, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, the Idaho State Police, and the Caldwell Police Department, which led to the charges. 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. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Three Board Members of Failed Washington Federal Bank in Chicago Guilty of Falsifying Records and Obstructing Regulators

body_text: CHICAGO — Three former board members of the failed Washington Federal Bank for Savings in Chicago have pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to falsify bank records to deceive the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. WILLIAM M. MAHON, 56, of Chicago, and GEORGE F. KOZDEMBA, 73, of Fort Myers, Fla., pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge during a hearing Monday before U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall. Mahon’s guilty plea also included a tax offense for willfully filing false income tax returns. Last week, JANICE M. WESTON, 65, of Orland Park, Ill., pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge. Judge Kendall set sentencings for Oct. 20, 2023, for Weston; Dec. 11, 2023, for Mahon; and Dec. 12, 2023, for Kozdemba. The conspiracy charge is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. The additional tax offense against Mahon is punishable by up to three years. Mahon, Kozdemba, and Weston were members of Washington Federal’s Board of Directors. Weston also served as the bank’s Senior Vice President and Compliance Officer. Washington Federal was closed in 2017 after the OCC determined that the bank was insolvent and had at least $66 million in nonperforming loans. A federal investigation led to criminal charges against 16 defendants, including charges against the bank’s Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and other high-ranking employees, for conspiring to embezzle at least $31 million in bank funds. Eight defendants have pleaded guilty or entered into agreements to cooperate with the government. Much of the money was transferred to Chicago attorney ROBERT M. KOWALSKI and other individuals outside the bank without all of the required documentation and often without any documentation whatsoever. A jury earlier this year convicted Robert Kowalski on embezzlement and fraud charges . He is awaiting sentencing. Robert Kowalski’s sister, JAN R. KOWALSKI, also an attorney, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in June to more than three years in federal prison for fraudulently enabling her brother to conceal more than $357,000 from creditors and the trustee in his bankruptcy case. Last year, Chicago attorney PATRICK D. THOMPSON was convicted by a jury of making false statements to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. regarding the amount of money he received from Washington Federal via a purported loan and other unsecured payments. He was also convicted of filing tax returns in which he falsely deducted interest that he had not actually paid to Washington Federal. Thompson was sentenced to four months in federal prison. When the OCC was evaluating Washington Federal’s loan portfolio prior to its failure, Mahon, Weston, Kozdemba, and others made and caused to be made false entries in bank records and provided them to the OCC with the intent to deceive the agency and obstruct its examination. They also falsified records to make it appear that Washington Federal was operating in compliance with banking rules and internal policies and controls. The guilty pleas were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Vincent R. Zehme, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the FDIC’s Office of Inspector General; Machelle L. Jindra, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Inspector General in Chicago; Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago; Catherine Huber, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Central Region of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Andrea Peacock, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General; Deborah Witzburg, City of Chicago Inspector General; and Kathryn B. Richards, Chicago Housing Authority Inspector General. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Trustee Program. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Petersen, Kristin Pinkston, and Brian Netols, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Snell.


title: Gun Trafficker Convicted of Unlicensed Firearms Dealing and Machine Gun Possession

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Yesterday, Johnny Matthew Battle Jr., 30, of Miami, Florida, was convicted at trial before U.S. District Court Judge Beth Bloom of dealing firearms without a license and possessing a machine gun. Battle operated an illegal firearm dealing business since at least 2017, selling guns without a background check to persons representing themselves as having been convicted of a felony or as drug dealers. Battle’s illegal business included selling “Glock Switch” machine gun conversion devices and accepting narcotics as payment for firearms. Law enforcement agents learned of Battle’s purchase and sale of firearms for profit and to support his criminal associates. In total, law enforcement agents have identified the purchase of at least 170 guns and have recovered many of them across the United States, including in New York City, Boston, and overseas. Battle also aided his criminal associates through acts that included a shooting at the home of his drug trafficker associates’ rival. Sentencing has been scheduled for October 27. At sentencing, Battle faces up to 15 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, and Chief of Police Manuel A. Morales of the Miami Police Department made the announcement. ATF Miami Field Office and the Miami Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO), Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), the FBI, Miami Field Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hayden O’Byrne and Ignacio J. Vázquez Jr. prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon is handling asset forfeiture. 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. Sample Images of Evidence Collected by Law Enforcement Agents Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-cr-20352. ###


title: Ringleader of Group that Laundered Money Stolen from Romance Scams and Other Swindles Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in Prison

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A New York City man has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for leading a conspiracy that laundered money stolen from victims of romance scams and business email compromise scams, causing a total loss of nearly $1 million, the Justice Department announced today. Okechukwu Nwofor, 32, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson, who also ordered him to pay $392,296 in restitution. During Monday’s sentencing hearing, Judge Wilson described Nwofor as being the “kingpin” of the scheme as well as the “personification of evil.” Nwofor pleaded guilty on February 21 to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. In his plea agreement, Nwofor admitted to leading a money laundering conspiracy from at least July 2018 to August 2019. Nwofor used a network of individuals who received fraudulent proceeds obtained from the victims of romance and business email compromise scams. Once the illicitly obtained funds were received, Nwofor and his co-conspirators quickly withdrawn or transferred into accounts they controlled. To accomplish this scheme, Nwofor opened bank accounts in his name and the name of an Albany, New York-based company he founded, Juboy New Generation Inc. Using these bank accounts as well as others controlled by his co-conspirators, Nwofor regularly laundered money stolen by his co-conspirators via romance scams and business email compromise scams, which were sent to them from victims via interstate wires. Nwofor typically charged his co-conspirators approximately 20% of the incoming funds, and then distributed a portion of the remaining funds to his accomplices and others. The total losses in this scheme exceeded $930,000. For example, in September 2018, a romance scam victim, who was a Pasadena resident, wired approximately $19,000 to a New York-based bank account controlled by one of Nwofor’s accomplices. Over the course of three days, this accomplice – at Nwofor’s direction – wired approximately $16,140 of the victim’s stolen money to a Nwofor-controlled bank account. “[Nwofor] and his co-conspirators’ fraudulent conduct has left many of the victims in dire straits, including one victim’s inability to care for her disabled son, the foreclose of another’s home, and even one victim tragically taking her own life,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. Four other defendants in this case admitted their roles as money mules and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Three of them received probationary sentences and one awaits sentencing. The FBI investigated this matter and previously has issued public service announcements urging the public to beware of romance scams and business email compromise scams . Assistant United States Attorneys Ali Moghaddas of the Major Frauds Section and Andrew M. Roach of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section prosecuted this case.


title: Tulsa Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Violence at Tulsa VA

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: TULSA, Okla. –A Tulsa man who threatened to “murder people” at the Ernest Childers Outpatient Clinic (VA) in Tulsa pleaded guilty today in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. Zachariah Kade McGuire, 32, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in a federal facility. “McGuire threatened to kill staff at a federal facility and arrived prepared to execute that threat,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I want to thank the staff and officers at the Ernest Childers Outpatient Clinic in Tulsa for their quick actions that averted a tragedy and provided the evidence to prosecute this case.” In his plea, McGuire admitted that he called the VA in Tulsa, and threatened to murder people if he was not timely prescribed medications. McGuire further admitted that within an hour of making that call, he entered the Tulsa VA with a loaded .357 revolver. According to court documents, on Nov. 14, 2022, the defendant’s mother called to schedule an appointment for him at the clinic, which was set for Dec. 13, 2022. Shortly after, McGuire called back and left a threatening voicemail message, which was reported to the Veterans Affairs Police. After McGuire arrived at the Tulsa VA, officers made contact with him and asked if he had a weapon. He responded yes, and officers retrieved a .357 magnum revolver from McGuire’s front pocket. The firearm was loaded with six rounds of ammunition. Officers also recovered seven plastic zip ties from McGuire. McGuire faces up to 5 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has not been set. The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs Police, Tulsa Police Department, and FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert T. Raley and David D. Whipple are prosecuting the case.


title: Former Los Lunas High School Coach Sentenced to 23 Years for Coercion and Enticement and Production of Child Pornography

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Johnathon Bindues was sentenced to 23 years in prison. A federal jury convicted Bindues, 32, of Los Lunas, on May 4, 2023, of coercion and enticement of a minor and production of child pornography. According to the evidence at trial and other publicly available court records, Bindues used his former position at Los Lunas High School as the coach for the girls’ basketball and track teams to gain special access to minor females. The victim, identified as Jane Doe, was a freshman and a member of the teams Bindues coached. Between September 2020 and June 2021, Bindues exchanged over 17,000 text messages with the victim. Bindues requested nude images of Jane Doe, sent her explicit images of himself, and repeatedly encouraged her to delete text messages. After discovering sexually explicit messages on her daughter’s phone, Jane Doe’s mother reported the relationship to the New Mexico State Police. Upon his release from prison, Bindues will be subject to 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. The FBI and New Mexico State Police investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Jaymie L. Roybal and Patrick E. Cordova are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. # # # 23-173


title: Missouri Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison on Methamphetamine Charges

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a man from Charleston, Missouri to 100 months in prison for selling methamphetamine four times. Jonathan L. McCatrey, 32, pleaded guilty in April to four counts of distributing methamphetamine. He admitted selling the drug to an undercover Missouri State Highway Patrol sergeant on four occasions in February and March of 2022 in a parking lot in Charleston. McCatrey sold about one-quarter pound of methamphetamine on the second occasion and about one-half pound each the third and fourth time he met the sergeant, his plea agreement says. The case was investigated by the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis prosecuted the case.


title: Pittsburgh Resident Indicted on a Charge of Theft of Funds From the Social Security Administration

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of funds from the Social Security Administration, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The one-count Indictment named Theodore George Mills, 40, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment presented to the court, from March 2012 through May 2019, Mills accessed the Social Security benefits that were legally due to his late mother, who had died in February of 2012. Over the period of the indictment, it is alleged that Mills took more than $60,000 in social security benefits to which he was not entitled. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years; or any or all of the above. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The Office of the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Idaho Man Indicted on Federal Charges for  Shooting Power Stations at the Hells Canyon and Brownlee Dams

body_text: BOISE — U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today that a federal grand jury in Boise returned an indictment charging Randy Scott Vail, 58, of Meridian, Idaho with two counts of destruction of an energy facility, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1366(a). The indictment alleges that on June 8, 2023, and continuing into June 9, 2023, Vail used a rifle to shoot at the Hells Canyon Dam hydroelectric power station and the Brownlee Dam hydroelectric power station, causing damage to both. The damage resulted in significant interruption and impairment of a function of the facilities. The dams are owned and operated by Idaho Power Company and produce, transmit, store, and distribute electricity to Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. If convicted, Vail faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, and the Meridian Police Department, which led to the charges. U.S. Attorney Hurwit also thanked the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Adams County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their collaboration in the prosecution of the defendant. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty to Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Troy D. Arnold, age 57, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about August 15, 2022, Arnold possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, including images of prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained 12 years of age. Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for December 6, 2023. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Troy D. Arnold. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison For Conspiring to Distribute More Than 20 Pounds of Fentanyl

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court in Concord for drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Johan M. Rodriguez, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 60 months in prison. On March 28, 2023, Rodriguez plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. “The defendant traveled into New Hampshire for the sole purpose of selling more than twenty pounds of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “The magnitude of harm this quantity of fentanyl could have caused the citizens of New Hampshire if it had reached the streets is unfathomable, and for that the defendant will be imprisoned for a lengthy period of time. The tireless efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers safeguarded countless members of our communities from the poison the defendant was intending to pollute into our communities.” “Johan Rodriguez headed to New Hampshire intending to sell an alarming amount of fentanyl,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Thankfully, the FBI’s Major Offender Task Force stopped him before he could flood our streets with this poison. Today’s sentence removes Rodriguez from our community and sends a strong message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to identify and bring to justice drug dealers who seek to profit from the misery of others.” On September 26, 2022, Rodriguez took a rideshare from Lawrence, Massachusetts to a residence in Dover to deliver approximately ten kilograms of fentanyl for a Lawrence-based drug supplier. Law enforcement surveilled Rodriguez as he removed a toolbox and tool bag from the vehicle’s trunk and carried them to the door of the residence. A search of the toolbox resulted in the seizure of approximately ten kilograms of fentanyl, which was separated into individual bundles ready for distribution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Hampshire Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. The Strafford County Sheriff ‘s Office’s Problem Solving Oriented Policing Unit, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office’s Drug Task Force, and the Dover Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis prosecuted the case. ###


title: Jackson Woman Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for  Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson woman was sentenced to 27 months in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Acting Special Agent in Charge Edward Owens of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. According to court documents, Valerie Austin, 37, conspired with two other individuals to obtain bank loans through fraudulent means. Austin used false names and social security numbers that did not belong to her to obtain bank loans. Austin was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 7, 2023 and she pled guilty on April 26, 2023 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. The Madison Police Department and HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.


title: Florida Woman Sentenced for Her Role in a Conspiracy to Sell Methamphetamine in  Southern Alabama

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that a federal judge sentenced Lashana Nakiah Foreman, 37, from Crestview, Florida, to 204 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. During today’s sentencing hearing, the judge also ordered that Foreman serve five years of supervised release after her prison term. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole. Foreman’s case was a part of a larger drug conspiracy including seven other co-defendants and spanning multiple Alabama counties, including Covington and Crenshaw. During Foreman’s October 2022 trial, federal prosecutors proved that she and another co-conspirator, Devarlos Quantrel Shanklin, from Luverne, Alabama, made a deal for Foreman to purchase five ounces of the methamphetamine in Opp, Alabama. On November 15, 2022, Shanklin received a sentence of 37 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, investigated this case, with assistance from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, the Opp Police Department, the 22 nd Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Montgomery Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and B. Chelsea Phillips prosecuted the case.


title: Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- August 2023

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the August 2023 Federal Grand Jury A. The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence. Andrew Michael Sneed. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Andrew Michael Sneed, 27, is charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor after he allegedly traveled from Topeka, Kansas, to Catoosa, to engage in sex with an 11-year-old female. Catoosa Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-258 Dennis Ray Thompson. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Threat in Indian Country; Failure to Register as a Sex Offender; and Commission of a Crime of Violence While Failing to Register as a Sex Offender. Dennis Ray Thompson, 64, a Choctaw Nation citizen, is charged with aggravated sexual abuse by force in Indian Country; aggravated sexual abuse by threat in Indian Country; failure to register as a sex offender; and commission of a crime of violence while failing to register as a sex offender after officers with the Tulsa Police Department caught him naked on top of the victim under a bridge in downtown Tulsa. Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-236 Dakota Dale Deckard. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Aggravated Identity Theft; Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Receipt of Stolen Property in Indian Country. Dakota Dale Deckard, 24, an Absentee-Shawnee citizen, is charged with first degree burglary in Indian Country; aggravated identity theft; four counts of second-degree burglary in Indian Country; and receipt of stolen property in Indian Country. Deckard allegedly broke into multiple locations, including a church, and stole property; was found in possession of a vehicle he knew to be stolen; and knowingly used identification and a debit card of another without their permission. The Sapulpa Police Department and FBI are the investigating agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Buscemi and Michael Harder are prosecuting the case. 23-CR-254 Terrall Lamar Johnson. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute . Terrall Lamar Johnson, 32, is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute after allegedly being found in possession of 5 kilograms of cocaine. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Drug Enforcement Administration are the investigating agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-257 Juventino Hernandez-Flores. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien . Juventino Hernandez-Flores, 32, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after being arrested by the Tulsa Police Department on July 10, 2023, for Assault with a Deadly Weapon-Domestic, and Domestic A&B in the Presence of a Minor. He had been previously removed to Mexico on July 25, 2016, at San Ysidro, California, and was removed again to Mexico on August 02, 2022, at Laredo Columbia Bridge, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl Baber is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-255 Miguel Betancourt-Baltazar. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien . Miguel Betancourt-Baltazar, 53, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after being arrested by the Tulsa Police Department on unrelated charges. He had been previously removed on or about May 4, 2018, at or near Nogales, Arizona U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl Baber is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-253


title: Local man flees shooting and lands in prison

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 27-year-old Falfurrias resident has been ordered to federal prison for illegally possessing firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Johnny Rey Garza pleaded guilty April 26. Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Garza to serve 70 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. On March 10, 2022, law enforcement received multiple calls reporting theft of a firearm and shots fired at two different residences, both involving Garza. Upon responding to the shooting, they observed a man with a wound to the right foot and left arm. The victim identified Garza as the shooter and the person who stole his pickup truck. The vehicle matching the description of the victim’s truck was involved in a accident near Falfurrias. Law enforcement arrived at that scene and observed Garza exit the truck with a handgun in his hand. He then fled. Authorities pursued but ultimately lost sight of him. They then deployed a drone which Garza attempted to shoot as it tracked his whereabouts. A brief struggle ensued, but law enforcement was eventually able to apprehend him and take him into custody. They soon located the firearm in a fresh dirt mound. They identified it as the stolen weapon from the calls reported earlier that evening. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition per federal law. Garza has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from Falfurrias Police Department, Brooks County Sheriff’s Office and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn prosecuted the case.


title: Albuquerque Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for 2022 Robbery of a Mail Carrier

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Glen Hendersen, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Phoenix Division of U.S. Postal Inspection Service, announced that Daniel Trujeque was sentenced to 4 years in prison. Trujeque, 30, of Albuquerque, pled guilty on March 21, 2023, to Letter Carrier Armed Robbery. According to court documents, on January 11, 2022, a Letter Carrier delivering mail and parcels to a Neighborhood Box Unit noticed a car drive by before turning around and parking along the curb near the Neighborhood Box Unit. A young man exited the back passenger side of the vehicle. and watched the Letter Carrier finish delivering the mail, then pulled out a handgun and demanded she hand over the mail keys. The Letter Carrier complied, and the young man returned to the vehicle before it dove away from the area. The Letter Carrier was able to give the Postal Inspectors a description of the young man, the vehicle, and a partial license plate for the vehicle. The Albuquerque Police Department assisted in the investigation and determined the vehicle had been reported stolen that day and had been involved in similar activities throughout the day. Postal Inspectors were able to obtain footage of the incident involving the Letter Carrier, as well as surveillance footage from an attempted burglary and footage of the young man and two accomplices attempting a fraudulent transaction using debit and credit cards at Walmart on the same day. The Postal Inspection Service released a Reward Poster and received multiple tips identifying the young man as Daniel Trujeque. On April 5, 2022, Postal Inspectors interviewed Trujeque and he admitted to robbing the mail carrier. Upon his release from prison, Trujeque will be subject to 5 years of supervised release. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Niki Tapia-Brito is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-174


title: Anchorage Man Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A man was arrested early Saturday morning in Anchorage on criminal charges related to his alleged involvement with attempted enticement of a minor, attempted production of child pornography and possession of child pornography depicting a minor under 12 years of age. According to court documents, Benjamin Roundy, aka “Aleks” or “Alekzander Marko”, 41, of Anchorage, attempted to produce child pornography and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit actions through communications on a messaging app and text messages. He is also charged with allegedly possessing child pornography on his cell phone. Roundy is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2422(b), attempted production of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2251(a), and possession of child pornography depicting minors who have not attained 12 years of age in violation with 18 U.S.C. §2252A(a)(5)(b) and (7)(b)(2). If convicted, Roundy faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum life term in prison following conviction on all counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska; and Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is actively investigating the case. If anyone has any information concerning Roundy’s alleged actions or may have encountered someone using the name “Aleks” in person, via text message or on an online messaging app, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously online at tips.fbi.gov . Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Beloit Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Possessing Cocaine for Distribution

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Depronce Burnett, 39, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 11 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This prison term will be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Burnett pleaded guilty to this charge on May 11, 2023. In the fall of 2021, Burnett distributed cocaine and methamphetamine in Rock County, Wisconsin, primarily out of his home in Beloit. Even after his arrest by the Beloit Police Department on September 30, 2021, Burnett directed the further sale of cocaine and methamphetamine from the jail by calling his wife, Dominique Holsten. The sales continued until police executed search warrants at their Beloit home on October 27, 2021. During the search, officers found hidden stashes of illegal narcotics, including more than 900 grams of cocaine and over 500 grams of methamphetamine, in addition to $87,000 in U.S. currency. Burnett had an extensive history of trafficking in narcotics, for which he had served short sentences in state prison. In sentencing Burnett, Judge Conley noted that Burnett had no real employment history in nearly 20 years except for selling drugs. Conley said that although Burnett had numerous opportunities to go in a different direction, Burnett escalated his dealing to a level that did damage to the entire community. Conley said that a significant sentence was necessary because Burnett was a risk to the public, as none of his prior sentences had an impact on his choice to deal narcotics. Burnett’s wife, Dominique Holsten, is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Conley on August 15 for her role in facilitating the distribution of drugs after Burnett’s arrest. The charge against Burnett was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Beloit and Janesville Police Departments, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution of this case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug Charges

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DANQUELL MILLER, age 43, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 3, 2023 to one count of possession a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). He will face a sentence of not less than five years and not more than life in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00 dollars, a term of supervised release of not more than 5 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to public records, MILLER , was apprehended by New Orleans Police Department officers after a foot chase where he discarded a firearm and several types of illegal narcotics. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Elmira Methamphetamine Dealer Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Robert J. Fairbanks, Jr., 58, of Lowman, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that Fairbanks was arrested on September 16, 2022, after the New York State Police Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Elmira Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at his County Road 60 residence in Lowman. During the search, investigators recovered approximately 1,449 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, $3,961.00 in U.S. currency, a 12-gauge shotgun, and 29 rounds of 12-gauge ammunition. The conviction was the culmination of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak, the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kristen Thorne, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division. Sentencing is scheduled for November 7, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa. # # # #


title: Greece Man On Federal Supervised Release Going Back To Prison For Fraudulently Buying And Selling Sports Cards

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Kyle Bertrand, 35, of Greece, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud, was sentenced to serve 27 months in prison and ordered to pay approximately $33,000 restitution by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that stated that Bertrand is currently on supervised release following 2017 federal fraud and identity theft convictions. Between October 2021, and February 2022, Bertrand advertised on various social media and online forums that he had collectible sports cards for sale, and he also attempted to purchase sports cards that were being sold by other individuals. However, Bertrand advertised sports cards for sale that he either never possessed or never intended to deliver. For instance, he advertised sports cards that were collectible in nature and valued highly, with the ads appearing legitimate and containing appropriate information and images. When contacted by an interested buyer, Bertrand negotiated a sale price, and then directed the buyer to send payment by wire through a mobile payment service. After receiving the payment, he would send the buyer confirmation that the cards had been shipped. But, instead of receiving cards, buyers received empty boxes or cards of negligible value. In other instances, Bertrand stole collectible cards by contacting sellers, negotiating a purchase price, and making payment via credit card through processing service. Sellers would then mail the cards to Bertrand, who would then dispute his credit card payment through the credit card company, revoking the payment issued to the seller. Bertrand defrauded a total of six victims in Florida, Ohio, Missouri, and Pennsylvania out of approximately $33,360. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. # # # #


title: Lancaster Man Arrested On Multiple Child Pornography Charges

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christopher Gostick, 29, of Lancaster, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempted production, receipt, and possession of child pornography, which carry a minimum penalty of 25 years in prison, a maximum of 50 years, and a fine of $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in June 2023, a nine-year-old female, Minor Victim 1 (MV-1), disclosed to her family that Gostick had kissed her on the lips. MV-1’s father and Gostick’s brother confronted Gostick regarding the incident and took possession of two cellphones belonging to Gostick. A review of the cellphones recovered pictures of Gostick kissing MV-1, a video of MV-1 using a bathroom, that Gostick surreptitiously recorded, commercially available child pornography, including images involving prepubescent minors, as well as a video recording of a Snapchat conversation between a prepubescent female and an adult male user, which appears to be Gostick. During the Snapchat conversation, the male user directs the prepubescent female to send him a sexually explicit video. Gostick has a prior conviction for Attempted Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Under Age 16, and is a Level 1 registered sex offender. The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being held pending a detention hearing on July 27, 2022. The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Ontario County Man Going To Prison For Production Of Child Pornography And Methamphetamine Conspiracy

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Timothy Wright, 33, of Phelps, NY, who was convicted of production of child pornography and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa M. Marangola and Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that in July 2019, Snapchat reported a cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving a Snapchat subscriber who uploaded two files of suspected child pornography. A subsequent investigation determined that the Snapchat subscriber was Timothy Wright. On May 18, 2020, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at Wright’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices, including a cell phone, a laptop, and a hard drive. A forensic analysis of the electronic devices uncovered approximately 8,462 images and video files of child pornography. These included a video and images of Wright sexually abusing a minor child. On July 29, 2020, Wright provided methamphetamine to his wife and co-defendant Alicia Wright who then sold the methamphetamine to an undercover police officer. After the controlled purchase was complete, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the Wrights’ residence on Bear Street in Phelps, NY. Investigators recovered approximately $10,000 in United States currency, approximately 64 grams of methamphetamine, and a digital scale. Alicia Wright was charged and convicted and sentenced to serve one year in prison. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. # # # #


title: North Carolina Gang Investigators Association Recognizes District Employee And Community Organization For Their Work

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced that a U.S. Attorney’s Office employee and a community organization in Asheville were recognized by the North Carolina Gang Investigators Association (NCGIA) today, at the annual Gangs Across the Carolinas conference in Winston-Salem. The NCGIA is an association of law enforcement and criminal justice professionals, dedicated to the prevention of gang -related activity within the state of North Carolina. Each year, NCGIA hosts the Gang Free North Carolina (GFNC) Awards, to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of law enforcement personnel, community programs, and criminal justice professionals in the Carolinas for their work in their field. This year, the NCGIA recognized Shirley Rutledge who works as a Victim Witness Coordinator in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and is responsible for providing services to victims and witnesses of federal crimes. Ms. Rutledge is the recipient of the NCGIA’s Civilian of the Year Award, in recognition of her exemplary work with the Emergency Witness Assistance Program (EWAP). The program provides emergency services and assistance to witnesses and helps them participate in the prosecution of federal cases. As part of her duties, Ms. Rutledge works to ensure that federal witnesses receive the support and services they need throughout the litigation process. “Shirley is a dedicated public servant whose work with witnesses is vital to the successful prosecution of federal cases,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Shirley has a thorough knowledge of the EWAP program and always goes the extra mile to ensure that witnesses are treated fairly and respectfully and they are afforded all the protections and services they need to help federal prosecutors with their cases. Shirley’s skills are invaluable to my Office and to law enforcement, and her work enables us to continue to make cases against the most violent offenders and hold criminals accountable for their actions.” The NCGIA also recognized Keynon Lake and his organization “ My Daddy Taught Me That ” (MDTMT), for its work with young males in the greater Asheville area. MDTMT is a youth development program designed to support young men through advocacy, education, and mentoring. The program focuses on helping adolescent males to transition successfully into adulthood by cultivating and developing strong interpersonal skills, good decision-making, acceptance of responsibility, and accountability for their actions. “Mr. Lake and his organization provide important youth intervention and development services to underserved communities in Asheville,” said U.S. Attorney King. “I want to thank Mr. Lake for his outstanding work in the area of youth and community development and violence prevention. His work with young people complements law enforcement efforts to increase the health, safety and well-being of those we serve, and fulfil our mission to keep communities strong and thriving.” Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Assistance Program can be found here .


title: Sixth and Final Defendant Sentenced to Prison for String of Violent Armed Carjackings and Firearms Violations

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Saint Paul man has been sentenced to 70 months in prison for his role in a string of violent armed carjackings and various firearms violations, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. “Mr. Ballard and his five co-conspirators took part in a widespread and violent crime spree, including carjackings, shootings, and robberies, while touting their criminal activity on social media. With this sentence, all six men are now serving significant federal prison sentences,” said United States Attorney Andrew Luger. Saint Paul Police Chief Axel Henry added the following: “We will not tolerate violence in our city and will leverage our partnerships with the ATF and U.S. Attorney’s Office, when possible, to hold violent offenders accountable when they prey on our community. This case is a good example of how these partnerships worked to make our city safer.” According to court documents, between May and December 2020, Eric Troy Ballard, Jr., 21, along with co-conspirators Isaiah Stacy Alstad, 24, James Brock Williams, Jr., 22, Clifton Germaine Walker, Jr., 25, Jordan Sydney Shamah Rhodes, 24, and Joshoamei Deangelo Richardson, 22, maintained active membership in the street gang known as the “Top 5.” The purpose of the gang was to make money for its members through criminal acts, including thefts, robberies, and distribution and sale of controlled substances. Proceeds of the money obtained through the commission of criminal acts were distributed among the Top 5 members. Top 5 members would use, carry, and possess firearms to commit these criminal acts as well as carry out acts of violence against others, including shootings and assaults. Top 5 members used social media to discuss criminal activity, recruit new members, and display cash, firearms, controlled substances, and some carjacked vehicles. As part of the investigation, police seized ten firearms from the group, various narcotics, and cash. According to court documents, on August 25, 2020, at approximately 2:30 a.m., a victim was carjacked by members of the group at gunpoint and pistol-whipped near the 1200 block of Jackson Street, in St. Paul. That same morning, at approximately 6:50 a.m., Top 5 members, including Ballard, carjacked a second victim at gunpoint in the parking lot of a restaurant near White Bear Avenue in St. Paul. At approximately 9:00 a.m. that same day, a third victim was carjacked by the group at gunpoint on Maria Avenue near Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. All six defendants were charged for their roles in these carjackings and related illegal possession and use of firearms during these violent crimes. Ballard pleaded guilty on April 7, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to use, carry, and brandish firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence, namely aiding and abetting carjacking. Ballard was sentenced yesterday, August 7,2023, before Judge John R. Tunheim. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Saint Paul Police Department, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Columbia Heights Police Department, and the South Saint Paul Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Bejar and Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.


title: Minneapolis Felon Sentenced to 57 Months for Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on November 28, 2022, Minneapolis Police officers responded to a call that a person at 19 Bar, located near downtown Minneapolis, had pulled out a gun after being asked to leave. When officers arrived, several people pointed at a man, who was later identified as Conell Walter Harris, 29. Harris resisted arrest and tried to reach into the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt. Officers recovered a stolen .45 caliber Glock model 30 pistol from Harris’ pocket. Officers spoke to bar employees and customers and learned that Harris had become upset after an employee asked to see his identification, which Harris refused to show. The employee then asked Harris to leave the bar. Harris became combative and pulled out a pistol. An employee attempted to deescalate the situation but Harris became more aggressive and made multiple threatening statements. Harris then left for a short time but returned to the bar before law enforcement arrived. On April 26, 2023, Harris pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced earlier today by Senior Judge David S. Doty. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha H. Bates prosecuted the case.


title: Minneapolis Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 129 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, in August 2021, officers with the Minneapolis Police Department received information that Deandre Lashawn Robinson, 31, was dealing narcotics and was in possession of a firearm. Officers conducted surveillance and saw Robinson engage in numerous hand-to-hand transactions from his vehicle. On August 11, 2021, officers arrested Robinson on an outstanding warrant. Inside Robinson’s vehicle, officers found a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, cocaine, and MDMA pills. During the incident, Robinson was able to conceal a handful of M30 fentanyl pills. While in the backseat of the squad vehicle, Robinson swallowed the pills. Officers administered Narcan and brought him to the hospital. Robinson was treated and ultimately released. According to court documents, officers later located Robinson as well as a vehicle he had rented. Officer obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found plastic baggies containing powder cocaine and approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills. Officers also found a privately made firearm, or “ghost gun,” between the passenger seat cushion and the seat cover. On April 19, 2023, Robinson pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Robinson was sentenced today in U.S. District Court before Judge Eric C. Tostrud. This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David P. Steinkamp and Justin A. Wesley prosecuted the case.


title: Bronx Man Receives 70 Months for Heroin and Fentanyl Convictions

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gilberto Velasquez, age 38, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for conspiring to traffic heroin and fentanyl from New York City to the Capital Region, and for distributing heroin. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), made the announcement. In pleading guilty, Velasquez admitted to organizing a conspiracy that trafficked approximately 89 grams of heroin and 10 grams of fentanyl from New York City to the Capital Region, while he was on parole from a state prison term. Velasquez, operating out of New York City, sold quantities of heroin bags and fentanyl-laced pills to customers in the Capital Region using “runners” to transport the controlled substances via commercial bus lines. United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Velasquez to serve a 3-year term of supervised release after he is released from prison. The DEA and the Colonie Police Department investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon prosecuted it.