title: Sanostee Man Charged with Assault in Indian Country

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Melvin C. Smith was arraigned on an indictment charging him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Smith, 62, of Sanostee, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled. A federal grand jury indicted Smith on April 11. According to the indictment, on Oct. 6, 2022, Smith assaulted two victims, identified as John and Jane Doe, with a long wooden stick with the intent to cause bodily harm to both John and Jane Doe, doing so within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Smith faces up to 10 years in prison. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-86


title: Colombian Military Intelligence Official Sentenced for Role in International Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: Criminal Division

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former Colombian military intelligence official was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine for importation into the United States. This defendant was the fifth to be sentenced in a multi-year investigation that lead to three indictments charging officials in the Colombian Army, Air Force, and National Police. According to court documents, from August 2017 through April 2018, Fabian Humberto Tovar Caicedo, 41, a sergeant in Colombian Army Intelligence, helped organize a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that conspired to send multi-thousand-kilogram shipments of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico for eventual importation into the United States. Tovar Caicedo also offered various corrupt services to the DTO. He found a corrupt member of the police in the Port of Santa Marta willing to facilitate the export of cocaine in exchange for payment; he suggested buying the same phones that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) uses for security; he offered to use his military training to encrypt those phones for additional security; and he attempted to sell a list of DEA cooperators to the DTO. Tovar Caicedo and his co-conspirators plotted to send multiple shipments, starting at 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, but moving up to as many as 10,000 kilograms of cocaine per shipment. A member of the DTO traveled to Mexico to negotiate the receipt of the cocaine with a corrupt, high-ranking Mexican military official. One of the defendant’s co-conspirators was Fabian Andres Leyton Vargas, a Colombian Air Force officer, whom the defendant met at a military training in the United States. Leyton Vargas used his position in the Colombian Ministry of Defense to identify and contact security and law enforcement officials in the Port of Santa Marta to be targeted for bribes. Once these officials received their corrupt payments, they would ensure that cocaine-laden cargo containers passed uninspected through the port. Using this method, on July 27, 2017, Leyton Vargas, along with co-defendants Antonio Aldemar Avila Acevedo and Jose Mauricio Castaneda Garzon, attempted to ship 1,773 kilograms of cocaine from Colombia to Guatemala en route to the United States. Additionally, on March 27, 2018, the same defendants conspired to ship 2,081 kilograms of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico en route to the United States. Colombian law enforcement seized both shipments before they could depart the port. As part of this multi-year investigation targeting corruption in Colombia’s ports, a fifth defendant, Jose Maria Fragoso D’Acunti, admitted to using his former position in the Colombian National Police, along with familial and other connections, to identify and bribe security and law enforcement officials in the port of Cartagena, Colombia, to aid his organization’s cocaine trafficking. The defendant and his co-conspirators planned to traffic multi-hundred kilogram quantities of cocaine, valued at millions of United States dollars, to Europe by causing such cocaine to be secreted aboard commercial shipping containers. On November 29, 2018, in the port of Savannah, Georgia, U.S. law enforcement seized 516 kilograms of cocaine sent by Fragoso D’Acunti’s DTO from Colombia, that were destined for Belgium. The cocaine was comingled with pineapples in a shipping container. On December 15, 2018, again in the port of Savannah, Georgia, U.S. law enforcement seized an additional 205 kilograms of cocaine sent by Fragoso D’Acunti’s DTO from Colombia that were also destined for Belgium. The cocaine was comingled with limes in a shipping container. In support of the conspiracy, Fragoso D’Acunti paid 1 billion Colombian Pesos, equivalent to more than $300,000 US Dollars, in bribe money to a port security officer. Defendants Fragoso D’Acunti, Fabian Andres Leyton Vargas, and Antonio Aldemar Avila Acevedo were sentenced to 12 years in prison. Co-conspirator José Mauricio Castaneda Garzon was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison. These prosecutions are 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. U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Division made the announcement. The DEA’s Louisville Field Division and Cartagena Resident Office investigated this case, with substantial assistance from the DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit, the DEA’s Special Operations Division and Special Operations Division – Bilateral Investigations Unit, as well as DEA’s offices in Cartagena, Bogota, Panama, Guatemala City, San Jose (Costa Rica), Brussels, Mexico City, Madrid, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Rome, The Hague, Vienna, Hong Kong, Islamabad, Savannah, Detroit, Tampa – PANEX, and New Orleans. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - National Targeting Center also provided substantial assistance. The Colombian National Police, the Belgian Federal Police, the German Zolfahndungsamt, the National Police of the Netherlands, and the Italian Guardia di Finanza also provided critical support. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony T. Aminoff and Trial Attorneys Douglas Meisel and Janet Turnbull of the Department of Justice’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section prosecuted case 1:20-cr-181. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony T. Aminoff and Trial Attorney Teresita Mutton of the Department of Justice’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section prosecuted case 1:19-cr-282. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony T. Aminoff (then with the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section), Katherine Rumbaugh, and David Peters prosecuted case 1:18-cr-74. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Judicial Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of the defendants listed above. 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. 1:20-cr-181, 1:19-cr-282, and 1:18-cr-74.


title: Federal Charges Filed After Weekend Traffic Stop Nets 86 Pounds of Powdered Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A suspected drug trafficker faces federal charges after he was caught transporting dozens of pounds of powdered fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illegal drugs on Interstate 5 near Salem, Oregon. Miguel Cruz-Barrales, 22, whose place of residence is unknown, has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to court documents, on April 23, 2023, an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Barrales on Interstate 5 south of Salem. The trooper’s canine alerted to two duffle bags located in the trunk of the vehicle that contained numerous packages suspected to contain powdered fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illegal drugs. The packages were later confirmed to contain 15 kilograms of powdered fentanyl, 24.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, .6 kilograms of heroin, and 4.6 kilograms of cocaine. On April 24, 2023, Cruz-Barrales made his first appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings. This case is being investigated jointly by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and OSP. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer Indicted For COVID Relief Fraud Involving Fraudulently Obtained Paycheck Protection Program Loan

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Deconna Burke (34, Jacksonville) with one count of wire fraud involving COVID Relief Fraud through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). If convicted, Burke faces up to 20 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the United States government. According to the indictment, in April 2021, Burke submitted a PPP loan application to a lender authorized by the Small Business Administration to lend funds for approved PPP loan applications. The PPP loan application falsely claimed that Burke operated his own babysitting business with a gross income of $98,000. Throughout the loan application Burke made multiple false statements regarding his purported payroll and operating expenses. In support of his PPP loan application, Burke submitted a false IRS Form 1040 “Profit or Loss From Business.” It contained false statements about operating expenses, gross income, and wage expenditures for his purported business. In reliance on the false statements in his PPP loan application and supporting documentation, Burke received a PPP loan for $20,415. After receiving the PPP loan proceeds into his bank account, Burke began making withdrawals and spending it on personal expenses to include paying off a loan for a motorcycle. In November 2021, Burke filed a PPP Loan Forgiveness Application, falsely stating that he had spent the $20,415 on payroll. In reliance on his false statements the Small Business Administration forgave the entire loan amount. Burke’s case is set for trial in July 2023. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.


title: Two Marion County Kentucky Women Sentenced for Elder Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – Two Marion County women were sentenced yesterday for their roles in an over $500,000 elder fraud scheme. Donna Jean Bradshaw , 57, of Lebanon, Kentucky, was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by 48 months of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay restitution of $582,635. Tammy Lynn Gilbert , 49, of Bradfordsville, Kentucky, was sentenced to 5 years of supervised release, including 12 months of home incarceration, and was ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution and a $1,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement. According to court documents, between March 2013 and June 2016, Bradshaw , aided by Gilbert , engaged in multiple schemes to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. Bradshaw , with Gilbert’s aid, engaged in various means to defraud an elderly victim of funds, including creating a fictitious United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration mortgage loan reimbursement program and fabricating documents from a Louisville law firm to create the appearance of a fictitious inheritance. Bradshaw pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud and eight counts of wire fraud on January 25, 2023. Gilbert pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud and eight counts of wire fraud on June 25, 2020. The case was investigated by the FBI Louisville Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Weiser and Corrine Keel prosecuted the case. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the National Elder Justice Task Force and the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force. The Department of Justice’s mission of its Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s older adults. In response to the growing need and targeting areas of greatest concern, the Department of Justice initially stood up 10 task forces made up of 11 federal districts to combat a variety of elder abuse, including elder financial exploitation. Kentucky’s federal districts make up two of the 11 districts under the Initiative. Kentucky’s task force is comprised of investigators, prosecutors, and others at the local, state, and federal level with a common objective of protecting seniors across Kentucky. In October, the Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults. To report elder fraud, for non-life-threatening emergencies, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (or 833-372-8311). ###


title: Former Missouri State Highway Patrol Inspector Admits Accepting Cash Bribes

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A former supervisory motor vehicle inspector with the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Tuesday admitted taking thousands of dollars in cash bribes to falsely certify that vehicles had been inspected and were roadworthy. Larry S. Conrad, 67, pleaded guilty to one felony charge of using a facility in interstate commerce, a cellular telephone, to facilitate his bribery scheme. He admitted accepting a total of about $14,020 in individual bribes to falsify forms and approve inspections of vehicles that had been damaged and had salvage titles or were listed as “abandoned,” even if he never saw the vehicle. Conrad’s primary duty was to perform motor vehicle inspections at the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop C facility in south St. Louis County. There is no fee for the inspections. If the vehicle passes, an inspector signs and certifies forms required for motor vehicle owners to apply for original Missouri Certificates of Title. Conrad admitted accepting individual cash bribes ranging from $40 to $160 to pass vehicles. He often falsified certificates to indicate there was no apparent damage when there was visible damage to the vehicle being inspected. On multiple occasions, Conrad took money for the inspection of vehicles that he never saw, including at least one that was not drivable, the plea agreement says. Conrad communicated with the vehicle owners via text messages and cell phone conversations and had them place the cash bribes in the driver’s side door pocket. Conrad would then take the money at the time he was to be performing the inspection. In court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith said Conrad’s bribery scheme thwarted procedures that are designed to make sure that vehicles are roadworthy and safe for both the occupants of that vehicle and others on the road. Conrad is scheduled to be sentenced July 27. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. The case was investigated by the FBI, with the cooperation of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is prosecuting the case.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced for Armed Robberies in Maryland and Virginia

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Upper Marlboro, Maryland, man who had previously been convicted of a felony offense was sentenced today to over five years in prison for committing two armed robberies and one attempted armed robbery across Northern Virginia and Maryland. According to court documents, in February 2021, Francis Ford, 53, robbed a Subway restaurant in Largo, Maryland, and a Papa John’s restaurant in Falls Church, and attempted to rob a Marathon gas station in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. On February 21, 2021, Ford and his co-conspirator, Jon Fleet, 62, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, drove to the Subway restaurant. Fleet entered the Subway and brandished a firearm at employees while Ford waited in the getaway vehicle. Once Fleet had completed the robbery, he fled the restaurant and Ford drove himself and Fleet away from the crime scene. On February 23, 2021, Ford and Fleet both walked into the Papa John’s restaurant together. Fleet pointed a firearm at an employee and demanded that the cash register be opened; Ford made employees believe that he was carrying a firearm by keeping his hand on his waistband as though a firearm was there. After the employee eventually produced a bag containing cash, Ford and Fleet fled the store. Finally, on March 7, 2021, Ford entered the Marathon gas station with a sawed-off shotgun and demanded that the store clerk produce cash from the register. The store clerk refused to give Ford any money and called the police, thwarting Ford’s efforts. At the time of the robberies, Ford and Fleet were convicted felons and thus prohibited from possessing firearms. In February of 2022, Fleet was sentenced to 17 years in prison in connection with these and other robberies across Virginia and Maryland. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police; and Malik Aziz, Chief of Prince George’s County Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cristina Stam and Bibeane Metsch prosecuted 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. 1:23-cr-10.


title: United States Attorney's Office Releases 2023 First  Quarter Immigration Enforcement Statistics

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office announced its immigration enforcement statistics for January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the Tucson and Yuma Sectors of the Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies. In the three-month period ending March 31, 2023, the United States brought criminal charges in Arizona against more than 1,700 individuals who illegally entered or re-entered the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States also filed 335 cases against individuals responsible for smuggling undocumented noncitizens to and within the District of Arizona. Reducing migrant smuggling and mitigating the risk to communities impacted by these offenses continues to be a priority for the Office and its law enforcement partners. Some of these prosecutions are directed against leaders and coordinators of alien smuggling organizations. Other prosecutions are aimed at deterring young adult drivers, often recruited over social media platforms, from engaging in this dangerous activity. Prosecutions against young drivers include three cases brought against juvenile smugglers during this time period. These statistics represent United States Attorney’s Office prosecutions only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process. RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-060_2023 First Quarter Immigration Enforcement Statistics # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Roseville Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography Using App

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pablo Ramos, 50, of Roseville, pleaded guilty today to two counts of distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on Sept. 1 and Sept. 3, 2020, Ramos used Kik Messenger to distribute multiple files containing child pornography. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristin F. Scott and Rosanne L. Rust are prosecuting the case. Ramos is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Aug. 8, 2023. For each count of conviction, Ramos faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and potentially a lifetime of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Las Vegas Man Sentenced To Over 11 Years In Prison For Bank Robbery Spree

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 135 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for committing a spree of bank robberies on the same day. Jasmine Bernard Austion (35) pleaded guilty in January 2023 to three counts of bank robbery. According to court documents, on October 26, 2021, Austion entered a bank in North Las Vegas and passed a note to the teller. The note read “$20,000 all money robbery got gun now.” Bank employees told Austion they were calling 911 and he fled the bank. He then ran across the street and entered a second bank. He pushed an elderly customer away from a teller window and demanded money from the teller. The teller refused and Austion fled from the bank. A short time later, Austion entered a third bank and passed a note to a teller. The note read “I will harm people all money all drawers.” After the teller refused to give Austion money, he banged a fire extinguisher against the barrier in an attempt to break into the teller area. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department SWAT responded and arrested Austion. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement. The FBI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the North Las Vegas Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bianca Pucci prosecuted the case. ###


title: Connecticut Woman Sentenced for Social Security Benefit Fraud Scheme in Stockton, East Bakersfield, Delano, and Elsewhere

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sashana James, 32, of New London, Connecticut, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison and ordered to pay $490,485 in restitution for her participation in a conspiracy to steal from the Social Security Administration, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, between October 2016 and June 2021, James participated in a conspiracy to steal Social Security benefits intended for beneficiaries. The conspirators stole personally identifiable information (PII) of numerous Social Security beneficiaries living throughout the United States. The PII included the beneficiaries’ names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, bank account numbers, and family information. Using the PII, they contacted the Social Security Administration (SSA) customer service representatives and posed as beneficiaries. They then instructed the customer service representatives to change the direct deposit account number associated with the beneficiary’s account to drop accounts, i.e., expendable accounts used to funnel or transfer proceeds of a crime. The customer service representatives – believing that the caller was the true beneficiary – changed the direct deposit account number to one of the drop account numbers supplied. The debit cards connected to the drop accounts would be mailed to James and other conspirators. On several occasions, James withdrew the stolen Social Security benefit payments from the drop accounts and deposited at least a portion of the money into one or more bank accounts that were accessible to her co-conspirators. The loss to the SSA and the United States resulting from the conspirators’ offenses exceeds $490,000. This case was the product of an investigation by the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dhruv Sharma prosecuted the case.


title: New Haven Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm Offense

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRIQ MARTIN, 22, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing ammunition. According to court documents and statements made in court, a court-authorized search of Martin’s Snapchat account in the spring of 2022 revealed numerous photos and videos of Martin in possession of firearms. On June 15, 2022, New Haven Police arrested Martin in the area of Ferry Street and Chatham Street on an outstanding state warrant for firearm and narcotics offenses. At the time of his arrest, Martin possessed a loaded Polymer 80 privately made firearm. A subsequent search of the car Martin was seen driving revealed 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition. In July 2021, Martin was convicted in state court of conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, stemming from the shooting of two victims, for which he was sentenced to five years of incarceration, execution suspended after 16 months, and three years of probation. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Martin has been detained since his arrest. On January 9, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a felon. Martin is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow in state court on related charges. This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and Rahul Kale through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Eastern District of Louisiana Commemorates 2023 National Crime Victims' Rights Week

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans joins the United States Department of Justice, the Office for Victims of Crime, the Eastern District of Louisiana’s (EDLA) state and local law enforcement as well as communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), a celebration of victims’ rights, protections and services . This year’s NCVRW observance takes place April 23-27 and features the theme, “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.” According to a Bureau of Justice Statistics report , in 2021, the latest year for which such information is available, there were more than 4.6 million violent victimizations and 11.7 million property crimes. “Each year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, allows law enforcement, judicial agencies, and direct service providers the opportunity to reassert their commitment to assist and empower crime victims,” said U.S. Attorney Evans. “Crime victims may rest assured that both law enforcement and direct service partners will continue to diligently investigate , prosecute and seek justice for those harmed by criminal wrongdoing .” The federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities nationwide in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week both by raising awareness of victims' rights and by honoring crime victims and their advocates. This year’s theme is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.” Partner organizations are committed to engaging with crime victims; learning from their experiences; amplifying their voices; and fostering an environment of safety, support and sympathy. In the Eastern District of Louisiana, the U.S. Attorney’s Office joins federal and local law enforcement, , judicial agencies and non-profit organizations to commemorate NCVRW, through a series of activities. For events in those parishes comprising the Eastern District of Louisiana, please refer to the local law enforcement agencies websites for details. Please refer to the EDLA website for a listing of EDLA parishes https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla . We encourage participation in NCVRW’s victim recognition events. For more information on creating your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit OVC’s website at ovc.ojp.gov.


title: Georgia Man Indicted for Scheme to Defraud Elderly Suffolk County Victim of More Than $5 Million

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, a two-count indictment was unsealed in federal court in Central Islip charging Odera Odabi, a resident of Georgia, with conspiring to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. Odabi was arrested today in Georgia and made his initial appearance in federal court in Atlanta where he was ordered detained pending trial. Odabi will be arraigned in federal court in Central Islip at a later date. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges. “Odabi and his co-conspirators callously abused the trust of an elderly victim to line their pockets with millions in stolen cash,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office and our partners will work tirelessly to ensure that those who prey upon some of the most vulnerable members of our community are called to account for their crimes.” “As alleged, the defendant and his co-conspirators took advantage of an elderly individual, deceiving the victim into sending more than five million dollars, which the schemers used for their own personal benefit. Financial frauds targeting elderly members of our communities are sadly rising at an alarming rate. The FBI is resolute in ensuring those who financially exploit the elderly face the consequences in the criminal justice system,” stated Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll. As alleged in the Indictment and in court filings and proceedings, between approximately April 2020 and December 2021, Odabi and his co-conspirators falsely informed an elderly Suffolk County resident (John Doe) that he needed to send around $5.3 million to various bank accounts in order to obtain a purported “Certificate of Origination” from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and claim a purported inheritance in Singapore. In fact, the IMF does not issue such Certificates and has posted a warning on its website alerting the public to fraudulent schemes involving purported IMF certificates. As a result of the false communications, John Doe sent Odabi and his co-conspirators approximately $5.3 million, including approximately $2 million to accounts held in the name of Oh-Dabi Properties, LLC and American Commodity Exchange, Inc., two Georgia-based companies that Odabi operated. Ultimately, Odabi and his co-conspirators stole nearly all of John Doe’s funds to benefit themselves, including through purchases at an Apple Store and Louis Vuitton, except for $197,000 that was frozen by bank officials on suspicion of fraud. If convicted of the charges in the Indictment, Odabi faces up to a maximum term of 40 years’ imprisonment. If you or someone you know is a victim of elder fraud, please call the Department of Justice’s National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 (833–372–8311). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York conducts presentations by Assistant U.S. Attorneys about ways to protect yourself and your community against scams, especially those targeting seniors. To request a presentation please email USANYE-SpeakersBureau@usdoj.gov . The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Bradley T. King and Madeline O’Connor are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : ODERA ODABI (also known as “Chief Odera Odabi”) Age: 54 Lawrenceville, Georgia E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-169 (JS)


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Weapons Violations

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, SHAWN BREAUX , age 29, resident of Orleans Parish, pled guilty to a two-count indictment for federal weapons violations, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans . BREAUX’s sentencing is set for August 16, 2023. In Count 1 of the indictment, BREAUX is charged with illegally possessing firearms as a felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). If convicted, BREAUX faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a period of up to 3 years of supervised release. Count 2 of the indictment charges BREAUX with being in possession of a machine gun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2). If convicted, BREAUX faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a period of up to 3 years of supervised release. As to each count, BREAUX faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: South Carolina Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Returns

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Jeffrey Harmon, of Lexington, pleaded guilty after his jury trial had begun to two counts of filing false tax returns. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Harmon owned and operated TFL Worldwide, a tax preparation business through which he willfully prepared and filed returns for clients that claimed fraudulent deductions relating to, among other things, rent, utilities, meals, gifts, dues, and depreciation. In his plea, Harmon admitted to filing a false 2012 tax return for himself and to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a 2016 tax return claiming false deductions for rent and depreciation for one of his clients. Harmon agreed that the total tax loss from his criminal conduct was approximately $320,000. Harmon faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each false return count. He also faces a period of court-ordered supervision, monetary penalties, and restitution. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted Harmon’s guilty plea and will determine any sentence after considering a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina, and Special Agent in Charge Donald Trey Eakins of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday and Elle Klein for the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Wilson Stamm of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Boston Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced in federal court in Boston yesterday for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Josiah Watkins, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 51 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Watkins previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and cocaine. In February 2021, an investigation into the drug trafficking activities conducted by Watkins and co-defendant London Lee revealed that Watkins and his co-defendant were actively selling cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl in the Boston area. Between February and April 2021, Watkins and Lee sold, or arranged the sale of, crack cocaine and fentanyl in at least 10 separate controlled purchases. On April 7, 2023, Lee pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 13, 2023. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley, Jr. of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Two Plaquemines Parish Men Plead Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARON WILLIAMS , age 47, and JOSHUA MACKEY , age 37, residents of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, pled guilty on April 24, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. WILLIAMS pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, as well as possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). MACKEY pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride and a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). According to court documents, a DEA investigation revealed that WILLIAMS and MACKEY were involved in a narcotics distribution conspiracy with several other co-conspirators between June 8, 2020, and June 5, 2021. As part of the conspiracy, WILLIAMS regularly distributed quantities of methamphetamine. Agents surveilled WILLIAMS as he conducted a hand-to-hand methamphetamine transaction prior to their making a traffic stop and seizing a quantity of methamphetamine from WILLIAMS . Court documents further revealed that MACKEY regularly distributed quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine. Agents executed a search warrant at MACKEY’s residence and seized quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine, as well as an illegal firearm. For each drug offense, WILLIAMS and MACKEY face up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. For being a felon in possession of a firearm, MACKEY faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Florida Man Faces 5-40 Years for Trafficking Methamphetamine in Bangor and Houlton Areas

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Florida man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court records, between May 2018 and July 2018, Jared Fogg , 32, was obtaining large quantities of methamphetamine from Florida and distributing it in locations around Bangor and Houlton through a group of co-conspirators. On July 12, 2018, a truck driven by a co-conspirator and in which Fogg was a passenger was stopped by law enforcement in Lincoln. A search of the vehicle revealed multiple grams of methamphetamine and nearly $20,000 in cash in Fogg’s bag. Fogg faces a minimum of five years and maximum of 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $5 million. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated this case. # # #


title: Final Defendant in Bowling Green Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – The final member of a three-man methamphetamine distribution conspiracy was sentenced today for his role in the drug trafficking conspiracy. These men were also convicted of possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Director Tommy Loving of the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force made the announcement. According to court documents, Leon Allen, 34, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, conspired with Antonio Billups, 34, of Columbus, Georgia, and Timothy Barnett, 47, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, to possess with the intent to distribute 6,597 grams of methamphetamine. All three defendants were convicted of this conspiracy. Allen and Billups were also convicted of possessing with the intent to distribute 5,729 grams of methamphetamine and for aiding and abetting Barnett in the possession with the intent to distribute 848 grams of methamphetamine. Barnett was convicted of possessing with the intent to distribute 848 grams of methamphetamine. Today, Allen was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Billups was previously sentenced on February 2, 2023, to 12 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Barnett was previously sentenced on September 16, 2022, to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the DEA and the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task. Assistant United States Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the United States Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney, Vermont Attorney General, and Rutland Area NAACP to Co-Host Orange County Hate-Free Vermont Forum

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont - The United States Attorney’s Office, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, and the Rutland Area NAACP will be co-hosting a Hate-Free Vermont Forum for the Orange County community in Randolph on May 8, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. This forum will be the fourth held in an ongoing series that started in 2019; recent Hate-Free Vermont Forums have taken place in Franklin County (2023), Rutland, and Bennington (2022). “The Forum aims to bring policymakers, stakeholders, and community members together for productive and difficult conversations that will work to reduce animus, discord, and misunderstandings,” said co-facilitator Etan Nasreddin-Longo. “Many community members have told us they do not feel comfortable reporting bias incidents to the police or feel that is not an effective option. What additional options for reporting and addressing harm and conflict already exist in your community, and what new or improved options would you like to see?” Participants are welcome to share what they want their government officials to know about their experiences, and to ask questions of their government officials about bias and discrimination. The Forum will be hosted in Randolph, but everyone from the Orange County community is invited. When: Monday, May 8, 2023, 5:30pm-7:30pm Where: The Forum will be hosted in person and remotely. * Physical location: Randolph Union Middle/High School – Cafeteria, 15 Forest St, Randolph, VT 05060 * Remote registration link: bit.ly/HateFreeRandolph Who: All are welcome. Registration is required for remote attendance.


title: Barren County Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possessing with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Illegal Possession of Firearms

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – A Barren County, Kentucky, man was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Ron Lafferty of the Barren River Drug Task Force made the announcement. According to court documents, on November 12, 2020, Eric R. Sturgeon, 42, of Barren County, Kentucky, possessed with the intent to distribute 424.4 grams of methamphetamine. Sturgeon also possessed a SCCY CPX-1, nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol, and a Taurus 85 Ultralite, .38 special caliber revolver. Sturgeon was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On December 3, 2018, in Barren Circuit Court, Sturgeon was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second offense and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. On February 3, 2015, in Barren Circuit Court, Sturgeon was convicted of first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second offense. On February 3, 2015, in Barren Circuit Court, Sturgeon was convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine, first offense and first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second offense. Additionally, on May 6, 2021, Sturgeon possessed with the intent to distribute 172 grams of methamphetamine, and he possessed a Beretta APX, nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol. Sturgeon was prohibited from possessing this firearm because he had previously been convicted of the above stated felony offenses. After the 15-year prison sentence, the Court ordered Sturgeon to serve 4 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Barren River Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the United States Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Taunton Man Sentenced to Twenty-Five Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Toddler in His Care

body_text: BOSTON – A Taunton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for sexually exploiting an 18-month-old toddler in his care and for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Cody Mercure, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 25 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release. In January 2023, Mercure pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography. “It is challenging to find the words that capture just how abhorrent and destructive this conduct was. This man sexually exploited an innocent 18-month-old child – a defenseless toddler who, at the time, was still in diapers – and recorded the abuse to watch again and again for his own sick gratification,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Cases of child exploitation are among the most difficult yet most important prosecutions our office handles. My office remains relentless in our work to ensure the safety of our children, remove dangerous predators like Mr. Mercure from our communities, and seek justice for victims.” “Mercure committed monstrous acts against a child and caused irrevocable pain in the lives of so many. We hope that today’s sentence offers resolution and peace for the victim and their family in this incredibly difficult time,” said Michael Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI works every day to uncover the abuse and exploitation of children and seek justice for those who cannot advocate for themselves.” On Feb. 19, 2021, Mercure sexually abused a toddler in his care and video-recorded the abuse. Mercure also distributed numerous files of CSAM over the internet using a messaging application. On Jan. 16, 2021, Mercure distributed CSAM depicting the sexual abuse of a prepubescent child to another user of the messaging application. Hundreds of images and videos depicting child pornography were stored on both of Mercure’s phones which were seized at the time of his arrest and in a cloud storage account. In April 2021, Mercure was arrested on related state charges, and he has been in custody since. U.S. Attorney Rollins and HSI Acting SAC Krol made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Rhode Island State Police and the Taunton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Disputanta Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax and COVID-19 Fraud

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Disputanta woman pleaded guilty today to filing a false individual tax return, preparing false returns for her taxpayer customers, and defrauding two COVID-19 relief programs. According to court documents, Sherika T. Carter, 40, was the owner and operator of Binn’s Tax Service LLC (Binn’s Tax) which has been in operation since at least the 2016 tax return filing season. Carter routinely prepared and submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) individual income tax returns for Binn’s Tax’s customers. Between 2016 and continuing through 2021, she filed over 2,000 returns. Certain returns Carter prepared for her customers were fraudulent, as she added false items on the Schedules A, Schedules C, and residential energy credit forms accompanying the returns without the knowledge and consent of her customers. This resulted in her customers either receiving inflated refunds from the IRS or paying less taxes than were owed. Likewise, for tax year 2019, Carter prepared a false and misleading individual income tax return for herself, thereby fraudulently reducing her tax liability. In total, Carter’s crimes caused a tax loss to the IRS of at least $376,248. Separately, Carter devised and repeatedly executed a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program of finite funds intended for businesses and workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this scheme, she submitted PPP applications to financial institutions that contained false supporting documentation, such as a false Schedule C that had never been filed with the IRS and which contained materially false information. Despite fraudulently obtaining three separate PPP loans for Binn’s Tax and herself, Carter further filed a fraudulent unemployment insurance/PUA application with the Virginia Employment Commission that contained false information about her employment status. Through this scheme, the defendant unlawfully recieved approximately $100,000 intended for businesses and workers suffering the effects of the pandemic. Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on September 19, 2023. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. 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; Kareem A. Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office; and Troy W. Springer, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr. accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kashan K. Pathan and Mike Gill 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-45.


title: United States Attorney's Office Observes National Crime Victims' Rights Week

body_text: LAS VEGAS – This year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is observed from April 23 to 29, 2023. According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2021, there were more than 4.6 million violent victimizations and 11.7 million property crimes, the latest year for which such information is available. “Every April, we join our neighbors, law enforcement partners, and victim service providers in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to pay tribute to victims of crime and to the dedicated professionals who advocate on their behalf,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “This week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reaffirms its unwavering commitment to seeking justice for all victims; and we thank the countless advocates throughout Nevada and the nation for ensuring victims are informed, have a voice, and receive the services and support needed to heal.” The federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by raising awareness of victims' rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.” Partner organizations are committed to engaging with victims of crime; learning from their lived experiences; amplifying their voices; and fostering an environment where they are heard, believed, and supported. For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week: https://ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw2023/overview . ###


title: Retired CHP Officer Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Timothy Allen Horwath, 53, formerly of Redding, pleaded guilty today to receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, between Feb. 25, 2019, and Oct. 10, 2019, Horwath knowingly received visual depictions of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. At the time of his offense, Horwath was employed as a patrol officer by the California Highway Patrol. Horwath’s pretrial release was revoked on Feb. 24, 2023, after he violated his bond conditions by accessing the internet and using smart phones and tablet computers that he was prohibited from possessing. Horwath agreed to deposit $75,000 into the Court’s financial registry to be used to pay any court-ordered restitution to victims, assessments, and other financial penalties. This case is the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol’s Computer Crime Investigation Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall is prosecuting the case. Horwath is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 22, 2023, by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. Horwath faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution to the victims of the offense. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Former New York City Correction Officer Sentenced to Prison for Accepting Bribes in Exchange for Smuggling Contraband into Rikers Island

body_text: Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, former New York City correction officer Katrina Patterson was sentenced by United States District Judge Carol B. Amon to a year and a day in prison for accepting more than $34,000 in bribe payments in exchange for smuggling contraband into Rikers Island. Patterson was employed by the New York City Department of Correction (DOC) and worked as a correction officer at Rikers Island. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence. Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New York Field Office (HSI), New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for their assistance on the case. According to court documents and facts presented at today’s sentencing proceeding, Patterson accepted at least $34,090 in bribes from co-conspirators in exchange for Patterson’s smuggling contraband into the Robert N. Davoren Center on Rikers Island for inmate (and co-defendant) Michael Ross. Ross, who was incarcerated on unrelated offenses, arranged for the bribes to be sent to Patterson. DOC subsequently located narcotics and cell phones in Ross’ cell. Law enforcement also recovered Patterson’s text messages, including messages where a co-conspirator told Patterson that some of the contraband would be “4 black joints in 1 paper,” and Patterson responded, “it better be wrapped so many times I don’t want to smell it.” Patterson also discussed with her co-conspirator the need to delete their text messages. Ross previously pleaded guilty in July 2022 to bribing Patterson and was sentenced today by Judge Amon to 18 months’ imprisonment to run consecutive to the 16 years to life sentence he is serving in state custody for an unrelated conviction. The government’s case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Pilmar in the Office’s Public Integrity Section. The Defendants : KATRINA PATTERSON Age: 32 Jamaica, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-196 (CBA)


title: Fayetteville Career Criminal Who Shot Pawn Shop Owner Convicted by a Federal Jury

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal jury convicted Mario Whitted, 28, today on charges arising from his shooting of a Fayetteville pawn shop owner as he closed up for the night on November 30, 2019. The owner, who survived the attack, was struck twice in the leg and returned fire with his own handgun. Whitted fled the scene and flagged down a Good Samaritan who offered to take him to a local Emergency Room. Whitted instead insisted that he be taken home. He was later apprehended in South Carolina after having a bullet extracted from his foot which ballistics examiners matched to the victim’s gun. DNA evidence also linked Whitted to the scene after he bled in the Good Samaritan’s car. Whitted was found guilty of being a felon in possession of ammunition, deemed an armed career criminal, and now faces 15 years to life in prison when he is sentenced later this year. Whitted has three prior state convictions for common law robbery. “Today’s verdict puts a career criminal behind bars and makes the Fayetteville community safer,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Our office will continue to partner with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those driving gun violence around our homes and businesses.” Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III accepted the verdict. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Fayetteville Police Department, and the Cumberland and Robeson County Sheriffs’ Offices investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chad Rhoades and Phil Aubart prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:20-CR-353-D. ###


title: New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 6 years in Federal Prison for Mail Theft, Identity Theft and Bank Fraud Scheme

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARQUIS WILLIAMS, 46, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for operating a mail theft, identity theft, and bank fraud scheme. According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least 2018 through November 2019, Williams and his then-girlfriend, Dara Morrison, stole mail from hundreds of residential mailboxes in Connecticut. The mail pieces contained checks, driver’s licenses, passports, social security cards, banking information, and other personally identifying information from businesses and individuals throughout Connecticut, including elderly nursing home residents. Williams and Morrison used stolen identities to produce fake identification, and then used the fake identification to cash or deposit stolen checks. Williams and Morrison also used the stolen checks to create additional, forged copies of checks that they then cashed or deposited into accounts they opened using stolen identities. Morrison also used and attempted to use stolen credit cards. Williams was arrested on November 14, 2019. In association with his arrest, investigators searched his residence and vehicles and found numerous drivers’ licenses and identification cards with photographs of Williams or Morrison, but with different names and addresses; multiple passports, social security cards, drivers’ licenses, and other documents in the names of victims; approximately 50 debit and credit cards in the names of victims; notebooks containing handwritten identifying information of victims; approximately 130 checks, some showing signs of alteration, written from and to potential victims; items used to alter checks and make false identifications; and trash bags filled with stolen mail. More than 70 bank fraud victims were identified during the investigation. Judge Bryant ordered Williams to pay $116,152.26 in restitution to his victims. On May 19, 2022, Williams pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Morrison pleaded guilty to the same offense. On April 18, 2023, after Morrison had been detained for approximately 37 months, Judge Bryant sentenced her to time served. Williams’ and Morrison’s criminal histories include prior federal convictions for similar crimes. In 2002, Williams was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment for conspiracy, identity fraud and credit card fraud offenses. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service and the Hamden, Wallingford, Waterford, Guilford, and Old Saybrook Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Oakes and Hal Chen. U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorneys for the Judicial Districts of New Haven, Fairfield, Middlesex, Ansonia/Milford, New London, Norwich, and Stamford/Norwalk for their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter. Individuals who believe they are a victim of mail theft may file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG or by visiting https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint .


title: Trafficker sent to prison for smuggling cocaine in tractor trailer differential

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – A 28-year-old San Benito resident has been ordered to federal prison after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to do so, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal jury convicted Baltazar Reyes-Herrera Jan. 20, following a two-day-trial and approximately seven hours of deliberation. Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered Reyes-Herrera to serve 100 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Reyes-Herrera was taking 18 bundles of cocaine to Mississippi for payment of $10,000 and bringing the currency back for the sale of the 19.52 kilograms of cocaine. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the amount of cocaine and the harm it brings to individuals in the United States. On Oct. 19, 2020, Reyes-Herrera arrived at the Sarita checkpoint close to midnight driving a tractor trailer. He told authorities he was driving to Houston to pick up a truck from an auction. Following a K-9 alert, law enforcement crawled underneath the tractor and observed handprints on the bolts that hold the rear differential in place. Reyes-Herrera denied knowledge of the 18 bundles of cocaine concealed in the hollow differential. The estimated street value of the drugs is $500,000. According to evidenced present at trial, Reyes-Herrera purchased truck insurance two hours prior to arriving at the checkpoint. He did not have valid travel logs for the trip and did not possess a valid commercial license. Reyes-Herrera will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in


title: Pharr man pleads guilty to exporting .50 caliber ammunition

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 21-year-old Pharr resident has pleaded guilty to smuggling goods from the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Pedro Cruz Almeida Jr. admitted to attempting to export .50 caliber tracer-equipped linked ammunition without a license to export. On Feb. 3, Almeida was driving a red Hyundai Elantra, at which time authorities conducted a traffic stop. A subsequent search led to the discovery of 600 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition in the vehicle. Almeida admitted he intended to transfer the ammunition to an individual waiting at the Port of Entry driving a vehicle with a Tamaulipas, Mexico, license plate. In Mexico, he received cash to order the ammunition. Almeida admitted he ordered ammunition approximately 30 occasions over the past year. On Feb. 9, agents subsequently seized an additional 300 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition postmarked to Almeida. At the plea today, Almeida informed the court he was attending a local police academy at the time of his arrest. U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez accepted the plea and set sentencing for July 27. At that time, Almeida faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Almeida was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Hidalgo County Constable’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Brostowin is prosecuting the case. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods ( PSN ) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.


title: Jeffrey Dean Biddle Sentenced to Life in Prison

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Francisco B. Burrola, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, announced that Jeffery Dean Biddle was sentenced to life in prison. Biddle, 42, of Deming, pleaded guilty on Oct. 26 to production and attempted production of child pornography, receipt and attempted receipt of child pornography, and enticement and attempted enticement of a minor. According to the plea agreement and other court records, in 2021, Biddle, a registered sex offender, started a conversation with a minor victim he met through Facebook. The conversation eventually moved to text messages and Biddle coerced the victim to take pornographic photos to send to him. Biddle specifically requested “naked” pictures and asked for nude photographs approximately 24 times. During these text exchanges, Biddle also sent the victim nude photographs of himself. Biddle had entered into a global plea agreement where he also agreed to plead guilty in state court to multiple counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration in the First Degree (Child under 13), and Criminal Sexual Penetration in the Second Degree (Child under 13). That conduct involved Biddle’s sexual abuse of an 18-month-old child. On December 5, 2022, Biddle pled guilty in state court and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. When Biddle was originally arrested on those charges, he admitted to molesting at least eleven children, most of whom were under the age of five. “This sentence was eminently fitting, given the abhorrent acts committed against innocent and vulnerable children,” said Francisco B. Burrola, Special Agent in Charge for HSI El Paso. “This case demonstrates once again how producing child pornography and abuse can go hand-in-hand. For that reason, child exploitation investigations are a top priority for Homeland Security Investigations, and we will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to hold devious sexual predators accountable for their actions.” “One child is too many. Eleven is unspeakable. Today, the Court imposed the only sentence which will ensure this serial child molester will never add another name to his terrible list,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez. “This case highlights what is possible when local, state, and federal agencies team up to relentlessly pursue sexual predators who seek to harm our most vulnerable population.” Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this case with assistance from the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Las Cruces District Office, New Mexico State Police, the Deming Police Department, Luna County Sheriff’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office for the Sixth Judicial District as part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program is a nationwide network of task forces including over 90 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in New Mexico dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to Internet crimes against children. Assistant United States Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and Matilda McCarthy Villalobos are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, 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/. # # # 23-87


title: Houstonian ordered to prison following HPD officer shooting

body_text: HOUSTON ‐ A 24-year-old Pasadena man has been sent to federal prison following his conviction of firearm and drug trafficking offenses related to his role in the shooting of a Houston Police Department (HPD) officer, announced U.S. Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jimmy Caston Bryan pleaded guilty Oct. 13, 2022, to possessing with intent to distribute meth and to carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal handed Bryan a 100-month term of imprisonment for drug trafficking meth. He also received 120 months for the firearms charge which must be served consecutively to the other sentence imposed. The total 220-month prison term will be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Bryan’s lengthy criminal history and the violent nature of the offense. “Almost a year ago, Bryan, a known drug trafficker, shot an HPD officer during a traffic stop,” said Hamdani. “That cruel act carries severe consequences, especially in the federal system, and today’s 220-month prison sentence reflects those consequences.” At the time of his plea, Bryan admitted that on May 4, 2022, he fired multiple shots at an HPD officer near 14300 Gulf Freeway. Bryan previously trafficked narcotics in the Houston area, had possessed meth and was believed to be in the possession of multiple firearms. On May 4, 2022, authorities conducted a traffic stop, at which time two HPD officers approached Bryan’s truck and requested identifying information. Bryan did not comply which led law enforcement to ask him to step out of the vehicle. As one officer opened Bryan’s door, Bryan quickly reached into his waistband and pulled out a semi-automatic handgun. At the time of his plea, Bryan also admitted he shot and struck the other HPD officer twice - once in the chest and once in the right hip. Both officers returned gunfire and struck Bryan. A search of Bryan’s vehicle revealed over 48 grams of meth, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, a digital scale and two additional handguns. Bryan 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, HPD, Texas Department of Public Safety and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day prosecuted the case.


title: Hammond Man Charged in Federal Arson Case

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – TERRENCE COE , age 29, a resident of Hammond, Louisiana, was charged by a federal grand jury in a one-count indictment with arson, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to the indictment, on or about December 24, 2022, COE , maliciously damaged and destroyed by means of fire, the building, known as Walmart, located at 2799 W. Thomas Street in Hammond, Louisiana. If convicted, COE faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, and the Hammond Fire Department. Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Craig Foley, age 57, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to failing to update his sex offender registration. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and United States Marshal David L. McNulty made the announcement. Foley pled guilty to violating the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), which requires a convicted sex offender to register, and keep that registration current, wherever he resides. As part of his guilty plea, Foley admitted that he was previously convicted of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree in Utica City Court, and because of that conviction was required to register as a sex offender. Foley further admitted that he moved from Pennsylvania to New York in or about November 2020 and, from then until he was arrested in this case, failed to register as a sex offender in New York or update his registration to reflect his place of residence. Sentencing is scheduled for August 23, 2023 before District Court Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Foley faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and life to begin after he is released from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. This case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Fremont Business Owner Pleads Guilty To Crimes In Scheme To Avoid Millions Of Dollars In Income Taxes

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE –Roger Chi Quan, pleaded guilty to crimes related to a scheme to underreport his 2017 business income by over $4 million, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Kareem Carter, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the IRS - Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office. The guilty plea was accepted by the Honorable Edward J. Davila, United States District Court. Quan, 55, of Milpitas, Calif., owned and operated QXQ, Inc. (“QXQ”), a manufacturer of circuit board test fixtures based in Fremont, Calif. QXQ shipped its products to customers in the United States and Asia. According to his plea agreement, Quan admitted that since before 2014, QXQ maintained two sets of QuickBooks bookkeeping files. One set of books recorded sales to customers in the United States and all QXQ’s expenses. The second set of books recorded sales to customers in Asia. Quan directed QXQ’s customers in Asia to wire transfer their payments to QXQ’s bank accounts in New Zealand. Quan admitted that he retained an income tax preparer but provided the preparer only with the QuickBooks bookkeeping file that recorded QXQ’s sales to customers in the United States and all of its expenses. Further, Quan acknowledged he knowingly did not provide his income tax return preparer with, or disclose to the tax preparer the existence of, the bookkeeping file that recorded QXQ’s sales to customers in Asia or the statements from his and QXQ’s foreign bank accounts. Quan agreed his actions caused his 2017 federal income taxes to be underreported by $1,783,339. The plea agreement contains further details of the scheme. For example, Quan admitted that he had signature authority over at least eleven foreign bank accounts in 2017. One of these accounts held a balance of at least $12,137,288.50 on April 15, 2018. Quan admitted that he knowingly did not report the existence of these accounts as required. For example, Quan was required to report the existence of the accounts on FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. Quan also did not report the interest earned in foreign bank accounts to his tax return preparer. On March 27, 2023, Quan was charged by felony information with one count each of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(2), and willfully violating foreign bank account reporting requirements, in violation of 31 U.S.C. §§ 5314 and 5322(a). Quan pleaded guilty to both counts. Judge Davila scheduled Quan’s sentencing for September 25, 2023. The maximum penalty for willfully violating foreign bank account reporting requirements, in violation of Title 31 U.S.C. §§ 5314 and 5322(a), is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty for filing a false tax return, in violation of Title 26 U.S.C. § 7206(2), is three years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Quan agreed to pay $8,167,733 of restitution to the Internal Revenue Service for the tax years 2014 through 2018. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Sampson is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation International Tax and Financial Crimes (ITFC), a group dedicated to investigating international tax crimes.


title: Cohoes Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Obstruction of Justice Charges

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Andrew O’Connor, age 36, of Cohoes, New York pled guilty today to distributing methamphetamine in Cohoes, New York, and conspiracy to tamper with records. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and, Ketty Larco-Ward, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), made the announcement. As part of his guilty plea today, Andrew O’Connor admitted that he distributed ounce-quantities of methamphetamine in Cohoes in March, April, and June 2022, and had a shipment of over one pound of methamphetamine sent to him around June 15, 2022. Investigators with USPIS and FBI intercepted the package and seized the methamphetamine. O’Connor also admitted that, after his arrest, he contacted a co-conspirator to make arrangements to have the co-conspirator factory reset and remote wipe several of O’Connor’s cell phones. Sentencing is scheduled for August 23, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. At sentencing, O’Connor faces a minimum sentence of ten years and maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million dollars, and a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. This case was investigated by USPIS, and the FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin C. Segovia is prosecuting the case.


title: Canadian Man Charged with Stolen Valor and Forging Military Discharge Paperwork

body_text: PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Randall J. Montour, age 44, a resident of Cornwall, Ontario, was arrested and charged today for violating the Stolen Valor Act of 2013 and for falsifying his military discharge certificate. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and United States Marshal David L. McNulty made the announcement. Montour was charged by complaint and made his initial appearance in Plattsburgh, before United States Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro. Montour was released pending a further court appearance. The complaint alleges that Montour falsely altered his Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Form DD-214, to reflect he received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force and that he earned numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations or campaign ribbons, including the Purple Heart. The complaint further alleges that on three occasions, Montour used his altered Form DD-214 to purchase Purple Heart recipient license plates from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, which he then affixed to his vehicle. Military records show, however, that Montour served in the United States Air Force from 1999 until he was court-martialed in 2000 for impersonating an officer and making threats. Montour received a bad-conduct discharge and was separated from the Air Force on June 18, 2001. He is not a Purple Heart recipient. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges filed against Montour carry up to 1 year in jail, a fine of up to $100,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 1 year. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The United States Marshals Service is investigating the case with assistance from the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas G. Collyer is prosecuting the case.


title: Chalmette Resident Pleaded Guilty in Federal Court to Theft of Stolen Mail and Unlawful Possession of a Postal Key

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – KELAN PERRY GENNINGS , age 21, pleaded guilty on April 13, 2023, to a two-count superseding indictment charging him with theft or receipt of stolen mail matter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708 and unlawful possession of a postal key, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1704, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, GENNINGS stole U.S. Mail from a post office mailbox located at the Covington Post Office. GENNINGS also used a postal arrow key to access said mailbox. At sentencing, which is set for August 17, 2023, GENNINGS faces a maximum prison term of five years for the theft of mail and ten years for possession of the arrow key. Each count carries additional penalties of up to three (3) years supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Shiprock Woman Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Assault

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Courtney Frank made an initial appearance in federal court on an indictment charging her with involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Frank, 19, of Shiprock, and an enrolled member of Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for April 27. According to the indictment, on Sept. 28, 2022, Frank operated a motor vehicle without due caution and circumspection and with a wanton and reckless disregard for human life when she knew and should have known that her conduct imperiled the lives of others. Frank, who was driving drunk, crashed her car head-on into a car driven by a mother and son, killing the mother and injuring the son. A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Frank faces up to 10 years in prison. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-88


title: Southern Arizona Human Smuggling Coordinator Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Tyler Myers, 25, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, pleaded guilty in federal court on April 3, 2023, in connection with his role as the coordinator for a human smuggling organization operating in the Tucson and Sierra Vista, Arizona area. Specifically, Myers pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit. Between 2018 and 2022, Myers conspired to transport undocumented non-citizens for profit on at least 13 occasions. Myers utilized social media applications Snapchat and Telegram to recruit drivers and also to manage, supervise, and coordinate the smuggling, often in real time. United States Border Patrol agents and Cochise County Sheriff’s officers arrested at least 44 undocumented non-citizens whose transportation in southern Arizona was connected to Myers’ role in the conspiracy. A conviction for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. Sentencing is set before United States District Judge Scott H. Rash on June 12, 2023. The investigation in this case was conducted by Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-22-1144-TUC-SHR-EJM RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-061_Myers # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit Justice.gov/AZ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.