Ring - Shore News Network

Leader of Sex Trafficking Ring Sentenced to 60 Years in Federal Prison, Ordered to Pay Over $14 Million in Restitution

DOJ PressSeptember 27, 20220

MIAMI – A South Florida federal district judge has sentenced William D. Foster, 50, to 60 years in prison for running a sex trafficking organization for more than 20 years that exploited dozens of vulnerable women and girls. The judge also entered a $3.4 million forfeiture money judgment against Foster and ordered him to pay over $14 million in restitution to his victims. At any given time, up to 15 women and girls lived with, and worked for, Foster. Through manipulation, lies, and threats, Foster forced his victims to work at South Florida exotic dance clubs and engage in

Hialeah Armed Hostage-Taking Ring Busted for Ransoming Cuban Migrants and Human Smuggling Offenses

DOJ PressSeptember 16, 20220

MIAMI – On September 15, 2022, Didier Perez Perez, Lester Leyniel Soca Diaz, and Yoandy Alonso were indicted by a Miami Southern District of Florida Grand Jury for transporting Cuban nationals into the U.S. via Monroe County, Fla., to a migrant stash house in Hialeah, Fla., where they were held for a requested ransom of $15,000. Migrants were threatened—to include being told they would be left in the middle of the ocean if their smuggling debts were not paid. Law enforcement rescued the captured migrants and busted the alien transport ring by accompanying a victim’s friend to the hostage exchange

Four Men Sentenced for Gang-Related Murder and Multistate Drug Trafficking Ring

DOJ PressSeptember 16, 20220

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Four individuals were sentenced Monday and yesterday to multiple life terms and 26 years in prison for numerous charges relating to a murder, a violent gang enterprise, and a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Virginia, California, and several other states. According to court documents, Peter Le, 25, of Dunn Loring, Young Yoo, 26, of Centreville, Joseph Lamborn, 28, of California, and Tony Le, 28, also of California, were members of a violent Northern Virginia Street gang called the Reccless Tigers, which was affiliated with a California gang called the West Side Asian Boyz. The gang, which originated

California Man Pleads to Supplying 160 Pounds of Meth to Western PA Drug Ring

DOJ PressSeptember 14, 20220

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Stockton, California, pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of federal narcotics and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today. Marco Armenta, age 36, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Armenta was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return

Eighth And Final Defendant Sentenced In New Buffalo Cocaine Ring

DOJ PressSeptember 13, 20220

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced that on September 12, 2022, the Honorable Paul L. Maloney, United States District Judge for the Western District of Michigan sentenced Adrian Romero Antunez (35), a Mexican national in the United States on a tourist visa, to 46 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine. Romero Antunez was the final defendant to be sentenced in a transnational and interstate cocaine ring that centered around New Buffalo, Michigan resident Ivan Huerta Hernandez (33). Through conduits in

Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty in Large-Scale Meth Distribution Ring

DOJ PressSeptember 9, 20220

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today. Travis Williams, age 30, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Williams was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments

Reno Resident Sentenced To Prison For Large-Scale Retail Theft Ring

DOJ PressSeptember 2, 20220

RENO – A Reno man was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du to 71 months in prison — with five months to run concurrent to his current state time and the remainder to run consecutive to his state time — followed by three years of supervised release for conducting a million-dollar retail theft operation by buying stolen items from drug abusers and reselling the items online. Gennaro Canta (44) pleaded guilty in June 2022 to conspiracy, interstate transportation of stolen goods, and money laundering. According to court documents, from October 2014 to August 2016, Canta paid

New Orleans Resident Pleads Guilty to Role in Interstate Car Theft Ring

DOJ PressAugust 25, 20220

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that AARON THIBODEAUX, age 36, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on August 24, 2022 before Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to conspiring to transport and sell stolen cars across state lines in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy). According to the indictment, THIBODEAUX and his co-conspirators stole cars from car dealerships and rental car facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. After the cars were stolen, these defendants would retitle the cars under fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) with the Louisiana Office of Motor

Marrero Resident Pleads Guilty to Role in Interstate Car Theft Ring

DOJ PressAugust 25, 20220

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TAWUAN SYLVESTER, age 47, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on August 23, 2022 before Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to conspiring to transport and sell stolen cars across state lines in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy). According to the indictment, SYLVESTER and his co-conspirators stole cars from car dealerships and rental car facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. After the cars were stolen, these defendants would retitle the cars under fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Multi-State Drug Ring

DOJ PressAugust 22, 20220

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Dillon Andrew Young, 29, of Sissonville was sentenced today to two years and six months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, for his role in a multi-state drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Huntington that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base, also known as “crack.” According to court documents and statements made in court, Young admitted that he spoke to co-defendant Scott Lee Midkiff on April 9, 2021, using the cell phone of another individual. Midkiff asked Young to bring the phone to him because Midkiff believed that the

Maryland Men Sentenced to Prison Terms for Membership in Computer Fraud and Identity Theft Ring That Targeted State Governments

DOJ PressAugust 12, 20220

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Guy Cuomo a/k/a “John Monaco,” age 54, of Frederick, Maryland, was sentenced today to 45 months in prison for computer fraud, misuse of a social security number, aggravated identity theft and related conspiracy charges for his role in a scheme to sell information unlawfully obtained from the New York State Department of Labor and workforce agencies in other states. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, New York Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG). The evidence at Cuomo’s 5-day trial

22 Defendants Charged in 22-Count Indictment Alleging Middle Georgia Drug Trafficking Ring

DOJ PressAugust 9, 20220

ALBANY, Ga. – 22 individuals are facing federal charges resulting from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation into an alleged armed drug trafficking organization distributing methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and other controlled substances in Middle Georgia. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. A federal indictment was returned on June 15 charging the following individuals: Cornelius Leonard aka Tae, 28, of Grantville, Georgia, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; three

Eight Members of a Calhoun County-based Methamphetamine Drug Trafficking Ring Arrested

DOJ PressAugust 2, 20220

BIRMINGHAM – An indictment charging 12 defendants in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy based in Calhoun County was unsealed today, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Mickey French. Eight of the defendants were arrested today, and the four remaining defendants were already in custody on state offenses. A 66-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Antonio Franchester Orr, aka Lil T, aka Tony, 48, of Eastaboga, Brandon Maurice Butler, aka BB, 34, of Lincoln, Thomas Terrel Truss, 50,

Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Multi-State Drug Ring

DOJ PressAugust 1, 20220

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man was sentenced to four years and four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed large amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs in the Huntington area. According to court documents and statements made in court, Reginald Jerome Hairston, 44, admitted that he conspired with other individuals to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl between May and July 2021. Hairston acquired quantities of the controlled substances from co-defendant Christopher Leon Vest for purchase by other individuals. Hairston and Vest each

Eight Indicted in Money Laundering Ring

DOJ PressJuly 29, 20220

BOSTON – Eight individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for their alleged roles in elaborate money laundering and money transmitting conspiracies that laundered tens of millions of dollars’ worth of drug trafficking proceeds, as well as a trade-based scheme that used stolen and/or fraudulent gift cards to purchase and ship thousands of Apple products internationally. The following defendants were indicted on conspiracy to commit money laundering and unlicensed money transmitting: Shi Rong Zhang, 48, of Windham, N.H.; Qiu Mei Zeng, 47, of Quincy; Vincent Feng, 32, of Quincy; Da Zeng, 30, of Massachusetts; Wei Qing

Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Cross-Country Cocaine Trafficking Ring

DOJ PressJuly 29, 20220

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today. Howard Johnson II, 32, pleaded guilty to an Indictment charging him, and 26 other codefendants, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy. In connection with the guilty plea, the Government advised the Court that the prosecution of Johnson arose out of a two-year investigation into a drug trafficking organization whose members distributed kilograms of cocaine,

Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Cross-Country Cocaine Trafficking Ring

DOJ PressJuly 29, 20220

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today. Howard Johnson II, 32, pleaded guilty to an Indictment charging him, and 26 other codefendants, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy. In connection with the guilty plea, the Government advised the Court that the prosecution of Johnson arose out of a two-year investigation into a drug trafficking organization whose members distributed kilograms of cocaine,

TWO MEN INVOLVED IN METHAMPHETAMINE RING SENTENCED

DOJ PressJuly 26, 20220

Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that RICHARD CALVERT BROWN, age 37, of Casper, Wyoming, and JONATHAN FRANK KRANTZ, age 51, of Orland, California, were sentenced for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before Chief United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl. Brown was sentenced on February 18, 2022, to 75 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1600 in restitution and a $100 special assessment. Kranz was sentenced on July 18, 2022, to 75 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $500 in restitution and

Alleged Members of a Multi-State Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine Trafficking Ring Arrested

DOJ PressJuly 22, 20220

INDIANAPOLIS – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging twenty-one individuals for their roles in an Indianapolis-based drug trafficking organization with conspiracies to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The indictment was unsealed late yesterday following their arrests and initial appearances. As alleged in court documents, Keith Jones, aka “Keybo,” 56, Indianapolis, was the alleged leader of a drug trafficking organization that operated in Indianapolis. Jones received parcels containing large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl from Kevin Backstrom, 56, of Los Angeles, California and another individual in Desert Hot Springs, California. Jones directed other individuals to receive the drug

Alleged Members of a Multi-State Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine Trafficking Ring Arrested

DOJ PressJuly 22, 20220

INDIANAPOLIS – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging twenty-one individuals for their roles in an Indianapolis-based drug trafficking organization with conspiracies to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The indictment was unsealed late yesterday following their arrests and initial appearances. As alleged in court documents, Keith Jones, aka “Keybo,” 56, Indianapolis, was the alleged leader of a drug trafficking organization that operated in Indianapolis. Jones received parcels containing large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl from Kevin Backstrom, 56, of Los Angeles, California and another individual in Desert Hot Springs, California. Jones directed other individuals to receive the drug

Queens D.A. Announces 1,1611 Count Gun Trafficking Indictment to Shut Down Illegal Gun Ring

Press ReleaseJuly 22, 20220

NEW YORK, NY (PRESS RELEASE) – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, joined by New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, today announced a 1,611-count indictment and the arrests of five individuals allegedly involved in a gun trafficking ring using the notorious Iron Pipeline to smuggle guns purchased in Knoxville, Tennessee, which were then sold illegally in Queens County. Law enforcement officials removed more than 180 illegal weapons from our neighborhoods, along with 136 high-capacity magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition during the course of an 11-month-long investigation, titled Operation Hotcakes. District Attorney Katz said, “Illegal gun traffickers who

Bronx Man Involved in Brazen Burglary Ring Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison

DOJ PressJuly 19, 20220

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPHER Y. CARTAGENA, 26, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his leadership of a brazen burglary ring that resulted in the theft of millions of dollars in vehicles, phones, ATMs and other merchandise from numerous locations in Connecticut, New York and elsewhere. According to court documents and statements made in court, Cartagena and his brother, Alexander Santiago, led a theft ring that, between

Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Multi-State Drug Ring

DOJ PressJuly 11, 20220

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ricky Lee Taylor, also known as “RT,” 58, of Charleston, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, for his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl and other illegal drugs in the Huntington area. According to court documents and statements made in court, Taylor admitted that he arranged a transaction involving cocaine base, also known as “crack,” during a telephone call with an individual in Huntington on May 11, 2021. After the transaction was arranged, Taylor traveled from Charleston to

Kansas Man Sentenced in International Drug Smuggling Ring

DOJ PressJuly 11, 20220

KANSAS CITY, KAN.– A Kansas man was sentenced to 144 months in prison for his role in an international drug trafficking ring. Back in April 2022, Jovanny Medina, 24, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court documents, Medina took part in a conspiracy to traffic illegal narcotics sourced from his family in Mexico in the Kansas City metro area. His primary role in the operation was to import and distribute multi-kilogram quantities of methamphetamine, collect drug debts, and transport bulk United

Police Shut Down Human Trafficking Ring in New Jersey That Took Advantage of Open Mexican Border

Conservative TimesJuly 8, 20220

TRENTON, NJ – A Central Jersey human trafficking operation was taken down this week by the New Jersey State Police. Eight people were arrested for smuggling female victims into the United States and forcing them into prostitution. The defendants took advantage of America’s open borders to smuggle juveniles and women into the country in order to profit from their bodies. During a four-month investigation, detectives discovered that the suspects smuggled female victims into the country and forced them into prostitution. According to the New Jersey State Police, On Friday, January 21, detectives from the State Police Missing Persons & Human