Florida Man Sentenced To 405 Months’ Imprisonment For Sex Trafficking - Page 5277

Department of Justice Press Releases

Florida Man Sentenced To 405 Months’ Imprisonment For Sex Trafficking

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on October 14, 2022, John Golom, age 57, of Florida, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced to 33 years and 9 months in prison for his involvement in a sex trafficking conspiracy.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Golom had previously pleaded guilty to trafficking two women as prostitutes through force, threat, and coercion from 2014 through 2018. Golom recruited women to engage in commercial sex acts, advertised them on websites to attract customers and transported them between Florida and Pennsylvania to conduct his prostitution business. Golom kept all proceeds of the business and used physical violence, threats, and false promises to keep the women working. At sentencing, the Court found that Golom had preyed upon his victims despite knowing that at least one of them was particularly vulnerable because of severe mental illnesses and homelessness. The Court further found that Golom had attempted to obstruct justice by making false statements to the FBI and trying to tamper with his victims’ testimony.

“The United States Attorney’s Office is grateful to the victims in this case for making the truth known,” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “The women who bravely came forward to hold this trafficker accountable made this successful prosecution possible. They are survivors, who, despite the horrific trauma they suffered at Golom’s hands for years, made it possible for justice to be done here. I am sure that they have spared other potential victims from the same horrors.”

In accordance with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the Court ordered Golom to pay over $300,000 in restitution. After serving his sentence of incarceration, Golom will be subject to a ten-year term of supervised release and must comply with sex offender registration requirements as applicable under federal, state, or local law.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Monroe County Detectives Office, Stroud Regional Police Department, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.

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October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Florida Man Sentenced To 405 Months’ Imprisonment For Sex Trafficking

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on October 14, 2022, John Golom, age 57, of Florida, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced to 33 years and 9 months in prison for his involvement in a sex trafficking conspiracy.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Golom had previously pleaded guilty to trafficking two women as prostitutes through force, threat, and coercion from 2014 through 2018. Golom recruited women to engage in commercial sex acts, advertised them on websites to attract customers and transported them between Florida and Pennsylvania to conduct his prostitution business. Golom kept all proceeds of the business and used physical violence, threats, and false promises to keep the women working. At sentencing, the Court found that Golom had preyed upon his victims despite knowing that at least one of them was particularly vulnerable because of severe mental illnesses and homelessness. The Court further found that Golom had attempted to obstruct justice by making false statements to the FBI and trying to tamper with his victims’ testimony.

“The United States Attorney’s Office is grateful to the victims in this case for making the truth known,” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “The women who bravely came forward to hold this trafficker accountable made this successful prosecution possible. They are survivors, who, despite the horrific trauma they suffered at Golom’s hands for years, made it possible for justice to be done here. I am sure that they have spared other potential victims from the same horrors.”

In accordance with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the Court ordered Golom to pay over $300,000 in restitution. After serving his sentence of incarceration, Golom will be subject to a ten-year term of supervised release and must comply with sex offender registration requirements as applicable under federal, state, or local law.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Monroe County Detectives Office, Stroud Regional Police Department, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.

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October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Louisiana Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

CLEVELAND – Jamika Raymond, 38, of Slidell, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to one count of making and subscribing a false tax return.

According to court documents, Raymond was a tax preparer and operated a tax preparation business where she prepared tax returns on behalf of others. Court documents state that in February 2016, Raymond knowingly underreported business income earned for the calendar year 2015 on her tax return. Court documents also state that Raymond’s actual income was substantially more than what was reported on her induvial tax return.

Raymond is scheduled to be sentenced on February 7, 2023 and faces a maximum possible sentence of three years in prison.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigations (CI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Robert J. Patton.

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October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Louisiana Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

CLEVELAND – Jamika Raymond, 38, of Slidell, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to one count of making and subscribing a false tax return.

According to court documents, Raymond was a tax preparer and operated a tax preparation business where she prepared tax returns on behalf of others. Court documents state that in February 2016, Raymond knowingly underreported business income earned for the calendar year 2015 on her tax return. Court documents also state that Raymond’s actual income was substantially more than what was reported on her induvial tax return.

Raymond is scheduled to be sentenced on February 7, 2023 and faces a maximum possible sentence of three years in prison.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigations (CI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Robert J. Patton.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Central Pennsylvania Man Charged With Hobbs Act Robbery And Brandishing A Firearm During A Crime Of Violence

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kyle Jaden Morales, age 20, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 12, 2022, by a federal grand jury on charges of robbery of a business engaged in interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), brandishing and use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and related firearm offenses.

According to United States Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on March 10, 2022, Kyle Jaden Morales entered a Sheetz convenience store in Dauphin County, approached the cashier, brandished a 9mm black handgun with gold barrel and fluted slide, instructed the cashier to open the cash drawers, and took the cash by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury. The indictment further alleges that on March 22, 2022, the defendant possessed two loaded firearms – the un-serialized 9mm pistol used during the March 10, 2022, robbery, along with a 9mm Taurus G2c pistol.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and the East Pennsboro Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel S. Dalke is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the charged offense is up to life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Central Pennsylvania Man Charged With Hobbs Act Robbery And Brandishing A Firearm During A Crime Of Violence

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kyle Jaden Morales, age 20, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 12, 2022, by a federal grand jury on charges of robbery of a business engaged in interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), brandishing and use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and related firearm offenses.

According to United States Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on March 10, 2022, Kyle Jaden Morales entered a Sheetz convenience store in Dauphin County, approached the cashier, brandished a 9mm black handgun with gold barrel and fluted slide, instructed the cashier to open the cash drawers, and took the cash by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury. The indictment further alleges that on March 22, 2022, the defendant possessed two loaded firearms – the un-serialized 9mm pistol used during the March 10, 2022, robbery, along with a 9mm Taurus G2c pistol.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and the East Pennsboro Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel S. Dalke is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the charged offense is up to life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Vallejo Man Sentenced to 30 years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Children

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tariq Arrhamann Majid, 44, of Vallejo, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for two counts of sexual exploitation of children, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Majid was arrested in late 2018, following an investigation involving online sharing of child [censored]ography. Investigators discovered images and videos of Majid sexually abusing two minors, one of whom was 9 years old at the time of the offense. Investigators eventually identified the two child victims depicted in the videos, and Majid admitted that he was the abuser depicted in the videos. During the investigation, it was discovered that Majid had contact with many other minors, many of whom came from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds. Majid sought out opportunities to work with children, both in formal and informal settings, and he would purport to be their mentor while grooming them for sexual abuse. Several additional victims of Majid’s abuse have come forward since the investigation began, and Majid has been charged in Solano County Superior Court with his crimes against these victims. That case is pending.

“The lengthy sentence imposed today reflects the abhorrent crimes that this defendant committed against multiple children,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “My office will continue to work in partnership with state, federal, and local law enforcement to pursue predators such as this defendant and ensure the safety of our community’s most vulnerable members.”

This case was the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol Computer Crimes Investigation Unit, the Golden Gate Special Investigations Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Vallejo Man Sentenced to 30 years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Children

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tariq Arrhamann Majid, 44, of Vallejo, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for two counts of sexual exploitation of children, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Majid was arrested in late 2018, following an investigation involving online sharing of child [censored]ography. Investigators discovered images and videos of Majid sexually abusing two minors, one of whom was 9 years old at the time of the offense. Investigators eventually identified the two child victims depicted in the videos, and Majid admitted that he was the abuser depicted in the videos. During the investigation, it was discovered that Majid had contact with many other minors, many of whom came from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds. Majid sought out opportunities to work with children, both in formal and informal settings, and he would purport to be their mentor while grooming them for sexual abuse. Several additional victims of Majid’s abuse have come forward since the investigation began, and Majid has been charged in Solano County Superior Court with his crimes against these victims. That case is pending.

“The lengthy sentence imposed today reflects the abhorrent crimes that this defendant committed against multiple children,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “My office will continue to work in partnership with state, federal, and local law enforcement to pursue predators such as this defendant and ensure the safety of our community’s most vulnerable members.”

This case was the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol Computer Crimes Investigation Unit, the Golden Gate Special Investigations Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Burlington County, NJ, Bookkeeper Charged With Stealing From Former Employer

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Bonnie Sweeten, 51, recently of Delanco, NJ, was charged by Information with two counts of wire fraud related to her scheme to steal from her former employer by forging checks and making fraudulent purchases with the company credit card.

According to the Information, in September 2017, the defendant was hired as a bookkeeper for a Doylestown-based excavating company because the president of the company had known her for many years. As the bookkeeper, Sweeten had access to company bank accounts, company checkbooks, the company mail, and other sensitive personal information belonging to the president and to the company. The defendant allegedly abused the trust of the president of the company by using her position to steal company funds: using her access to the company’s checking account to issue dozens of company checks to herself; using her access to the company mail to steal checks that had been mailed to the company, which she then fraudulently endorsed over to herself; and using her access to the company credit card to make tens of thousands of dollars of personal purchases.

“As an employee of the company, Bonnie Sweeten was well aware of her obligation to act in the best interest of the company, but instead she allegedly chose to take advantage of the opportunity offered to her to work as a bookkeeper for this company,” said U.S. Attorney Romero.

“Bonnie Sweeten’s alleged actions are the epitome of biting the hand that feeds you,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Defrauding one’s employer is both a bad career move and a federal crime, for which violators must be held accountable.”

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Mannion.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Burlington County, NJ, Bookkeeper Charged With Stealing From Former Employer

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Bonnie Sweeten, 51, recently of Delanco, NJ, was charged by Information with two counts of wire fraud related to her scheme to steal from her former employer by forging checks and making fraudulent purchases with the company credit card.

According to the Information, in September 2017, the defendant was hired as a bookkeeper for a Doylestown-based excavating company because the president of the company had known her for many years. As the bookkeeper, Sweeten had access to company bank accounts, company checkbooks, the company mail, and other sensitive personal information belonging to the president and to the company. The defendant allegedly abused the trust of the president of the company by using her position to steal company funds: using her access to the company’s checking account to issue dozens of company checks to herself; using her access to the company mail to steal checks that had been mailed to the company, which she then fraudulently endorsed over to herself; and using her access to the company credit card to make tens of thousands of dollars of personal purchases.

“As an employee of the company, Bonnie Sweeten was well aware of her obligation to act in the best interest of the company, but instead she allegedly chose to take advantage of the opportunity offered to her to work as a bookkeeper for this company,” said U.S. Attorney Romero.

“Bonnie Sweeten’s alleged actions are the epitome of biting the hand that feeds you,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Defrauding one’s employer is both a bad career move and a federal crime, for which violators must be held accountable.”

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Mannion.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Court Security Officer

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Adam Fuller, 36, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to assault on a federal employee or officer, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Aug. 27, 2019, Fuller approached a Federal Court Security Officer outside the federal courthouse in Sacramento and punched him in the face. The punch knocked the officer to the ground and split open his forehead, requiring five stitches.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Protective Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron L. Desmond is prosecuting the case.

Fuller is set to be sentenced on Jan. 9, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. Fuller faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Court Security Officer

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Adam Fuller, 36, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to assault on a federal employee or officer, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Aug. 27, 2019, Fuller approached a Federal Court Security Officer outside the federal courthouse in Sacramento and punched him in the face. The punch knocked the officer to the ground and split open his forehead, requiring five stitches.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Protective Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron L. Desmond is prosecuting the case.

Fuller is set to be sentenced on Jan. 9, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. Fuller faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Maryland man sentenced for role in drug trafficking and firearms conspiracy

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marcus Purnell, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, was sentenced today to 15 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Purnell, also known as “Mo,” 35, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Purnell admitted to using a phone to help distribute Eutylone, also known as “Boot,” in November 2020 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Harpers Ferry Police Department; and the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. investigated. The EPDTF consists of the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.

U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Maryland man sentenced for role in drug trafficking and firearms conspiracy

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marcus Purnell, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, was sentenced today to 15 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Purnell, also known as “Mo,” 35, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Purnell admitted to using a phone to help distribute Eutylone, also known as “Boot,” in November 2020 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Harpers Ferry Police Department; and the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. investigated. The EPDTF consists of the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.

U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Montgomery Tax Preparer Sentenced to 16 Months in Prison for Filing False Return

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey announced that a Montgomery tax preparer was sentenced for aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return. On Friday, October 14, 2022, Lashunda Deann Crittenden, 43, received a 16-month sentence to be followed by one year of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. In addition to her prison sentence, Crittenden was also ordered to pay a fine of $20,000.00 and $11.993.00 in restitution to the IRS.

According to her plea agreement and other court records, Crittenden operated a tax preparation service located on South Court Street in Montgomery. At her business, Crittenden prepared federal income tax returns for customers. During her plea hearing in September of 2021, Crittenden admitted that on February 26, 2018, she prepared and electronically transmitted a tax return that claimed a client incurred $8,726.00 in qualified solar electric property costs, $6,358.00 in medical and dental expenses, and $8,364.00 in gifts to charity, despite knowing that the client was not entitled to claim these items for calendar year 2017. The IRS subsequently paid a larger refund to the taxpayer based on these misrepresentations and Crittenden profited from the falsely inflated amount.

U.S. Attorney Stewart applauds the IRS for its efforts to identify tax fraud like this and to hold offenders accountable. U.S. Attorney Stewart also encourages all taxpayers to review their returns and to confirm that they recognize the items to be reported to the IRS. If a tax preparer refuses to let a customer examine his or her tax return before the return is filed, or if a customer reviews a tax return and sees a deduction or an expense that the customer does not recognize, the customer should ask for clarification or seek a second opinion from a different return preparer. For additional guidance, see the IRS fact sheet on its website at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-news/fs-08-10.pdf.

“Return preparer fraud is like a contagious disease; it affects not only the preparer, but the individuals who have filed false information with the Internal Revenue Service.” said Special Agent in Charge Dorsey with the Atlanta Field Office. “It is our hope that this sentence sends the strong message that tampering with the integrity of our nation’s tax system will result in jail time.”

This case was investigated by the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan A. Kirkpatrick and Russell T. Duraski prosecuted the case.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Montgomery Tax Preparer Sentenced to 16 Months in Prison for Filing False Return

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey announced that a Montgomery tax preparer was sentenced for aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return. On Friday, October 14, 2022, Lashunda Deann Crittenden, 43, received a 16-month sentence to be followed by one year of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. In addition to her prison sentence, Crittenden was also ordered to pay a fine of $20,000.00 and $11.993.00 in restitution to the IRS.

According to her plea agreement and other court records, Crittenden operated a tax preparation service located on South Court Street in Montgomery. At her business, Crittenden prepared federal income tax returns for customers. During her plea hearing in September of 2021, Crittenden admitted that on February 26, 2018, she prepared and electronically transmitted a tax return that claimed a client incurred $8,726.00 in qualified solar electric property costs, $6,358.00 in medical and dental expenses, and $8,364.00 in gifts to charity, despite knowing that the client was not entitled to claim these items for calendar year 2017. The IRS subsequently paid a larger refund to the taxpayer based on these misrepresentations and Crittenden profited from the falsely inflated amount.

U.S. Attorney Stewart applauds the IRS for its efforts to identify tax fraud like this and to hold offenders accountable. U.S. Attorney Stewart also encourages all taxpayers to review their returns and to confirm that they recognize the items to be reported to the IRS. If a tax preparer refuses to let a customer examine his or her tax return before the return is filed, or if a customer reviews a tax return and sees a deduction or an expense that the customer does not recognize, the customer should ask for clarification or seek a second opinion from a different return preparer. For additional guidance, see the IRS fact sheet on its website at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-news/fs-08-10.pdf.

“Return preparer fraud is like a contagious disease; it affects not only the preparer, but the individuals who have filed false information with the Internal Revenue Service.” said Special Agent in Charge Dorsey with the Atlanta Field Office. “It is our hope that this sentence sends the strong message that tampering with the integrity of our nation’s tax system will result in jail time.”

This case was investigated by the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan A. Kirkpatrick and Russell T. Duraski prosecuted the case.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Burlington Man Charged with Firearm and Drug Offenses

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated Leon Delima, 34, of South Burlington, Vermont appeared in United States District Court today on charges related to his possession of a firearm and controlled substances. According to documents filed in the case, Delima, a multi-time felon, possessed over 30 grams of cocaine and discharged a firearm in Burlington on July 2, 2022. Following a brief appearance today, Delima was detained pending further proceedings in the case.

If convicted of the charges, Delima would face maximum sentences of up to 15 years for knowing possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense and up to 20 years for possessing cocaine with an intent to distribute it. Any actual sentence would be determined in consultation with the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The indictment is an accusation only, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The United States Attorney’s Office credited the Burlington Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Chittenden County Gun Violence Task Force for their work in investigating the case and arresting Delima.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles represents the United States. Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls represented Delima at the arraignment.

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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Burlington Man Charged with Firearm and Drug Offenses

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated Leon Delima, 34, of South Burlington, Vermont appeared in United States District Court today on charges related to his possession of a firearm and controlled substances. According to documents filed in the case, Delima, a multi-time felon, possessed over 30 grams of cocaine and discharged a firearm in Burlington on July 2, 2022. Following a brief appearance today, Delima was detained pending further proceedings in the case.

If convicted of the charges, Delima would face maximum sentences of up to 15 years for knowing possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense and up to 20 years for possessing cocaine with an intent to distribute it. Any actual sentence would be determined in consultation with the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The indictment is an accusation only, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The United States Attorney’s Office credited the Burlington Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Chittenden County Gun Violence Task Force for their work in investigating the case and arresting Delima.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles represents the United States. Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls represented Delima at the arraignment.

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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Father-And-Son Owners Of Orange County Car Dealership Sentenced For Fraud

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SAAED MOSLEM and his father MEHDI MOSLEM were sentenced today to 96 months in prison and 40 months in prison, respectively, for defrauding their lenders and the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). The defendants were previously found guilty of multiple offenses following a two-and-a-half-week jury trial in June 2021. U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel imposed the sentence in White Plains federal court.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This father and son duo spent nearly a decade lying about their finances to get millions of dollars in fraudulent loans while hiding their income from the IRS and, in Saaed Moslem’s case, evading his creditors through a fraudulent bankruptcy filing. Today’s sentences send a strong message that perpetrators of fraud will be held accountable and brought to justice for their actions.”

According to statements in the Indictment, evidence presented at trial and sentencing, other public filings, and statements in court:

From 2009 through 2018, MEHDI MOSLEM and SAAED MOSLEM conspired to defraud the United States by concealing profits relating to their car dealership, Exclusive Motor Sports, and other businesses from the IRS. To falsely lower their business income, MEHDI MOSLEM and SAAED MOSLEM, among other things, caused their accountant to prepare partnership tax returns that significantly understated Exclusive Motor Sports’ inventory. The fraudulent business income figures passed through to MEHDI MOSLEM’s and SAAED MOSLEM’s personal tax returns, contributing to a nearly $1 million underpayment in federal and state taxes.

From 2011 through 2019, MEHDI MOSLEM and SAAED MOSLEM also conspired to commit bank fraud by providing falsely inflated net worth statements and fabricated tax returns in connection with loan applications, including for a $1.5 million mortgage on the Exclusive Motor Sports property in Central Valley. SAAED MOSLEM then made numerous false statements to conceal his assets from financial institutions and other creditors when he filed for bankruptcy in 2015. As a result, more than half a million dollars of unsecured debt was fraudulently discharged in the proceedings. In 2019, SAAED MOSLEM committed aggravated identity theft by using a customer’s personal identifying information in connection with a fraudulent car loan application.

* * *

In addition to their prison terms, MEHDI MOSLEM, 73, and SAAED MOSLEM, 39, both of Central Valley, New York, were sentenced to three years of supervised release. MEHDI MOSLEM was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,040,685.58 and a $100,000 fine. SAAED MOSLEM was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $1,927,303.25 and a $200,000 fine.

Ms. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI and IRS-CI.

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley, Daniel Loss, and James McMahon are in charge of the prosecution.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Father-And-Son Owners Of Orange County Car Dealership Sentenced For Fraud

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SAAED MOSLEM and his father MEHDI MOSLEM were sentenced today to 96 months in prison and 40 months in prison, respectively, for defrauding their lenders and the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). The defendants were previously found guilty of multiple offenses following a two-and-a-half-week jury trial in June 2021. U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel imposed the sentence in White Plains federal court.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This father and son duo spent nearly a decade lying about their finances to get millions of dollars in fraudulent loans while hiding their income from the IRS and, in Saaed Moslem’s case, evading his creditors through a fraudulent bankruptcy filing. Today’s sentences send a strong message that perpetrators of fraud will be held accountable and brought to justice for their actions.”

According to statements in the Indictment, evidence presented at trial and sentencing, other public filings, and statements in court:

From 2009 through 2018, MEHDI MOSLEM and SAAED MOSLEM conspired to defraud the United States by concealing profits relating to their car dealership, Exclusive Motor Sports, and other businesses from the IRS. To falsely lower their business income, MEHDI MOSLEM and SAAED MOSLEM, among other things, caused their accountant to prepare partnership tax returns that significantly understated Exclusive Motor Sports’ inventory. The fraudulent business income figures passed through to MEHDI MOSLEM’s and SAAED MOSLEM’s personal tax returns, contributing to a nearly $1 million underpayment in federal and state taxes.

From 2011 through 2019, MEHDI MOSLEM and SAAED MOSLEM also conspired to commit bank fraud by providing falsely inflated net worth statements and fabricated tax returns in connection with loan applications, including for a $1.5 million mortgage on the Exclusive Motor Sports property in Central Valley. SAAED MOSLEM then made numerous false statements to conceal his assets from financial institutions and other creditors when he filed for bankruptcy in 2015. As a result, more than half a million dollars of unsecured debt was fraudulently discharged in the proceedings. In 2019, SAAED MOSLEM committed aggravated identity theft by using a customer’s personal identifying information in connection with a fraudulent car loan application.

* * *

In addition to their prison terms, MEHDI MOSLEM, 73, and SAAED MOSLEM, 39, both of Central Valley, New York, were sentenced to three years of supervised release. MEHDI MOSLEM was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,040,685.58 and a $100,000 fine. SAAED MOSLEM was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $1,927,303.25 and a $200,000 fine.

Ms. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI and IRS-CI.

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley, Daniel Loss, and James McMahon are in charge of the prosecution.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Seven Arrested in Human Smuggling Event Near Morses Line

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that seven persons were arrested near Morses Line on October 12, 2022 in connection with what is believed to be an attempt to smuggle individuals without legal status into the United States. Manuel Molina-Romero, 29, a Honduran national who has been living in Texas since 2019 while awaiting an immigration hearing, and Estefany Arreaga-Herrera, 23, a Guatemalan national who has been living in Texas since 2016 while also awaiting an immigration hearing, appeared today in United States District Court in Burlington on a charge that they transported individuals without legal status within the United States. Two of the five individuals being transported, Carlos Aguiar-Ovando, 23, a Mexican national, and Anvar Ataev, 36, a native of Uzbekistan, both of whom have no legal status in the United States, also appeared in court today on a charge that they unlawfully entered the country. United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered that all four defendants be detained pending further court proceedings. The other three individuals arrested on October 12, all without legal status in the United States, were taken into immigration custody for expedited removal from the United States.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the criminal complaints are merely accusations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty. The transportation charge is punishable by up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The unlawful entry charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months of imprisonment. The actual sentences on the felony charges would be determined with reference to United States Sentencing Guidelines.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest credited the agents of the United States Border Patrol for their continued efforts to prevent the exploitation of foreign nationals by human smuggling organizations.

Molina-Romero is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. Arreaga-Herrera is represented by Devin McLaughlin, Esq. Aguiar-Ovando is represented by Bob Behrens, Esq., and Ataev is represented by William Kraham, Esq. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Seven Arrested in Human Smuggling Event Near Morses Line

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that seven persons were arrested near Morses Line on October 12, 2022 in connection with what is believed to be an attempt to smuggle individuals without legal status into the United States. Manuel Molina-Romero, 29, a Honduran national who has been living in Texas since 2019 while awaiting an immigration hearing, and Estefany Arreaga-Herrera, 23, a Guatemalan national who has been living in Texas since 2016 while also awaiting an immigration hearing, appeared today in United States District Court in Burlington on a charge that they transported individuals without legal status within the United States. Two of the five individuals being transported, Carlos Aguiar-Ovando, 23, a Mexican national, and Anvar Ataev, 36, a native of Uzbekistan, both of whom have no legal status in the United States, also appeared in court today on a charge that they unlawfully entered the country. United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered that all four defendants be detained pending further court proceedings. The other three individuals arrested on October 12, all without legal status in the United States, were taken into immigration custody for expedited removal from the United States.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the criminal complaints are merely accusations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty. The transportation charge is punishable by up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The unlawful entry charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months of imprisonment. The actual sentences on the felony charges would be determined with reference to United States Sentencing Guidelines.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest credited the agents of the United States Border Patrol for their continued efforts to prevent the exploitation of foreign nationals by human smuggling organizations.

Molina-Romero is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. Arreaga-Herrera is represented by Devin McLaughlin, Esq. Aguiar-Ovando is represented by Bob Behrens, Esq., and Ataev is represented by William Kraham, Esq. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Avon Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offense

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL FERRO, 36, formerly of Avon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 108months of imprisonment, followed by nine years of supervised release, for a child exploitation offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 18, 2021, Ferro, using the Kik social media application, began chatting in a Kik group with an FBI Online Covert Employee (“OCE”) who was posing as a father of a 12-year-old girl. After Ferro determined that the OCE was engaging in sexual activity with his “daughter,” he sent the OCE a photo depicting the genitals of a child. Ferro then stated that he had more pictures to share, and expressed an interest in meeting the OCE’s daughter to engage in sexual activity. After confirming Ferro’s identity, investigators traveled to Ferro’s Avon residence late in the evening of August 18, informed him of the investigation, and seized his cell phone.

Ferro was arrested on a criminal complaint on September 29, 2021. On March 1, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child [censored]ography. He is currently detained.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Avon Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Avon Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offense

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL FERRO, 36, formerly of Avon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 108months of imprisonment, followed by nine years of supervised release, for a child exploitation offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 18, 2021, Ferro, using the Kik social media application, began chatting in a Kik group with an FBI Online Covert Employee (“OCE”) who was posing as a father of a 12-year-old girl. After Ferro determined that the OCE was engaging in sexual activity with his “daughter,” he sent the OCE a photo depicting the genitals of a child. Ferro then stated that he had more pictures to share, and expressed an interest in meeting the OCE’s daughter to engage in sexual activity. After confirming Ferro’s identity, investigators traveled to Ferro’s Avon residence late in the evening of August 18, informed him of the investigation, and seized his cell phone.

Ferro was arrested on a criminal complaint on September 29, 2021. On March 1, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child [censored]ography. He is currently detained.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Avon Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

October 17, 2022 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Man from Mescalero sentenced to two years in prison for domestic violence

by DOJ Press October 17, 2022

By: DOJ Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Lance Marion Cojo was sentenced on Oct. 11 to two years in prison. Cojo, 36, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, pleaded guilty on April 26 to one count of assault of an intimate or dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury and one count of assault of an intimate or dating partner by strangling.

On Dec. 31, 2021, on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, in Otero County, New Mexico, Cojo assaulted a victim, identified in court records as Jane Doe, by stomping on her foot, hitting her in the head multiple times, biting her cheek, and burning her on her right shoulder with a pipe used for smoking drugs. Cojo also grabbed Jane Doe by the throat to strangle her. The following day, Cojo continued to assault Jane Doe, hitting her in the head and kicking her in the back multiple times and strangling her.

Cojo’s assault resulted in serious injuries to Jane Doe, who is also a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Jane Doe was taken to a medical center for her injuries where she was treated for a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, and bruising to both eyes, face, neck and ribs.

Upon his release from prison, Cojo will be subject to three years of supervised release.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos prosecuted the case.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence or who knows someone experiencing domestic violence can reach an advocate at the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).

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October 17, 2022 0 comments

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