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Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- August

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the August 2021 Federal Grand Jury A.

The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

Christopher Leon Beauchamp. Assault of an Intimate and Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country. Beauchamp, 30, of Chouteau, is charged with assaulting a Cherokee Nation citizen by strangling and suffocating the victim on June 7, 2018. The FBI, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office and Choteau Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-336).

Camaran Blake Breazeale. Robbery in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Breazeale, 29, of Sand Springs, is charged with committing the July 13, 2021, robbery and assault of a Sand Springs convenience store owner. Breazeale allegedly knocked down, repeatedly punched, and struck the victim six times in the head with the butt of a 12-guage shot gun. The defendant, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing a firearm by federal law. See Complaint press release here. The FBI and Sand Springs Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-344)

Christopher Dean Dana. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor in Indian Country; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Under the Age of 12 Years in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Between the Ages of 12 and 16 Years in Indian Country (superseding). Dana is charged with sexually abusing a child starting when the victim was under the age of 12 and as she grew older. The abuse began in 2014 and continued through 2020. The FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-228)

Bobby Antonio Deleon Jr. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; First Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Deleon Jr., 29, of Tulsa, allegedly shot a Cherokee Nation citizen on July 13, 2021. Earlier on June 26, 2021, Deleon also allegedly kicked in the same victim’s door, threatened the victim, and discharged his firearm into the floor. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-338)

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Marshall Chippewa. Arson in Indian Country. On July 26, 2021, Chippewa, 35, of Tulsa, allegedly set fire to the outside of a QuikTrip on Memorial Dr. in Tulsa. He then allegedly poured gasoline on an inside countertop and lit it on fire. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-337)

Paul W. King. False Tax Return (superseding). King, 57, of Grove, allegedly created, signed and filed four false tax returns for the years 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Each return included a schedule C for King as the owner of King’s Guttering that reported gross receipts. In those, King did not report $68,350 in gross receipts for 2011; $153,364 for 2012; $136,831 for 2013; and $74,209 for 2014. In total, King failed to report $432,754 in gross receipts to the IRS. IRS-Criminal Investigation is the investigative agency. (21-CR-74)

Dameon Lamar Leathers. First Degree Murder in Indian Country; First Degree Felony Murder in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country; Causing Death by Using and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (superseding). New to this superseding indictment are counts 2-5. Leathers, 39, of Tulsa, allegedly shot and killed Howard Eugene Thompson during a robbery on April 6, 2018. Leathers also struck a Tulsa County assistant district attorney in the head with a water pitcher on Nov. 22, 2019, after receiving a guilty verdict at his state trial for the murder of Mr. Thompson. Leathers’ state conviction was later dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction. He was then was charged by federal prosecutors. Leathers is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation, and the crime occurred within the Cherokee Nation reservation. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-163)

Michael David Pierce. Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country. Pierce, 32, of Tulsa, is charged with attempting to engage in sexual contact with a minor between the ages of 12 and 16 on Oct. 21, 2019, in Claremore. The FBI and Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) Lake Police are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-345)

Victor Miguel Flores Pina; Daniel Ibarra Calderon. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Flores, 27, and Ibarra, 41, both illegally in the United States, are charged with possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and with possessing with intent to distribute marijuana. They are also charged with furthering their drug trafficking crimes by possessing a Smith &Wesson .40 caliber pistol; a Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol; and a shotgun with pistol grip. Finally, the two are charged with maintaining a residence for the purpose of manufacturing, storing, and distributing methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-339)

Wade Andrew Rutherford. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Rutherford, 53, of Skiatook, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Marlin Firearms Co. .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle and more than 200 rounds of ammunition. The FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Cherokee Nation Marshal Service; and Washington County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-346)

Camren Dion Sanders. Robbery in Indian Country. Sanders, 20, of Tulsa, allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint on July 2, 2021, taking money, cigarettes and a rifle from the victim. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-347)

Joshua David Slinkard. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 1 & 2); Possession of Child Pornography (Count 3) (superseding). Slinkard, 40, of Tulsa, is charged with sexually abusing a minor between Jan. 1, 2009, and Nov. 26, 2010. In this superseding indictment, Slinkard is also charged with possessing videos that showed the sexual abuse of minors. At least one of the children was under the age of 12. Slinkard was previously convicted in Tulsa County District Court for the crime. His conviction was later dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction. He was then charged by federal prosecutors. Slinkard is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and the crime occurred within the Muscogee Nation reservation. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-266

Alexander Nicholaus Sweet. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Production of Child Pornography; Receipt of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. From September 2019 to July 26, 2021, Sweet, 28, of Tulsa, allegedly used electronic devices and social media to persuade and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. During the same time, Sweet allegedly persuaded the minor to engage in sexually explicit behavior to produce child [censored]ography using the victim’s computer and cell phone. Sweet is also charged with receiving and with possessing child [censored]ography. The initial Complaint press release can be found here. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-340)

Delawnsha Lemar Tiger. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (superseding). From June 18, 2020, to June 22, 2020, Tiger, 27, of Bristow, allegedly coerced and enticed a minor between the ages of 12 and 16 to engage in sexual activity. He is further charged with sexually abusing the minor in Indian Country. The Bristow Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies. (20-CR-124)

Daijon Marque Welch. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country; Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Welch, 25, is charged with the second degree murder of Cameron Maurice Wilson by shooting him multiple times in the back, hip, chest and right hand. Welch is also charged with being a felon in possession of a Ruger 9mm Luger semi-automatic pistol. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-343)

Christian Joshua Wilson. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Wilson, 20, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Springfield .45 caliber pistol and associated ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-341)

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Anchorage Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking and Drug Offenses

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

ANCHORAGE – A federal jury convicted an Anchorage man on three counts of sex trafficking and one count of drug distribution after a six-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Kindred. The jury reached its verdicts after one day of deliberations.

According to court documents, Davon Smith, 28, was charged with one count of sex trafficking a minor, one count of benefitting from a sex trafficking enterprise, one count of trafficking an adult by force, fraud or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. According to evidence presented at trial, Smith trafficked an adult and runaway juvenile victim in early 2019. Smith had a previous drug conviction and was on federal supervised release at the time he committed the offenses.

This is the second sex trafficking trial in the District of Alaska in recent months. Tristan Grant was convicted of several offenses including child sex trafficking and the production of child [censored]ography following a bench trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline. Grant’s sentencing is scheduled for September 15 at 9:00 a.m. in Anchorage.

“Individuals looking to profit from the sexual exploitation of children and adults in our community should be on notice that the consequences could include a life term of imprisonment in a federal prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “Our success in prosecuting these offenses results from the courage of the victims and the effective coordination between the Anchorage Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”

“As demonstrated by this guilty verdict, recruiting adults and minors for commercial sex acts, and profiting from their exploitation, won’t be tolerated here in Alaska,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Adam Pierce of the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office. “While we can’t erase the trauma these survivors experienced, by continuing to aggressively investigate sex trafficking crimes, and with a victim-centered approach, the FBI and our partners on the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force are ensuring those who commit such crimes are held accountable.”

Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on November 15 in Anchorage. Smith faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. He also faces a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) investigated this case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children through sex trafficking, as well as to identify and recover victims.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and Adam Alexander are prosecuting 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines 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 visitwww.justice.gov/psc.

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Former Board Chairman Charges with Securities Fraud, Conspiracy and Obstruction

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

BOSTON – A Canadian national residing in Long Beach, Calif., was arrested today and charged in connection with a securities fraud scheme in which he allegedly concealed his ownership of millions of shares in two companies for which he served as the chairman of the board of directors and then secretly directed the shares’ sale, generating approximately $2.19 million in proceeds.

Avtar Singh Dhillon, 60, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, one count of securities fraud and two counts of obstructing a proceeding of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Dhillon will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the charging document, Dhillon, while serving as the chairman of two publicly-traded microcap companies, fraudulently concealed his beneficial ownership of millions of shares in those companies through two LLC entities created and managed by his attorney. One of the companies, Arch Therapeutics, Inc., was based in Framingham, Mass. It is alleged that Dhillon and his attorney concealed Dhillon’s ownership for the purpose of secretly selling the shares for Dhillon’s benefit in contravention of securities regulations that require disclosure of such sales and that limit the ability of company insiders to quickly sell large quantities of shares. Through their scheme, Dhillon and his attorney allegedly generated approximately $2.19 million in fraudulent proceeds. Later, when giving sworn testimony before the SEC, Dhillon allegedly twice withheld from investigators his beneficial interest in the LLC entities’ accounts and lied about his awareness of whether anyone had sold shares in Arch Therapeutics.

The conspiracy charge and the securities fraud charge each provide for a sentence up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charges of obstructing a proceeding of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission provide for sentences up to 20 years and five years in prison, respectively, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. The SEC and the SEC’s Boston Regional Office provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Drabick of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Louisville Metro Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

WASHINGTON – A former officer of the Louisville Metro Police Department pleaded guilty today to using unreasonable force against an arrestee.

According to court documents, former officer Cory P. Evans, 33, of Sellersburg, Indiana, was arraigned and pleaded guilty to striking an individual in the back of the head with a riot stick while the individual was kneeling with hands in the air, surrendering for arrest.

During the plea hearing in federal court, Evans admitted that on May 31, while he was working as a part of the Louisville Metro Police Department Special Response Team, he followed a group of individuals around downtown Louisville to execute arrests for unlawful assembly and violations of curfew. Around the intersection of Brook and Broadway, the victim surrendered for arrest by getting on his knees and placing his hands in the air. While the victim was kneeling in this position, the defendant struck the victim in the back of the head with a riot stick, which created a wound on the back of the victim’s head. The victim fell forward and was taken into custody by other officers.

“One of our most cherished fundamental rights in the United States is the right to peacefully protest against the government,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “An officer’s use of excessive force to interfere with the right to protest is particularly damaging to our democracy, and the Department of Justice will continue to investigate and prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”

“I commend the FBI and LMPD’s Public Integrity Unit for their outstanding work in this case,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “The effort put forth by the assigned agents, detectives, and prosecutors was crucial to the successful prosecution of the case. In addition, the work of those assigned to a case such as this fosters confidence in the system and promotes trust between our citizens and the officers who are sworn to protect them.”

“While the vast majority of law enforcement officers are hardworking professionals who work conscientiously to protect the public, Cory Evans was simply not one of those officers,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray of the FBI’s Louisville Field Office. “Every citizen has the right to expect law enforcement officers to act in accordance with the laws they have sworn to uphold. We entrust law enforcement officers with great power and authority, which we, as a community, expect them to wield with the utmost integrity. This case provides another example that abusing that power and authority will not be tolerated in Louisville.”

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The crime Evans pleaded guilty to carries a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Evans is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 23.

The FBI and the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Public Integrity Unit jointly investigated the case through the Louisville Public Corruption Civil Rights Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda E. Gregory and Civil Rights Trial Attorney Timothy Visser are prosecuting the case.

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Tacoma couple caught with more than 23 pounds of methamphetamine sentenced to lengthy prison terms

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

Seattle – A Tacoma couple who had large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA in their home were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma for being armed drug traffickers, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Jaymes Arthur Gallagher, 34, was sentenced to 7 years in prison and Brittany Nicole Chipman, 28, was sentenced to 5-and-a-half years in prison. U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle ordered both to be on four years of supervised release following their prison terms. “The quantity of methamphetamine in this case is staggering… and it is not just addicts that are suffering, it is their families too,” Judge Settle said at the Chipman sentencing hearing.

According to records filed in the case, Gallagher came to the attention of law enforcement as a significant distributor of methamphetamine in the Thurston County and Tacoma areas. After some undercover purchases in August 2019, law enforcement obtained a court authorized search warrant for the home Gallagher and Chipman shared. In the home, officers seized 6 pounds of MDMA, more than a pound of cocaine, and more than 4 pounds of methamphetamine. In a detached garage on the property, officers located another 19 pounds of methamphetamine. There was $76,000 in cash in the house as well as a shotgun and a pistol that the couple admit were used to protect their drug operation. Gallagher admitted to officers that he purchased 20-30 pounds of methamphetamine from a California source every week or so, and would then distribute the meth in Western Washington.

The couple was indicted in October 2019, and each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in March 2020.

In her sentencing memo, Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams noted that Gallagher “has introduced hundreds of thousands of doses of harmful narcotics into Western Washington. He made a profit. He purchased firearms and kept them loaded to protect his business. He turned a blind eye to the harm he was doing to the community…. His drug distribution has undoubtedly affected many lives.”

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with assistance from the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams.

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Former Worcester Housing Official Convicted of Fraud Charges

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

BOSTON – A former employee of the City of Worcester’s Housing Development Office and Executive Office of Economic Development was convicted by a federal jury yesterday in connection with a $2.3 million fraud scheme relating to the redevelopment of a multi-family property in Worcester.

Jacklyn M. Sutcivni, 47, of Dracut, was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and false claims. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Dec. 14, 2021.

In August 2016, Sutcivni was indicted along with James E. Levin, a Natick real estate developer and attorney. Levin pleaded guilty in September 2020 and was sentenced on March 30, 2021 to 37 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture of $1,955,000.

“The defendant’s job was to distribute public funds to develop safe and affordable housing for Worcester, but as the jury found, she used her position as the City’s Director of Housing to allow $2.3 million in taxpayer money to go to a private developer – for work that was never even done,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “She abused the trust placed in her at the expense of the people of Worcester and their bid to revitalize their neighborhoods.”

“All around us, we see the country in the grips of an affordable housing crisis. Neighborhood Stabilization and HOME Program funds are HUD monies that are supposed to be used to eliminate blight, and repair or rehabilitate housing for our low- and middle-income neighbors,” said Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Region. “Defendant Sutcivni misused her position when she approved the payment of HUD funds for work she knew had not been done, resulting in the waste of hundreds of thousands of dollars meant to create affordable housing. This guilty verdict reinforces the message that our communities will not tolerate those who undermine the administration of precious HUD dollars earmarked for the creation of affordable housing for our citizens. The HUD Office of Inspector General thanks our partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their committed and steadfast efforts in bringing this matter to a just conclusion.”

“City employees, regardless of their position are supposed to serve their fellow citizens, not steal from them. But Jacklyn Sutcivini did exactly that, in conspiring with James Levin, to fraudulently obtain $2.3 million from the City of Worcester for their own personal enrichment at the expense of hard-working taxpayers. This verdict serves as a stark reminder that there are serious consequences for fraudulently siphoning public funds and of the FBI’s commitment to protecting the integrity of government at all levels from the spectra of public corruption,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

The City of Worcester distributes grant funds on behalf of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Sutcivni, as part of her job with the City of Worcester’s Housing Development Office, was responsible for reviewing payment requests for HUD grant funds. From July 2010 to September 2011, Sutcivni approved seven fraudulent HUD grant funding requests submitted by Levin for work he falsely claimed to have completed on a building he managed and associated costs. Sutcivni approved the payment requests despite knowing they were fraudulent. As a result, the City of Worcester issued approximately $2,365,050 in federal funds to Levin that he was not entitled to. After the City issued the payment, Sutcivni or other City officials submitted reimbursement requests to HUD or DHCD for HUD funds.

The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of submission of false claims provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of $2,365,050. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell, HUD OIG Northeast Region SAC and FBI Boston Division SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett and Danial E. Bennett of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case.

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Convicted Drug Dealer Indicted For Distributing Fentanyl Resulting In Death

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.

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Coconut Grove Resident Charged in Multi-Million Dollar Venezuelan Bribery and Money Laundering Scheme

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

Miami, Florida — A South Florida resident made his initial federal court appearance in Miami today to face an indictment charging him with laundering money and bribing Venezuelan officials in exchange for receiving lucrative contracts from Venezuela’s state-owned and state-controlled energy company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), and Venezuela’s state-owned and state-controlled food company that purchased food for Venezuela, Corporación de Abastecimiento y Servicios Agrícola (CASA).

According to court documents, from 2010 continuing through at least September 2017, Naman Wakil, 59, of Miami, a Syrian national and U.S. legal permanent resident, allegedly conspired with others to make bribe payments to CASA officials and officials at joint ventures between PDVSA and various foreign companies in the oil-rich Orinoco belt of Venezuela. Wakil allegedly paid these bribes to obtain at least $250 million in contracts to sell food to CASA and do business with the PDVSA joint ventures, including obtaining highly inflated contracts (worth at least $30 million) to provide goods and services to the PDVSA joint ventures. Wakil laundered funds related to the bribery scheme to and from bank accounts located in south Florida and purchased 10 apartment units in south Florida, a $3.5-million plane and a $1.5-million yacht, among other things. Wakil also used a portion of the funds to make payments to or for the benefit of the Venezuelan officials.

The indictment charges Wakil with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), violating the FCPA, conspiracy to commit money laundering, international promotional money laundering and three counts of engaging in transactions involving criminally derived property. If convicted, Wakil faces a maximum penalty of 80 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Wakil is scheduled for a pretrial detention hearing on Friday, August 6, at 10:00 a.m., in federal magistrate court in Miami.

Acting U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.

HSI Miami and IRS-CI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Berger of the Southern District of Florida and Attorney Alexander Kramer of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Union County Man Charged with Possessing Three Firearms and Narcotics

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County resident was charged with possessing three firearms, as well as possessing with intent to distribute narcotics, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Orlando Perez, 38, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Perez appeared by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and was detained.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Dec. 10, 2020, law enforcement officers lawfully searched Perez’s residence and recovered the following: one .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver loaded with five rounds of .38 caliber ammunition; a .45 caliber Harrington and Richardson semiautomatic carbine; a 20 gauge Browning shotgun; three magazines; approximately 1,500 rounds of ammunition; as well as heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine pills, and drug paraphernalia.

The narcotics offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. The felon in possession of firearms and ammunition charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; and officers of the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl Graves, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey E. Zyriek Enriquez of the Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Crow Agency man sentenced to prison for stabbing man

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

BILLINGS — A Crow Agency man who admitted to stabbing another man last year on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 27 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Dee Bad Bear, 60, pleaded guilty on March 12 to an indictment charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged the assault occurred on April 17, 2020 at a Lodge Grass residence, located on the Crow Indian Reservation. Bad Bear and the victim, identified as John Doe, were drinking alcohol and talking. Doe went to the bathroom and when he came out, Bad Bear slashed him with a knife. Doe was treated for injuries at a hospital in Billings. A knife matching a description by the victim was recovered from Bad Bear’s car.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanne Torske prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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Four MS-13 Members Indicted for 10 Murders, Kidnapping and Racketeering Charges

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

Four alleged members of La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) have been charged in a federal superseding indictment with a racketeering conspiracy involving multiple murders, kidnappings and burglaries, as well as drug trafficking.

The individuals charged in the superseding indictment are: Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo, 27, aka Molesto; David Arturo Perez-Manchame, 22, aka Herbi, aka Walter Melendez; Joel Vargas-Escobar, 25, aka Mumia; and Alexander De Jesus Figueroa-Torres, 25.

According to court documents, MS-13 is a national and transnational gang composed largely of individuals of Salvadoran or other Central American descent. MS-13 has more than 10,000 members regularly conducting gang activities in at least 10 states and Washington, D.C., with thousands more conducting gang activities in Central America and Mexico. The purpose of the MS-13 enterprise includes preserving, promoting, and protecting the power, territory, and profits of the enterprise through the use of intimidation and violence, including murder, and enriching members and associates of the enterprise through criminal activities, including breaking into houses and stealing firearms, jewelry, cash, and other items of value, and selling narcotics. MS-13 is organized by subsets known as “cliques,” and each clique typically has one or more leaders, commonly referred to as “shot callers.”

The superseding indictment charges alleged members of the Parkview clique operating in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Racketeering (RICO) Conspiracy and multiple counts of murder and kidnapping in aid of racketeering, as well as firearms charges. More specifically, the indictment charges the following acts of violence occurring over an approximately 12-month period:

“The Criminal Division and our federal, state and local partners are committed to dismantling violent gangs like MS-13,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The violence alleged in the superseding indictment in this case is truly shocking. The murder spree carried out by MS-13 in Las Vegas clearly shows the danger posed by organized street gangs like MS-13.”

“By significantly undermining MS-13’s ability to engage in violence in Las Vegas, the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners have made our communities safer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Our office remains committed to protecting our neighborhoods against gang violence and other criminal activity by prosecuting dangerous transnational criminal organizations like MS-13.”

“Taking violent offenders off the street should send a message to MS-13 members and their associates that violence and murder will not be tolerated in Las Vegas,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office. “Working with our local partners, we are committed to staying in the fight until this plague is purged from our communities.”

Reyes-Castillo and Perez-Manchame are scheduled for their initial court appearance on Tuesday, Aug. 10 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. If convicted, they face a mandatory sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Bureau are investigating the case.

Trial attorneys Jeremy Franker and Chris Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaheen Torgoley of the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Man Convicted of Lying to Federal Agents During International Wildlife Trafficking Investigation

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

Miami, Florida — A Texas man pled guilty today to knowingly and willfully making a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation to Special Agents of the United States Fish & Wildlife Service during a criminal investigation into international trafficking of primates into the United States.

Gary Tucker, 64, of Alice, Texas, pled guilty to the charge during a hearing in Fort Lauderdale before U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas. In connection with his guilty plea, Tucker admitted the following: He agreed to be interviewed by Special Agents of the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) about potential illegal trafficking of wildlife. During the interview, agents asked Tucker about his involvement in the procurement and importation to the United States of long-tailed macaques — small non-human primates regularly employed in scientific research — from Southeast Asia. See included image. In particular, agents asked Tucker whether he or others working for his employer, Orient BioResource Center (OBRC), prepared or submitted to OBRC any audits or reports concerning visits to supplier sites in Cambodia. Tucker responded to those questions in the negative, that is, that no supplier site visits were memorialized in any written audit reports to OBRC. In fact, as Tucker well knew, preparation and submission of site visit reports was a standard procedure at OBRC.

According to court documents, the existence of site visit reports or audits was material to the on-going investigation into the trafficking of the primates, whose possession, sale, export and import is highly regulated by the international community and the United States under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, to which the United States is a party, and the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Title 16, United States Code, Section 1538, et seq. Congress has tasked the USFWS to administer and enforce the provisions of the Treaty.

Sentencing in the matter has been set before Judge Dimitrouleas on October 13, at 1:30 pm in Fort Lauderdale. Tucker faces a possible prison sentence of up to five years in jail, a term of supervised release thereafter of up to three years, and a criminal fine of up to $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez of the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Burke of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Special Investigations Unit made the announcement.

USFWS investigated the case with assistance from Special Agent Jason Molina of Homeland Security Investigations in Newark, New Jersey. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Watts-FitzGerald of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case.

You may find related court documents and information on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case numbers 21-cr-20263.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Former Metro Employee of Trust Bank Sentenced to Serve 30 Months in Federal Prison for $2.3 Million Embezzlement and False Federal Income Tax Return

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, JORDAN GLEN YOUNG, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for wire fraud and signing a false federal income tax return, in connection with a $2.3 million embezzlement from an Oklahoma City trust bank, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

“Young abused the trust placed in him as a trust administrator by stealing more than $2.3 million from trust accounts through repeated diversion of funds for his personal benefit over more than a four-year period,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Troester. “Young then compounded his greed by attempting to hide the ill-gotten gains when he cheated the IRS by failing to pay more than $500,000 in taxes owed on the illegal income. I commend the agents and prosecutors who worked hard to bring Young to justice.”

On December 21, 2020, Young was charged by Information with one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false federal income tax return. From 2006 through March 2020, Young worked at an Oklahoma City trust bank as a Trust Administrative Officer. Young oversaw trust accounts and distributed funds from those accounts to the beneficiaries as needed.

On February 22, 2021, Young pleaded guilty to making an unauthorized distribution, in the amount of $60,706.53, to his personal checking account from a trust account he was managing in October 2018. As part of his plea, Young admitted that he embezzled funds from his former employer from December 2015 through March 2020, and stipulated that the total loss to the trust bank from his embezzlement scheme was $2,323,036.91.

In addition to wire fraud, Young also pleaded guilty to signing a false federal income tax return. He admitted that on April 15, 2019, he signed a personal federal income tax return for the 2018 calendar year that he knew was false because it reported only $114,439 in total income. At the plea hearing, Young admitted that he omitted on the 2018 tax return thousands of dollars of embezzled income from the trust bank.

At yesterday’s sentencing, Chief United States District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Young to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Chief Judge DeGiusti also ordered Young to pay restitution to the trust bank, in the amount of $2,323,036.91, and to pay restitution for tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $500,822. Young must report to federal prison on September 8, 2021.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Office and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bow Bottomly and Chris M. Stephens.

Reference is made to the information and other public filings for further information.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Former Erie Resident Pleads to Throwing Explosive Devices at Police During May 30, 2020 Riots

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

ERIE, Pa. – A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of an unregistered destructive device, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Tyvarh Nicholson, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Nicholson threw Molotov cocktails at police officers during the riot that occurred in downtown Erie on May 30, 2020.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 13, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing. the Judge ordered the defendant’s continued detention.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nicholson.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Part-time Grant Administrator Sentenced for Converting $57K from FEMA Grant to His Own Use, Filing False Tax Returns

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Hollidaysburg, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to one day in prison in prison and 24 months’ supervised release, with six months of home confinement with electronic monitoring, on his conviction of conversion of government funds and filing false tax returns Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Anthony DiBona, 58, of Hollidaysburg, PA.

According to information presented to the court, on April 19, 2013, DiBona received and converted falsely to his own use a total of $57,242 in federally funded grant money from Federal Emergency Management Agency, through payments made to him, to which he was not entitled.

Further, when filing his original tax returns for tax years 2013, 2014, and 2015, DiBona omitted all grant income from his form 1040s, and made written declarations under the penalties of perjury, which he did not believe to be true and correct. After the IRS discovered that DiBona had received unreported income from the grant, DiBona was advised the grant income was taxable. Accordingly, DiBona through a tax preparer, filed a first set of amended returns for the relevant tax years and added the grant income to his returns. However, on July 24 to July 25, 2018, DiBona went to a different tax preparer and filed a second set of amended returns removing the grant income, again making written declarations under the penalties of perjury which he did not believe to be true and correct. Similarly, DiBona also filed an original return for tax year 2017 and omitted his grant income. This conduct resulted in a total tax loss of $19,809.

In addition to his supervised release, DiBona was ordered to pay $25,264.07 in restitution to the IRS and $57,242 in restitution to FEMA. As a special condition of his supervised release, he is barred from holding a fiduciary position with the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Kaufman commended the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and Department of Homeland Security Investigations-Office of Inspector General for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of DiBona.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

California man sentenced to more than six years in prison for meth trafficking in Billings area

by Press Release August 5, 2021

By Press Release

BILLINGS — A California man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement officers found eight kilograms, or 17.6 pounds, of the drug hidden in a vehicle he was driving was sentenced today to six years and six months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Christopher Santillanes Ceja, 31, of Riverside, California, pleaded guilty on March 8 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that law enforcement agents learned in March 2019 about a shipment of meth being transported from Mexico to Billings. Law enforcement surveillance saw a vehicle with a California license plate registered to Ceja pull into a Billings hotel. Ceja was known to law enforcement as having been involved in meth trafficking in the Billings area. Later that same evening, officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and Ceja was driving. Agents impounded and searched the vehicle pursuant to a warrant. Agents located 19 bundles of meth concealed throughout the vehicle. The meth totaled eight kilograms, or about 17.6 pounds, of pure meth. Eight kilograms of meth is the equivalent of about 63,782 doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 to 2019. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.

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New Jersey News

Do you recognize them? They are wanted for Newark carjacking

by Charlie Dwyer August 4, 2021

By Charlie Dwyer

NEWARK, NJ – Newark Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara requests the public’s help in identifying suspects in connection with a carjacking that occurred yesterday. At approximately 2 a.m., a man inside his vehicle, parked in the 300 block of Avon Avenue, was approached by a male who pointed a gun at him and ordered him out of his vehicle, a black, 2008 4-door BMW.

The suspect stole the victim’s wallet and other personal property before fleeing in the vehicle, heading east on Avon Avenue and turning left onto South 12th Street, where a second suspect may have entered the vehicle. While detectives investigating this incident are actively searching for these suspects, we seek the public’s help in quickly identifying them. Both suspects are Black males.

The first suspect is described as 6-ft. tall with a slim build. Director O’Hara urges anyone with information about these suspects to call the Department’s 24- hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.

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If you’re unvaccinated, Phil Murphy says, “You’ve lost your minds”

by Charlie Dwyer August 4, 2021

By Charlie Dwyer

UNION, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy took time out of his visit to Union for a bill signing ceremony to address protesters carrying signs that read “No Forced Injections”. The governor, who is edging closer to mandatory vaccinations in New Jersey as has been done in New York City let the protesters know how he felt.

“You’ve lost your minds,” Murphy said of the protesters against state and federally mandated COVID-19 vaccinations. “Ultimate knuckleheads.”

“When people say ‘don’t get vaccinated,’ it makes me sick,” Congressman Albio Rires said. “It makes me sick.”

August 4, 2021 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Former Regional Director Of Non-Profit Corporation Sentenced For Bribery Conspiracy Involving Federal Funds

by Press Release August 4, 2021

By Press Release

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A former regional director of community development for the National Community Stabilization Trust — formed in 2008 in response to the national mortgage-housing foreclosure crisis — was sentenced Tuesday to one year and one day in prison for conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.

“The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) entrusts non-profit organizations to administer HUD programs honestly and creatively to help improve the housing market. Their expertise is critical to stabilizing the nation’s housing economic recovery. When fraud is perpetrated against HUD, a significant impact is made on that recovery. One of the primary goals of the HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG) is to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse, and present findings to prosecutors; such findings aid in maintaining the integrity of HUD programs. Barajas’ actions violated that trust and he must now face the consequences,” stated Michael Gibson, Special Agent in Charge, HUD OIG, Los Angeles, California.

According to court documents, Sergio Barajas, 54, of Chino Hills, California, worked for the Trust as a regional representative over the western United States. His duties included helping the Trust and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) non-profit organizations locate and buy foreclosed homes under a joint program between the Trust and HUD.

As part of the conspiracy:

• Heartland Coalition agreed to pay Barajas for his influence to help Heartland Coalition participate in the program. From 2011 to late 2012, Heartland Coalition paid Barajas a total of $186,025 and purchased 626 houses in California, Nevada, and Arizona.

• In 2011, Positive Housing Equations LLC agreed to pay Barajas for his influence to provide its affiliate company, Alliance Revitalization Communities (ARC), with access to houses available through the program. Between 2011 and 2014, ARC bought 167 houses, and Positive Housing Equations LLC paid Barajas a total of approximately $158,000.

• In 2013 and 2014, a real estate agent in Arizona agreed to pay Barajas for each house that her client bought through the Trust. The real estate agent paid Barajas a total of $36,711 to Barajas for at least 32 properties.

Barajas pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Barajas to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Michael Gibson of HUD OIG, Los Angeles, California, made the announcement.

This case was investigated by HUD OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Schiess prosecuted the case.

To submit allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement or whistleblower related matters within HUD and HUD-funded programs to the OIG, the public can either call the HUD OIG Hotline number at 1-800-347-3735 or make an online report at https://www.hudoig.gov/hotline/report-fraud.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Canadian Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Fraudulently Acquire Personal Protective Equipment and Event Tickets

by Press Release August 4, 2021

By Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, STEVEN MESROP, 29, of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud involving a scheme to fraudulently acquire personal protective equipment and event tickets, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On June 15, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment against Mesrop and seven other people. All defendants were charged with conspiracy. In addition, Mesrop and another conspirator were charged with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the Superseding Indictment, Mesrop and his associates operated a scheme to use stolen credit card and identity information to induce businesses to provide goods and services, such as event tickets and personal protective equipment, to resell for a profit. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conspirators began targeting U.S.-based businesses selling goods that were scarce due to the pandemic. The conspirators allegedly used stolen credit card information to purchase items such as nitrile gloves, masks, and gowns and to resell them to third parties. The Superseding Indictment alleges the conspirators operated the scheme from Canada, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Greece, and Dubai. The Superseding Indictment alleges the conspirators targeted sports teams and event venues throughout the United States and Canada, including Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The Superseding Indictment further alleges that Mesrop and his associates used 21 different alias email accounts and information from 52 stolen credit cards to purchase over 1,800 tickets to Oklahoma State University athletic events between November 2019 and January 2020. In March 2020, the conspirators allegedly used stolen credit card information to purchase approximately thousands of dollars’ worth of toilet paper from a paper supply company in Oklahoma City.

Yesterday, Mesrop pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. At sentencing, Mesrop faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years and a potential fine of $250,000. He has been in custody since his arrest on March 18, 2021.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations New York Office – El Dorado Task Force, the New York City Police Department, and the Irvine (California) Police Department, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Farrior.

Reference is made to court filings for further information.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Former NYPD Sergeant Pleads Guilty To 9/11 Benefits Fraud

by Press Release August 4, 2021

By Press Release

Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that SALLY SPINOSA pled guilty in Manhattan federal court to one count of theft of public money related to her false application for benefits related to the attack on New York on September 11, 2001. SPINOSA pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As she has now admitted, Sally Spinosa stole money for programs intended to benefit the brave men and women of the NYPD, and first-responders across the city, who were injured in the rescue and recovery efforts following September 11, 2001. She did so by repeatedly lying about the time she spent in the rescue and recovery effort, and will now face the consequences of such brazen lies.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint, court filings, and statements during court proceedings:

Following the attacks on New York and Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2001, Congress created certain programs to provide monetary compensation and medical treatment for victims of the attacks. Specifically, Congress created the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (the “VCF”) to provide compensation for any individual who suffered physical harm or was killed as a result of either the September 11th attacks or the debris removal and recovery efforts that took place in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. Congress also created the World Trade Center Health Program (“WTCHP”) to provide, among other things, monitoring and medical treatment benefits for individuals who have or may develop health conditions due to exposure at disaster or recovery sites tied to the September 11th attacks. Both the VCF and the WTCHP are funded by Congress. An individual can be deemed eligible for a VCF award either by submitting medical documents and proof-of-presence documents directly to the VCF, or by going through the WTCHP’s process for having a medical condition certified.

SALLY SPINOSA served as an NYPD officer from in or about July 1986 until July 2019, and was a sergeant in the investigations unit of the NYPD’s Patrol Services Bureau of Staten Island (the “Staten Island Investigations Unit”) on September 11, 2001. In 2010, SPINOSA participated in a screening interview with the WTCHP in which she falsely stated that she worked for hundreds of hours at the Fresh Kills Landfill in Staten Island, New York (the “Landfill”), from September 2001 to June 2002. Similarly, in 2014, SPINOSA applied for a monetary award from the VCF, falsely claiming that she was at the Landfill for two hours each day for 62 straight days from September 20, 2001, to November 20, 2001. In support of her application, SPINOSA submitted proof-of-presence documents, including an affidavit purportedly signed by one of her supervisors at the Staten Island Investigations Unit (“Officer-1”) stating that Officer-1 frequently visited the Landfill with SPINOSA to supervise subordinates (the “Officer-1 Affidavit”).

However, contrary to SPINOSA’s representations to the WTCHP and the VCF, in fact SPINOSA spent little to no time at the Landfill. Indeed, during much of the time SPINOSA claimed to be working at the Landfill, SPINOSA was pregnant and doing limited work outside the Staten Island Investigations Unit’s offices, or was out of the office entirely on parental leave. Moreover, the Officer-1 Affidavit that SPINOSA submitted in support of her VCF application was fraudulent and was never signed by Officer-1.

Nevertheless, and based on her false and fraudulent misrepresentations, in or around 2017 the WTCHP granted her benefits. The WTCHP has since paid for certain medical visits and prescription drugs for SPINOSA. While SPINOSA’s original fraudulent application to the VCF was denied in 2014, she reapplied in 2017 and 2018 relying on the same false and fraudulent information. SPINOSA’s VCF claim remains pending.

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SPINOSA, 55, of Freehold, New Jersey, pled guilty to one count of theft of public money, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the judge.

SPINOSA is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Engelmayer on December 1, 2021, at 10:30 a.m.

Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau and DOJ-OIG.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Kedar S. Bhatia and Catherine E. Ghosh are in charge of the prosecution.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Savannah B&B manager accused of embezzling more than half a million dollars

by Press Release August 4, 2021

By Press Release

SAVANNAH, GA: The former manager of a Savannah bed and breakfast is accused of embezzling more than $500,000 in a 14-count federal indictment.

Chiquita Blake, 46, of Pooler, Ga., is charged with 14 counts of Wire Fraud in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charges carry a statutory penalty upon conviction of up to 20 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties, followed by a period of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Historic properties are an essential element of Savannah’s hospitality industry,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “With our law enforcement partners, we will protect these small businesses from the potential financial harm of illegal activities.”

As described in the indictment, Blake was employed as a manager of a bed and breakfast in Savannah’s Historic District. From around May 2015 through December 2020, Blake “knowingly executed and attempted to execute a scheme and artifice” to defraud the inn, “to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises.”

The indictment alleges that Blake fraudulently transferred funds from the inn’s accounts and into bank accounts Blake controlled, and then used those funds for expenditures “such as the defendant’s bills and personal use.”

The indictment specifically charges a portion of those transfers, alleging that from June 24, 2017, to Dec. 20, 2020, Blake made 14 electronic transfers to her personal accounts.

“Fraud committed by those in positions of trust are particularly hurtful,” said Steven R. Baisel, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office of the U.S. Secret Service. “Their actions are an affront to the societal norms we are all called to live by.”

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Bearden.

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at: (866) 720-5721 or e-mail at: [email protected]

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Darknet Drug Vendor Pleads Guilty to Distributing Illicit Prescription Drugs

by Press Release August 4, 2021

By Press Release

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Georgia man pleaded guilty yesterday to distributing illicit prescription drugs over the Darknet and shipping them across the country via the U.S Postal Service.

According to court documents, from around April 2020 through October 2020, Cullen Roberts, 23, of Duluth, Georgia, used the moniker “Pillpusher” to sell prescription opioids and other scheduled narcotics on a Darknet market. Beginning in July 2020, law enforcement began investigating Roberts by conducting a series of undercover purchases of various types of prescription drugs via the Darknet.

Roberts promoted the quality of the pills that he advertised for sale on his Darknet vendor page. For example, in September 2020, he listed a quantity of oxymorphone pills, a powerful opiate used to treat severe pain, for sale for $90/pill. In the listing, Roberts described the oxymorphone pills as “the gold standard for any opiate” and “the closest you will get to heaven.”

Roberts was identified as “Pillpusher” when he was caught shipping packages containing prescription drugs through the U.S. Post Office in Cumming, Georgia. Agents subsequently discovered dozens of tablets of Tramadol, a Schedule IV analgesic that is also commonly abused. Agents also recovered from Roberts’ residence empty boxes that had contained oxycodone and alprazolam (brand name Xanax).

Roberts is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh is prosecuting the case.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Hi-Tech Opioid Task Force, which is composed of FBI agents and task force partners, including special agents and officers of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and detectives from local assisting police agencies. The task force is charged with identifying and investigating the most egregious Dark Web marketplaces, and the vendors operating on the marketplaces who are engaged in the illegal acquisition and distribution of controlled substances, to include fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other opioids.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-164.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Three drug traffickers convicted of drug and money laundering conspiracies, as well as illegal gun possession, following a two-week jury trial

by Press Release August 4, 2021

By Press Release

Seattle – Three men were convicted late yesterday of multiple federal felonies for distributing fentanyl disguised as oxycodone pills in Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom Counties, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The leader of the drug ring, Bradley Woolard, 42, of Arlington, was convicted of 28 counts involving conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, illegal gun possession, and possessing drugs with the intent to distribute them. Co-defendants Anthony Pelayo, 34, of Marysville, and Jerome Isham, 40, of Everett, were also convicted of conspiracies related to drug distribution and illegal gun possession.

The jury deliberated for two days following the ten-day trial. The men are scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on November 16, 2021.

According to testimony and exhibits during trial, the case began in the summer of 2018, when law enforcement officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Snohomish Regional Drug and Gang Task Force obtained multiple court-authorized search warrants for Woolard’s home. On July 28, 2018, they found more than 12,000 fentanyl pills designed to look like 30 mg oxycodone prescription narcotic. The pills ultimately tested positive for furanyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl and a controlled substance.

The pills were pale blue in color and had “M” printed on one side and “30” on the other side. Over the course of multiple searches, law enforcement seized more than $1 million in cash and gold from Woolard’s five-acre compound, including cash hidden behind drywall, in the ceilings of outbuildings, and in a hole beneath a dishwasher. Investigators also discovered a hidden room containing 29 firearms ranging from handguns to assault rifles, including four firearm silencers and several thousand rounds of ammunition.

Testimony at trial revealed that in 2015 and 2016, Woolard began buying fentanyl and furanyl fentanyl powder from China after researching how to do so on the Dark Web. He bought a pill press and mixing materials from websites such as Amazon and eBay and taught himself how to make homemade pills. Testimony at trial established that Woolard’s pill making operation was capable of producing more than 2.5 million pills containing fentanyl and furanyl fentanyl, and that he regularly provided thousands of pills to other conspirators for distribution. In 2017, Woolard turned the pill press operation over to Pelayo, who continued the manufacturing at a rural compound in Snohomish County. Woolard retained the role of ordering the fentanyl from China and continued to help Pelayo make and distribute the pills. Woolard continued to distribute the pills while seeking treatment for his own drug addictions at spa-like resorts in Costa Rica and Mexico which cost him between $30,000 and $50,000 per month, which he paid for with the profits of his illicit pill operation.

Jerome Isham was one of the conspiracy’s top distributors. Evidence at trial established that he was responsible for re-distributing close to 100,000 illegal fentanyl and furanyl fentanyl pills over a one-year period between July 2017, and June 2018. Isham also recruited people to receive the shipments of powdered fentanyl and furanyl fentanyl from China. Woolard and Pelayo paid for the drugs by recruiting co-conspirators to wire money to China or by paying with bitcoin.

Pelayo was also convicted of two money laundering conspiracies and multiple counts of money laundering, including using $100,000 of his cash drug proceeds to purchase a luxury RV. He was also convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking – resulting in a 5 year consecutive prison term to any other sentence imposed in the case.

Woolard was convicted of being a drug user and drug addict in possession of firearms. Isham was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Conspiracy and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison. Being a felon in possession of a firearm, or a drug user and drug addict in possession of firearms, is punishable by up to ten years in prison. Money laundering is punishable by up to twenty years in prison.

This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved. The investigation is being led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with assistance from the Snohomish Regional Drug and Gang Task Force (SRDGTF) and the Whatcom County Drug and Gang Task Force. A total of eleven defendants were charged in this case. Eight have pleaded guilty, and two have been sentenced. Woolard, Pelayo, and Isham were the final three defendants in this conspiracy to proceed to trial.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Karyn Johnson and Mike Lang.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Two Men Admit Receiving over $500,000 in Global Robocall Scam that Defrauded Elderly Victims

by Press Release August 4, 2021

By Press Release

CAMDEN, N.J. – Two Indian nationals today admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud by accepting illegally obtained wire transfers from victims across the country totaling over $600,000, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Zeeshan Khan, 22, and Maaz Ahmed Shamsi, 24, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joseph Rodriguez in Camden federal court to an information charging each with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

As part of an international fraud scheme, criminal India-based call centers utilized automated robocalls to victims with the intent of defrauding U.S. residents, particularly the elderly. After establishing contact with victims through these automated calls, other members of the conspiracy would coerce or trick the victims into sending large sums of cash through physical shipments or wire transfers to other members of the conspiracy, including Shamsi and Khan. These conspirators used a variety of schemes to convince victims to send money, including impersonating government officials from agencies such as the Social Security Administration, or impersonating law enforcement officers from the FBI or Drug Enforcement Administration, and threatened victims with severe legal or financial consequences if they did not comply. Another method utilized by the callers involved convincing the victims they were speaking with someone from a tech support company and coercing the victims into granting the caller remote access to their personal computers, and through that, to the victims’ bank accounts. By manipulating the victims’ bank accounts, the caller would convince the victims that an overpayment was made to the victims and ultimately instruct them to send money by way of mail or wire transfer to other members of the conspiracy, including Shamsi and Khan.

As part of this scheme, Shamsi and Khan are charged with receiving fraudulent wire transfers from 19 victims across the country totaling approximately $618,000.

The conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the amount of the loss, whichever is greatest. Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for Dec. 6, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General Office of Investigations, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John F. Grasso; and special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Field Office – El Dorado Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Meriah Russell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.

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