title: New York Man Admits Role in $127 Million Health Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man and owner of a marketing company today admitted his role in conspiracies to commit health care fraud and to pay and receive illegal kickbacks, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced. Eric Karlewicz, aka “Anthony Mazza,” 44, of Chestnut Ridge, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to an information charging him with conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback statute and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From June 2017 through May 2019, Karlewicz participated in a scheme with durable medical equipment (DME) companies, telemedicine companies, and doctors to submit false claims to health care benefit programs, including Medicare and TRICARE, based on a circular scheme of kickbacks and bribes. Karlewicz controlled a marketing company though which he and his conspirators identified Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries to target for DME. Employees of the company called the beneficiaries to pressure them to agree to accept DME, frequently consisting of back, shoulder, and knee braces. Karlewicz and his conspirators paid the company’s employees commissions, bonuses, and incentives to encourage them to convince as many beneficiaries as possible to accept DME, regardless of medical necessity. Karlewicz and his company then paid kickbacks to telemedicine companies, which in turn paid kickbacks to doctors, to obtain doctor’s orders for the DME. The doctors paid by the telemedicine companies signed the orders regardless of medical necessity, often without ever speaking to the patient. Karlewicz and his business partner then steered the doctor’s orders to DME suppliers around the country, with which Karlewicz and his company had additional kickback arrangements. The DME companies submitted claims for reimbursement to health care benefit programs including Medicare and TRICARE, and thereafter sent a portion of the proceeds to Karlewicz and his company as payment for the doctor’s orders generated through the conspiracy. The company received more than $63 million from DME suppliers in exchange for the referrals. In total, Karlewicz and his conspirators caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs totaling more than $127 million for DME. Using proceeds from the scheme, Karlewicz purchased luxury vehicles, including a Ferrari, and Lamborghini, a Bentley, and a BMW. The kickback conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison, and the health care fraud conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison; both charges are punishable by a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2024. Attorney for the United States Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; and U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Senior Trial Counsel Barbara Ward of the Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit in Newark. karlewicz.information.pdf


title: Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – TJ Jazz Cremeans, 21, of Huntington, was sentenced today to one year and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 15, 2022, Cremeans and Brennon Michael Adkins, 22, broke into Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry in Huntington to steal various electronics from the store’s inventory. Cremeans admitted that he stole a DPMS model AR-15 5.56mm rifle, a Savage Arms model 111 .30-06-caliber rifle, and a Stoeger model M3000 12-gauge shotgun during the breaking and entering. Adkins pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm on May 1, 2023, and admitted that he possessed the Stoeger model M3000 12-gauge shotgun following the breaking and entering. Adkins awaits sentencing. Nigel Jamille Coats, 19, of Huntington, was sentenced to nine months in prison on September 25, 2023, after pleading guilty to possession of a stolen firearm. Coats admitted that he possessed the DPMS, model AR-15 5.56mm rifle shortly after the breaking and entering and theft was completed. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams 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. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-213. ###


title: Bangor Bank Robber Sentenced to 17 ½ Years in Federal Prison

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

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Bangor, Maine, man was sentenced on Friday, October 6 in U.S. District Court in Bangor for bank robbery and possession of a firearm by a felon. U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Donald Turner, 52, to 210 months in prison and a consecutive 24-month sentence for violating his supervised release in a separate docket. Following incarceration, Turner will be on supervised release for five years. According to court records, Turner entered Bangor Savings Bank in Bangor on September 10, 2020 and handed a bank teller a note indicating his intent to rob the bank, that he had a firearm, and ordering the teller not to speak to anyone. After the bank teller gave Turner money, he walked out of the bank. Law enforcement responded to the bank and obtained surveillance videos. Several surveillance images were sent to local media, leading to multiple citizens to contact law enforcement and identify Turner as the robber. Law enforcement located Turner at an apartment in Bangor, and at the time of his arrest, Turner had a firearm in the front waistband of his pants. Turner admitted he had robbed the bank but denied having the gun with him during the robbery. At the time he committed this bank robbery, Turner was on supervised release for a 2011 conviction for bank robbery. Turner has two previous convictions for bank robberies he committed in 2006. The Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Bangor Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. ###


title: St. Joseph Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Heroin Conspiracy, Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and for illegally possessing firearms. Roderick A. Hughes, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 17 years in federal prison without parole. On May 27, 2022, Hughes pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin in the St. Joseph area from Sept. 1, 2019, to March 26, 2021, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. According to court documents, Hughes is responsible for distributing at least 461.9 grams of heroin, which is over 4,600 potentially lethal, 0.1-gram “doses” of the drug. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hughes’s apartment on Feb. 23, 2021. Officers found a silver revolver on the kitchen table. They also found a loaded Glock 9mm handgun on a nightstand in the bedroom, a Stoeger 9mm handgun and a Jennings Bryco 9mm handgun on a shelf in the bedroom, and a black safe under the bed that contained 23.4 grams of heroin and $4,703 in cash. Officers also searched the garage and found three plastic bags with a total of 96.3 grams of heroin hidden in the rafters. Co-defendant Franklin T. Hicks Jr., also known as “Frankie,” 42, of St. Joseph, pleaded guilty to the same charges and will be sentenced on Nov. 1, 2023. Hicks was arrested outside of a hotel in St. Joseph on Jan. 22, 2021. He was in possession of 35.8 grams of heroin and $2,687 in cash. Officers also found a loaded Rock Island Armory .380-caliber handgun under the driver’s seat of his car and a Ruger 9mm handgun in the glovebox. Co-defendant Harvey E. Johnson, 50, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to his role in the heroin-trafficking conspiracy and will be sentenced on Oct. 26, 2023. Johnson, who was in possession of approximately 51 grams of heroin at the time of his arrest, admitted that the drug-trafficking conspiracy involved at least two kilograms of heroin. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black. It was investigated by the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department, the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.


title: U.S. Air Force member in Great Falls admits to child pornography crime

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS -- A member of the U.S. Air Force at the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls today admitted to allegations that he obtained and sold images of child sexual abuse material using social media, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Brandon Earl Bankston, 23, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to sell child pornography. Bankston faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 14, 2024. Bankston was detained pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that in the summer of 2021, the Great Falls Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted that a suspect in Montana had uploaded videos containing known child sexual abuse material to an account on “X,” formerly known as Twitter. The task force also learned that a Snapchat user with a Montana address had posted an image of child sexual abuse material. The investigation determined that the internet provider addresses belonged to Bankston, an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force assigned to the 341 st Missile Security Forces Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base. Bankston admitted to Air Force investigators to possessing and distributing the child sexual abuse material in exchange for payment from users across various internet platforms. Bankston told investigators that he obtained images and videos of the material through a messaging platform and stored the material on a cloud-based site in New Zealand. He further admitted to selling the child sexual abuse material to approximately 25 individuals. In a search of Bankston’s electronic devices, social media platforms, bank accounts and cloud-based storage applications, investigators determined he possessed approximately 5,000 images of child sexual abuse material and approximately 3,000 images and videos of the material saved in storage accounts. In addition, investigators determined Bankston received approximately $6,750 for child sexual abuse material sales from 42 separate transactions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The Great Falls Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations conducted the investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. XXX


title: Congressman George Santos Charged With Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, False Statements, Falsification of Records, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Credit Card Fraud

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – A 23-count superseding indictment was filed today in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, charging George Anthony Devolder Santos, better known as “George Santos,” the United States Representative for the Third District of New York, with one count of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, two counts of wire fraud, two counts of making materially false statements to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), two counts of falsifying records submitted to obstruct the FEC, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of access device fraud, in addition to the seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds, and two counts of making materially false statements to the United States House of Representatives that were charged in the original indictment. Santos is due back in federal court in Central Islip on October 27, 2023. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Nicole M. Argentieri, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Anne T. Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney, announced the superseding indictment. “As alleged, Santos is charged with stealing people’s identities and making charges on his own donors’ credit cards without their authorization, lying to the FEC and, by extension, the public about the financial state of his campaign. Santos falsely inflated the campaign’s reported receipts with non-existent loans and contributions that were either fabricated or stolen” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office will relentlessly pursue criminal charges against anyone who uses the electoral process as an opportunity to defraud the public and our government institutions.” “Santos allegedly led multiple additional fraudulent criminal schemes, lying to the American public in the process. The FBI is committed to upholding the laws of our electoral process. Anyone who attempts to violate the law as part of a political campaign will face punishment in the criminal justice system,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. “The defendant - a Congressman - allegedly stole the identities of family members and used the credit card information of political contributors to fraudulently inflate his campaign coffers,” stated District Attorney Donnelly. “We thank our partners in the US Attorney’s Office and the FBI as we work together to root out public corruption on Long Island.” As alleged in the superseding indictment, Santos, who was elected to Congress last November and sworn in as the U.S. Representative for New York’s Third Congressional District on January 7, 2023, engaged in two fraudulent schemes, in addition to the multiple fraudulent schemes alleged in the original indictment. The Party Program Scheme During the 2022 election cycle, Santos was a candidate for the United States House of Representatives in New York’s Third Congressional District. Nancy Marks, who pleaded guilty on October 5, 2023 to related conduct, was the treasurer for his principal congressional campaign committee, Devolder-Santos for Congress. During this election cycle, Santos and Marks conspired with one another to devise and execute a fraudulent scheme to obtain money for the campaign by submitting materially false reports to the FEC on behalf of the campaign, in which they inflated the campaign’s fundraising numbers for the purpose of misleading the FEC, a national party committee, and the public. Specifically, the purpose of the scheme was to ensure that Santos and his campaign qualified for a program administered by the national party committee, pursuant to which the national party committee would provide financial and logistical support to Santos’s campaign. To qualify for the program, Santos had to demonstrate, among other things, that his congressional campaign had raised at least $250,000 from third-party contributors in a single quarter. To create the public appearance that his campaign had met that financial benchmark and was otherwise financially viable, Santos and Marks agreed to falsely report to the FEC that at least 10 family members of Santos and Marks had made significant financial contributions to the campaign, when Santos and Marks both knew that these individuals had neither made the reported contributions nor given authorization for their personal information to be included in such false public reports. In addition, understanding that the national party committee relied on FEC fundraising data to evaluate candidates’ qualification for the program, Santos and Marks agreed to falsely report to the FEC that Santos had loaned the campaign significant sums of money, when, in fact, Santos had not made the reported loans and, at the time the loans were reported, did not have the funds necessary to make such loans. These false reported loans included a $500,000 loan, when Santos had less than $8,000 in his personal and business bank accounts. Through the execution of this scheme, Santos and Marks ensured that Santos met the necessary financial benchmarks to qualify for the program administered by the national party committee. As a result of qualifying for the program, the congressional campaign received financial support. The Credit Card Fraud Scheme In addition, between approximately December 2021 and August 2022, Santos devised and executed a fraudulent scheme to steal the personal identity and financial information of contributors to his campaign. He then charged contributors’ credit cards repeatedly, without their authorization. Because of these unauthorized transactions, funds were transferred to Santos’s campaign, to the campaigns of other candidates for elected office, and to his own bank account. To conceal the true source of these funds and to circumvent campaign contribution limits, Santos falsely represented that some of the campaign contributions were made by other persons, such as his relatives or associates, rather than the true cardholders. Santos did not have authorization to use their names in this way. For example, in December 2021, one contributor (the “Contributor”) texted Santos and others to make a contribution to his campaign, providing billing information for two credit cards. In the days after he received the billing information, Santos used the credit card information to make numerous contributions to his campaign and affiliated political committees in amounts exceeding applicable contribution limits, without the Contributor’s knowledge or authorization. To mask the true source of these contributions and thereby circumvent the applicable campaign contribution limits, Santos falsely identified the contributor for one of the charges as one of his relatives. In the following months, Santos repeatedly charged the Contributor’s credit card without the Contributor’s knowledge or authorization, attempting to make at least $44,800 in charges and repeatedly concealing the true source of funds by falsely listing the source of funds as Santos himself, his relatives and other contributors. On one occasion, Santos charged $12,000 to the Contributor’s credit card, ultimately transferring the vast majority of that money into his personal bank account. The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section, the Long Island Criminal Division, and the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Harris, Anthony Bagnuola, and Laura Zuckerwise, along with Trial Attorneys Jacob Steiner and John Taddei, are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Rachel Friedman. Former Trial Attorney Jolee Porter of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section also provided substantial contributions to the prosecution. The Defendant : GEORGE ANTHONY DEVOLDER SANTOS Age: 35 Washington, District of Columbia E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-197 (JS)


title: Congressman George Santos Charged in Campaign Finance Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in Central Islip, New York, returned a superseding indictment today charging George Anthony Devolder Santos (George Santos), 35, a U.S. Congressman representing the Third District of New York, with one count of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, two counts of wire fraud, two counts of making materially false statements to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), two counts of falsification of records submitted to the FEC, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of access device fraud. Santos was previously charged with an additional seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds, and two counts of making materially false statements to the U.S. House of Representatives in the original indictment. According to court documents, Santos, who was elected to Congress last November and sworn in as the U.S. Representative for New York’s Third Congressional District on Jan. 7, engaged in two fraudulent schemes, in addition to the multiple fraudulent schemes alleged in the original indictment. The Party Program Scheme According to the allegations in today’s superseding indictment, during the 2022 election cycle, Santos was a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s Third Congressional District. Nancy Marks was the treasurer for his principal congressional campaign committee. During that election cycle, Santos and Marks allegedly devised and executed a fraudulent scheme to obtain money for the campaign by submitting materially false reports to the FEC on behalf of the campaign, in which Santos and Marks inflated the campaign’s fundraising numbers for the purpose of misleading the FEC, a national party committee, and the public. Specifically, the purpose of the scheme was to ensure that Santos and his campaign qualified for a program that the national party committee administered, pursuant to which the national party committee would provide financial and logistical support to Santos and his campaign committee. To qualify for the program, Santos had to demonstrate, among other things, that his congressional campaign had raised at least $250,000 from third-party contributors in a single quarter. To create the public appearance that his campaign had met that financial benchmark and was otherwise financially viable, Santos and Marks allegedly agreed to falsely report to the FEC that at least 10 family members of Santos and Marks had made significant financial contributions to the campaign, when Santos and Marks both knew that these individuals had neither made the reported contributions nor given authorization for their personal information to be included in such false public reports. In addition, understanding that the national party committee relied on FEC fundraising data to evaluate candidates’ qualification for the program, Santos and Marks allegedly agreed to falsely report to the FEC that Santos had loaned the campaign significant sums of money, including in one instance a $500,000 loan, when, in fact, Santos had not made the reported loans and, at the time the loans were reported, did not have the funds necessary to make such loans. Through the execution of this scheme, Santos and Marks ensured that Santos met the necessary financial benchmarks to qualify for the program that the national party committee administered. As a result of qualifying for the program, the congressional campaign received financial support. The Credit Card Fraud Scheme As alleged in the superseding indictment, between approximately December 2021 and August 2022, Santos devised and executed a fraudulent scheme to steal the personal identity and financial information of contributors to his campaign. He then allegedly charged contributors’ credit cards repeatedly, without their authorization. Because of these unauthorized transactions, funds were transferred to Santos’ campaign, to the campaigns of other candidates for elected office, and to his own bank account. To conceal the true source of these funds and to circumvent campaign contribution limits, Santos falsely represented that some of the campaign contributions were made by other persons, such as his relatives or associates or other contributors, rather than the true cardholders. Santos did not have authorization to use the cardholders’ names in this way. For example, in December 2021, one contributor (the contributor) texted Santos and others to make a contribution to his campaign, providing billing information for two credit cards. In the days after he received the billing information, Santos allegedly used the credit card information to make numerous contributions to his campaign and affiliated political committees in amounts exceeding applicable contribution limits, without the contributor’s knowledge or authorization. To mask the true source of these contributions and thereby circumvent the applicable campaign contribution limits, Santos falsely identified the contributor for one of the charges as one of his relatives. In the following months, Santos allegedly repeatedly charged the contributor’s credit card without the contributor’s knowledge or authorization, attempting to make at least $44,800 in charges and repeatedly concealing the true source of funds by falsely listing the source of funds as Santos himself, his relatives, and other contributors. On one occasion, Santos charged $12,000 to the contributor’s credit card, ultimately transferring the vast majority of that money into Santos’s own personal bank account. The case is currently scheduled for a status conference before Judge Seybert on Oct. 27. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft counts and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the other counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, Assistant Director in Charge James Smith of the FBI New York Field Office, and Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Trial Attorneys Jacob Steiner and John Taddei of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Harris, Anthony Bagnuola, and Laura Zuckerwise for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Rachel Friedman. Former Trial Attorney Jolee Porter of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section provided substantial contributions to the prosecution. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: U.S. Navy Service Member Pleads Guilty to Transmitting Sensitive U.S. Military Information to Chinese Intelligence Officer

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: A U.S. Navy service member pleaded guilty today to federal felony offenses and admitted he transmitted sensitive U.S. military information to an intelligence officer from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in exchange for bribery payments. Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, 26, aka Thomas Zhao, of Monterey Park, California, pleaded guilty to conspiring with the intelligence officer and receiving a bribe. Zhao, who worked at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme and held a U.S. security clearance, admitted he engaged in a corrupt scheme to collect and transmit sensitive U.S. military information to the intelligence officer in violation of his official duties. “The intelligence services of the People’s Republic of China actively target clearance holders across the military, seeking to entice them with money to provide sensitive government information,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen. “When contacted by his co-conspirator, rather than reporting it to the Navy, the defendant chose greed over protecting the national security of the United States. He is now being held accountable for his crimes. To others tempted to put personal profit ahead of patriotic duty, know that we are committed to identifying you and bringing you to justice.” “Protecting our country’s national security is of the utmost importance,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Zhao’s guilty plea is an acknowledgement of the betrayal in selling sensitive military information to the Government of China. The FBI reminds all government officials to remain vigilant in reporting potential recruitment efforts by foreign actors, and we remain committed to standing with our partners to protect the U.S. from threats to our national security.” Between August 2021 and at least May 2023, Zhao admitted receiving at least $14,866 in at least 14 separate bribes from the intelligence officer. In exchange for the illicit payments, Zhao surreptitiously collected and transmitted to the intelligence officer sensitive, non-public information regarding U.S. Navy operational security, military trainings and exercises and critical infrastructure. Zhao admitted he entered restricted military and naval installations to collect and record this information. Zhao specifically admitted to transmitting plans for a large-scale maritime training exercise in the Pacific theatre, operational orders, and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system located in Okinawa, Japan. Zhao further admitted to using sophisticated encrypted communication methods to transmit the information, destroying evidence and concealing his relationship with the intelligence officer. Zhao’s conduct violated his official duties to protect such information and the oath he swore to protect the United States. “Officer Zhao betrayed his country and the men and women of the U.S. Navy by accepting bribes from a foreign adversary,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “While he and the PRC officer he served took great pains to conceal their corrupt scheme, investigators were vigilant in uncovering this shameful plot. Today’s resolution, requiring Zhao to plead guilty to all charges against him, shows that we will act swiftly and decisively to protect our nation from those who seek to undermine our security.” “The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) would like to once again thank our partners at the FBI and Department of Justice for their continued assistance in bringing this case to a quick resolution,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Angel Cruz of the NCIS Office of Special Projects. “The swift action by the Department of Justice in prosecuting this case should serve as a warning to anyone who attempt to compromise the Department of the Navy’s sensitive information or the security of our warfighters. If you or someone you know has knowledge of a potential compromise of sensitive military information, please contact your nearest NCIS or FBI office.” Zhao pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2024. As a result of today’s guilty plea, Zhao faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison – five years for the conspiracy count and 15 years for the bribery charge. Zhao has been in custody since his arrest on Aug. 3. The FBI Los Angeles Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division and NCIS conducted the investigation. IRS-Criminal Investigation provided substantial assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Annamartine Salick, Sarah Gerdes, Christine Ro and Kathrynne Seiden for the Central District of California and Trial Attorney Adam Barry of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Ryan Waters of the Asset Forfeiture Section.


title: Former CEO Of Iconix Brand Group Sentenced To 18 Months In Prison For Accounting Fraud

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced earlier today that NEIL COLE, the former Chief Executive Officer of Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (“Iconix”), was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court to 18 months in prison for participating in a scheme to fraudulently inflate Iconix’s revenue and earnings per share, making false filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and misleading the conduct of audits. In November 2022, a jury found COLE guilty following a four-week retrial before U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos, who imposed today’s sentence. According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, the evidence offered at trial, and matters included in public filings: Iconix, whose shares traded on the NASDAQ, was in the business of acquiring various brands, including clothing and fashion brands, and then licensing those brands to retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers who, in turn, produced and sold clothing and other products bearing the brand names. Iconix utilized joint ventures (“JVs”) to profit from its brands in foreign markets. With respect to these JVs, Iconix transferred ownership of a trademark or brand to the JV while maintaining a 50% ownership interest in the JV itself. The other party involved in the JV purchased a 50% interest in the JV from Iconix. As part of the JV agreements, each JV partner was generally entitled to 50% of the JV’s licensing revenue. When it entered into a JV, Iconix recognized as revenue the buy-in purchase price paid by the JV partner, less Iconix’s cost basis in the trademarks. Among the most critical financial metrics disclosed in Iconix’s public filings with the SEC were Iconix’s quarterly and annual revenue and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). Iconix executives, including COLE, publicly identified revenue and EPS as the principal metrics demonstrating Iconix’s growth. They also touted Iconix’s consistent record of revenue and earnings growth and of meeting or exceeding Wall Street analyst consensus with respect to these metrics. The Accounting Fraud Scheme COLE engaged in a scheme to falsely inflate Iconix’s reported revenue and EPS by orchestrating a series of “round trip” transactions in which COLE and a senior Iconix executive induced a JV partner, a Hong Kong-based international apparel licensing company (“Company-1”), to pay artificially inflated buy-in purchase prices for JV interests, with the understanding that Iconix would then reimburse Company-1 for the overpayments. COLE executed the scheme for the purpose of enabling Iconix to report fraudulently inflated revenue and EPS figures based on the inflated buy-in purchase prices it obtained from Company-1. COLE arranged for Iconix to enter into at least two JVs with Company-1 that included inflated buy-in purchase prices from Company-1: (i) an amendment to a preexisting Southeast Asia joint venture, which closed on or about June 30, 2014 (“SEA-2”), and (ii) a second amendment to the Southeast Asia joint venture, which closed on or about September 17, 2014 (“SEA-3”). SEA-2 and SEA-3 involved a fraudulent “round trip” transaction, lacking in economic substance, in which Company-1 paid an artificially inflated buy-in purchase price for its interest in the JV, in exchange for COLE’s agreement that Iconix would give back the inflated portion of the purchase price to Company-1. COLE and a senior Iconix executive hid from Iconix’s lawyers and outside auditors that COLE had reached an understanding with Company-1 to artificially increase the consideration Company-1 paid Iconix in exchange for COLE’s agreement to round-trip the overpayment back to Company-1. Through the scheme, COLE caused Iconix to report fraudulently inflated revenue and EPS figures to the investing public. COLE did so, in part, to ensure that the reported figures met analyst consensus and to fraudulently convey the impression to the investing public that Iconix was growing quarter after quarter, as COLE had touted to the investing public. * * * In addition to his prison term, COLE, 66, of New York, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $790,200. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the SEC Office of the Inspector General. Mr. Williams also thanked the SEC Division of Enforcement, which previously brought a separate civil action. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Lenow, Justin V. Rodriguez, and Andrew Thomas are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Muskogee Resident Pleads Guilty To Failure To Register As A Sex Offender, Theft In Indian Country

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nathan Kelly Graham, age 26, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, and one count of Theft in Indian country, charged in two single-count indictments. One Indictment alleged that Graham resided in Indian country from approximately July 2022 to March 2023, and knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Graham is required to register as a sex offender after having received a felony conviction from the State of Oklahoma in 2015 for Rape in the Second Degree. The charge arose from an investigation by the United States Marshals Service and the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office. A separate Indictment alleged that on January 26, 2023, Graham stole a motor vehicle parked at a Valero gas station in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The charge arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, who located the stolen 2019 Ford F150 with Graham behind the wheel. Graham fled the scene and was later apprehended by police. The crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the pleas, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Graham will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Special Assistant United States Attorney Genevieve Ozark, and Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Lorenz and Rachel Geizura represented the United States.


title: Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office Partners with Baltimore Orioles to Elevate Campaign to End Gun Violence to New Heights [Photos]

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland - The Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office’s video spot aimed at ending gun violence is appearing on Baltimore’s “big screens.” Starting this week, "End Gun Violence" public service announcements will be featured on billboards, kiosks, bus shelters and other digital platforms across the region. In September, the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office launched a cutting edge 60 second public service announcement encouraging viewers to take action to end gun violence. The video continues to air across Maryland on digital platforms and will soon return to cable broadcast. “There is no single solution to ending gun violence,” said Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “We’ll make an impact with law enforcement working together with communities around prevention, intervention, and accountability.” Maryland is experiencing reduced violent crime than previous years as a result of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and community-based organizations. The Department of Justice's Project Safe Neighborhoods brings together committed groups to balance prevention, intervention, strategic law enforcement, and community engagement in an effort to end gun violence and keep communities safe. The PSAs appear on outdoor platforms along I-895, I-83, throughout the Inner Harbor, and other places around greater Baltimore. Each includes a scannable code to find more information and learn how to get involved. “The Baltimore Orioles, in partnership with our media partner, MASN, wholeheartedly support the effort to end gun violence throughout our communities because everyone deserves a safe place to call home,” said Kerry Watson, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs for the Baltimore Orioles. This campaign exposes the grief that impacts families every day and we appreciate the opportunity to be a vehicle for delivering this important message.” No one should live in fear in their own home or neighborhood. This educational campaign encourages communities to get involved in ending gun violence. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Honduran National Previously Deported 4 Times Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Reentering the U.S.

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL ANTONIO CONTRERAS-MARTINEZ, 54, a citizen of Honduras residing in Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. According to court documents and statements made in court, Contreras-Martinez was deported from the U.S. to Honduras in 2006, following the completion of a Connecticut state sentence for a violation of probation and violation of a protective order, and in 2010, following the completion of a Connecticut state sentence for carrying a dangerous weapon. Contreras-Martinez returned to the U.S., was convicted in Connecticut state court of criminal trespass and in federal court of illegal reentry, and was deported to Honduras in 2013. He was subsequently again found in the U.S. and deported to Honduras in 2016. In 2021, Contreras-Martinez was arrested by Stamford Police for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and operating a motor vehicle under suspension. He subsequently failed to appear for a court proceeding. On September 30, 2022, Contreras-Martinez turned himself into the Fairfield Police Department following a hit and run incident. Contreras-Martinez has been detained since his federal arrest on November 10, 2022. On July 13, 2023, he pleaded guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien. This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.


title: Hartford Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded Handgun

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC WHITE, 31, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 17, 2021, Hartford Police arrested White after a foot chase and they found him in possession of a loaded .45 caliber Taurus handgun. White’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for assault and narcotics offenses, and he was on special parole with the state when he was arrested in February 2021. 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. White has been detained since his arrest. On June 30, 2022, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and Elena L. Coronado. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Long Island Man Indicted for Smuggling Protected Birdwing Butterflies

body_text: A six-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Charles Limmer with conspiracy to smuggle wildlife into the United States, smuggling wildlife into and out of the United States, and violations of the Lacey Act’s prohibitions on falsely labeling and trafficking in wildlife. Limmer allegedly trafficked numerous deceased specimens of protected butterflies commonly referred to as “birdwings” due to their exceptional size, angular wings and bird-like flight. Limmer will be arraigned at a later date. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Paul Chapelle, Resident Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Valley Stream Division (FWS), announced the charges. Mr. Peace also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance with the investigation. Limmer operated a commercial business (the “Limmer Business”) importing, exporting, purchasing, and selling wildlife, including protected species of butterflies. In 2016, the Limmer Business obtained a license to import and export wildlife from the FWS. The FWS suspended the license in October 2022. U.S. law and regulations require that commercial importers and exporters of wildlife have a license and declare wildlife to the FWS. The restrictions apply to live and dead wildlife specimens, as well as the skins, parts and products made in whole or in part from listed species. Additional documents are also required for wildlife protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including birdwing butterflies. The Lacey Act also requires that wildlife shipments be accurately labeled and prohibits trafficking in wildlife that an individual knows was transported unlawfully. As alleged in the indictment, between October 2022 and September 2023, Limmer illegally imported and exported over $200,000 worth of shipments of deceased wildlife specimens. Limmer sold the unlawfully imported wildlife on Internet platforms to customers located around the world. To conceal the scheme, Limmer directed his co-conspirators to label the shipments of wildlife as “decorative wall coverings,” “origami paper craft” and “wall decorations.” He also noted to one co-conspirator, “Screw USFWS[….] They are a gang of Orangutans.” The indictment also seeks forfeiture of over 1,000 butterflies, moths and other insects alleged to have been illegally trafficked. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of smuggling, Limmer faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Sherman is in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Heyward. The Defendant : CHARLES LIMMER Age: 75 Commack, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-405 (LDH)


title: Leader and Two Members Of Brooklyn-Based Real Ryte Gang Convicted Of Violent Racketeering Offenses

body_text: Earlier today, Semaj Smith, also known as “Bam Bam” and “Real Ryte Sport,” a member of the Brooklyn-based street gang Real Ryte, pleaded guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn to racketeering conspiracy and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Smith’s guilty plea was preceded by those of co-defendants Dajahn McBean, also known as “Jeezy Mula,” who is the leader of Real Ryte, and Real Ryte member Mark Waiters, also known as “Telly.” The three defendants pleaded guilty in connection with a superseding indictment stemming from Real Ryte’s gang war with the Breadgang crew of the 5-9 Brims, a subset of the Bloods, including a shooting in which Real Ryte members and an associate wounded an innocent bystander they mistook for a member of the rival crew. Today’s proceeding took place before United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez. When sentenced, Smith and Waiters each face up to life in prison, and McBean faces up to 20 years in prison. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the guilty pleas. “The defendants admitted that Real Ryte carried out violent crimes and committed acts of fraud, leaving some victims destitute and others shot.” stated United States Attorney Peace. “These types of organized criminal groups inflict grievous harm on their communities and will not be tolerated.” Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department for outstanding work and assistance in this investigation. According to court filings and facts presented during the plea proceedings, between 2015 and 2018, Real Ryte was a violent street gang that operated in Brooklyn. Real Ryte members committed acts of violence, including murder and assault, and also engaged in bank fraud and wire fraud while committing other serious crimes.” During the charged period, Real Ryte was engaged in a violent conflict with members of a rival crew known as the “Breadgang,” whose members also operated in Brooklyn. The gang war led to a series of shootings between Real Ryte and Breadgang, including the murder of Sean Peart, a Real Ryte member, a crime for which Marvin Pippins, a Breadgang member, was convicted following trial in the Eastern District of New York. Following Peart’s death, the defendants and other members of Real Ryte sought to retaliate against Pippins and other Breadgang members. On January 3, 2017, the defendants learned that a Breadgang member could be found in lower Manhattan, and, at McBean’s direction, Smith, Waiters and a co-conspirator traveled there to shoot and kill him. However, the defendants mistakenly shot an innocent person they mistook for their intended target, seriously injuring the victim before fleeing. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Garen Marshall, Joy Lurinsky and Rebecca Schuman are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Cleon Thomas and Abiodun Ojo. The Defendants : DAJAHN MCBEAN (also known as “Jeezy Mula”) Age: 28 Brooklyn, New York SEMAJ SMITH (also known as “Bam Bam” and “Real Ryte Sport”) Age: 30 Brooklyn, New York MARK WAITERS (also known as “Telly”) Age: 26 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-260 (S-1) (HG)


title: U.S. Attorney And U.S. Postal Inspector In Charge Unveil Charges Against Multiple Defendants Alleged To Have Interfered With Delivery Of The Mail

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: OAKLAND – U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Rafael Nuñez announced today that multiple arrests have been made in cases involving the interference with delivery of the U.S. mail. The announcement was made at a press conference held this morning at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building. The theft of postal keys, break-ins of postal vehicles, assaults on letter carriers, and various other criminal acts involving interference with delivery of the mail and the alleged illegal possession of personally identifying information were all discussed at the press conference. According to U.S. Attorney Ramsey, defendants in each case now are facing severe federal penalties that make clear their alleged crimes were not worth the consequences. “In each of the cases I will discuss,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsey, “the government alleges the defendants have violated federal criminal laws and, as a consequence, federal agents and local law enforcement has tracked them down . . .. The penalties for these crimes can be sobering.” Inspector in Charge Nuñez reinforced the U.S. Attorney’s remarks and announced that the reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of any individual who robs or assaults a postal worker is now $150,000. “There is no more important mission for us as federal agents than protecting postal workers from crime and violence,” said Inspector in Charge Nuñez. “To any copycats or wannabes out there who might consider robbing a postal worker, I ask you to consider the years you will face in federal prison, the price on your head, and that postal inspectors will not stop hunting you. The proceeds of this crime are not worth your freedom.” U.S. Attorney Ramsey stated that most of the cases involved the theft of specialized postal keys that often grant access to large mailboxes or mail storage facilities. Holding one such postal key in his hand, U.S. Attorney Ramsey explained that federal laws have been “carefully crafted to protect the sanctity of the mail, including the sensitive information we entrust to the mail system; the safety of the federal employees and contractors who deliver the mail; and the federal property that is used to ensure mail delivery.” He then went on to describe how three of the defendants are alleged to have violated the law as follows: • Anthony Medina, 42, of American Canyon, Calif., is alleged to have unlawfully possessed seven mail keys. According to the complaint, officers with the San Francisco Police Department were attempting to perform a traffic stop when the defendant attempted to flee. Officers arrested the defendant and, in addition to the keys, defendant is alleged to have possessed credit cards in the names of other individuals, images of suspected stolen mail, and access codes for an apartment complex in San Francisco. Medina now faces 10 years in prison for each violation of 18 U.S.C. section 1704—the unlawful possession of the postal keys, as well as possible prosecution for unlawful possession of mail and credit cards. (Case No. 23-mj-71443 MAG) • Robert Devon Nicholson Bell, Jr., 19 , of Antioch, Calif., is alleged to have participated in at least two armed robberies of letter carriers, one in Antioch and one in San Francisco. Allegations in the criminal complaint filed against the defendant describe Bell’s use of mail keys to steal mail from blue mailboxes. According to a criminal complaint, Bell was found in Antioch in possession of robbed postal keys, a substantial quantity of stolen mail, a fraudulent USPS ID with his picture, and stolen and counterfeit checks. He now faces a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison for the unlawful possession of the postal key, as well as 25 years for each of the armed robberies. (Case No. 23-mj-71439 MAG) • Derek Hopson, 33, of Oakland, Calif., is alleged to have stolen mail and postal keys in two separate incidents that occurred in June of 2023. The complaint alleges the San Francisco Police Department responded to a burglary in progress at a residence in the Mission District of San Francisco when officers encountered the defendant in possession of several postal keys. Hopson also allegedly used a mailbox key to gain access to mailboxes at a residential complex in the Presidio of San Francisco. He now faces a statutory maximum of 15 years in prison for violating 18 U.S.C. sections 1704 and 1706. (Case No. 23-mj-71403 MAG) Additional recently-filed cases being prosecuted in the Northern District of California include the following: CASE NUMBER DEFENDANT NAME STATUTES ALLEGED MAXIMUM STATUTORY SENTENCE 23-CR-0086 HSG Craig Curtis Freeman Kaylynn Nicole Ulrich 18 U.S.C. § 2117 (Breaking and Entering into a Carrier Facility) 18 U.S.C. § 1708 (Possession of Stolen Mail and Theft of Mail) 10 years of imprisonment 10 years of imprisonment 23-mj-70714 MAG Stephen Hilton 18 U.S.C. § 2114 (Robbery of a Mail Carrier) 25 years of imprisonment 23-cr-317 HSG Michael Derryberry Lucas Ostolaza 18 U.S.C. § 2114 (Robbery of a Mail Carrier) (2 counts, each defendant) 18 U.S.C. §§ 1704 and 2: (Unlawful Possession of Mail Keys) (2 counts, each defendant) 25 years of imprisonment 10 years of imprisonment 23-mj-71424 Michael Morgan 18 U.S.C. §§ 1704 and 2: (Unlawful Possession of Mail Keys) 18 U.S.C. § 1708 (Possession of Stolen Mail and Theft of Mail) 10 years of imprisonment 5 years of imprisonment 23-cr-126 WHO Vo Nguyen 18 U.S.C. § 111(a) and (b) (Assault on a Federal Employee with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon) 18 U.S.C. § 1114(a)(3) (Attempted Murder of an Employee of the United States) 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1) Using, Carrying, and Discharging a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence 20 years of imprisonment 20 years of imprisonment Minimum 10 years of imprisonment and maximum life in prison Indictments and criminal complaints merely allege that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Further, in addition to the prison terms described, as part of any sentence following conviction the court may order defendants to serve an additional term of supervised release to begin after a prison term, additional fines, and restitution, if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. The prosecution of these cases are the result of investigations by the United States Postal Inspection Service.


title: Two Nigerian Nationals Based in Maryland Sentenced for Schemes to Steal California and Other States’ Unemployment Insurance Benefits

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nigerian nationals Quazeem Owolabi Adeyinka, 22, and Ayodeji Jonathan Sangode, 25, currently both residing in Maryland, were sentenced today to 26 months and 14 months in prison respectively for their roles a fraud conspiracy during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Sangode pleaded guilty in October 2022 to access device fraud, and Adeyinka pleaded guilty in November 2022 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A third co-conspirator, Olamide Yusuf Bakare, 26, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced in July 2023 to four years and nine months in prison. According to court documents, between June 2020 and July 2021, Adeyinka, Sangode, Bakare, and others participated in a conspiracy to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims to the State of California. More than 200 individual applications were filed with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) indicating that the claimants’ address was the Hyattsville, Maryland, apartment that the co-defendants shared. During the conspiracy, the conspirators obtained the personally identifiable information (PII) of persons who were not eligible for UI or PUA benefits or who did not authorize the conspirators to act on their behalf with respect to seeking such benefits. Such PII included names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. The conspirators then used the PII to submit dozens of fraudulent UI and PUA claims to EDD under the putative claimants’ identities and without their authorization. The underlying benefit applications contained false representations, including, for example, that the claimants had worked for certain employers and supervisors; had specific annual incomes; worked during certain time periods; were self-employed in various occupations; were laid off and had no work; were newly unemployed due to a disaster including the COVID-19 pandemic; and were currently available to work. Most, if not all, of these claims were false because the claimants were not so previously working, employed, newly unemployed, or seeking new employment. The conspirators knew that these representations were false or lacked the knowledge and authority to make such representations. These actions caused EDD to approve fraudulent UI and PUA claims. For each approved claim, EDD deposited benefit funds into a debit card account administered by Bank of America and under the identity of the putative claimant. Bank of America then mailed unauthorized debit cards to addresses under the control of the defendants. Under the direction of Bakare and others, Adeyinka and Sangode then obtained these debit cards and their PINs and used these cards to withdraw cash at ATMs for the benefit of themselves and coconspirators. At least 15 debit cards that Adeyinka used during the conspiracy were linked to bank accounts that received approximately $237,911 in fraudulent UI and PUA benefits. Adeyinka was personally involved in $793,844 in attempted loss. And at least 53 debit cards that Sangode used during the conspiracy were linked to bank accounts that received approximately $752,142 in fraudulent UI and PUA benefits. This case was the product of an investigation by the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General – Covid Fraud Unit, and the California EDD – Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow prosecuted the case. This effort is part of a California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force operation, one of five interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the U.S. Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces use prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.


title: Former Fresno Resident Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking and Sending Interstate Threats

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — William Lee Robinson, 43, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, pleaded guilty today to five counts of sending threatening interstate communications and three counts of cyberstalking, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Robinson worked at a business in Fresno from June to November in 2017. After the business fired him, Robinson began sending threatening messages to his former supervisor and other co-workers in an attempt to extort them for money. These threats included graphic statements threatening to physically harm co-workers and a former supervisor’s daughter. Robinson made the threats because he wanted the company to pay him between $10,000 and $20,000 to cover the cost of relocating to a different city. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa is prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston is scheduled to sentence Robinson on Feb. 12, 2024. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the five counts of sending threatening communications. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the cyberstalking counts. 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.


title: Crescent City Connection Shooter Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Machine Gun

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 3 ,2023 XAVIER DUHON , age 21, pled guilty to a superseding bill of information for possession of a machinegun, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). DUHON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. DUHON is set for sentencing on January 9, 2024. On March 23, 2023, following a traffic collision, DUHON fired upon another vehicle while crossing the Crescent City Connection bridge, Eastbank-bound. Law enforcement officers attempted to stop DUHON ’s vehicle, but DUHON led officers on a vehicle, and then foot, pursuit. DUHON was arrested a short time later in the 900 block of Magazine Street. As officers reviewed surveillance video and retraced DUHON ’s path of flight, they recovered two pistols, each equipped with a machinegun conversion device. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Saratoga Springs Woman Sentenced for Misappropriating Funds as the Fiduciary to a Veteran

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – JoAnne Natalie, age 65, of Saratoga Springs, New York, was sentenced today to serve 3 months in jail for misappropriating the funds of a veteran as his appointed fiduciary. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Christopher F. Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Field Office for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General, made the announcement. In previously pleading guilty, Natalie admitted that after being appointed as a fiduciary for a veteran, between September 2019 and January 2021, she stole $50,174.42 of the veteran’s VA benefits by using the benefits, which were deposited into the veteran’s bank account, for her own personal ends. She also admitted to willfully neglecting and failing to submit required accountings to the VA. United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Natalie to 2 years of supervised release, including 3 months of home detention, following her term of incarceration, and ordered her to pay restitution to the estate of the veteran. The VA Office of Inspector General investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping prosecuted the case. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative. The mission of the 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. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving elders can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.


title: Five Charged with Bank Fraud Conspiracy, Aggravated Identity Theft

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Five people have been indicted and arrested in connection with a bank fraud conspiracy targeting SEFCU, now Broadview Federal Credit Union. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. According to the indictment, court filings, and statements made by prosecutors in court, between February and October 2022, the conspirators obtained customer account information from Caeshara Cannon, age 33, of Albany, formerly a Member Services Representative at SEFCU. They used that information to create counterfeit checks, which were presented for negotiation at SEFCU branches. The conspirators also obtained personal identifying information of other people, which they used to fraudulently obtain loans from SEFCU and then withdraw the proceeds in cash. The conspirators used fake New York State driver’s licenses, with pictures of the conspirators but bearing the personal identifying information of others, during the loan application process. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The following individuals were charged in the indictment handed up September 21, 2023: Allahson Allah, formerly known as Gwyn Cancer, age 53, of Albany, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Evan Cutler, age 24, of Queensbury, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft. Dnauticah Taylor-Sterman, age 21, of Albany, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Davon Parson, age 20, of Troy, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. In addition, Cannon was previously arrested and pled guilty on September 14, 2023 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. A conviction for conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a term of up to 30 years in prison, and a conviction for aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of 2 years, which must be imposed consecutive to any term of incarceration imposed for the bank fraud offense. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. HSI is investigating the case, with assistance from the Bethlehem Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting this case.


title: Westchester Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dean Picariello, age 33, of Valhalla, New York, was sentenced today to 300 months (25 years) in prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and committing a felony offense involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Alfred A. Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. As part of his earlier guilty plea, Picariello admitted that on November 4, 2020, he initiated a conversation with someone he believed to be a 12-year-old girl in a teen chat group on a popular social media messaging application. Picariello engaged in sexually explicit conversation with the person, graphically describing the sex acts he would perform on the 12-year-old child when they met in person. In late November, Picariello began exchanging sexually explicit text messages with a second person posing as the 12-year-old girl’s 11-year-old cousin. On December 3, 2020, Picariello arranged to travel from Valhalla to Menands, to meet and have sex with the pre-teen cousins. When Picariello arrived at the prearranged meeting location in Menands, he was encountered by law enforcement officers and arrested. Picariello has two prior New York State convictions for rape in the third degree, each involving a victim less than 17 years old. United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a life term of post-release supervision and ordered Picariello to forfeit the Samsung cellular phone he used to commit his crimes. Picariello will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. This case was investigated by the FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Allen J. Vickey and Rachel Williams prosecuted the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Self-proclaimed king of Bissonett guilty of sex trafficking

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A federal jury in Houston has convicted a 47-year-old man of sex trafficking four women by means of force and of taking three women across state lines to engage in prostitution, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before convicting Larry “Lavish” Lewis following a six-day trial. Lewis used physical force and coercion to compel four women to engage in commercial sex in the Bissonnet street area of Houston and various cities in Texas and Louisiana. The jury also found he coerced them to cross state lines to engage in prostitution. At trial, the victims detailed how Lewis recruited them on false promises of good money and a good life. Lewis confiscated the identification cards of two women and tightly controlled access to their hotel rooms. The women were completely dependent on him for food, lodging and basic necessities. Lewis’ rules dictated where and how long they worked. The women were required to give Lewis all money they earned after commercial sex dates. The victims detailed the consequences of breaking Lewis’ rules. He kicked one victim in the head into a window because he believed she disrespected him. During another incident, Lewis whipped the same victim with an electrical cord following an attempt to escape using his vehicle. Another victim described how Lewis broke her ribs and left bruises all over her body after receiving many beatings. The jury ultimately did not believe defense claims that the women sought out Lewis because of his marketing expertise in the commercial sex industry. U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane presided over the trial and set sentencing for Jan. 10, 2024 . At that time, Lewis faces up to life in federal prison. Lewis has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sebastian A. Edwards and Christine Lu are prosecuting the case. Texas Department of Public Safety and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). HTRA law enforcement includes members of the Houston Police Department, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor (DOL), DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties. Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation  Into Overdose Death of Individual in Police Custody

body_text: WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and a Special Agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). On Feb. 2, 2023, a 44-year-old District resident, M.P., died of an overdose after ingesting narcotics. The detective and special agent were the last persons to see the decedent, who died at the MPD Second District Police Station while in the custody of law enforcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the MPD Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement and civilian accounts, cell block security camera footage, body-worn camera footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, the autopsy report, and reports from MPD. According to the evidence, at about 6:44 a.m. on Feb. 2, M.P. was arrested pursuant to a D.C. Superior Court warrant. M.P. was cooperative during the arrest and transported to the Second District Police Station for processing on the warrant. M.P. was coherent and cooperative and did not appear to be in distress during processing. After being placed in a cell, M.P. covered the cell block camera. After using the toilet, M.P. fell to the floor. The detective and special agent, unaware of the fall, attempted to interview him minutes later but M.P. appeared to be either sleeping or unwilling to speak with them. Later, M.P. was discovered unconscious in his cell. Emergency efforts to save his life were unsuccessful. An autopsy performed on Feb. 3, 2023, and a subsequent toxicology review, determined that M.P. died as result of the combined effects of ingesting cocaine, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and heroin. After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the detective and special agent demonstrated deliberate indifference to M.P.’s condition or otherwise willfully violated M.P.’s rights. Investigations generally The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews all police-involved fatalities to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to conclude that any officers violated either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division investigates all police-involved fatalities in the District of Columbia.


title: District Nightclub Owner Guilty of Bribing Tax Officials

body_text: Jury Finds Zeba Bar Owner Paid Off Officials for Five Years WASHINGTON – Davoud Jafari, 72, a Washington D.C. nightclub owner, was found guilty today of bribery, conspiracy, and wire-fraud. The offenses arise from a multi-year-scheme in which he bribed former D.C. Tax Official Vincent Slater in order to avoid paying several hundred thousand dollars in business-related taxes. U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton will sentence Jafari on January 25, 2024. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, with the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, D.C. Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas, and the D.C.Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee. According to the evidence at trial, Jafari owned a company called Gevani, Inc., which in turn owned and operated Zeba Bar and Grill, located in Columbia Heights. Between October 2012 and December 2017, Jafari collected sales and use taxes from Zeba Bar and Grill customers consisting of 10 percent of the cost of food and drinks purchased. Although Jafari was supposed to turn those tax dollars over to the district on a monthly basis, he instead wrote a check to middleman and co-defendant Anthony Merritt for approximately half the amount of taxes due. Merritt cashed the check and shared the proceeds with Slater, the then-manager of the District of Columbia’s Office of Tax Revenue’s (OTR) Adjustment Unit. In exchange, Slater took actions to falsify records for Jafari and to help Jafari’s company evade collection efforts by other OTR officials. Merritt pleaded guilty to all charges in the indictment on the first day of trial. On June 7, 2023, a separate jury also convicted Merritt of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud for playing a similar role in a different scheme on behalf of businessman Andre De Moya (who was also convicted at trial). Merritt is scheduled to be sentenced in both cases on January 19, 2024. Slater previously pleaded guilty for his role in the Jafari scheme and the De Moya scheme and is awaiting a sentencing date. “Today’s verdict, and the investigation that preceded it, demonstrate the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s unwavering commitment to prosecuting and holding accountable individuals who seek to corrupt our local government agencies by bribing the public officials who work within them,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. “The defendants in these cases entered multiyear conspiracies to defraud the District of Columbia and its citizens. We will continue our tireless efforts to confront and eradicate such acts of corruption.” “Today’s guilty verdict is a positive step toward bringing Mr. Jafari and his co-conspirators to justice for their scheme to defraud the government and taxpayers of the District of Columbia,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jacobs. “The FBI will continue to work aggressively with our partners to enforce public corruption laws.” The statutory maximum sentence for conspiracy is five years in prison; for bribery, is 15 years in prison; and for wire fraud, is 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton will determine the appropriate sentence based on the guideline range and other factors. In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves commended the work of the agencies who investigated the case, including the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General, with substantial assistance by the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Integrity and Oversight. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Liliana Villamizar Michon Tart, Amanda Rhode, and Mariela Andrade, and former paralegal specialist Aisha Keys. Finally, he acknowledged the work of Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Miller and Timothy Visser, who prosecuted the case at trial, and Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Miller and Molly Gaston, who investigated the case.


title: Attorney General Garland Appoints Seven U.S. Attorneys to Advisory Committee

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: WASHINGTON – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the appointment of the following seven U.S. Attorneys to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC): Alexander M.M. Uballez, District of New Mexico; Breon Peace, Eastern District of New York; Kenneth Parker, Southern District of Ohio; Natalie K. Wright, District of Oregon; Eric G. Olshan, Western District of Pennsylvania; Alamdar Hamdani, Southern District of Texas; and Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Western District of Virginia. “United States Attorneys work every day throughout the country to advance our mission of upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am grateful for the perspective the newest members of the Committee will provide on behalf of federal prosecutors across the country and the communities they serve.” In addition, the Attorney General has selected Gary Restaino, District of Arizona, to serve as the committee’s Vice Chair, replacing Cindy Chung, the former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania who is now a judge on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The Attorney General also thanked the following U.S. Attorneys who have completed their terms and are rotating off the committee: Cole Finegan, District of Colorado; Brandon Brown, Western District of Louisiana; Dawn Ison, Eastern District of Michigan; Trini Ross, Western District of New York; and Sandra Hairston, Middle District of North Carolina. The AGAC was created in 1973 and advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys in Department of Justice policies. The bios of all U.S. Attorneys are available here .


title: Mobile Drug Dealer Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man was sentenced to 42 months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. According to court documents, Daniel Mark Stanley, II, 37, was arrested in September 2021 by narcotics agents who had obtained a search warrant for his house in Mobile. Agents had previously captured Stanley on video selling fentanyl pills to a confidential informant. During the search at Stanley’s house, agents found, among other things, additional pills, syringes, digital scales, and Stanley’s cell phones. Agents interviewed Stanley, who confessed to his involvement in drug trafficking. A search of Stanley’s cell phones revealed hundreds of messages that he sent to coconspirators regarding distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and illegal possession of firearms. In addition to the 42-month prison term, Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock ordered Stanley to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will undergo drug testing and treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Chief Judge Beaverstock ordered Stanley to pay $100 in special assessments. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Roller and Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Armed Mobile Drug Dealer Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man was sentenced to 60 months in prison for illegally possessing firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes. According to court documents, Quentarious Jamaro Davis, 27, was arrested in June 2022 by narcotics agents who had obtained a search warrant for his house in Mobile. During the search at Davis’s house, agents found, among other things, 1.9 pounds of marijuana, digital scales, sandwich baggies, more than $2,400 in cash, and four guns—including two .40 caliber pistols, a 9mm pistol, and a 7.62x39 caliber pistol. In an interview with detectives, Davis admitted that he had a third party buy three of the guns for him at a gun show because he knew he was under a felony indictment in Mobile County Circuit Court and could not legally purchase the guns. Agents also seized and searched Davis’s cell phone, which contained hundreds of pictures and videos of bulk marijuana, pictures and videos that Davis took of himself holding bulk cash, and pictures and videos of Davis possessing guns in close proximity to vacuum-sealed marijuana, cash, and drug paraphernalia. In August 2022, agents executed a separate search warrant at a storage unit in Mobile that Davis directed his girlfriend to rent on his behalf while he was incarcerated. Inside the unit, agents found an additional five pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana. Agents then executed another search warrant at Davis’s house, seizing more than $9,800 in cash, additional marijuana, and jewelry. In addition to the 60-month prison term (with credit for time served since June 2022), Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock ordered Davis to serve a five-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will undergo drug testing and treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Chief Judge Beaverstock ordered Davis to pay $100 in special assessments. The court also forfeited Davis’s firearms to the United States. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Iowa Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for  Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Davenport, Iowa man, Joseph A. Meador, 37, was sentenced on October 4, 2023, to 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of pure (ice) methamphetamine. At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the government referenced prior written filings stating that in April 2021, Moline police officers received information that Meador was distributing methamphetamine in the Quad Cities area. Officers approached Meador, who was in a SUV that was parked in a motel parking lot and found him to be in possession of 55.6 grams of methamphetamine and $3,970 cash. Meador admitted to officers that he had gone to the motel to sell half an ounce of methamphetamine and he had been selling methamphetamine to four or five customers since January or February 2021. Meador was indicted in October 2021 and arrested in April 2022. He entered into a written plea agreement in May 2023. Meador has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest. The statutory penalties for distribution of more than 50 grams of ice methamphetamine are 10 years to life imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $10 million dollars, and at least 5 years of supervised release. The Moline Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Meador 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: U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref Honored by Washington Women Lawyers for “Passing the Torch” and Going “Above and Beyond” to Mentor Women Lawyers

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Seattle, Washington – On October 7, 2023, Washington Women Lawyers (“WWL”) selected United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref as the 2023 recipient of the Justice Mary Fairhurst Passing the Torch Award. U.S. Attorney Waldref was honored at WWL’s Annual Event, which was held at the Seattle Art Museum. Each year, WWL awards the Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst Passing the Torch Award to an attorney that “has gone above and beyond in mentoring women lawyers, making a difference, and ‘passing the torch’ to others in a way that supports” WWL’s Mission — a mission, which is “to further the full integration of women in the legal profession, promote equal rights and opportunities for women, and prevent discrimination against them.” During this year’s WWL event, U.S. Attorney Waldref was specifically recognized for her commitment to public service as a federal prosecutor, work as an adjunct professor at the Gonzaga University School of Law, and her dedication to mentoring students and lawyers alike. Vanessa Waldref is the first woman to serve as U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Washington. After the award was announced, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Rich Barker, joined in congratulating U.S. Attorney Waldref on this prestigious honor: “Vanessa is a trailblazer and incredible example of what it means to be a leader and mentor. During her first two years as our United States Attorney, Vanessa has opened a new branch office in the Tri-Cities, led some of the most significant criminal and civil cases in our district, and encouraged new leadership opportunities for women within the office. Vanessa has also worked tirelessly to build an office that is not only diverse in background, skill, and experience, but also promotes equal opportunity, creates an inclusive culture, and promotes a workforce that reflects the diversity of Eastern Washington.” In accepting the award, U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “I am truly honored to receive this award, which recognizes Justice Fairhurst’s legacy of justice and stewardship in our great state. Justice Fairhurst is a mentor to so many women lawyers in Washington and beyond. She is an example of the type of lawyer and leader I strive to be — a person of integrity, who leads with conviction, compassion, and a commitment for doing what is right.” She added, “Trailblazers like Justice Fairhurst inspired me as I took the helm as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. I am grateful for the unique opportunity to lead such an incredible office and work closely with attorneys, law enforcement, and community stakeholders to build safer and stronger communities for everyone.” First Assistant Barker added, “At both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and as an adjunct professor at Gonzaga, I have seen firsthand how Vanessa dedicates herself to mentoring law students and lawyers. She has dedicated her life to public service. In doing so, she inspires us to be better attorneys, better prosecutors, and most importantly, better people. There is no one more deserving than U.S. Attorney Waldref for the Justice Mary Fairhurst Passing the Torch Award.” The award is named in honor of the Honorable Mary Fairhurst, who retired as a justice on the Washington Supreme Court in January 2020. She also served a four-year term as chief justice in 2016. Additional information regarding WWL is available at www.wwl.org . From left to right, King County Superior Court Judge Jaime Hawk, Senior Counsel at Recurrent Energy, Rachael Proctor, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Vanessa R. Waldref, Spokane Municipal Court Judge Gloria Ochoa-Bruck