title: Salt Lake County Residents Allegedly Behind the Shooting of a Woman During an Attempted Carjacking Face Federal Charges

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging two Salt Lake County residents with multiple violent crimes after a woman was allegedly shot by one of the defendants during an attempted carjacking. According to court documents, on April 3, 2024, Lt Col Siamelie Nick Mila, 20, and Maddyn Dean Christiansen, 21, of Salt Lake County, Utah, attempted to steal a vehicle in the parking lot of a fitness facility in Murray, Utah, that left a woman shot. Surveillance footage from the area showed the victim walking towards her vehicle when Mila exited a black Audi, driven by Christiansen, and approached the victim. A few minutes later, the victim limped back towards the gym while the Audi left the scene. Through witness statements, interviews, and surveillance video, Mila and the victim exchanged gunfire. The victim, who possessed a concealed carry permit, fired her weapon at Mila after he demanded, at gunpoint, that she give him her car keys. Mila did not legally possess a firearm. The victim was taken to the hospital by emergency personnel. At 10:53 p.m. a male, later identified as Mila, arrived at a local hospital emergency room with a gunshot wound. Following medical care, Mila was arrested. Mila and Christiansen are charged with attempted carjacking, and using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Their initial court appearance on the indictment was April 18, 2024. Mila is scheduled for a detention hearing on April 23, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. and Christiansen is scheduled for a detention hearing April 29, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Murray City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Ex-Employee of Federal Law Enforcement Agency Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping His Wife, Who was Murdered after the Abduction

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A former federal employee pleaded guilty today to a federal kidnapping charge for plotting to abduct and kill his estranged wife, who was strangled to death in 2016. Eddy Reyes, 38, of Covina, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping resulting in death. Reyes was a civilian employee of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the time of his wife’s death and when he was arrested in this case in April 2021. He has been in federal custody since his arrest. “We sincerely hope this successful prosecution brings some closure to the family of the victim, who was murdered in cold blood by her husband,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Those who commit horrific acts of violence of this sort will feel the full weight of the law.” “Mr. Reyes meticulously planned the brutal murder of Claudia Sanchez Reyes and then covered his tracks to evade the scrutiny of law enforcement, a community to which he once belonged,” said Mehtab Syed, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The hard work by investigators and prosecutors in this case leading to today’s guilty plea will hopefully bring a measure of justice to Claudia’s family in El Salvador.” According to his plea agreement, Reyes met the victim, Claudia Sanchez Reyes, in El Salvador in 2014. Reyes eventually married the victim and brought her and their son to the United States. Court documents previously filed in this case allege a history of domestic abuse by Reyes against his wife, who obtained temporary restraining orders against him in 2014 and 2016. By 2016, Reyes suspected his wife was having an affair and he decided to kill her. Reyes then contacted his estranged half-brother – a one-time gang member and gravedigger in El Salvador identified in court documents as “P.O.,” who is now deceased – about killing the victim. On May 6, 2016, Reyes telephoned his wife at her job and told her that he wanted to take her to dinner that night and told her not to take an Uber home, which was her usual practice. At approximately 8 p.m. that night, Reyes drove a rented Hyundai Santa Fe and picked her up from work, after previously lying to her that the vehicle was a gift. Instead of taking his wife out to dinner, Reyes drove to his mother’s house in Orange, pulled into the garage and closed the door. Once the door was closed, P.O. jumped from the SUV’s cargo area into the back seat and grabbed the victim, who was in the front passenger seat. P.O. punched Claudia Reyes in the face, cutting her lip, then took a seat belt and strangled her. She was 21 years old. Reyes helped P.O. push the victim’s dead body from the front passenger seat into the SUV’s cargo area. Reyes further admitted in court that, the following day, he drove to the Santa Ana apartment he shared with his wife, turned on her telephone he had turned off the night before, and, posing as his wife, used her phone to send a text message to one of her co-workers saying she would not be in to work that day. P.O., also using the victim’s phone, texted a paralegal working for the victim’s divorce lawyer that stated she no longer need the lawyer’s services. P.O. also used Claudia Reyes’ phone to text her mother and, pretending to be the victim, he wrote that she had met another man, was leaving Reyes and their son, that she was about to disconnect the phone, and wishing her a happy Mother’s Day. On May 19, 2016, Reyes drove to a parking lot at Los Angeles International Airport and threw in the trash a backpack containing a blanket and rags that P.O. used to wipe down the seatbelt and interior of the SUV where Claudia Reyes was killed. After Reyes filed a missing person report four days later, police conducted an investigation that revealed co-workers heard Claudia Reyes fighting with her husband on May 6 soon before he picked her up in the rented SUV, according to the affidavit in support of a criminal complaint, which notes detectives later found a drop of Claudia Reyes’ blood in that vehicle and a cadaver dog indicated that a dead body had been in the SUV. “In committing these acts, [Reyes] admits that he lured Claudia S. into the Hyundai Santa Fe on the night of May 6, 2016, with the promise of taking her to dinner, when in fact the plan was to kill her,” Reyes admitted in this plea agreement. United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton scheduled an August 2 sentencing hearing, at which time Reyes will face a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. In exchange for his confession, federal prosecutors have agreed to ask Judge Staton to sentence Reyes to no more than 30 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Santa Ana Police Department, and the Orange County Violent Gang Task Force, which is comprised of several federal, state, and local agencies. Assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility, the Irvine Police Department, and the Transnational Anti-gang Unit of El Salvador. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory W. Staples of the Santa Ana Branch Office is prosecuting this case.


title: High-Ranking MS-13 Leader Arraigned on Terrorism Indictment

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, Fredy Ivan Jandres-Parada, also known as “Lucky de Park View” and “Lacky de Park View,” a high-ranking leader of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, was arraigned at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, New York by United States Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione. Jandres-Parada and 13 other high-ranking MS-13 leaders were indicted in December 2020 on terrorism offenses relating to their direction of the transnational criminal organization’s criminal activities in the United States, El Salvador, Mexico and elsewhere over the past two decades. Specifically, Jandres-Parada is charged with conspiracy to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiracy to finance terrorism and narco-terrorism conspiracy. For more than three years, Jandres-Parada was a fugitive, but he was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) earlier this month and made an initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of California, where he was ordered to be transferred in custody to the Eastern District of New York. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY); Mehtab Syed, Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office; and Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, HSI’s New York Field Office announced Jandres-Parada’s arrest and arraignment. “As alleged, Jandres-Parada, a high-ranking leader in MS-13, engaged in drug trafficking, public and private displays of violence, and terrorism — all in pursuit of power for the organization,” said United States Attorney Peace. “This arrest is a monumental achievement for our Office and international partners, highlighting our dedication to dismantling MS-13 and their reign of terror wherever they hide.” Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and Criminal Investigative Division’s Safe Streets Gang Unit, and HSI’s National Gangs and Violent Crime Unit and New York Field Office for spearheading the MS-13 leadership investigations. Additionally, he thanked the FBI Legal Attachés in Mexico City and San Salvador, FBI and HSI’s San Diego Field Offices, HSI Attaché Mexico City and Assistant Attaché Tijuana, USMS Legal Attaché in Mexico City and the United States Customs and Border Protection Officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry for the critical support provided in connection with the arrest, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the United States Marshals Service for the Southern District of California for coordinating the defendant’s initial appearance in San Diego. Mr. Peace also thanked the numerous Department of Justice components that contributed to this indictment, including the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Executive Office. “The arrest of Jandres Parada demonstrates the FBI's commitment to protecting the American public by proactively targeting MS-13's highest ranking leaders in order to dismantle this transnational criminal organization, which is among the most violent in the world," said Mehtab Syed, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. "This collaborative effort among many agencies spanned coast to coast and led to this successful capture.” “Fredy Ivan Jandres-Parada, (a/k/a “Lucky”) has been a fugitive on HSI's Most Wanted list since 2021. As one of the founding members of the MS-13 street gang, Jandres-Parada is alleged to be responsible for ordering acts of violence against gang rivals, law enforcement, and civilians alike. However, Jandres-Parada’s reign of violence came to an end when he was arrested in a joint operation by HSI and FBI,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo. “With the apprehension of one of HSI’s most wanted, I commend HSI New York, our Long Island Division, and our law enforcement partners for their steadfast commitment and resolve to securing justice for the countless victims whom have been impacted by MS-13’s violence.” As set forth in the indictment and related court filings, Jandres-Parada and his co-defendants are part of MS-13’s command and control structure, consisting of the Ranfla Nacional , Ranfla en Las Calles , and Ranfla en Los Penales. They play significant leadership roles in the organization’s operations in El Salvador, Mexico, the United States, and throughout the world. In total, 27 of the highest-ranking leaders of MS-13 have been charged in the Eastern District of New York in this indictment and the related indictment of United States v. Arevalo-Chavez, et al. As further alleged, in approximately 2002, Jandres-Parada, his co-defendants, and other MS-13 leaders began establishing a highly-organized, hierarchical command and control structure as a means to effectuate their decisions and enforce their orders, even while in prison. They directed acts of violence and murder in El Salvador, the United States and elsewhere, established military-style training camps for MS-13 members and obtained military weapons such as rifles, handguns, grenades, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket launchers. Further, beginning in approximately 2012, Jandres-Parada and other members of the Ranfla Nacional negotiated with officials from the government of El Salvador (GOES) to obtain benefits and concessions from the government. In order to extort those benefits and concessions, MS-13 engaged in public displays of violence to threaten and intimidate civilian populations, target GOES law enforcement and military officials, and manipulate the electoral process in El Salvador. Additionally, as alleged, the Ranfla Nacional directed the expansion of MS-13 activities around the world, including the United States and Mexico, where Jandres-Parada and other high-ranking leaders were sent to organize operations, make connections to obtain narcotics and firearms from Mexican drug cartels such as the Zetas, Gulf Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel, and engage in human trafficking and smuggling. The Ranfla Nacional also directed MS-13’s large membership in the United States to engage in criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and extortion to raise money to support MS-13’s terrorist activities in El Salvador and elsewhere. Jandres-Parada, who previously resided in the Los Angeles area before being deported to El Salvador, played a key role coordinating communication and criminal activity between the Ranfla Nacional and MS-13 leaders in the United States, Mexico and elsewhere. Finally, the Ranfla Nacional and MS-13’s transnational leadership structure is alleged to have directed members in the United States to commit acts of violence to further its goals and implement rules enabling MS-13 to entrench itself in parts of the United States, including within the Eastern District of New York where, under the defendants’ leadership and rules, MS-13 has committed murders, attempted murders, assaults, kidnappings, drug trafficking, extortion of individuals and businesses, and obstruction of justice, and has sent dues and the proceeds of criminal activity by wire transfer to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador. For example, this Office's Long Island Criminal Division has prosecuted hundreds of MS-13 leaders, members and associates for carrying out more than 70 murders in the Eastern District of New York between 2009 and the present. One of Jandres-Parada’s co-defendants, Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios, also known as “El Grenas de Stoners” and “Oso de Stoners,” and two related defendants from the Arevalo-Chavez indictment, Jorge Alexander De La Cruz, also known as “Cruger de Peatonales,” and Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, also known as “Veterano de Tribus,” remain at large. Members of the public with information concerning their whereabouts are strongly encouraged to contact the FBI’s toll-free MS-13 tip line, 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or HSI’s tip line at (866) 347-2423 or https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form . Together, FBI and HSI have offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the fugitives. These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, Jandres-Parada faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. This case was brought by Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created to combat MS-13, led by Assistant United States Attorney John J. Durham of the EDNY, and comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of New York; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI; HSI; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the USMS; the U.S. Bureau of Prisons; and the United States Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General have been essential law enforcement partners and spearheaded JTFV’s investigations. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John J. Durham, Paul G. Scotti, Justina L. Geraci, and Megan E. Farrell from the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Newly Arrested Defendant in U.S. Custody : FREDY IVAN JANDRES-PARADA (“Lucky de Park View” and “Lacky de Park View”) Age: 47 Previously Arrested Defendant in U.S. Custody : ELMER CANALES-RIVERA (“Crook de Hollywood”) Age: 48 Fugitive Defendants: CESAR HUMBERTO LOPEZ-LARIOS (“El Grenas de Stoners” and “Oso de Stoners”) Age: 45 BORROMEO ENRIQUE HENRIQUEZ (“Diablito de Hollywood”) Age: 45 EFRAIN CORTEZ (“Tigre de Park View” and “Viejo Tigre de Park View”) Age: 54 RICARDO ALBERTO DIAZ (“Rata de Leewards” and “Mousey de Leewards”) Age: 51 EDUARDO ERAZO-NOLASCO (“Colocho de Western” and “Mustage de Western”) Age: 51 EDSON SACHARY EUFEMIA (“Speedy de Park View”) Age: 49 JOSE FERNANDEZ FLORES-CUBAS (“Cola de Western”) Age: 49 LEONEL ALEXANDER LEONARDO (“El Necio de San Cocos”) Age: 44 JOSE LUIS MENDOZA-FIGUEROA (“Pavas de 7-11” and “Viejo Pavas de 7-11”) Age: 59 HUGO ARMANDO QUINTEROS-MINEROS (“Flaco de Francis”) Age: 51 SAUL ANTONIO TURCIOS (“Trece de Teclas”) Age: 45 ARISTIDES DIONISIO UMANZOR (“Sirra de Teclas”) Age: 46 E.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 20-CR-577 (JMA)


title: CABECILLA DE ALTO RANGO DE LA MS-13 INSTRUÍDO DE CARGOS SEGÚN UNA ACUSACIÓN FORMAL DEL GRAN JURADO (INDICTMENT) POR TERRORISMO

body_text: Hoy, Fredy Iván Jandres-Parada, también conocido como “Lucky de Park View” y “Lacky de Park View”, un cabecilla de alto rango de La Mara Salvatrucha, también conocida como la MS-13 fue instruído de cargos en el Tribunal Federal en Central Islip, Nueva York ante el Juez Magistrado Federal Steven L. Tiscione. Jandres-Parada y otros 13 cabecillas de alto rango de la MS-13 fueron acusados formalmente en diciembre de 2020, por delitos de terrorismo relacionados con su dirección de las actividades criminales transnacionales de la organización criminal en los Estados Unidos, El Salvador, México, y otros lugares durante las últimas dos décadas. Específicamente a Jandres-Parada se le imputan cargos de conspiración para proporcionar y ocultar apoyo material a terroristas, conspiración para cometer actos de terrorismo que trascienden las fronteras nacionales, conspiración para financiar el terrorismo y conspiración para el narcoterrorismo. Durante más de tres años, Jandres-Parada era prófugo de la justicia, pero fue detenido por el FBI y HSI antes este mes y tuvo su primera comparecencia en el Tribunal Federal en el Distrito Sur de California, donde se dió la orden de trasladarle bajo custodia al Distrito Este de Nueva York. Breon Peace, Fiscal Federal de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Este de Nueva York (EDNY), Mehtab Syed, Director Adjunto Encargado en Funciones de la Oficina Regional de Los Ángeles del FBI, y Ivan J. Arvelo, Agente Especial Encargado en Funciones de la Oficina Regional de HSI en Nueva York anunciaron la detención e instrucción de cargos de Jandres-Parada. “Se alega que Jandres-Parada, un líder de alto nivel en la MS-13, participó en el tráfico de estupefacientes, en muestras públicas y privadas de violencia y en el terrorismo - todo en búsqueda de poder para la organización” dijo el Fiscal Federal Peace. “Esta detención es un logro monumental para nuestra Oficina y los socios internacionales, recalcando nuestra dedicación para desmantelar la MS-13 y su reino de terror, donde sea que se escondan.” El Sr. Peace expresó su agradecimiento a la Oficina Regional del FBI en Los Ángeles y a la Unidad Contra Pandillas para Calles Seguras de la División de Investigaciones Criminales, y a la Unidad contra Pandillas Nacionales y Delitos Violentos del HSI y a la Oficina Regional en Nueva York por encabezar las investigaciones de la MS-13. Además dió las gracias a los Agregados Legales del FBI en la Ciudad de México y San Salvador, las Oficinas Regionales del FBI y HSI en San Diego, al Agregado de HSI en la Ciudad de México, al Agregado en Tijuana, al Agregado Adjunto del USMS en la Ciudad de México, y a los Oficiales de los Estados Unidos de Aduanas y Protección de las Fronteras en el Puerto de Entrada de San Ysidro por el apoyo crítico que proporcionaron relacionado con la detención, y a la Oficina del Fiscal Federal y al Servicio de Marshals para el Distrito Sur de California por coordinar la comparecencia inicial del acusado en San Diego. El Sr. Peace también agradeció a numerosos componentes del Departamento de Justicia que contribuyeron a esta Acusación Formal del Gran Jurado (Indictment), incluyendo la Sección Contra el Terrorismo de la División de Seguridad Nacional, y a la Oficina Ejecutiva de los Grupos de Trabajo Contra el Crimen Organizado. “La detención de Jandres-Paarada muestra el compromiso del FBI para proteger al pueblo norteamericano persiguiendo proactivamente a los líderes de más alto rango en la MS-13 para desmantelar esta organización criminal transnacional, que figura entre las más violentas en el mundo entero” dijo Mehtab Syed, Director Adjunto en Funciones Encargado de la Oficina Regional del FBI en Los Ángeles. “Este esfuerzo colaborativo entre muchas agencias abarcaba desde una de nuestras costas hasta la otra, y llevó a esta captura exitosa.” “Fredy Ivan Jandres-Parada, (a/k/a) “Lucky”) ha sido un prófugo de la Justicia en la Lista de los Más Buscados del HSI desde 2021. Como uno de los miembros fundadores de la pandilla callejera MS-13, se alega que Jandres-Parada es responsable por ordenar actos de violencia contra pandillas rivales, contra las autoridades de orden público, y contra civiles. Sin embargo el reino de violencia de Jandres-Parada terminó cuando fue detenido en una operación conjunta de HSI y el FBI”, dijo Darren B. McCormack, Agente Especial Encargado en Funciones de la Oficina Regional de HSI en Nueva York. “Con la detención de uno de los más buscados de HSI, felicito a HSI en Nueva York, a nuestra División en Long Island, y a nuestros compañeros en las fuerzas de órden público por su compromiso constante y su empeño para asegurar que se haga justicia para las víctimas incontables que han sido afectados por la violencia de la MS-13”. Según la Acusación Formal (Indictment), y documentación pertinente radicada en la Corte, Jandres-Parada y sus coacusados forman parte de la estructura de mando y control de la MS-13, que consiste en la Ranfla Nacional, Ranfla en Las Calles, y Ranfla en los Penales. Juegan un papel importante de liderazgo en las operaciones de la organización en El Salvador, México, los Estados Unidos, y en todo el mundo. En total, 27 de los líderes de más alto rango de la MS-13 han sido imputados con cargos en el Distrito Este de Nueva York en esta Acusación Formal del Gran Jurado (Indictment), y la Acusación Formal (Indictment) relacionado de los Estados Unidos v. Arévalo-Chávez, et al. Además se alega que, en aproximadamente 2002, Jandres-Parada, sus coacusados, y otras cabecillas de la MS-13 empezaron a establecer una estructura de hierarquía de mando y control muy organizada como mecanismo para hacer cumplir sus decisiones y ejecutar su órdenes, aún estando encarcelados. Dirigían actos de violencia y asesinatos en El Salvador, los Estados Unidos y en otros lugares, establecieron campamentos de entrenamiento estilo militar para miembros de la MS-13 y obtuvieron armas militares tales como fusiles, pistolas, granadas, artifactos explosivos improvisados, y lanzacohetes. Además, comenzando en aproximadamente 2012, Jandres-Parada y otros miembros de la Ranfla Nacional negociaron con funcionarios del gobierno de El Salvador (GOES) para obtener beneficios y concesiones del gobierno. Para extorsionar esos beneficios y concesiones, la MS-13 participó en muestras públicas de violencia para amenazar e intimidar a las poblaciones civiles, poner en su mira a las fuerzas GOES de orden público y a oficiales militares, y a manipular el proceso electoral en El Salvador. Además según se alega, la Ranfla Nacional dirigía la expansión de las actividades de la MS-13 por todo el mundo, incluyendo los Estados Unidos y México, donde Jandres-Parada y otros líderes de alto rango, fueron enviados para organizar las operaciones, establecer vínculos para obtener drogas y armas de fuego de carteles Mexicanos tales como los Zetas, el Cartel del Golfo, el Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), y el Cartel de Sinaloa, y participar en la trata de personas y contrabando. La Ranfla Nacional también dirigía a la membresía numerosa de la MS-13 en los Estados Unidos, para su participación en actividades criminales, tales como el narcotráfico y la extorsión para recaudar dinero para apoyar las actividades terroristas de la MS-13 en El Salvador y otros lugares. Jandres-Parada, que antes vivía en el área de Los Ángeles, antes de ser deportado a El Salvador, tenía un puesto clave coordinando la comunicación y la actividad criminal entre la Ranfla Nacional y las cabecillas de la MS-13 en los Estados Unidos, México y otros lugares. Y por último, se alega que la Ranfla Nacional y que la estructura transnacional del liderazgo de la MS-13 han dado órdenes a miembros en los Estados Unidos para cometer actos de violencia para promover sus objetivos e implementar reglas para la MS-13, establecerse en algunas partes de los Estados Unidos, incluyendo el Distrito Este de Nueva York, donde, bajo el liderazgo y las reglas de los acusados, la MS-13 ha cometido asesinatos, atentados de asesinatos, agresiones, secuestros, narcotráfico, extorsión de personas y negocios, y obstrucción de la justicia, y ha enviado las cuotas y ganancias de la actividad criminal a través de giros electrónicos a los líderes de la MS-13 en El Salvador. Por ejemplo, la División en Long Island de esta Oficina ha procesado a cientos de líderes, miembros y asociados de la MS-13 por llevar a cabo más de 70 asesinatos en el Distrito Este de Nueva York desde 2009 hasta hoy. Uno de los coacusados de Jandres-Parada, César Humberto López-Larios, también conocido como “El Grenas de Stoners” y “Oso de Stoners”, y dos acusados relacionados con la Acusación Formal (Indictment) de Arévalo-Chávez, Jorge Alexander De La Cruz, también conocido como “Cruger de Peatonales” y Francisco Javier Román-Bardales, también conocido como “Veterano de Tribus” siguen en libertad. Se anima a los miembros del público que tengan información sobre sus paraderos que se pongan en contacto en la línea gratis del FBI línea de información sobre MS-13, 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713) o la línea de información de HSI al (866) 347-2423 o https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice/tip/form . Juntos, el FBI y el HSI ofrecen una recompensa de $20,000 por información que lleva a la detención y condena de los prófugos. Estos cargos son alegatos, y se presume la inocencia del acusado hasta y cuando se pruebe su culpabilidad más allá de una duda razonable en una Corte de Justicia. Si es condenado, Jandres-Parada confronta una condena máxima de cadena perpetua en prisión. La imputación en este caso viene del Grupo de Trabajo Conjunto Vulcan (JTFV) que fue creado para combatir a la MS-13, encabezado por el Fiscal Adjunto John J. Durham de EDNY, y compuesto de las Oficinas de las Fiscalías Federales en todo el país, incluyendo el Distrito de Nueva Jersey, el Distrito Norte de Ohio, el Distrito de Utah, el Distrito de Massachusetts, el Distrito Este de Texas, el Distrito Sur de Nueva York, el Distrito Sur de la Florida, el Distrito Este de Virginia, el Distrito Sur de California, el Distrito de Nevada, el Distrito de Alaska, y el Distrito de Columbia, además de la División de Seguridad Nacional del Departamento de Justicia y la División Criminal. También el FBI, HSI, la DEA, el Bureau de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos, el USMS, la Junta Federal de Prisiones, y la Agencia de Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo Internacional, Oficina del Inspector General. Todos han sido socios esenciales y han promovido las investigaciones del JTFV. La causa por parte del Gobierno será procesada por los Fiscales Federales Adjuntos John J. Durham, Paul G. Scotti, Justina L. Geraci, y Megan E. Farrell de la División Criminal de la Oficina en Long Island. Acusado Recién Detenido en la Custodia de los Estados Unidos. FREDY IVAN JANDRES-PARADA (“Lucky de Park View” y “Lacky de Park View”) Age: 47 Acusado Detenido Antes en la Custodia de los Estados Unidos. ELMER CANALES-RIVERA (“Crook de Hollywood”) Age: 48 Acusados Prófugos de la Justicia: CESAR HUMBERTO LOPEZ-LARIOS (“El Grenas de Stoners” y “Oso de Stoners”) Age: 45 BORROMEO ENRIQUE HENRIQUEZ (“Diablito de Hollywood”) Age: 45 EFRAIN CORTEZ (“Tigre de Park View” y “Viejo Tigre de Park View”) Age: 54 RICARDO ALBERTO DIAZ (“Rata de Leewards” y “Mousey de Leewards”) Age: 51 EDUARDO ERAZO-NOLASCO (“Colocho de Western” y “Mustage de Western”) Age: 51 EDSON SACHARY EUFEMIA (“Speedy de Park View”) Age: 49 JOSE FERNANDEZ FLORES-CUBAS (“Cola de Western”) Age: 49 LEONEL ALEXANDER LEONARDO (“El Necio de San Cocos”) Age: 44 JOSE LUIS MENDOZA-FIGUEROA (“Pavas de 7-11” y “Viejo Pavas de 7-11”) Age: 59 HUGO ARMANDO QUINTEROS-MINEROS (“Flaco de Francis”) Age: 51 SAUL ANTONIO TURCIOS (“Trece de Teclas”) Age: 45 ARISTIDES DIONISIO UMANZOR (“Sirra de Teclas”) Age: 46 E.D.N.Y Causa No: 20-CR-577 (JMA)


title: Spokane Man Found with Methamphetamine and 1,700 Fentanyl Pills  Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Henry Patrick Bevans, III, age 40, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 168 months imprisonment to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in January of 2023, the Liberty Lake Police Department (LLPD) was investigating suspected drug trafficking at a local hotel. Officers observed a vehicle, suspected to be involved in drug related activity, parked at the hotel for several days. On January 31, 2023, officers observed a man and a woman use the vehicle to drive from the hotel to a gas station a short distance away. An LLPD officer contacted the man driving and confirmed the man was Bevans. LLPD arrested Bevans on a felony warrant from the Department of Corrections. When he was arrested, Bevans was on supervised release following a 10-year prison sentence for a conviction in 2014 on drug distribution charges. LLPD obtained and executed a state search warrant for the vehicle. Officers located 131 grams of methamphetamine, 1,750 fentanyl-laced pills, as well as a smaller amounts of other controlled substances inside the car. Officers also located a taser, an air pistol, a digital scale with drug residue, zip lock baggies and zip ties, a drug ledger, and more than $1,000 in cash inside the vehicle. “Despite periods of incarceration and rehabilitation, Mr. Bevans continued to distribute dangerous and illicit controlled substances. My office is committed to stopping the flow of deadly drugs into our neighborhoods,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I’m grateful for the tireless dedication of all those that join us in this critical mission. By working together, we can effectively combat the opioid epidemic and make our communities safer and stronger.” “People like Mr. Bevans, who persistently distribute drugs after completing their incarceration, present a clear danger to our communities,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The Drug Enforcement Administration and our partners are committed to ensuring the safety of our communities by holding people like Mr. Bevans accountable as many times as it takes to protect the public from this grave threat.” This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Liberty Lake Police Department.


title: Former CEO of Utah Charity Sentenced to Prison for Tax Evasion

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Utah man was sentenced yesterday to one year and one day in prison for evading taxes on $1.3 million he was paid as part of a secret arrangement with a purported donor to the charity where he worked. According to court documents and statements made in court, Ashley Robinson, of Farmington, was the CEO of a Salt Lake City-based charity that collected and distributed medical supplies overseas. As CEO, Robinson entered into a secret arrangement with a purported donor, Gurcharan “Jazzy” Singh. Singh provided medical supplies to the charity, making it appear as if these supplies had been donated to the charity. Robinson then arranged for the charity to sell the goods to a third-party, passing most of the sale proceeds back to Singh. As compensation, Singh then paid Robinson up to 10% of the total proceeds. From 2013 through 2019, Robinson personally received $1.3 million from this scheme. Robinson did not report this income on his federal tax returns or pay tax on it. Instead, he used the funds to pay off the mortgage on his principal residence and to buy multiple luxury vehicles, including a Maserati, a Mercedes Benz and an Audi for a co-worker. Robinson caused a tax loss to the IRS of $485,982. In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Jill N. Parish for the District of Utah ordered Robinson to pay approximately $485,982 in restitution to the United States. Singh was separately prosecuted in the Central District of California and sentenced to serve one year and one day in prison. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorney Boris Bourget of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan N. Reeves for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for False Statement to a Financial Institution

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of False Statement to a Financial Institution. The sentencing took place on April 15, 2024. James Bunker, d/b/a Genuine Builders, Inc., age 53, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Bunker has also agreed to repay loans to First State Bank that he received under the Main Street Lending program and to the U.S. Small Business Administration for loans he received under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Bunker has also agreed to forfeit $20,000 in U.S. currency and properties located in Sioux Falls. Bunker was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2021. He pleaded guilty on November 8, 2023. The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 8, 2021, when Bunker knowingly made a false statement and report for the purpose of influencing the action of American Bank and Trust in connection with an application and loan under the Paycheck Protection Program. Bunker knew that to be eligible for a second draw loan under the Paycheck Protection Program, a 25% revenue reduction must exist in at least one quarter of 2020 as compared to that same quarter of 2019. In order to meet that reduction for Genuine Builders, Inc., Bunker worked with an employee to move certain invoices that had previously been classified as accruing in quarter four of 2020 into quarter three of 2020 in a profit and loss statement. By doing so, Bunker intended to falsely reduce Genuine Builders, Inc.’s reported revenue for quarter four of 2020, which then allowed Genuine Builders, Inc. to illustrate a more than 25% reduction in quarter four of 2020 as compared to quarter four of 2019. Bunker then utilized this information to submit an application to American Bank and Trust on or about January 8, 2021, seeking to obtain a second draw loan under the Paycheck Protection Program for Genuine Builders, Inc. in the amount of $1,318,023.00. “This sentence sends a strong message that if you lie and cheat to gain access to government funds you will be held accountable, and as in Mr. Bunker’s case, you can go to jail,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, St. Louis Field Office. “Along with our law enforcement partners, CI is committed to investigating as many pandemic fraud cases as possible to bring those who misused the programs to justice.” This case was investigated by the FBI, the IRS, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case. Bunker was allowed to self-report at a future date.


title: California and South Dakota Women Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine through the Mail

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Harrison, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on April 15, 2024. Anita M. Kenyon, 41, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Her co-conspirator, Deena Lee Rodriguez, 43, of Sacramento, California, was sentenced on May 25, 2023, to eight years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Kenyon and Rodriguez were indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. Rodriguez pleaded guilty on March 14, 2023, and Kenyon pleaded guilty on July 19, 2023. This conspiracy consisted of Rodriguez obtaining methamphetamine in California, then sending packages containing that methamphetamine in the mail to Kenyon in South Dakota. One of the suspicious drug-laden packages was seized by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and subsequently searched. Investigators learned that Kenyon and Rodriguez were involved in distributing approximately three quarters of a pound of methamphetamine in this manner. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. Kenyon and Rodriguez were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after their respective sentencings.


title: Oregon Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for South Dakota Meth Conspiracy

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Mount Angel, Oregon, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on April 15, 2024. Anthony Romeo Osuna, a/k/a “Romeo”, 25, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Osuna was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in December of 2022. He pleaded guilty on January 26, 2024. Osuna loaded multiple pounds of methamphetamine into hidden compartments in a Nissan Armada in Oregon and had his co-conspirators drive that Armada to Minnesota with the intention of distributing that methamphetamine in Minnesota and South Dakota. During this trip, Osuna remained in Oregon to further sell narcotics. On November 7, 2019, a co-conspirator was arrested after a Worthington, MN, police officer stopped the Nissan Armada and conducted a search of the vehicle, which resulted in the seizure of approximately eleven pounds of methamphetamine in a hidden compartment and two firearms. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Worthington Police Department, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. Osuna was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Mobile Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. According to court documents, David Bailey, 40, was arrested by Mobile police on October 26, 2022 following the execution of a search warrant at his residence. During a search of the residence, a firearm was located on the couch in the front room, as well as powder cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, an ecstasy pill, and a bottle of promethazine syrup in various places throughout the residence. Bailey admitted to ownership of the firearm. Bailey was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and pled guilty to the charge. United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Bailey to 120 months in prison followed by a 3-year term of supervised release for illegally possessing the firearm. 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. 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Terrill prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: United States Attorney’s Office Hosts Roundtable on Sexual Harassment in Housing

component: Civil Rights - Housing and Civil Enforcement Section

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Inspector General (OIG) hosted a roundtable today, April 19 th , 2024, for community organizations to discuss the problem of sexual harassment in housing . The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division launched the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing, in October 2017. The Initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance works, loan officers, and other people who have control over housing, as well as build strong partnerships in the community to combat this problem together. In March 2023, HUD OIG launched an initiative to address the egregious civil and criminal sexual misconduct allegations involving federally subsidized housing. This initiative, which furthers HUD OIG’s mission of preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse within HUD, protects HUD’s programs and the vulnerable beneficiaries of these programs from abuse involving sexual misconduct. Event attendees included organizations that work with vulnerable populations who are most likely to become victims of sexual harassment in housing including legal aid offices, fair housing organizations, shelters and transitional housing providers, as well as federal and local government agencies from across the state of Indiana. While most people are familiar with the problem of sexual harassment in the workplace, harassment also occurs in housing. The Department of Justice, through the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Civil Rights Division, enforces the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Act. The Justice Department brings cases each year involving egregious conduct, including allegations that defendants have exposed themselves sexually to current or prospective tenants, requested sexual acts in exchange for reduced rents or making necessary repairs, made unrelenting and unwanted sexual advances to tenants, and evicted tenants who resisted their sexual overtures. “Sexual harassment in housing might not be as visible as harassment in the workplace but can be just as egregious, and is often underreported,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Landlords or superintendents using the power they have over tenants to extort sexual acts, or even commit assaults, is intolerable. Our office is dedicated to uncovering such violations where they exist and vigorously enforcing the law.” “HUD tenants deserve to feel safe in their homes without the threat of their landlord or anyone in a position of power over their housing, making sexual demands or overtures,” said Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis. “HUD OIG is committed to working with the U.S Attorney and the DOJ to hold accountable landlords who prey on vulnerable tenants and housing applicants.” U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey Preston, Joi Kamper, and Adriana Figueroa for their work in affirmative civil enforcement of our civil rights laws. Local police departments or legal aid offices may be able to help victims if the behavior is a crime or if there is an imminent eviction. If you or someone you know has information about or has been a victim of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual exploitation—even if the events occurred years ago—report it to the HUD Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-347-3735 or visit the website at www.hudoig.gov/hotline . You may also file a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint . Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may also file a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office at www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/civil-rights or by email to USAINS-CivilRights@usdoj.gov . More information about the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt . ###


title: Arrests Made in Drug Trafficking Organization

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: JACKSON COUNTY, FLORIDA - In early 2023, Investigators with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office’s Narcotics Division, alongside Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Panama City Residence Office, initiated an investigation targeting a drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by Michael Termaine Bell, Sr. from Jackson County. The investigation identified the command-and-control structure of the Bell DTO and its role in the distribution of multiple kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, ALPHA-PIHP (“molly”), and fentanyl, throughout the region. These illicit substances were distributed in wholesale quantities by the Bell DTO for several years to local retail distributors. The retail distributors sold them to citizens in Jackson County and the surrounding region, many of whom suffer from ongoing drug addictions. Throughout the investigation, dozens of individual organizational members were identified, most of whom have numerous arrests for drug charges, weapon possession, and violence. Approximately 29 of those members were identified for arrest and indictment. As of Thursday, April 18, 2024, 20 members of the Bell DTO have been arrested as a result of this investigation. Seventeen organizational members will face state charges, and three will face federal indictments. Throughout the course of this investigation, more than 3.7 kilograms of Marijuana, more than 430 grams of ALPHA-PIHP (“molly”), 1.4 kilograms of cocaine, 1,290 grams of methamphetamine, and 104 grams of fentanyl have been seized, as well as several firearms. This is an ongoing investigation, and there will be more arrests made in this case. Michael Termaine Bell, Sr., who we believe to be the leader of this DTO, is still at large. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please call our office at (850) 482-9648 or Chipola CrimeStoppers at (850) 526-5000. We will not stop searching for him until he is in custody. Sheriff Edenfield would like to thank Northern District of Florida United States Attorney Jason Coody, State Attorney for the 14th Judicial Circuit Larry Basford, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Resident Agent in Charge George Kissell of the DEA Panama City Resident Office, the Florida National Guard Counter Drug Program, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office, Chattahoochee Police Department, and Chipley Police Department for their assistance during this investigation. “We will continue to fight against those who distribute drugs in our community and fight for the safety of our citizens,” Sheriff Edenfield said.


title: Reseda Man Who Expressed Anti-Semitic Hate Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Ammunition and Machine Guns

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man associated with a racially motivated violent extremist group was sentenced today to 57 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition and possessing eight machine gun conversion devices that allow semi-automatic firearms to function as machine guns. Ryan Scott Bradford, 35, of Reseda, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton. Bradford pleaded guilty on January 11 to one count of felon in possession of ammunition and one count of possession of machine guns. During a search of Bradford’s residence on July 27, 2023, law enforcement officers with the FBI, the DEA and the LAPD recovered 116 rounds of various ammunition – which Bradford is prohibited from possessing due to a 2012 burglary conviction – as well as two machinegun conversion devices for a semiautomatic AR-15-type firearm, four “chip” style machinegun conversion devices for a Glock-type firearm, and two “switch” style machinegun conversion devices for a Glock-type firearm. When authorities searched the residence, they also recovered two 3D printers, one of which was emblazoned with swastikas; body armor with SS bolts; and glass containers containing explosive components. In sentencing papers filed in court, prosecutors argued that Bradford “has been involved in manufacturing guns for years,” and that the number of guns he “was manufacturing was not insubstantial and he was working to arm himself as well as others.” “This violent extremist not only made numerous threats to kill Jews, but also was amassing weapons capable of carrying out acts of violence,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Hateful behavior of this sort has no place in our society, and we will continue to use all the tools available to protect the community from violence driven by racially motivated ideology.” “Mr. Bradford, a felon, was calling for the genocide of Jews and offering to manufacture 3D weapons while illegally possessing firearms and ammunition,” said Mehtab Syed, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The Joint Terrorism Task Force will investigate violent threats and hold accountable individuals who engage in criminal activity.” According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed last year, Bradford was affiliated with the San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods, a racially motivated violent extremist group. According to the affidavit, Bradford – using online usernames referencing the Peckerwoods – used messaging applications to post racist remarks against Jewish people, including calling for mass murder and genocide of Jews. Bradford also posted links and instruction manuals on Telegram concerning hand grenades, biological warfare, and the “Aryan Revolution,” at times offering to make firearms and firearm parts for others using 3-D printers. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Los Angeles Police Department investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Reema El-Amamy of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section is prosecuting this case. Assistant United States Attorney Alex Su of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling the forfeiture or abandonment of the firearms, conversion devices, 3D printers, explosives components and tactical gear seized from Bradford.


title: Middlesex County Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was charged with possessing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Andrew Chu, 33, of Edison, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of possession of child pornography. Chu made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court on April 18, 2024, and was detained. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From May 2023 through November 2023, Chu used his computer to view approximately 100 images of child sexual abuse, including depictions involving pre-pubescent children. In a prior federal prosecution in New Jersey in 2021, Chu was convicted of possession of child pornography; for a repeat offender, the charge of possession of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, with the investigation leading to the charge. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Douek of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. chu.complaint.pdf


title: Department Of Defense Contractor Sentenced To More Than Eight Years For Receiving Child Sex Abuse Materials Over The Internet

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Tyler Lee Murrell (27, Hillsboro, Tennessee) to eight years and one month in federal prison for receipt of child sexual abuse images. Murrell was also ordered to serve a 15-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Murrell was arrested on July 17, 2023, and ordered detained pending the outcome of proceedings in this case. He entered a guilty plea on December 7, 2023. According to court documents, in March 2023, the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) received information from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) about two CyberTipline Reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. These tips advised that child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) were suspected of being uploaded to a wireless cloud account. The subscriber information of the wireless account indicated the subscriber was Tyler Lee Murrell, with a residence in Jacksonville. Internet Protocol (IP) addresses were provided for the CyberTips and traced to a residence belonging to Murrell. Upon further investigation, JSO learned Murrell was likely a member of the military or a Department of Defense contractor and turned the investigation over to NCIS. NCIS learned that Murrell worked for a company at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. NCIS obtained a search warrant for Murrell’s cloud account and located a video depicting CSAM from one of the CyberTips and additional files of CSAM. NCIS executed a search warrant and seized Murrell’s phone on June 28, 2023. A search of the phone resulted in the discovery of numerous files of CSAM, including 43 videos and 38 images of CSAM. There were also numerous discussions related to CSAM. In one, Murrell discussed engaging in sexual activity with a minor female child if he and the female he was chatting with had a child together. In response, the female sent Murrell two CSAM videos. During an interview with law enforcement following his arrest, Murrell admitted to purchasing and receiving CSAM. He also admitted to speaking with an adult woman who would send him videos of CSAM. This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Fargo Man Convicted of Possession of a Machinegun and an Unregistered Silencer

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: FARGO – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced today that on April 11, 2024, Patrick Opdahl, age 24, from Fargo, North Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Peter Welte and after three days of trial, a jury found Opdahl guilty of Possession of a Machinegun and Possession of an Unregistered Silencer. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. On February 1, 2023, law enforcement was called to the residence of Patrick Opdahl that he shared with his parents. Law enforcement learned that during an argument with his parents, Opdahl pulled out a firearm and shot it into the ceiling. While his parents were able to escape unharmed, Opdahl refused to surrender leading to a several hour standoff with officers from the Fargo Police Department and Red River Valley Regional SWAT team. Eventually, negotiators were able to talk Opdahl into peacefully surrendering to law enforcement. Upon further investigation, law enforcement learned that Opdahl possessed several ghost guns, including a machinegun and firearm silencer. Privately made firearms – more commonly known as “ghost guns” – are especially attractive to dangerous and prohibited persons because of their untraceable nature. In 2022, the Department of Justice recovered 25,785 ghost guns in domestic seizures, as well as 2,453 through international operations. “Illegal machinegun conversion devices are a threat to the public and to the safety of law enforcement officers in North Dakota,” Schneider said. “This is especially true when ‘ghost’ guns are involved. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the federal prosecution of those who possess illegal firearms and individuals who possess firearms illegally.” “Firearms violence should not be the solution we use to solve disagreements,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle, of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “We are grateful for the great partnership with Fargo Police Department and for the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, successfully prosecuting this case. Mr. Opdahl is rightfully going to be held accountable for his poor decisions.” This case was investigated by the Fargo Police Department and ATF and prosecuted by AUSA Richard Lee and Trial Attorney Katherine Raut. # # #


title: Justice Department Announces Medical Legal Partnership Project for Incarcerated Individuals

component: Office for Access to Justice

body_text: The Justice Department announced today the development of a medical-legal partnership (MLP) project for incarcerated individuals to help reduce barriers to reentry and reduce recidivism. The Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) have worked collaboratively to develop this partnership as the next step of a broader civil legal services initiative launched last year. The partnership will connect medical and legal expertise to identify adults in custody (AIC) who require long-term access to post-release critical needs like housing, food security, and more. The project is part of the Department’s broader work to strengthen the safety of our communities while advancing thoughtful, evidence-informed initiatives, and reforms throughout the criminal justice system. “We are pleased to announce the formation of this innovative medical-legal services partnership to promote successful reentry,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “Designed jointly by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Office for Access to Justice, this partnership demonstrates how creativity and broad collaboration can work to reduce recidivism, promote success and second chances for returning individuals, and improve public safety. The Justice Department is committed to advancing public safety through more thoughtful approaches to the criminal justice system.” The MLP project will take place at Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Bryan, located in Bryan, Texas. ATJ and FBOP are planning to collaborate on the pilot initiative with Texas A&M School of Law and the Texas A&M Institute for Healthcare Access. All institutions and organizations with relevant expertise are welcome to be considered for future collaboration. MLPs connect the expertise of lawyers and legal help with the expertise of health care professionals to comprehensively address barriers that intersect across health care and legal needs. Specifically, this MLP will include a team of law and medical professionals who will collaborate to better determine eligibility for, and ensure access to, Social Security disability relief for those who qualify, with the goal of improving long-term access to post-release critical needs and promoting successful reentry. As part of the Department’s broader civil legal services initiative, FBOP and ATJ are also working to develop and distribute self-help materials to address civil legal needs of AIC and a series of empowerment workshops for AIC focused on civil legal issues including workshops focused on family law, financial-related issues, and access to public benefits. “We are delighted to continue partnering with FBOP in developing a first-of-its-kind initiative to disrupt the recidivism cycle, improve justice outcomes, and better expand public safety,” said ATJ Director Rachel Rossi. “By bridging partnerships between medical and legal professionals, we can better meet the needs that are exacerbated for those leaving incarceration, ensuring access to food security, healthcare, housing, and more.” “Incarcerated individuals are a particularly vulnerable population when it comes to unmet civil legal needs,” said FBOP Director Colette S. Peters. “While the Federal Bureau of Prisons offers critical services, including health care and education, we know the need for civil legal services remains high. Partnering with the Office for Access to Justice has been a fundamental step in breaking down barriers to provide important legal access to adults in custody. We are proud to be piloting this program at the Federal Prison Camp Bryan, Texas. The initial pilot, serving our women in custody, is significant as it will continue to support our gender-responsive, and trauma-informed focus, while addressing the additional barriers women also face.” To highlight April as Second Chance Month, today ATJ and FBOP, with support from JustUs Coordination Council, hosted a Reentry Simulation, a two-hour situational interactive learning opportunity for organizations and federal employees from various agencies to experience the challenges and barriers faced by justice-impacted people in obtaining employment, government benefits, housing, transportation, and educational opportunities. Through discussions with system-impacted subject matter experts, this experience aimed to give insight and encourage continued collaboration across government to reduce these barriers. Justice Department leadership, Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, ATJ Director Rachel Rossi, and FBOP Director Colette S. Peters provided remarks during the simulation. Previously, ATJ hosted a Reentry Simulation for high-level Justice Department and other agency officials for Second Chance Month in April 2022.


title: Man Who Stole Rideshare Vehicle Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Derrick Teeter, 23, of Oxon Hill, MD, was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for a carjacking robbery committed in Southeast Washington, D.C., last year, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Jessica M.E. Taylor, of the U.S. Park Police. Pursuant to a plea agreement, on February 7, 2024, Teeter pleaded guilty in Superior Court to robbery and unlawful use of a vehicle. Today, Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced the defendant to 60 months in prison for robbery, and a consecutive 24 months in prison for unlawful use of a vehicle. The court also denied the defendant’s request for sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act. According to the government’s evidence, on June 2, 2022, shortly after 11:30AM, the defendant requested a Lyft ride for pick up in the 3800 block of South Capitol Street SE to take him to the 600 block 46 th Street SE. Teeter entered the rideshare vehicle and sat in the back seat on the passenger side. While riding in the vehicle, the defendant pretended to feel sick and asked the victim to pull to the side of the road. The victim pulled over to a grassy area, where the defendant exited the vehicle. The defendant requested water and some tissue from the victim. After the victim retrieved these items from his vehicle and returned to attend to the defendant, Teeter pushed the victim to the ground, immediately jumped into the driver’s seat, and took off in the victim’s vehicle. While lying on the ground, the victim grabbed the passenger’s door of his vehicle, yelling for the defendant to “stop”, who kept driving and dragged the victim for a short distance. The victim let go and managed to get up and flag down assistance from other drivers passing by. One of those drivers called 911, and police and emergency personnel arrived on the scene and provided aid to the victim on the scene for his injuries. The vehicle was recovered the next day. This case was investigated by the United States Park Police Major Crimes Unit with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Bartz.


title: Registered sex offender pleads guilty to exchanging child pornography on dark web, transporting obscene videos & images of child torture, murder

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A registered sex offender admitted in federal court today that he transported images and videos depicting child torture, child mutilation and child murder. The defendant obtained the material on the dark web and traded it for images and videos of sexual abuse of young children. Jeremiah Morrison, 38, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography, possessing child pornography and transporting obscene matter. He faces a sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison. Morrison was twice previously convicted of crimes against children, including a 2012 conviction for filming an 11-year-old boy under a bathroom stall at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. The Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received information in April 2023 related to Morrison uploading child pornography. While executing a search warrant in June 2023, investigators discovered Morrison’s cell phone contained 3,000 images and 900 videos of child sexual abuse material. The images and videos depicted the sexual assault of infants and children ages 0 to 6 years old. For example, one video shows an adult man sexually assaulting a three-month-old baby. In addition to the child sexual abuse material recovered on the device, investigators also discovered numerous images and videos depicting torture, mutilation and deceased children. For example, one image depicted an approximately 6-year-old girl who was nude and dismembered. Morrison was arrested in September 2023 and has remained in custody since. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court at a future hearing based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Shawn Gibson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola announced the charges.; and other members of the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced the guilty plea entered today before Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Cleveland man sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for his role in large-scale drug trafficking organization

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

body_text: AKRON – Brandon Bryant, 28, of Cleveland, was sentenced 365 months (more than 30 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communications facility in furtherance of a drug felony. Bryant was ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release following his release from prison, and will also forfeit drug-related assets, including a Rolex watch, $13,093 in U.S. Currency, and two vehicles. According to court documents, Bryant was a member of a large-scale fentanyl trafficking organization that operated on Cleveland’s eastside between September 2019 and February 2022. Bryant received large amounts of fentanyl from his codefendant Devonn Fair. Bryant then redistributed that fentanyl to customers in the Cleveland area. Fair and Bryant maintained multiple residences on the east side of Cleveland for the purpose of distributing and storing controlled substances. The organization drew fentanyl customers from as far away as Trumbull, Medina, Wayne, and Lorain Counties. Bryant was one of 24 defendants charged in this indictment. All 24 defendants have been convicted and sentenced. Other defendants previously sentenced in this case include: • Devonn Fair, who was the organization’s primary fentanyl supplier and also sold fentanyl to customers (sentenced to 420 months in prison) • Ramel Drew, who sold fentanyl to the organization’s customers (sentenced to 327 months in prison) • Branea Bryant, who laundered the organization’s drug proceeds (sentenced to 290 months in prison) The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cartel, Gang, Narcotics, and Laundering Task Force (CGNL) and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CID), with assistance from the Cleveland Division of Police, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Investigative Unit, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Cleveland Heights Police Department, the Southeast Area Law Enforcement Task Force (SEALE), the ATF, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the DEA, and the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory. This case was prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force (SF) is to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, transnational drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security and are related to the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Northern District of Ohio. The OCDETF Cleveland SF is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Border Patrol, and the Cleveland Division of Police, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James Lewis, Joseph Dangelo, and James Morford.


title: Tampa Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Defrauding Veterans Health Administration Program

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody has sentenced Rupert G. McLendon, III (51, Tampa) to 90 days in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $37,402, the proceeds of the wire fraud conspiracy. McLendon entered a guilty plea on January 25, 2024. According to court documents, McLendon was a paid caretaker for a family member through the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Directed Home and Community Based Services (VDHCBS) Program. The veteran for whom McLendon was a paid caregiver was admitted to the hospital in August 2018 and remained hospitalized until his death on or about December 31, 2018. McLendon failed to notify the VDHCBS program of the veteran’s hospitalization and death. Instead, McLendon continued to input, or cause to be input, caregiver hours into the VDHCBS payroll system, and he made false and misleading statements regarding the veteran’s whereabouts and health when contacted by VDHCBS staff. As a result of these fraudulent payroll entries and representations, the VDHCBS Program, and a government contractor associated with that program, suffered a total loss of at least $37,402.39. “The Veteran-Directed Care program provides a vital bridge between VA’s treatment team and the daily care needs of our nation’s veterans. This sentencing sends a clear message that those who would exploit veterans to commit fraud will be investigated and held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard this important VA program.” This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.


title: Local men sentenced to imprisonment for illegal trafficking in firearms

body_text: CLEVELAND – Willie Earl Jackson, age 26, of Cleveland, and Shane Plats, 31, of Ashtabula, were sentenced to imprisonment by U.S. District Judge John. R. Adams. Jackson had earlier pled guilty to engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a federal firearms license and trafficking in firearms. Plats had earlier plead guilty to engaging in the business of dealing firearms. Jackson received an 84-month prison sentence, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment. Plats was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. The United States Attorney’s Office (“USAO”) prosecuted these two cases under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms. These are the first two cases brought under the Act and sentenced in this district. According to court documents, Plats and Jackson were previously employed as corrections and detention officers for the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court. Between May and July of 2023, Plats sold at least 7 Palmetto Armory Dagger Compact 9mm pistols to Jackson, after Plats first purchased those pistols from a federal firearms licensee, knowing that Jackson intended to resell the firearms to others. Plats admitted he did not have a federal firearms license and illegally sold the firearms for profit. In turn, between June and August 2023, Jackson sold over 35 firearms to undercover agents who posed as gun buyers seeking to purchase firearms on the street. The firearms that Jackson sold included semi-automatic rifles and pistols, including at least one with an obliterated serial number. Jackson conducted most of these transactions in retail establishment parking lots and other public spaces, often from his car. Jackson offered to sell agents prohibited firearms such as “Glock switches,” also referred to as “machinegun conversion devices,” offered to remove serial numbers from the guns he sold, and sold agents a rifle that NIBIN-data showed was associated with three separate shootings. Jackson was previously under investigation by the ATF. In 2022, the ATF served Jackson with a warning letter that advised him that it was unlawful to buy a firearm for someone else—often referred to as “straw purchasing.” The ATF sent this letter to Jackson after it discovered, through tracing data, that firearms Jackson had previously purchased were later recovered in connection with crimes. Despite the warning, Jackson continued to illegally traffic in firearms from June through August 2023. Jackson and Plats were 2 of more than 65 individuals who the USAO charged as a part of a 3-month, violent-crime-reduction initiative in Cleveland last summer led by the ATF and the USAO, with cooperation from other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. These charges stemmed from extensive, targeted, and sustained efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on illegal firearms trafficking, use, and associated violence in Greater Cleveland. “The new Bipartisan Safer Communities Act improves our ability to keep illegal firearms out of our neighborhoods and communities,” said United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “This new tool in our toolkit targets illegal gun sales. It makes crystal clear that anyone who tries to make money by selling firearms or otherwise selling guns regularly must obtain a federal firearms license and run required background checks on those making the purchase. It also will help reduce the temptation for those who may legally purchase firearms to buy and then sell them to just anyone. Unfortunately, we often see firearms, initially bought through legal channels, later recovered in connection with a crime. We are confident this statute will help put a stop to that.” “These defendants were both charged with violating the Gun Control Act by selling firearms without a license,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “By facilitating the flow of firearms to those who are prohibited from possessing them, they bear responsibility for the violence those firearms cause in our community. I hope this sentence serves as a warning to others who might consider doing this – ATF and our law enforcement partners will work to find you, as well, and hold you accountable for your actions.” The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the ATF and ATF Task Force Officers, many from the Cleveland Division of Police, with significant help from other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly L. Galvin prosecuted these cases.


title: Two Men Charged With Murder in the Course of Sex-Trafficking at Open-Air “Penn Track” in Brooklyn And Related Crimes

body_text: Earlier today, a seven-count indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Omari Scott, also known as “Prince” and “Sir Prince,” and Michael Simmons, also known as “Victory,” with murder in the course of sex trafficking, sex trafficking by force and related crimes. The charges stem from the defendants’ trafficking of women and promoting prostitution with customers in cars, hotels and along a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn known as the “Penn Track” which has operated for years as an open-air commercial sex market. In the spring of 2023, Scott violently punished a trafficking victim who attempted to leave his control to work instead for Cleveland Clay, another individual who had women working for him in prostitution on the Penn Track. Scott and Simmons decided to murder Clay, which Simmons carried out by shooting him multiple times at close range on May 1, 2023. Scott was arrested earlier today and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo. Simmons is currently serving a sentence on unrelated charges and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date. 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), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrest and charges. “As alleged, the defendants conspired to brazenly murder a rival for control of a victim they perceived to be their property in the course of sex trafficking,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office is working alongside our federal and state law enforcement partners to prosecute the perpetrators who exploit vulnerable women for profit and we will provide support for these victims who have been harmed.” Mr. Peace also expressed his appreciation to the New York City Department of Corrections, the New York City Human Resources Administration, the Kings County District Attorney’s Office and the New York County District Attorney’s Office for their valuable assistance with the case. FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith said, “Human lives are not pawns for criminals to manipulate for their own cruel wishes. Omari Scott and Michael Simmons’s desire to establish control over their sex trafficking operation extended beyond violence against their victims, leading to the alleged murder of their rival. Their alleged actions – sexually exploiting women and conspiring to take a life of another individual – show a blatant disregard for humanity. The FBI will continue its efforts to pursue and bring to justice those who prey upon vulnerable populations with violence.” “It is unequivocally detestable to compound the loathsome act of sex trafficking by allegedly murdering a business rival,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “I commend everyone at the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District and the FBI’s New York Field Office for their continued partnership in this case. The NYPD and our colleagues remain steadfast in holding accountable anyone who seeks to profit from the abuse and exploitation of others.” As alleged in court documents, Scott and Simmons both recruited women to work in prostitution on their behalf along the Penn Track. Scott used threats and violence to force at least two victims to engage in commercial sex work and provide him with the proceeds. For example, in a conversation obtained by law enforcement, Scott warned a victim that he would “knock [her] out for disrespecting me,” and, on another occasion, told an associate on a recorded call that he was “beating this b---- up tonight” for failing to work quickly enough to locate customers. On April 30, 2023, when Scott learned that a victim planned to leave him and work with Clay, he was captured on video violently dragging the victim by her hair into his car, and later told an associate on a recorded call, “I’m bout to violate that b----. . . I’m about to do her something crazy. . . I’m not respecting this shit. . . . I’m about to kill this b----!” Early the next morning, Scott and Simmons were captured on video engaged in a heated argument with Clay. Less than three hours later, Scott and Simmons were captured on video outside of a laundromat near the Penn Track before Simmons walked off to kill Clay in a parking lot, shooting him at least five times at close range. When Simmons returned, the laundromat video captured Simmons telling Scott, “He’s down. . . he’s down!” Clay succumbed to his injuries and died later that day. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the sex trafficking charges, the defendants face a minimum term of 15 years in prison, and up to life imprisonment. If convicted of the murder charge, the defendants face up to life imprisonment, and are eligible for the death penalty. If you are a victim of trafficking—whether by Scott, Simmons or someone else—and have information to provide, please contact the FBI, which is prepared to help you regardless of your immigration status, at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Reid, Anna Karamigios and Joshua Dugan are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Anna November and Ryan Costley. The Defendant : OMARI SCOTT (also known as “Prince” and “Sir Prince”) Age: 43 Brooklyn, New York Michael Simmons (also known as “Victory”) Age: 40 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-158 (KAM)


title: Two Former Arkansas Sheriff’s Deputies Plead Guilty to Federal Civil Rights

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: FORT SMITH - Two former Crawford County, Arkansas, sheriff’s deputies, Levi White, 34, and Zackary King, 28, pleaded guilty to federal civil rights offenses for using unlawful force on a man they arrested. “The videos from this incident are a shocking display of the violent deprivation of civil rights committed by these officers,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas. “No person in police custody should ever feel threatened or should ever experience violence at the hands of those who are sworn to protect the public. We will continue to vigorously pursue justice in cases involving the violation of civil rights in the Western District of Arkansas.” “The defendants swore an oath to uphold the law, then violated that oath and abused their power by assaulting a person who was pinned to the ground and not resisting,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “These defendants will now face the serious consequences that result from their unlawful actions. The Justice Department will continue to protect the right of every person in this country to be free of excessive force by law enforcement officers.” “Disgraceful actions, like those of the two Crawford County sheriff’s deputies, negatively impact all members of Arkansas law enforcement,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. “A gun and a badge does not give someone the right to ignore the Constitution. The FBI's ArkTrust Task Force will continue to work to restore the public’s trust in law enforcement by investigating officers who violate the civil rights of citizens in our community.” According to court documents, White, King and a third officer approached a man identified as R.W. in a gas station parking lot on Aug. 21, 2022, during their investigation into a person threatening a store attendant. R.W. lunged at White and tackled him, then all three officers quickly subdued R.W. and pinned him to the ground. After R.W. was pinned to the ground and no longer fighting the officers, King kicked R.W. in the back and struck R.W. once in the midsection with his fist. At approximately the same time, White punched R.W. at least nine times in the head, then lifted R.W.’s head and slammed it into the pavement. The third officer did not strike R.W. R.W. suffered head injuries from the assault. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later date. White faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. King faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Little Rock Field Office and ARKTrust Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Roberts and Devon Still for the Western District of Arkansas and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer and Trial Attorney Lia Rettammel of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case. Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov .


title: South African national charged with unlawfully obtaining U.S. citizenship

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging a South African national with unlawfully procuring naturalization in the U.S. According to court documents, between June and September 2019, Brian Smith, 52, applied for and obtained naturalization in the U.S. by making false statements in connection to his naturalization application. Smith allegedly falsely responded to questions asking whether he had been involved in killing, badly hurting or sexually assaulting someone and if he had ever committed, assisted in committing or attempted to commit a crime he was not arrested for. Smith answered “No” to all these questions, when at the time of the application, he had committed related crimes, including two murders that involved torture and sexual assaults. Smith was convicted of these crimes in February 2024 in the Superior Court for the State of Alaska. Smith is charged with one count of unlawful procurement of naturalization in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1425(a) and one count of unlawful procurement of naturalization by an ineligible person in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1425(b). The defendant will make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces the revocation of his certificate of naturalization. U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in the Pacific Northwest Region, made the announcement. HSI Pacific Northwest Region is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody Tirpak is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Springfield Man Sentenced to 77 months in Prison  for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

body_text: Springfield, Ill. – A Springfield man, Navell J. White, age 44, of the 1300 block of North 4 th Street, was sentenced on April 18, 2024, to 77 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person - a felon. At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Colleen R. Lawless, the government established that, during a traffic stop in September 2022, White, a felon, was found in possession of a Taurus G2 9mm pistol. During the hearing, Judge Lawless noted that White had a significant criminal history which included a pattern of domestic violence over several years. White remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service, where he has been since his federal arrest on February 3, 2023. He pleaded guilty to the one-count indictment on December 14, 2023, before Judge Lawless. The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person are up to 15 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. The Springfield Police Department investigated the firearms case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case against White is part of a committed effort to combat gun violence in Sangamon County, Illinois, by law enforcement including the Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Seberger represented the government in the prosecution. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Readout of Justice Department and EU Network Meeting on Battlefield Evidence

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: This week, senior representatives and prosecutors from the United States, the European Union, international organizations, and civil society convened to exchange expertise on battlefield evidence in shared efforts to counter terrorism and transnational crime. On April 18 and 19, Chief of Counterterrorism Matthew F. Blue of the Justice Department’s National Security Division represented the Department at the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) meeting in The Hague. Co-organized by the Eurojust Counter-Terrorism Working Group, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the EU Network for the investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against impunity and war crimes ( Genocide Network ), the meeting provided critical information to terrorism and international crime prosecutors, including on high-level investigations such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Participants exchanged expertise on how evidence from past armed conflicts could be used in proceedings related to ongoing and future conflicts. Counterterrorism Chief Blue delivered opening remarks to the delegation. “Terrorists and war criminals should have no illusions that they are safe from prosecution when they plot and commit crimes in conflict zones,” said Chief Matthew F. Blue of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. “The United States is committed to ensuring that battlefield evidence is available for use in its domestic cases and those pursued by its European allies. Today’s meeting reaffirms the strong transatlantic commitment to ensuring that this vital tool is effectively harnessed.” Participants further discussed how battlefield evidence can expose the operational workings and command structures of terrorist organizations, including the role of specific suspects and their associates, and how the information can be used to build cases that go beyond terrorism membership and financing to include other core international crimes. In joining forces, Eurojust, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Genocide Network have laid the foundation for enhancing the global response to crimes committed in conflict areas, both today and in the future. The expert meeting at Eurojust represents another milestone in the longstanding cooperation between Eurojust and U.S. authorities to share challenges and best practice amongst practitioners – a key component of overcoming legal and practical hurdles in ongoing and future criminal cases. For more information about the Department’s Counterterrorism Efforts, please visit www.justice.gov/nsd/counterterrorism-section . Additional information about Eurojust is available at www.eurojust.europa.eu .