PORTLAND, OR – Details are vague right now, but officers from the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force has reportedly shot a suspect fugitive they were looking for in Portland. The task force was looking for a wanted fugitive. One person was transported by ambulance to the hospital. No Portland Police members were involved in this shooting. This incident is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Portland Police Detective Erik Kammerer [email protected] or 503-823-0762 or Detective Shaye Samora [email protected] 503-823-0768.
STOCKTON, CA – On December 7, 2020, a 4:11 p.m., the Stockton Police Department’s Communications Center received a call about a man down inside a vehicle in the 1800 block of Marsh Street. When officers arrived, they located a 27-year-old man who was deceased inside the vehicle. Today, an autopsy was conducted, and signs of trauma were found on the man’s body. This is now a homicide investigation.
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – On December 4, 2020, a search warrant at a residence set up as a narcotic distribution center resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the recovery of drugs, a gun, and money. Members of the Special Investigations Section executed a residential search warrant in the first block of South Florida Avenue. The months-long investigation began from the resident’s complaints regarding the possession and distribution of narcotics.
The target of the investigation Justin Suarez was arrested along with two men and two women. During the search of the residence, a storage area, and the arrested individuals, detectives recovered a loaded handgun, 436 grams of marijuana, 310 bags of heroin, 15 grams of cocaine, more than $3,400, and materials used in the distribution of narcotics including; empty wax folds, rubber bands, a cutting agent, mixers, Narcan, masks, and a money counter.
The investigation was led by Detective James Barrett.
ARRESTED: Chelsea Mora, 27, of Absecon, NJ.
CHARGES: Three counts of possession of CDS, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, money laundering, and contempt of court.
ARRESTED: Keith Potter, 58, of Galloway, NJ.
CHARGES: Three counts of possession of CDS, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, and money laundering.
ARRESTED: Zachary Russell, 46, of Atlantic City.
CHARGES: Three counts of possession of CDS, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, and money laundering.
ARRESTED: Sierra Self, 27, of Atlantic City.
CHARGES: Three counts of possession of CDS, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, money laundering, and contempt of court.
ARRESTED: Justin Suarez, 35, of Atlantic City.
CHARGES: Three counts of possession of CDS, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, money laundering, and maintaining a CDS production facility.
All were released on a summons with a future court date. Anyone with information about the distribution of narcotics is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Special Investigations Section at 609-347-5858. Information can be text to tip411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD. All texts are anonymous.
PORTLAND, OR – Protesters once again showed up at the “Red House on Mississippi” where previous occupants, a black and indigenous family had been evicted. A crowd had gathered to prevent the new owner of the property from accessing it, according to police.
Today, as Portland Police remained on the perimeter of properties in the 4400 Block of North Mississippi Avenue waiting for private contractors to fence the property, people began to gather nearby. People attempted to get inside the perimeter at various locations, despite the presence of uniformed police personnel, police vehicles and police tape. Officers also reminded people not to enter the perimeter. Officers made some arrests and reported using pepper spray in at least one instance.
As police stood on the perimeter, some were subjected to thrown objects such as rocks and paint-filled balloons.
At about 9:42 a.m., contractors finished their work and Portland Police and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office personnel removed the perimeter. Portland Police gave loudspeaker announcements reminding those present not to interfere with fencing and to stay off the private property. Police completely left the area right before 10 a.m. and almost immediately, people removed a portion of the fence and entered the private property.
Portland Police returned and attempted to disperse people from the property, however, people began throwing objects at police vehicles and officers, broke police vehicle windows and flattened tires on two police vehicles. Officers disengaged and people entered the private property again. A crowd of people eventually used fencing and other materials to block North Mississippi Avenue and began stockpiling rocks.
According to call log data, over the three-month period, from September 1 to November 30, 2020, at least 81 calls for service were placed for issues related to these properties and the immediate area. Calls for service included, but were not limited to: fights, disturbances, shots fired, burglary, thefts, vandalism, noise violations, trespassing, threats (including by armed individuals), and for illegally blocking traffic, sidewalks and access to homes. Throughout this period, PPB officers spoke with many community members about their concerns and the threatening behavior and intimidation they experienced in the neighborhood around these properties.
Portland Police have remained out of the area and are monitoring the situation for the time being. We will provide updates when available.
The following are names of additional people arrested:
26-year-old Malik Farrakhan – Interfering with a peace officer, resist arrest
32-year-old Benjamin Einhorn – Interfering a with a peace officer
31-year-old Coral Cloutman – Disorderly Conduct II
24-year-old Stephen Wiens – Disorderly Conduct II, Interfering a with peace officer
23-year-old Marshall Piotcowski – Disorderly Conduct II, Interfering a with peace officer
26-year-old Alicxandra Blake Lucero – Interfere with a peace officer, Resist Arrest, Trespass II
SPANAWAY, WA – At 10:04 a.m. Tuesday Pierce County deputies responded to the 15800 block of 5th Ave. E. in Spanaway for a report of a burglary in progress. When deputies arrived on the scene, they located a broken window and observed a female suspect inside the residence. A deputy asked the suspect to come open the front door, and she responded “ok” but then went around a corner away from deputies. The suspect did not open the door, and instead came back to the window and pointed a rifle at the deputy. The suspect has refused to exit the residence.
Deputies learned that the suspect is a relative of the homeowner and is not allowed at the home. A neighbor reportedly told the homeowner that the suspect broke into the house through a window; the victim then called 911 and told dispatchers that there were firearms inside the home.
“Our SWAT team was on scene along with mental health co-responders, who are trying to negotiate with the suspect to come out of the house,” the department said this morning. “This is an active scene and we have 5th Ave E blocked off. Thompson Elementary and Spanaway Middle School are across the street from the location and have been notified to go into lockdown. We are asking anyone who lives in the immediate area to stay in their home or not to return home until the situation has been resolved.”
Shortly after noon, the suspect was taken into custody.
LEXINGTON COUNTY, SC – Lexington County deputies have arrested a man accused of severely injuring his 2-month-old child. James McQueen Boltin Jr., 25, is charged with inflicting great bodily injury upon a child, according to an arrest warrant.
“Detectives have talked with health care providers, caretakers and family members as part of their investigation,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “Based on the information they’ve gathered, Boltin was feeding his baby in early November when he hurt her, causing the baby to go into cardiac arrest. The child was eventually transported to the hospital.”
Doctors found multiple brain, spinal and rib injuries along with other trauma, according to Koon. Deputies arrested Boltin Tuesday afternoon. He’s being held in the Lexington County Detention Center. Inflicting great bodily injury upon a child is a felony. The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – A 49-year-old woman died falling from a 70-foot tall cliff near Spooner’s Cove in Montana de Oro State Park on Sunday. The Coroner’s Unit of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the body as 49-year-old Natra Ruth Lucas of Camarillo, CA. Witnesses reported seeing Lucas walking alone on the bluff before falling backwards over a 70-foot cliff onto the beach. Cal Fire and State Park Rangers responded to the area where the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. Because of the rugged location of where the body was found, a CHP helicopter had to airlift the victim out of the area.The investigation is ongoing. No foul play is suspected. An autopsy will determine the manner and cause of death.
NIPOMO, CA – Last Thursday, Deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred at the Chevron gas station in Nipomo. Witnesses say a man entered the station, displayed a black pistol, and demanded money and goods from the clerk. The suspect made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and items and was last seen running away toward South Oakglen Avenue in Nipomo. No one was hurt in the incident. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance to identify the suspect. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his mid 20’s, 5′ 9″ tall, with a thin build. He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a black or navy blue sweatshirt, and a dark hat. If anyone has information on this incident, please contact the Sheriff’s Detective Division at 805-781-4500.
“The Sheriff’s Office will continue its mission to focus on significant criminal matters,” Sheriff Parkinson said. “Deputies will not be making traffic/pedestrian stops to determine the comings and goings of citizens during this time. We will not be responding to calls for service based solely on non-compliance with the new order.”
Parkinson said he hopes residents will do their best to keep their community safe during COVID-19 and for those who do go overboard, he and his deputies will act.
GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI – Joseph Benjamin Posey, II, 19, of Biloxi, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On September 2, 2020, law enforcement officers with the Biloxi Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Posey was a passenger. As a result of the stop, officers located two loaded handguns, one of which was stolen. Posey subsequently admitted that he obtained the guns three days before the traffic stop, and that he and the other occupant of the vehicle were on their way to speak to another individual about a series of shootings in Biloxi. Posey also admitted that he was a member of local gang and that he used marijuana daily.
Posey was indicted on October 6, 2020. He will be sentenced on March 11, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Biloxi Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.
LAREDO, TEXAS – Three Mexican men and a U.S. citizen have been sentenced for their part in a conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver a large amount of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Aaron Hervey Esparza Villarreal, 27, of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, pleaded guilty Aug. 4, admitting he was part of a conspiracy that involved smuggling cocaine hidden in a semi-truck. Mexican citizens Jose Contreras Rodriguez, 58, and Ernesto Yadir Martinez Campos, 39, pleaded guilty July 8, along with Viviano Hernandez, 41, a U.S. citizen who was residing in Mexico.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo handed Hernandez a 36-month term of imprisonment. Villarreal, Campos and Rodriguez were previously sentenced to 87, 60, and 48 months, respectively. Not U.S. citizens, Villarreal, Rodriguez and Campos are expected to face removal proceedings following their sentences.
“Smuggling illegal controlled substances poses a serious risk to public health and safety in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI will continue to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to target drug smuggling organizations that make money by bringing dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods.”
On Jan. 17, law enforcement observed two men, later identified as Rodriguez and Hernandez, working on the vehicle. They then got into a sedan, left the area and met up with an SUV. At that time, Hernandez handed over trash bags to Villarreal in the SUV.
Authorities attempted to stop the SUV, but Villarreal led them on a high-speed pursuit before crashing into the Evelyn Motel on San Bernardo Avenue. Inside the vehicle was 31 kilograms of cocaine in the trash bags.
Law enforcement also apprehended Hernandez and Rodriguez as they attempted to enter Mexico. Campos was the driver of the semi and brought the drugs into the United States from Mexico. He was also taken into custody.
Villarreal will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett prosecuted the case.
WAUKENSHA, WISCONSIN – Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 1, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Cornelius M. Jackson (age 31) of Waukesha, Wisconsin, charging him with sex trafficking offenses that spanned over six years and multiple states.
Count One alleges that from 2014 through August 2020, Jackson conspired with others to use force, fraud, and coercion to cause victims to engage in commercial sex acts in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Ohio, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1594. Counts Two through Five allege that Jackson used force, fraud, and coercion to cause four individual victims to engage in commercial sex acts, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1) & 1591(b)(1).
If convicted of any of the counts, Jackson faces up to life in prison. If convicted of Count Two, Three, Four, or Five, Jackson would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and up to a life term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Jackson also faces a fine of up to $250,000 per count.
“Sex trafficking is a brutal crime that dehumanizes its victims,” said United States Attorney Krueger. “These important charges resulted from extraordinary collaboration among law enforcement agencies who demonstrated remarkable determination in conducting this investigation.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation, Milwaukee Police Department, Waukesha Police Department, and Oneida Police Department, in collaboration with the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Abbey M. Marzick.
The public is cautioned that an indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
BANGOR, MAINE – A Princeton, Maine man was sentenced today in federal court in Bangor for distributing cocaine base, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Robert McKenna, 50, to 135 months in prison and three years of supervised release. McKenna pleaded guilty on January 21, 2020.
According to court records, on April 25, 2019, McKenna sold crack to an undercover agent from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency at a residence in Indian Township.
The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the FBI investigated the case.
The prosecution is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, Hartford State’s Attorney Sharmese L. Walcott, Acting Special Agent in Charge David Magdycz of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and East Hartford Police Chief Scott M. Sansom today announced that SAEED MUSTAPHA MOUSSA, 30, of East Hartford, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with child exploitation offenses related to his alleged sexual assault of a minor.
Moussa appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson via videoconference. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on October 27, 2020.
As alleged in court documents, in September 2020, East Hartford Police received a report that Moussa’s cell phone contained videos of Moussa engaging in sexual activity with a young child. East Hartford Police subsequently conducted a court-authorized search of Moussa’s residence and seized Moussa’s cell phone, computer equipment and computer storage media. Investigators also executed a search warrant on Google for the contents of Moussa’s Google Photos account.
It is alleged that Moussa’s Google Photos account contained videos of Moussa sexually assaulting a girl who was approximately eight years old at the time the videos were taken.
The complaint charges Moussa with one count of production of child [censored]ography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of possession of child [censored]ography, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
This matter is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the East Hartford Police Department. The case is being 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.
The federal complaint alleges that Pascoe, 22, of Pittsburg, California, sold counterfeit pills that appeared to be Oxycodone but instead contained the lethal drug fentanyl. The young adult customer purchased the pills from Pascoe and shortly after taking the apparent Oxycodone pills at a Walnut Creek home died from an overdose of fentanyl.
“This sad, tragic death shows how easy it is to die from drugs bought from drug dealers,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Counterfeit pills marked and sold as one drug, such as Oxycodone pills with “M30” stamps, commonly contain fentanyl instead. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl is deadly. Drug buyers must be aware that pills bought from drug dealers may be laced with fentanyl. Drug dealers should know we vigorously prosecute those who sell drugs that cause fentanyl overdoses.”
“Fentanyl is cheap, man-made and potent. Overdose can occur in the smallest amount and in this case it left a family with unimaginable loss,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux. “We will pursue those who distribute this deadly drug and continue to seek justice for those lives that have been lost.”
The complaint charging Pascoe describes how he was a repeat dealer of illegal drugs to the victim. The complaint outlines that Pascoe communicated in the days before the death through a series of text messages with the victim, who he knew from attending the same high school, to sell Oxycodone to the victim. The texts, outlined in the complaint, show that Pascoe offered “more oxy” to his victim customer and they eventually met up in Pittsburg at night for Pascoe to sell the purported Oxycodone pills to the victim. The next day, June 17, 2020, the victim was found dead at a Walnut Creek home. The complaint describes how the victim’s father found pills in the victim’s room with “M30” stamped on them, which is a common stamp on counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. A lab analysis found those pills to contain fentanyl. As the complaint further describes, an analysis of the victim’s body showed the victim died from a fatal fentanyl overdose.
Pascoe was arrested on Saturday, December 5, 2020, and made an initial appearance today in San Francisco federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler. Pascoe is currently being held in custody pending further proceedings. He is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing before United States Magistrate Laurel Beeler on December 14, 2020, at 10:30 am.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are mere allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Pascoe is charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death or great physical injury, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). If convicted of this count, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The case is being prosecuted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. The investigation of this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Concord Police Department, and the Walnut Creek Police Department.
This investigation and prosecution is part of OCDETF, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
BOSTON , MASSACHUSETS – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday for being a felon in illegal possession of firearms and ammunition on two separate occasions in Boston.
Donell Phillips, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 21 months in prison and one year of supervised release. In March 2020, Phillips pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On May 8, 2019, police officers in Boston observed Phillips, who was wanted on outstanding warrants for unrelated charges from Lawrence District Court and South Boston District Court, holding an open container of alcohol on a public sidewalk. Phillips ran from officers and dropped a Bryco, Model 38, .380 caliber firearm and magazine containing .380 caliber ammunition on the street. Phillips was not apprehended that day, and a state court arrest warrant issued for his arrest.
On June 7, 2019, police officers in Boston observed Phillips in the rear passenger seat of a vehicle and attempted to place him under arrest when the vehicle came to a stop. Phillips again ran from officers and jumped over a wall but was apprehended after a short foot chase. In Phillips’ pocket, officers found a loaded Taurus, model PT738 TCP, .380 caliber firearm, and five plastic bags of suspected cocaine base, also known as “crack cocaine.”
Due to a prior state court conviction, Phillips is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
MARSHALL, TEXAS – A 27-year-old Marshall, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
Danny Brian Hernandez pleaded guilty on Sep. 14, 2020, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 204 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap on Dec. 7, 2020.
According to information presented in court, Hernandez was a member of an organization responsible for importing large quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico and selling it in Marshall, Texas. The evidence showed that Hernandez sold more than 13 ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on three separate occasions. Hernandez and eight others were indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 19, 2020, and charged with federal drug trafficking violations.
This is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case and is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Texas Department of Public Safety; the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office; and the Marshall Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country and its mission is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. The prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task forces leverage the authorities and expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
NEW YORK, NY – A humpback whale was spotted on Monday swimming in the Hudson River near Midtown Manhattan. The whale is the first spotted since another took up residence in the river four years ago.
for those requesting our 🗽🐋video without the text! pic.twitter.com/DxJF9WuKQQ
— Andrés (@AndresJavierNYC) December 8, 2020
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that COLIN AKPARANTA, formerly a correctional officer at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (“MCC”), which houses federal inmates in Manhattan, was sentenced in Manhattan federal court to 40 months in prison for engaging in abusive sexual contact with an inmate. AKPARANTA previously pled guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin Nathaniel Fox to one count of abusive sexual contact of an inmate, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2244(a)(4), and one count of deprivation of the constitutional rights of that inmate, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242. In connection with the plea, AKPARANTA also admitted that he engaged in abusive sexual contact with six additional victims, and engaged in sexual acts with all seven of the victims. U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield, who accepted AKPARANTA’s guilty plea, imposed today’s sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Colin Akparanta repeatedly abused his position of authority as a correctional officer at the MCC by sexually abusing inmates whose safety and security he was duty-bound to protect. Today’s sentence should send a strong message that correctional officers who abuse their authority and commit crimes will be held to account. This Office will remain vigilant to ensure that all inmates are afforded the dignity and security they deserve.”
According to the Indictment, other filings in this case, and statements during court proceedings:
AKPARANTA was employed as a correctional officer at the MCC starting in 2004. Between in or about late 2012 and in or about April 2018, AKPARANTA used his official position to engage in sexual acts and contact with at least seven female inmates at the MCC while they were under AKPARANTA’s custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority. AKPARANTA digitally penetrated the victims’ private partss and touched their breasts, buttocks, and/or genitalia. AKPARANTA also had some of the victims touch his penis over his pants. In addition, AKPARANTA smuggled contraband, including, but not limited to, personal hygiene items, makeup, and food into the MCC for some of the victims, and, with respect to at least one of the victims, explicitly conditioned his provision of contraband on the inmate’s continued performance of sexual acts with him. AKPARANTA also asked the victims for their contact information in order to reach them after their release.
* * *
In addition to the prison term, Judge Schofield sentenced AKPARANTA, 44, of Irvington, New Jersey, to two years of supervised release.
Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption, Violent and Organized Crime, and Civil Rights Units. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Pomerantz, Sarah Krissoff, and Rachael Doud are in charge of the prosecution.
BROOKLYN, NY – A FedEx driver was ambushed and shot in the back of the neck in Brooklyn’s Brownsville apartment building. The gunman, police say was waiting for the driver to exit the building and shot from behind. NYPD Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison released the video for the public in order to find the gunman. The gunman appeared to be holding the door for the driver then pulled his gun and began shooting once he passed.
Yesterday in the confines of the @NYPD73Pct, at approximately 11:15 a.m, a FedEx delivery man was exiting 395 Livonia Avenue, when he was shot in the back of the neck. @NYPDShea @NYPDChiefofDept @FedEx @NYPDChiefPatrol @NYPDPSA2 pic.twitter.com/mcPIVvnGh5
— Chief Rodney Harrison (@NYPDDetectives) December 8, 2020
HAMBURG, NJ – Police in Hamburg said a teenager was stabbed outside the roadside attraction, Gingerbread Castle Amusement Park last Thursday. The teen, according to police was involved in a three-way relationship that involved a woman and former park employee Steven Rogers, 21. Rogers, according to police stabbed the 14-year-old boy after a physical confrontation outside the park. He was sent to the hospital and Rogers was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The woman was also charged with sexual assault on the teenager earlier this fall.
The Gingerbread Castle was built in 1928 by biscuit magnate F.H. Bennett. The castle opened to the public in 1930. It saw its decline in the 1980s serving as a nightclub and a haunted house before being sold in 2014. The castle changed hands multiple times in the past six years but now is being rehabilitated.
CONCORD, CA – The Concord Police Department, working along with Walnut Creek PD and the DEA, investigated a drug dealer who sold fentanyl that led the death of a young woman in Walnut Creek. On December 5th, 2020 Concord Police Officers arrested Gage Pascoe, 22 years, for selling counterfeit pills that appeared to be Oxycodone but instead contained the lethal drug fentanyl. The United States Attorney’s Office charged Pascoe with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death or great physical injury, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). If convicted of this count, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000.
RIVERSIDE, CA -On Monday, December 7, 2020, our Narcotics Unit received information that illegal drugs were being sold out of a room at the Days Inn, locate in the 10500 block of Magnolia Avenue. Detectives gathered information on the occupants and it showed one of them was on parole. A parole search was conducted and detectives found a half pound of black tar heroin, several ounces of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and over $45,000 is cash. Antonio Morales, 58-years-old of Riverside, was arrested and booked into jail for drug and parole violations. He is being held without bail.
Yonkers, NY – On Monday, December 7th, 2020, at approximately 2:24 PM, members of the Yonkers Police 3rd Precinct were on patrol in the vicinity of Victor Street when they heard multiple gunshots being fired a short distance away. Officers immediately responded towards the sound of gunfire and upon turning onto Oliver Street discovered a shooting incident that had just occurred with both the victim and several subjects still at scene. Officers controlled the scene, placing several subjects into custody without incident pending investigation and attended to the victim suffering several gunshot wounds to his person. As additional police responded, the area was cordoned-off and a criminal investigation was initiated.
Police Officers assigned to the 3rd and 4th Precincts, Emergency Services Division, and Detectives and Investigators from the Major Case Squad and Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene in a coordinated search effort for additional subjects and witnesses, to recover surveillance video, and process forensic and ballistic evidence. Investigation yielded that the victim, a 27-year-old resident of Sherman Avenue this City, was sitting alone in the driver’s seat of his double-parked 2020 Chevrolet Malibu sedan; the suspect, who resides on the same block and is known to the victim, approaches the front of the victim’s vehicle, and allegedly produces an illegal handgun and fires three times into the vehicle through the front windshield, striking the victim all three times in his face, hand, and shoulder. The victim exits his vehicle and attempts to flee west on Oliver Street, with the suspect chasing from behind; within seconds, the 3rd Precinct Officers round the corner and seize the event. The victim was subsequently transported to a local area hospital where he is listed in stable condition. Investigators working into today developed information yielding probable cause to charge one of the apprehended subjects with the intentional shooting of the victim.
Police Commissioner John J. Mueller stated, “Service before self – these officers exemplify the courage and dedication that our police officers have in their commitment to protecting the residents of Yonkers. On patrol, in our community, moving towards gunfire, they apprehend an alleged attempted murder suspect and deliver him into the Criminal Justice System – outstanding work by these officers! And let this serve as reminder to those who engage in violence in our City, that the Yonkers Police is right around the corner.”
The alleged perpetrator of the shooting is identified as Andy ANDREWS, a 31-year-old resident of Walnut Street this City. ANDREWS is charged with one count of Attempted Murder 2’, a Class B Violent Felony in the New York State Penal Law; and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2’, a Class C Violent Felony in the New York State Penal Law. ANDREWS was arraigned today in Yonkers Criminal Court and remanded to the Westchester County Jail; his next court date is scheduled for December 22nd, 2020. The case is being prosecuted by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Additional information may be released as it becomes available.