title: 35 Years In Federal Prison for Convicted Cocaine Trafficker

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—A Saline County man was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Thursday afternoon, United States District Judge Brian S. Miller sentenced O.C. Rawls, 50, of Benton, to 420 months’ imprisonment. The case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration into the drug-trafficking activities of Rawls and several others beginning in January of 2019. Using a confidential informant, DEA agents made three controlled purchases of cocaine from Rawls. During the investigation, agents learned that Rawls and other members of his drug-trafficking organization were traveling to Houston, Texas, to purchase kilograms quantities of cocaine for redistribution in the central-Arkansas area. In May 2019, agents executed search warrants at Rawls’ residence and the residences of several co-conspirators. Agents recovered cocaine, marijuana, firearms, ammunition, and approximately $19,000 in cash. Rawls was charged in November 2019 with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, and three counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine. The defendant was convicted after a two-day jury trial in July 2022. Rawls has a prior federal criminal conviction for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, for which he received 150 months’ imprisonment in 2006. He received a sentencing enhancement in this case for committing another drug-trafficking offense. In addition to the 35-year prison sentence, Judge Miller sentenced Rawls to serve ten years of supervised release following imprisonment and pay a $400 special assessment. There is no parole in the federal system. # # # This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar Twitter: @EDARNEWS


title: Ellensburg Man Sentenced to 132 Months in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution that Resulted in the Deaths of Two Young People

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington – Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Jonathan Rivera-Venegas, age 21, of Ellensburg, Washington, to 132 months in federal prison after Rivera-Venegas had pleaded guilty on December 7, 2022 to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl. Rivera-Venegas will also serve five years of supervised release after his release from confinement. According to court documents, Rivera-Venegas began distributing “blues” – which are counterfeit prescription medication containing fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid – in Ellensburg, Washington beginning in at least June 2021. Over a nine day span in August 2021, Rivera-Venegas distributed fentanyl-laced pills to a twenty-one year old male and a sixteen year old male. Both young men were poisoned by the fentanyl distributed by Rivera-Venegas and died. Rivera-Venegas then relocated to Hawaii where he was located by law enforcement and returned to the Eastern District of Washington. United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat facing this country, and this case in particular presents egregious consequences stemming from this dangerous poison. Mr. Rivera-Venegas knew these drugs were deadly and yet continued to distribute fentanyl in our communities. Two families are devastated as a result of Rivera-Venegas’s crimes. Our community is safer and stronger today as a result of the incredible work of several law enforcement agencies, who came together to investigate and prosecute this tragic case.” Ken Wade, Chief of the City of Ellensburg Police Department, stated, “I appreciate the hard work and commitment to public safety that went into the investigation and prosecution of Jonathan Rivera-Venegas. We realize this conviction will not lesson the pain felt by our community and the families of those we lost. I want to thank our federal partners for their assistance in bringing Rivera-Venegas back to Washington and holding him accountable for his actions that led to these tragedies.” “This investigation demonstrates the determination of the DEA, and our law enforcement partners, to tirelessly pursue those who bring poison into our communities,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This sentence should serve as a warning to those who distribute fake pills laced with fentanyl that we will find you and hold you accountable.” The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ellensburg Police Department, the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Washington State Patrol. This case was prosecuted by Michael J. Ellis, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. 1:22-cr-02034-SAB


title: Chicago man who illegally possessed firearm during home burglary in Cincinnati sentenced to more than 7 years in prison

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – A Chicago man who committed a home burglary in Cincinnati while illegally possessing two firearms before leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit was sentenced in federal court to 87 months in prison. Terrance Lorenzo White, 28, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony crime. According to court documents, on Aug. 21, 2020, deputies with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call about an attempted robbery at a residence. When deputies responded to the residence, witnesses said White was armed and threatened to shoot up the house. He had stolen marijuana and cash and was driving a white Jeep. As deputies were assessing the crime scene, White drove past in the white Jeep and law enforcement pursued him. White led the deputies on a high-speed vehicle pursuit and crashed his Jeep before attempting to flee on foot. White had two loaded firearms, a black ski mask and marijuana in his vehicle. While he was out on bond in this case, White was convicted in Chicago of aggravated battery against a victim 60 years or older. He was sentenced in December 2022 to six months in prison. Congress sets the minimum and maximum statutory sentences. Sentencing of the defendant is determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Warren County Sheriff Larry L. Sims announced the sentence imposed on April 11 by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: HAWAIIAN MAN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IMPRISONMENT ON POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE CONVICTION

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Jason Lee Current, 45, was sentenced as a career offender to 12 years imprisonment by District Judge Wilma A. Lewis on his conviction of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Judge Lewis also sentenced Current to five years of supervised release, a fine of $2,500.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. According to court documents, on November 5, 2020, Custom and Border Protection in San Juan, PR, intercepted a package that was shipped from California and addressed to Current. The package contained 112 grams of methamphetamine and 341 grams of marijuana. The contraband was removed and replaced with sham drugs and outfitted with a tracking device. On November 10, 2020, Current picked up the package from the Sunny Isle Post Office in St. Croix. Current attempted to eluded capture after he detected the tracking device but was subsequently taken into custody. In July 2020, Current absconded from Hawaii to avoid sentencing on his felony robbery and assault convictions. The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case.


title: Seven Arrested for Stealing Catalytic Converters from Over 470 Vehicles and Targeting ATMs and Jewelry Stores

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Seven members of an organized theft crew were arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston in connection with thefts across the region, including catalytic converters stolen from over 470 vehicles, automatic teller machines and jewelry stores. Over 70 local police departments from across New England contributed to this investigation. The following defendants have been charged with conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce; interstate transportation of stolen property; conspiracy to commit bank theft; bank theft; and money laundering conspiracy. They will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 1:30 p.m. today: 1. Rafael Davila, a/k/a “Robin Hood,” 35, of Feeding Hills, Mass.; 2. Jose Torres, a/k/a “Goldy,” a/k/a “Goldy Tech,” 37, of Springfield, Mass.; 3. Nicolas Davila, 25, of Springfield, Mass.; 4. Carlos Fonseca, a/k/a “Charlito,” 26, of Springfield, Mass.; 5. Zachary Marshall, 26, of Holyoke, Mass.; 6. Santo Feliberty, 34, of Springfield, Mass.; and 7. Alexander Oyola, a/k/a “Dirty,” 37, of Springfield, Mass. Catalytic converters are a component of a vehicle’s exhaust device that reduce the toxic gas and pollutants from a vehicle’s internal combustion engine into safe emissions, and are required on all combustion engine automobiles in the United States. Catalytic converters use precious metals in their center or ‘core’ and are targeted for theft due to the high value of these metals – including palladium, platinum and rhodium. Some of these precious metals are more valuable per ounce than gold and their value has been increasing in recent years, with black-market prices being more than $1,000 each. Catalytic converters thieves conduct searches in residential neighborhoods, parking lots and other locations to steal the most high-value catalytic converters. Located in a vehicle’s undercarriage, the theft of a vehicle’s catalytic converter results in damage that renders the vehicle inoperable – both mechanically and legally under EPA regulations – until properly replaced. According to the charging documents, law enforcement throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire identified a large number of catalytic converter thefts for which a maroon Acura was identified as having been involved. These incidents involved at least two suspects wearing dark clothing, who would target residential and commercial vehicles. The suspects were skilled and able to locate and cut away the catalytic converter from a vehicle within a minute in most instances. The suspects utilized battery operated power-tools, specifically a fast-cutting reciprocating saw. Some vehicles needed to be jacked up in order to access the catalytic converters and the suspects would promptly place the jack under the vehicle, raise it, cut the catalytic converter, stow it in the rear of the maroon Acura and move on. The investigation revealed that the maroon Acura belonged to Rafael Davila, the alleged theft crew leader who planned and participated in each of the thefts. It is alleged that Rafael Davila engages in catalytic converter thefts and burglaries on a full-time basis, committing thefts multiple nights per week for upwards of eight hours a night. Additionally, cell phone data allegedly revealed that Rafael Davila maintained meticulous notes accounting for the locations that he and his co-conspirators had targeted and the number of catalytic converters that had been stolen, including the makes and models and when they were dropped off. It is alleged that Rafael Davila would undertake the thefts with a group of individuals, including his brother Nicolas Davila, Fonseca, Feliberty and Marshall. Rafael Davila was allegedly responsible for the planning of and transportation to each targeted theft – using his vehicle, determining price values for stolen converters and purchasing needed materials. Specifically, Rafael Davila allegedly regularly purchased large quantities of bi-metal saw blades designed to be used with a reciprocating power saw as well as cut resistant gloves which, according to surveillance footage, appear identical to those worn by the thieves. Surveillance footage, communications and location monitoring data obtained from the defendants’ cell phones and Davila’s vehicle, identified that the defendants were allegedly involved in the theft of catalytic converters from at least 471 vehicles across Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 2022 and 2023 alone. It is believed that a significant number of additional thefts have not been identified or were not ever reported to law enforcement, however. It is alleged that, on numerous occasions, the defendants targeted more than 10 vehicles in a single night, with one night reporting thefts from 26 vehicles. Once in possession of the stolen catalytic converters, the crew would then allegedly sell them to Torres, who would accumulate stolen catalytic converters from multiple theft crews and then in turn sell them to scrap dealers in the Northeast. In particular, Torres allegedly sold stolen catalytic converters to scrap dealers who have since been charged federally for interstate transportation of stolen property and money laundering, including Alexander Kolitsas and Downpipe Depot charged in the District of Connecticut, as well as DG Auto, a New Jersey based company charged in the Eastern District of California and Northern District of Oklahoma. Torres is alleged to have transacted approximately $30,000 to $80,000 in stolen catalytic converters per week to these entities. Through use of digital pricing applications, and communication with the core buyers, Torres allegedly provided prices to Davila and other theft crews based of the make and model of the vehicle and by the code on the catalytic converter. Knowing the prices of the most valuable converters, Davila and his crew would seek out those makes and models to target. Torres then negotiated with the core buyer and delivered the catalytic converters to their facility. It is alleged that Torres is known to have sold and transported thousands of stolen catalytic converters to scrap dealers in the Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey areas. In addition to the prolific number of catalytic converter thefts, it is alleged that Rafael Davila, Feliberty and Oyola also conspired to steal from ATMs of federally insured banks in Massachusetts on three separate occasions in December 2022. It is alleged that this conspiracy involved date use of stolen trucks that they would use to rip the ATMs from the ground and gain access to the vault. Davila, Feliberty and Oyola also are alleged to have committed burglaries of two New Hampshire jewelry stores on Jan. 12, 2023. The combined total value of the jewelry stolen during the burglaries was determined to be over $137,000, with each store facing approximately $10,000 in costs to repair the resulting damage. The charge of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of interstate transportation of stolen property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank theft provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of bank theft provides for a sentence of up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the proceeds, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Seventy local police departments in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut contributed to this investigation through the submission of their investigations of catalytic converter thefts in their jurisdiction. The Massachusetts Police Departments contributing to the investigation were Abington, Acton, Andover, Auburn, Bedford, Bellingham, Beverly, Billerica, Burlington, Bridgewater, Canton, Carver, Chelmsford, Concord, Cranston, East Hampton, Easton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Franklin, Hampton, Hanover, Haverhill, Hingham, Holliston, Holyoke, Hudson, Ipswich, Lawrence, Leominster, Lynn, Malden, Medford, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Newton, Northborough, Norwell, Norwood, Peabody, Pembroke, Plymouth, Randolph, Rockland, Sharon, Shrewsbury, Springfield, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sudbury, Tyngsborough, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, West Bridgewater, Weymouth, Wilmington, Woburn and Worcester. The New Hampshire Police Departments contributing to the investigation were Bow, Concord, Derry, Hooksett, Hudson, Londonderry, Manchester, Salem and Windham. The Connecticut Police Departments contributing to the investigation were South Windsor and Windsor. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and John E. Mawn, Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Kevin Gallagher, Director of Operations for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the District of Connecticut, the Northern District of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of California; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ### APPENDIX Date Location Number of Vehicles Stolen From 3/7/2022 Sturbridge, Mass. 6 3/8/2022 Milford, Mass. 8 3/10/2022 Norwell, Mass. 5 3/25/2022 Wilmington, Mass. 6 3/27/2022 Millbury, Mass. 22 5/5/2022 Leominster, Mass. 10 5/10/2022 Holliston, Mass. 10 5/12/2022 Norwood, Mass. 11 5/12/2022 Walpole, Mass. 3 5/12/2022 Sharon, Mass. 7 5/17/2022 Randolph, Mass. 12 5/19/2022 Watertown, Mass. 1 5/19/2022 Medford, Mass. 14 5/19/2022 Malden, Mass. 6 7/21/2022 Lynn, Mass. 3 7/21/2022 Wilmington, Mass. 12 7/26/2022 Easton, Mass. 6 7/28/2022 Norwood, Mass. 2 7/28/2022 Woburn, Mass. 3 8/4/2022 Beverly, Mass. 2 8/16/2022 Woburn, Mass. 26 8/18/2022 Carver, Mass. 2 8/18/2022 Plymouth, Mass. 6 8/23/2022 Canton, Mass. 3 8/25/2022 Middleton, Mass. 1 8/30/2022 Peabody, Mass. 3 8/30/2022 Waltham, Mass. 10 9/1/2022 Hingham, Mass. 3 9/1/2022 Norwell, Mass. 1 9/6/2022 Easton, Mass. 1 9/8/2022 Chelmsford, Mass. 1 9/13/2022 Hanover, Mass. 1 9/13/2022 Hingham, Mass. 2 9/13/2022 Pembroke, Mass. 12 9/15/2022 Bellingham, Mass. 2 9/15/2022 Franklin, Mass. 5 9/15/2022 Hudson, Mass. 6 9/20/2022 Sudbury, Mass. 1 9/21/2022 Wilmington, Mass. 5 9/22/2022 Woburn, Mass. 5 10/2/2022 Ipswich, Mass. 10 10/2/2022 Methuen, Mass. 8 10/2/2022 Billerica, Mass. 10 10/4/2022 Londonderry, NH 13 11/24/2022 Hooksett, NH 14 11/27/2022 Wilmington, Mass. 10 11/27/2022 Millbury, Mass. 3 12/6/2022 Bow, NH 1 12/6/2022 Concord, NH 14 12/21/2022 Manchester, NH 1 12/29/2022 Easthampton, Mass. 2 12/29/2022 Holyoke, Mass. 1 1/5/2023 Framingham, Mass. 9 1/9/2023 Worcester, Mass. 13 1/19/2023 Fitchburg, Mass. 8 1/19/2023 Leominster, Mass. 1 1/26/2023 Abington, Mass. 10 1/26/2023 Weymouth, Mass. 2 1/30/2023 Shrewsbury, Mass. 16 2/9/2023 Wilmington, Mass. 1 2/9/2023 Woburn, Mass. 13 2/16/2023 Marlborough, Mass. 1 2/16/2023 Northborough, Mass. 4 2/28/2023 Auburn, Mass. 2 2/28/2023 Millbury, Mass. 7 3/7/2023 Wilmington, Mass. 3 3/7/2023 Woburn, Mass. 2 3/7/2023 Hudson, Mass. 1 3/7/2023 Burlington, Mass. 4 3/9/2023 Auburn, Mass. 3 3/9/2023 Bedford, Mass. 2 3/9/2023 Billerica, Mass. 4 3/16/2023 Sterling, Mass. 20 3/21/2023 Leominster, Mass. 13 Total 471


title: Denham Springs Man Sentenced to 292 Months in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced William Hunter Davis, age 35, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, to 292 months in federal prison following his conviction for production of child pornography. At sentencing, Chief Judge Dick described Davis’s conduct as “heinous” particularly since it “involved a contact offense in a familial relationship.” Following his term of imprisonment, Davis must serve five years of supervised release and register as a sex offender for life. Upon release from prison, he will be prohibited from contacting anyone under 18, and barred from visiting or living near schools, public pools, playgrounds, and other places with the primary purpose of servicing children. According to admissions made during his plea, between January 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021, Davis recorded pornographic videos of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a six-year-old minor child. U. S. Attorney Gathe stated, “The efforts of the FBI and Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office cannot be praised enough. Their hard work in helping bring this defendant to justice defines the Project Safe Childhood Initiative. With this sentence, child sex predators are put on notice that this type of offense will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Louisiana.” This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney April M. Leon Johnson. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Heroin And Methamphetamine Dealers Indicted

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Ciera Anderson (28) and Tequan Ramsey (28), both of St. Petersburg, with conspiracy to distribute heroin and methamphetamine. If convicted on all counts, each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. According to the indictment, from December 8, 2022, through March 3, 2023, Anderson and Ramsey conspired to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and 50 grams of more of methamphetamine. The distributions occurred in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Clearwater Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman. Download Indictment


title: Second Orlando Man Sentenced For Burglarizing ATM

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Wendell Harp (24, Orlando) to 30 months in federal prison for bank burglary and bank theft in connection with the destruction of an ATM. Harp had pleaded guilty on December 16, 2022. He is the second defendant sentenced in this case. Judge Dalton previously sentenced Carlos Tawan Reed, Jr. (23, Orlando) to four years and three months in federal prison for the same offense. A third individual, Deontrae Walden (23, Orlando), has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. According to court records, Harp, Reed, and Walden wrapped a chain around an ATM at a Chase Bank on Colonial Drive in Orlando. Using a stolen F-250 truck, the men then destroyed the casing of the ATM and stole the cash boxes inside, containing $116,650. The three men fled in a rental car driven by Reed. Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office pursued them on the ground and in the air. Reed failed to stop and led police on a high-speed chase, which ended when deputies deployed spike strips and disabled the car. All three men then attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended. Inside the vehicle, police recovered all of the stolen money. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Carthage Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography on Workplace Computer

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Carthage, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to downloading thousands of photos and videos of child pornography to his workplace computer. Shane Tyler Barton, 56, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush on Tuesday, April 11, to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. By pleading guilty, Barton admitted that he downloaded approximately 10,000 images and approximately 100 videos of suspected child pornography to his workplace desktop computer. He also admitted that he downloaded videos of child pornography to his employer-issued Apple iPhone. When Barton was arrested, he was in possession of a personal Apple iPhone and admitted that he had also viewed child pornography on that cell phone. This case began when the director of information technology for Barton’s former employer was alerted to a suspected virus on Barton’s company-issued computer that was in Barton’s office and connected to the business network. On Jan. 5, 2022, he observed an unauthorized anti-virus program on the computer and discovered numerous files that contained adult and child pornography. He notified management of the violation of company policy. Barton was placed on leave pending the resolution of an internal company investigation. He was instructed to turn over his company-issued iPhone. Barton resigned from his position with the company a couple of weeks later. Under federal statutes, Barton is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the FBI and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Brooksville Man Found Guilty Of Possessing Firearm As An Armed Career Criminal

body_text: Ocala, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has found Wayne Allen Phillips, Jr. (45, Brooksville) guilty of one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon. Phillips qualifies for an increased penalty under the Armed Career Criminal Act. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 20, 2023. Phillips had been indicted on March 29, 2022. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial and throughout the prosecution, deputies from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office encountered Phillips while attempting to serve a warrant for his arrest on another matter. Phillips ran from the deputies but was apprehended after a brief foot chase. Phillips was searched incident to his arrest, and deputies located a revolver loaded with five rounds of ammunition in his pants pocket. As a previously convicted felon, Phillips is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Plant City Man Sentenced To Over Three Years In Federal Prison For Bank Fraud Conspiracy

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven has sentenced Cameron Porter (35, Plant City) to three years and one month in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $5,000, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Porter had pleaded guilty on guilty on January 9, 2023. According to court documents, in March 2019, Porter conspired with Christopher Alholm and others to defraud an FDIC insured bank (“Bank 1”) with branches located throughout the Middle District of Florida. Bank 1 was a member institution of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. During the conspiracy, Porter obtained a victim bank customer’s (“Customer 1”) stolen Home Equity Line of Credit (“HELOC”) account number and personally identifying information (“PII”), including name, signature, date of birth and Social Security number from a co-conspirator, and passed that information to Alholm. Alholm subsequently used the stolen PII and impersonated Customer 1 at a Bank 1 branch located in Spring Hill to conduct a fraudulent $495,000 advance of funds from the Customer 1’s HELOC account to an intermediary account at Bank 1. After Alholm had completed the fraudulent advance of funds, another conspirator subsequently wired the stolen HELOC funds from the intermediary account to offshore bank accounts. Porter then received a share of the stolen proceeds for his role in the conspiracy. Alholm previously pleaded guilty to his role in this case. In November 2022, he was sentenced to five years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.


title: All defendants plead guilty in drug trafficking, COVID fraud operation tied to Savannah strip clubs

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: The last of five defendants in a two-state drug trafficking organization awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to felony charges in federal Court. Jaqueline Somesso , 55, of Savannah, faces a statutory sentence of up to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to an Information charging her with Misprision of a Felony and one count of Bank Fraud, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The guilty plea acknowledges Somesso is responsible for using fake bank statements to illegally receive COVID-19 relief funding of nearly $600,000. After completion of any prison term, Somesso will be required to serve up to three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. “The exceptional work of our law enforcement partners identified and dismantled this operation that poured illegal drugs into our communities while also ripping off the American taxpayer,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “The five guilty pleas in this case stand testament to the strength of the prosecution painstakingly built through collaboration with our office.” The guilty pleas in USA v. Kinchen, et al., are the result of “Operation All Eyes On Me,” an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation that identified traffickers distributing cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana in middle and south Georgia and in Florida. The 15-count indictment, unsealed in August 2022, named five defendants identified through a series of controlled purchases, phone surveillance and searches of multiple properties conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and agents from the Savannah-Chatham Counter Narcotics Team. In addition to Somesso, the defendants include: Dennis Rodriguez Kinchen , 44, of Dublin, Ga., awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in December 2022 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of Cocaine, and an Amount of Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Marijuana; and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Kinchen, identified as a source of the drugs distributed through the conspiracy, faces a statutory sentence of up to 40 years in prison. As part of his guilty plea, he agreed to forfeit an Atlanta condominium purchased with proceeds received through the conspiracy, which also included wire fraud in misuse of more than $300,000 in Small Business Administration COVID Economic Injury Disaster Fund loans comingled with illicit proceeds of drug trafficking. Kinchen was identified as the boyfriend of Somesso, who admitted she knew that he kept illegal firearms and drugs at her residence. Sherman Levon Scott , 54, of Pooler Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty in March 2023 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and Marijuana. The investigation identified Scott as a distributor in the drug trafficking conspiracy, and a Jan. 29, 2022 law enforcement search of his residence yielded a kilo of cocaine, 3 pounds of marijuana, crack cocaine, and cash. Scott’s plea subjects him to a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Angel Amaral , 56, of Hollywood, Fla., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty in January 2023 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Cocaine. Identified during the investigation as a source of cocaine for the drug trafficking conspiracy in Florida, Amaral faces a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Tony Heldore , 52, of Richmond Hill, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty in March 2023 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Cocaine and Marijuana. Identified as a marijuana supplier to the conspiracy, Heldore faces a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Heldore was an employee of Somesso, working at Karma Entertainment and Lux Gentlemen’s Club in Hardeeville, S.C. The government is seeking forfeiture of nearly $900,000 in funds from the conspiracy. Sentencings for Scott and Heldore are scheduled for Aug. 10, 2023, in U.S. District Court in Savannah before U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker. Sentencings for the other defendants will be scheduled after completion of pre-sentence investigations by U.S. Probation Services. “Operation ‘All Eyes On Me’ was a tremendous success as it brought down a once-thriving drug trafficking organization,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. “This criminal organization has reached its final chapter, and its members face well-deserved time in prison.” The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Operation All Eyes On Me was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Savannah District Office and the Savannah-Chatham Counter Narcotics Team, with assistance from the DEA Miami Field Division, the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Secret Service, and prosecuted for the United States of America by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.


title: Winchester Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Fatal Dose of Fentanyl

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: HARRISONBURG, Va. – A Winchester, Virginia man, who sold a fatal dose of fentanyl in October 2020, pleaded guilty yesterday to federal drug charges. Kenneth James Hughes Jr., 27, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg to two counts of distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents, following a fentanyl overdose resulting in the death of the user on October 23 2020, an investigation by law enforcement revealed Hughes and his supplier to be the deceased user’s source of supply. Law enforcement’s investigation revealed that Hughes sold drugs to a variety of individuals throughout the Western District of Virginia. In October 2020, one of Hughes’ customers contacted him in regard to acquiring fentanyl in the form of “pressed pills,” namely, fentanyl pills made to appear like Oxycodone 30 mg pills. Hughes contacted his supplier and arranged and facilitated a purchase of two pressed pills by the customer from his supplier. The individual who purchased the pressed pills subsequently consumed the drugs and was found unresponsive the following morning at his home in Winchester. It was determined his death was the result of acute fentanyl intoxication. Additionally, in November 2020, in Berryville, Virginia, Hughes sold twenty-two capsules containing fentanyl for $300 to a confidential informant working on behalf of law enforcement. Hughes is scheduled to be sentenced on July 19, 2023 and faces a sentence of six to ten years in prison pursuant to a written plea agreement with the United States. A United States District Court Judge will determine the final sentence after consideration of the federal sentencing guidelines and the sentencing factors set forth by Congress. The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, the Winchester Police Department, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee is prosecuting the case.


title: Iowa Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A Carrol, Iowa man that utilized Kik, an online messaging app, to receive and distribute visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct was sentenced April 7, 2023, to 9 years in federal prison. Wyant Unruh, 37, received the prison term after a November 7, 2022, guilty plea to Possession of Child Pornography. In the plea agreement, Unruh admitted that between November 2019, and July 2021, that he knowingly possessed child pornography, and that he used the messaging app Kik to knowingly receive and attempt to receive visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He further admitted to using the app to distribute child pornography to others. Unruh was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 108 months’ imprisonment and fined $500. He was also ordered to pay $8,500 in restitution to the victims. Unruh must also serve a 5-year term of supervised released following the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Unruh is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-3016. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: SWGA Man Guilty of Drug Distribution Resulting from Investigation into Methamphetamine Trafficking in Cordele, Georgia

component: Criminal - Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. – A Cordele, Georgia, resident with prior serious felony drug convictions pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine resulting from an investigation into drug trafficking in the community. Alexis Sylvester Holton, 43, of Cordele, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on April 11 before U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner. Holton faces a minimum of five years to a maximum of 40 years in prison to be followed by at least four years of supervised release and a $5,000,000 fine. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. “The GBI and Crisp County Sheriff’s Office continue their tireless efforts to prevent the lethal spread of some of the most deadly and addictive drugs in Southwest Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working with our law enforcement partners at every level to bring federal charges against the flagrant repeat offenders whose crimes damage our communities.” “This investigation has resulted in the disruption of a significant methamphetamine supply to the Cordele area. We are grateful for our partnership with the other investigative agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for seeing this case through successfully,” said GBI Director Mike Register. According to court documents and other public information, Holton sold a total of 279.51 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant (CI) working with GBI and Crisp County Sheriff’s Office investigators during nine exchanges, beginning in Oct. 2021, until his arrest on Feb. 9, 2022, in Cordele. Holton has several prior convictions, including two prior serious felony drug convictions in the Superior Court of Crisp County, Georgia. This case was investigated by GBI, DEA and the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid.


title: Federal jury convicts Washington man of trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine in Lake County

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA — A federal jury on Tuesday convicted a Washington man of trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine in Lake County last year, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. After a two-day trial that began on April 10, the jury found David Loren Waldeck, 57, of Port Orchard, Washington, guilty of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, as charged in an indictment. Waldeck faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Sept.13. Waldeck was detained pending further proceedings. “Holding drug traffickers, like Waldeck, accountable for bringing significant amounts of meth, fentanyl pills and cocaine to the Flathead Valley continues to be a top priority for our office. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer S. Clark and Amanda L. Myers, along with Homeland Security Investigations and the Flathead Tribal Police Department for their hard work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. The government alleged in court documents and at trial that on Oct. 24, 2022, Flathead Tribal police officers stopped and arrested an individual on outstanding warrants and learned that a person, named “David,” was in Kalispell and coming back to Polson that day with meth and fentanyl to distribute. The police officers then stopped Waldeck later that day and located 4,212 fentanyl pills, approximately 837 grams, or 1.8 pounds of meth, and approximately 489 grams, or a little more than one pound, of cocaine in his vehicle. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer S. Clark and Amanda L. Myers are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Flathead Tribal Police Department. 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. XXX


title: Crownpoint man pleads guilty to firearm offenses

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Derrick Cook pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Cook, 28, of Crownpoint, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody which has not been scheduled. According to the plea agreement, on Aug. 27, 2022, Cook got in an argument with some individuals outside the Crownpoint Trading convenience store. Later that evening, two individuals confronted Cook at his home. A fight began and Cook intentionally shot two of the individuals, identified as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2. Doe 1 suffered serious injury to his abdomen, requiring a long hospital stay and surgical repair, while Doe 2 was shot in the arm. The incident occurred on the Navajo Nation. Under the terms of the agreement, Cook can be sentenced to up to 12 years in prison followed by up to 5 years of supervised release. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-76


title: San Jose Group Homes Owner Sentenced To A Year In Prison For Scheme To Divert Foster Care Funds

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – Annie Corbett, the owner of a company that provided group homes, primarily in San Jose, for foster children, was sentenced today to spend 12 months and a day in prison for wire fraud and failure to pay over employment taxes, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Darren Lian, and U.S. Department Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Beth L. Freeman, United States District Judge. Corbett pleaded guilty to the charges on September 15, 2022. Corbett was the owner, CEO and President of Corbett Group Homes, Inc. (CGH), a company that provided foster care for children and adolescents in group homes located primarily in San Jose. According to her plea agreement, Corbett admitted that from 2011 through mid-2018, she was the sole signatory on CGH’s bank accounts and was solely responsible for hiring employees, firing employees, and processing employee payroll. During this time, CGH employed about 60 employees a year. In her plea agreement, Corbett acknowledged she knowingly failed to pay employment taxes. After contracting with payroll processing companies to determine the tax withholdings for CGH employees and issuing paychecks and W-2s to the employees, she never paid the employment taxes nor filed W-2s with the IRS. Corbett also admitted that she deceived her bookkeeper and CPA into believing these employment taxes had been paid. Corbett admitted in her plea agreement that from 2014 through 2017 she failed to pay employment taxes to the IRS in an amount totaling more than $752,000. In addition, Corbett also admitted in her plea agreement that she fraudulently diverted for her own personal use funds CGH received from local county governments and private charities to support CGH’s care of foster children. Corbett admitted she controlled multiple CGH bank accounts—including an account that she concealed from CGH’s accountant and auditor—from which she diverted CGH funds to her and her husband’s personal bank accounts. Corbett used the diverted funds for her and her family’s personal enrichment, including making her own credit card payments, her personal retail business payments, and her payments on a vacation timeshare. As noted in the government’s sentencing memorandum, Corbett’s conduct impacted not only over 44 identified victim-donors (county governments, charities, and individuals who provided CGH over $13.2 million in foster care funds over the course of seven years), but also her own employees and the many foster children who were deprived of the benefit of the funds that should have been used for their care. Judge Freeman described Corbett’s crimes as “very serious” and found that the loss resulting from her embezzlement scheme exceeded $2.5 million. In addition to the prison term, Judge Freeman ordered Corbett to serve 36 months of supervised release to begin after the expiration of her prison term. Judge Freeman also scheduled a hearing for June 27, 2023, to determine the amount of restitution Corbett will be ordered to pay. Judge Freeman ordered Corbett to surrender on or before September 5, 2023, to begin serving her prison term. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Hsieh is prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Laurie Worthen. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS-CI, and HHS-OIG.


title: President Of Brisbane Recycling Company And Its Former Counsel Convicted Of Tax Fraud Charges

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Joseph Nubla and Henry Ku were convicted of conspiracy to defraud the United States, and Nubla was convicted of an additional charge of tax evasion, all in connection with a scheme to evade taxes on millions of dollars of income derived from a rock crushing business, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Darren Lian. The verdicts followed a two-week jury trial before the Hon. Richard Seeborg, Chief U.S. District Judge. Joseph Nubla is the President of Brisbane Recycling Company, Inc. (hereafter “Brisbane”), a rock crushing business located in Brisbane, Calif. Henry Ku was counsel for Brisbane and Nubla during the relevant time. Nubla ran the daily operations at Brisbane, and Ku owned and controlled separate businesses including Pegasus Aggregate, Inc. (“Pegasus”), Jupiter Prime Monarch (“JP Monarch”), and JPM Energy, Inc. (“JPM Energy”) (collectively, “Ku’s entities”). The evidence at trial demonstrated that between February 20, 2009, and March 30, 2015, Ku and his entities deposited checks written by Nubla from Brisbane, totaling more than $18,000,000. To avoid Brisbane paying corporate income taxes, Nubla then expensed Brisbane’s payments to Ku’s entities as royalties for the use of heavy equipment purportedly owned by Ku’s entities. In reality, Ku had used the funds from Brisbane’s checks to purchase that equipment. Ku also returned the funds from Brisbane’s checks to Nubla in a variety of ways: (1) by regular money transfers from 2009 through 2016; (2) by purchasing Nubla three homes; and (3) by writing Nubla cashier’s checks totaling $7 million pursuant to a fake loan. Nubla did not declare the funds given to him by Ku as personal income, even though they originated from Brisbane and thus were taxable, constructive dividends. In year 2014 alone, Nubla failed to report more than $5.8 million of income. On April 6, 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Nubla and Ku, charging both with one count of conspiring to defraud the United States in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. In addition, the grand jury charged Nubla with one count of tax evasion in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7201 for his 2014 federal income tax return. Pursuant to the trial jury’s verdict, the defendants were found guilty of all counts with which they were charged. Chief Judge Seeborg has not yet scheduled the defendants’ sentencing hearing. The defendants each face a statutory maximum of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the conspiracy charge. Nubla also faces a statutory maximum of five years in prison and a $100,000 fine for the tax evasion charge. In addition, the court may order the defendants to serve an additional term of supervised release and restitution as part of any sentence; however, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel N. Kassabian and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Carlberg are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Helen Yee, Veronica Hernandez, and Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the IRS-CI.


title: Farrell, PA Man Pleads Guilty in Drug Distribution Conspiracy

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, – Khiry Whiteside pled guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Whiteside, age 32, of Farrell, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on Aug. 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Sharon Police Department, the Hermitage Police Department, and the Farrell Police Department led the investigation resulting in the conviction in this case. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced To Eight Years In Federal Prison

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Ivon Javier Cobbs, Sr. (41, Clearwater) to eight years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl. Cobbs had pleaded guilty on January 5, 2023. According to court documents, law enforcement received information identifying Cobbs as a distributor of fentanyl in Clearwater and began an investigation as to his drug activities in Pinellas County. On August 26, 2021, Cobbs distributed 25.36 grams of fentanyl and xylazine to a confidential source assisting in the investigation. This case was investigated by the Clearwater Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Quincy, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 120 months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin

component: Department of Justice

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Quincy, Illinois, man, Derrick Phillips, 42, was sentenced on April 10, 2023, to 120 months in prison, to be followed by eight years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a substance containing heroin. At the sentencing hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless, the government proffered evidence that in October 2017 Phillips was detained after getting off an Amtrak train that had just arrived in Quincy from the Chicago area. Law enforcement then discovered almost two hundred grams of heroin and $730.00 in cash on his person. Phillips was arrested in March 2019 and pleaded guilty in December 2022. He has been detained by the United States Marshals Service since his arrest. Because Phillips had a previous federal conviction for distributing controlled substances, the statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a substance containing heroin were not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, not more than an $8,000,000 fine, and not less than eight years of supervised release. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; West Central Illinois Task Force; and Quincy Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Phillips 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: Osceola County Mortgage Loan Officer Convicted Of Bank Fraud And Aggravated Identity Theft Charges Involving Forging Of Judges’ Signatures

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Omayra Ujaque (52, St. Cloud) guilty of three counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Ujaque faces a maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment for each bank fraud count and a mandatory 2-year sentence for the aggravated identity theft county. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 5, 2023. Ujaque had been indicted on February 15, 2023. According to evidence presented at trial, Ujaque, in her capacity as a licensed mortgage loan officer, created and executed a mortgage fraud scheme targeting the financial institution where she worked. To ensure that otherwise unqualified borrowers were approved for mortgage loans, Ujaque falsified the borrowers’ income by fabricating or inflating the amounts of their monthly child support payments on mortgage loan applications that she signed and certified to the financial institution’s underwriting department. In furtherance of her scheme, Ujaque created fictitious Final Judgments of Dissolution of Marriage and Final Orders Modifying Child Support that fraudulently represented that the borrowers were entitled to receive non-existent monthly child support payments. Ujaque then used the names of judges from the Circuit Court of the Ninth District of Florida and forged their signatures on the fabricated Final Judgments of Dissolution of Marriage or Final Orders Modifying Child Support. Ujaque also created bogus Florida Department of Revenue Statements listing fraudulent monthly child support payments, as well as phony prepaid debit card statements listing fake borrower withdrawals of the non-existent monthly child support payments. In most cases, the borrowers did not, in fact, have the listed children and/or had never been married. Ujaque submitted bogus paperwork to the financial institution to support the false monthly income on the loan applications. Based on Ujaque’s misrepresentations, the financial institution approved and funded the mortgage loans. This case was investigated by Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.


title: Federal Officials Meet With The Family Of Shanquella Robinson

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Federal officials with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the Middle and Western Districts of North Carolina and the FBI met with the family of Ms. Shanquella Robinson and family representatives today to offer their condolences and present the findings of the federal investigation into the death of Ms. Robinson. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ms. Robinson has been a priority for federal prosecutors and the FBI. The FBI has worked diligently to conduct a detailed and thorough investigation of the evidence available in this case. In coordination with Ms. Robinson’s family, an autopsy was conducted in the United States by the Medical Examiner’s Office in Mecklenburg County. As in every case under consideration for federal prosecution, the government must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a federal crime was committed. Based on the results of the autopsy and after a careful deliberation and review of the investigative materials by both U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, federal prosecutors informed Ms. Robinson’s family today that the available evidence does not support a federal prosecution. The death of Ms. Robinson has been incredibly difficult for her family and the community. As a matter of policy, federal officials generally do not issue public statements concerning the status of an investigation. However, given the circumstances of Ms. Robinson’s death and the public concern surrounding this investigation, it is important to reassure the public that experienced federal agents and seasoned prosecutors extensively reviewed the available evidence and have concluded that federal charges cannot be pursued. As in any case, the government is prepared to review and examine new information related to the investigation should it become available.


title: Wesley Chapel Woman Convicted Of Sexual Abuse Of Inmate While Employed As A Prison Guard

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Fiona Eyana Palmer (39, Wesley Chapel) guilty of sexual abuse of an inmate. Palmer faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date. Palmer had been indicted on December 20, 2022. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Palmer was employed as a correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correction Complex when she engaged in sexual acts with an inmate at the prison. In two recorded phone calls between Palmer and the inmate, Palmer discussed the sexual acts and offered to send money to one of the inmate’s relatives. This case was investigated by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Hamilton and Hannah Nowalk.


title: Winter Haven Man Admits To Sexually Exploiting A 15-Year-Old Girl And To Fraud Charges

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Billie Harold McDuffie, Jr. (36, Winter Haven) has pleaded guilty to a six-count indictment charging him with one count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, one count of possessing device making equipment, one count of possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. He faces a minimum mandatory term of 10 years, up to life, in prison for the enticement offense, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each of the access device offenses, and a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of 2 years’ imprisonment on each aggravated identity theft offense. He is scheduled for sentencing on July 18, 2023. According to court documents, McDuffie met the 15-year-old child victim online and enticed her to engage in sexually explicit conversations using a cellphone and social media. For five months, McDuffie repeatedly engaged in sexual contact with the child victim, even after she confirmed that she was a minor. An online tipster notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation of McDuffie’s sexual misconduct with the child. On July 21, 2022, a search warrant was executed at McDuffie’s residence, where agents found both McDuffie and the child victim. Agents returned the child to her family and arrested McDuffie. During their search of the residence, agents found evidence related to McDuffie’s fraud activities. The evidence included blank check paper, packets of stolen identities, multiple fraudulent debit and credit cards, fraudulent driver licenses, card encoders, and printers. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones. This 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: Jury Convicts Felon for Illegally Possessing a Firearm  Brandished at Wal-Mart Customers

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

body_text: MACON, Ga. –A Macon resident with a lengthy criminal history who carried a gun into a Macon Wal-Mart and waved it aggressively at customers was convicted by a federal jury for illegally possessing a firearm. Selma Oliver-Smith, 45, of Macon, was convicted on April 11 of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a two-day trial that began on April 10 before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III. Oliver-Smith faces a maximum of ten years in prison, to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for illegally possessing a firearm. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11. “Not only is it illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm anytime and anywhere, Mr. Oliver-Smith chose to walk into a neighborhood store and wave a gun at customers. Thankfully, no shots were fired, and no one was hurt,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will prosecute convicted felons caught illegally with firearms, especially those who brandish them in public places.” “When offenders such as this use firearms to threaten individuals, ATF takes this very seriously,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “ATF remains on the frontline of preventing violent crime along with our law enforcement partners and will continue to pursue those who violate the law.” “Selma Oliver-Smith’s arrest and conviction shows that the justice system will not tolerate dangerous career criminals using a firearm to menace innocent shoppers in a busy Walmart,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call from the Wal-Mart on Harrison Rd. in Macon on Aug. 17, 2021, about a man aggressively waving a gun at people who approached him inside the store. Because of Oliver-Smith’s criminal record, he was known to officers, and he was located thereafter at a nearby motel. Oliver-Smith was found inside his hotel room, where officers found two firearms hidden inside the toilet bowl tank. One of the firearms, a Jennings Firearms Bryco .380, looked identical to the one in the photo provided by Wal-Mart. Oliver-Smith has a lengthy criminal history to include convictions for burglary, theft by taking and second-degree criminal damage. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean S. Deitrick and Sonja Profit are prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Felon Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Crimes and Gloucester County Shooting

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Gloucester man was sentenced yesterday to 35 years in prison for drug, firearms, witness tampering and retaliation and obstruction of justice convictions. According to court documents, in August 2020, Nathan DeAlbert. Mattocks, 39, a previously convicted felon, was arrested after the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call from an individual reporting that he was being shot at by a person following in another vehicle while driving on a main road in Gloucester County. Following an investigation, law enforcement identified a vehicle matching the description in which Mattocks was an occupant. Officers arrested Mattocks and discovered “Roxacet 30” pills containing fentanyl and a semi-automatic pistol in the vicinity of the crime scene connected to Mattocks. After Mattocks was arrested and detained pending trial, he became aware of potential witnesses in his case that had provided information to law enforcement about the shooting and the defendant’s prior drug dealing. Mattocks approached a known violent gang member, while both were incarcerated, and asked this individual to find others who could get rid of these witnesses by killing them or otherwise making sure they would not appear in court. Mattocks offered to pay this gang member or provide the gang member with a large quantity of drugs for this service. Mattocks provided a note to the gang member with the names and information about the potential witnesses, one of which did testify at the July 2022 trial. Further investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF); Gloucester County Sherriff’s Office; and other local law enforcement partners revealed Mattocks’ long history of dealing heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, among other dangerous controlled substances within the Middle Peninsula region. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael T. Weddel, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Washington Field Division; and Darrell W. Warren, Jr., Gloucester County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Samuels and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Kaplan prosecuted the case. Former Assistant United States Attorney Howard Zlotnick also provided assistance on this case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:21-cr-6.


title: St. Louis County Man Admits Possession of Tens of Thousands of Child Pornography Videos, Pictures

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri pleaded guilty Wednesday to a federal charge and admitted possessing more than 63,000 images and videos containing child pornography. Christopher D. Cotton, 32, admitted uploading files containing child pornography to Dropbox, which triggered a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and an investigation. On July 13, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a court-approved search warrant at Cotton’s home in St. Louis County near Florissant. Cotton admitted both viewing and collecting child pornography. He also told officers that he'd received child pornography from “maybe fifteen or more” minors with whom he had contact via social media, the youngest of which Cotton said was 13 years old. Investigators would later find a total of at least 16,677 images and 46,414 videos of child pornography stored online and on Cotton’s electronic devices, including a laptop and three cell phones. Cotton pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Wednesday to one count of receiving child pornography. The charge carries a potential penalty of from five years to 20 years in prison. Cotton could also be fined up to $250,000. The case was investigated by the Maryland Heights Police Department, the St. Louis County Special Investigations Unit and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Fugitive financial advisor indicted for $10 million investment fraud scheme

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Former Berkely Lake financial adviser Christopher Burns has been indicted for his role in an investment fraud scheme that defrauded dozens of investors of millions of dollars. “Burns obtained then violated the trust of his clients to fund his lavish lifestyle,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “He betrayed investors and stole their savings with promises of safe investments that would yield high rates of return. Individuals who brazenly cheat their clients should expect to be held accountable. The authorities are continuing to search for Burns, and anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact the FBI.” “Burns is charged for allegedly stealing millions of dollars from clients in an illegal investment fraud scheme. Financial crimes of this nature can cause significant disruptions to the lives of those who are victimized, and the FBI is dedicated to holding these criminals accountable,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is still seeking the public’s help in locating Burns and will continue to pursue him no matter how long he tries to evade the law.” “Ponzi schemes, such as the one Burns carried out, inflict emotional and financial damage on its victims,” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation and our federal law enforcement partners are committed to removing unscrupulous financial advisors from our financial system and ensuring they are brought to justice.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the indictment, and other information presented in court: Burns, an Atlanta financial adviser, conducted business through several entities, including Investus Advisers, LLC, Investus Financial, LLC, Dynamic Money, and Peer Connect, LLC. Investors were promised that their money would be loaned to businesses that needed financing and with little to no risk. In some cases, Burns falsely described the investments as secured by the protection of collateral and personal guarantees. In other cases, he falsely claimed that he would pool investors’ money to lend it to startup businesses and charities. But in reality, he used investors’ money to repay prior investors and to fund his business and his lavish lifestyle. Burns is alleged to have defrauded dozens of victims of at least $10 million. On April 11, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Christopher Burns, age 40, of Berkeley Lake, Georgia, with 10 counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and four counts of money laundering. Burns was previously charged in a criminal complaint on October 23, 2020, with one count of mail fraud. Burns has not been seen since he left his home on September 24, 2020, one day before he was scheduled to relinquish documents related to his businesses to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The vehicle he was driving was found abandoned in Dunwoody, Georgia. Inside the vehicle were copies of three cashier’s checks totaling more than $78,000. If you have any information about Burns’s location or if you think you were defrauded, please contact the FBI-Atlanta field office at 770-216-3000 or go to tips.fbi.gov Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison B. Prout is prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK IS APRIL 23-29, 2023

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Thomas, VI – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 23-29, 2023, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice, recognizes crime victims, law enforcement agencies, community organizations and faith-based institutions that are dedicated to serving and assisting victims of crime. “Acknowledging the rights of crime victims and supporting them with services are essential parts of the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We work with our law enforcement and community partners to pursue justice, collect restitution, and identify resources needed to compensate those who suffer the consequences of crime.” United States Attorney Smith said. Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Department of Justice organizes events to honor crime victims and advocates, as well as to bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s theme is, “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.” Partner organizations are committed to engaging with victims of crime; learning from their lived experiences; amplifying their voices; and fostering an environment where they are heard, believed, and supported. The U.S Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and right of victims of crime. Here, in the District of the Virgin Islands, we have a dedicated Victim Witness Coordinator who supports federal crime victims by providing notification of significant case events through the DOJ Victim Notification System (VNS). Through VNS, victims learn of upcoming court proceedings and the outcome of those proceedings. Victims can also use the VNS to participate in court proceedings and to make their voices heard. In fact, in 2022, the District’s Victim Witness Coordinator Antoinette James-Alleyne provided several thousand notices to crime victims and provided victims with essential services, including referrals to counseling, securing temporary housing, assisting with access to victim’s compensation funds, and accompanying victims to court proceedings to provide support and guidance. These services provide victims with tools to reshape their futures. The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across the United States, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov . More information about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/ . You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Program at usama.victimservices@usdoj.gov .


title: Lake Forest Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Buyers of Medical-Grade Gloves Out of $3.2 Million During COVID-19 Pandemic Shortage

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – An Orange County man pleaded guilty today to defrauding companies who in mid-2020 paid for COVID-related medical protective equipment that was never delivered, causing more than $3 million in losses. Christopher John Badsey, 62, of Lake Forest, pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud. According to his plea agreement, in June and July of 2020, Badsey lied to three victim companies when he told them he had access to millions of boxes of nitrile gloves through his Irvine-based company, First Defense International Security Services Corp. (FDI). This type of personal protective equipment was in high demand and short supply during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Badsey agreed by contract to sell millions of boxes of gloves to each of the three companies. But Badsey told the companies’ representatives that before they could inspect the gloves, which he claimed were stored in a warehouse in Los Angeles, the companies would be required to pay deposits of upwards of $1 million to FDI. In fact, Badsey did not have any gloves stored in any warehouse. Badsey instructed the companies to wire the deposits to accounts controlled by himself, FDI or a co-schemer. Relying on Badsey’s false statements, the companies wired a total of $3,231,990 to these accounts. As part of his plea agreement, Badsey has agreed to forfeit all title and interest in money or items derived from his crimes, including a yacht, a pontoon boat, two Mercedes-Benz automobiles, two Ford pickup trucks, an RV, a tractor, three ATVs, miscellaneous fishing equipment, and $58,923 in cash. United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton scheduled a September 15 sentencing hearing, at which time Badsey will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count. The FBI investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Melissa S. Rabbani and Kristin N. Spencer of the Santa Ana Branch Office are prosecuting this case.


title: Clairton Man Indicted on Child Exploitation Charges

body_text: PITTSBURGH - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and Distribution and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The six-count Indictment, returned on April 11, named Jeffrey A. McLaughlin, Jr., 41, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment presented to the Court, McLaughlin, on Sept. 9, 2020, distributed a video in a computer graphics and digital file, depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor to another individual located in the Philippines. The Indictment also alleges that McLaughlin coerced and attempted to coerce at least two minors to engage in sexual activity for which a person can be charged with a criminal offense during the periods of Aug. 5, 2021 to 17, 2021, Oct. 30, 2021 to Nov. 22, 2021, and May 6, 2022, to June 1, 2022. The Indictment further alleges that McLaughlin produced and attempted to produce from Oct. 30, 2021 to Nov. 22, 2021, videos and still images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. Lastly, McLaughlin is charged with possessing, on July 28, 2022, videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom had not attained the age of 12 years. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Pittsburgh and Buffalo, New York, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 . An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Corporations That Operate Senior Living Communities Ordered To Pay $215,000 In Fair Housing Act Case

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Asbury Communities, Inc. and Albright Care Services, which operate eight continuing care retirement communities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Tennessee, have agreed to pay $215,000 to resolve a Fair Housing Act lawsuit brought by the Department of Justice. According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the complaint alleges that the defendants discriminated against a resident of Asbury RiverWoods in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania and her son by not approving the resident’s request that her adult son be allowed to stay in her independent living apartment as her live-in aide during the COVID pandemic to assist her with activities of daily living. Because of her disability, the resident, now deceased, required a live-in aide to assist her with non-medical activities such as obtaining groceries, cooking, cleaning, and taking her physician-prescribed medications. During the weekend of March 15, 2020, management for defendants told the resident and her son that the son would not be able to continue to stay with his mother because the senior living community, including the independent living apartments, were going into lockdown. Despite threats to evict his mother from the apartment and calls for him to vacate the property, the son of the resident stayed in the apartment and cared for his mother during the pandemic until they both moved out of the apartment in July 2022. “No housing provider, especially those housing our senior citizens, can discriminate against residents because of their disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam. “Those who operate senior living communities must recognize that their residents have the right to reasonable accommodations, which allow them to continue to live independently. This Office maintains its commitment to ensure those with disabilities are not discriminated against by housing providers, public accommodations, or local governments.” The consent order resolving the lawsuit was approved by the United States District Court for Middle District of Pennsylvania today. This case arose as a result of a complaint filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by the resident and her son. After HUD investigated the complaint, it issued a charge of discrimination and referred it to the Department of Justice. "Denying a tenant residing in a retirement community a reasonable accommodation during the Covid-19 pandemic is particularly egregious," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria L. McCain of HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "HUD's investigation, charge of discrimination and subsequent referral to the United States Attorney's Office demonstrates HUD's commitment to work with trusted partners to vigorously enforce fair housing laws." Under the consent order, the defendants will pay $215,000 to the estate of the resident and her son. The consent order also requires defendants to take actions to prevent future unlawful discrimination at all eight of its properties, including complying with the Fair Housing Act, undergoing training on the Fair Housing Act, implementing a new reasonable accommodation policy, and complying with reporting requirements. This investigation was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler, the civil rights coordinator, with assistance from Elizabeth Singer, Director of the United States Attorney’s Fair Housing Program in the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt . Individuals may report housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department at 1-833-591-0291, emailing fairhousing@usdoj.gov , or submitting a report online . Individuals also may report discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing a complaint online . Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights Coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing usapam.civil.rights@usdoj.gov . # # #


title: Former Emergency Department Nurse Sentenced to 3 Years After Stealing Pain Medication and Injecting Patients with Saline

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Jennifer L. Adams, 38, of Whitestown, has been sentenced to 3 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to tampering with consumer products. According to court documents, from October 1, 2018, to February 18, 2020, Jennifer Adams repeatedly tampered with vials of injectable pain medications, including fentanyl, morphine, hydromorphone, and ketamine, while employed as a registered nurse in the emergency department at Franciscan Health in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Using an automated medication dispensing machine, Adams gained access to the medications without authorization and used them herself. To conceal her scheme, she refilled the vials of medicine with saline solution and super glued the lids back on. Adams used the saline solution on thirty to forty unknowing patients who had been admitted to the emergency department and were in need of pain relief. The investigation found that Adams tampered with between two and seven vials of medicine during each shift that she worked. “Emergency room patients depend on healthcare providers to give them the medicines they need. This defendant abused her position of trust to steal powerful prescription pain medications and give patients saline instead,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Substance use disorders are serious diseases impacting everyone, including nurses, and medically approved treatment is critical to saving lives and careers. That’s why my office worked with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to secure a settlement agreement to ensure that Hoosier nurses can have access to medication assisted treatment while participating in the Indiana State Nursing Assistance Program. I encourage all providers struggling with substance abuse to seek help, because stealing medications from patients is a serious crime that carries serious consequences.” “Health care professionals who take needed medications from patients not only harm patients but also put at risk the trust that U.S. consumers have in those who provide their medical care,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice health care professionals who tamper with patients’ medications.” “Most health care workers are heroes and work very hard to save lives, but when one person decides to abuse this power, patients suffer tremendously,” Attorney General Rokita said. “This is unacceptable. We should be able to trust our doctors and nurses and not have to worry about tampered medication. I applaud the work of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for seeking justice for Hoosiers.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations and the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Adams be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following her release from federal prison and pay a $1,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: New Haven Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NELSON SANTINI, 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl. Judge Shea ordered that Santini must serve the first six months of his supervised release in home confinement. According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement identified Santini as a heroin and fentanyl trafficker in the New Haven. On August 13, 2021, members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force made a controlled purchase of approximately 50 grams of fentanyl from Santini. Santini was arrested on state charges on December 10, 2021. On that date, a search of a car he had been driving revealed 93 individual dose bags of heroin, more than 100 bags of cocaine, and a loaded 9mm handgun. Santini has been detained since his federal arrest on April 6, 2022. On December 22, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of 40 grams or more fentanyl. This investigation was conducted by the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Robert S. Ruff.