TUCSON, Ariz. - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, is hosting the ‘Be Here for Kids’ event on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the University of Arizona’s Student Recreation Center, located at 1400 E. 6th Street. The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) created the ‘Be Here for Kids’ campaign to promote awareness about all child safety issues. The campaign is designed to help parents and others teach children to be aware, alert, and cautious to potential threats and to provide steps that children can take to stay safe, both on the Internet and in daily life.
This year’s event is being presented in partnership with the University of Arizona Youth and Activities Department of Campus Recreation. Agencies participating in the event include, but are not limited to, The Arizona Rangers, Arizona Poison & Drug Information Center, Be Smart Gun Safety, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, MADD, Pima County Sheriff’s Office, RedCross, and UMC Banner Child Life Program and Volunteer Resources, along with several local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
There will be several special four legged guests attending this year’s event. McGuff the Crime Dog, ATF’s Kira, Border Patrol’s Beny, and Tucson Police Department’s Luna. A few activities of interest include Ko Sho Martial Training Institute’s interactive self-defense demonstration at 1:30. Beginning at 2:30, Tucson Fire Department will have a wet-down for the children. After the event, there will be a presentation for children and parents to discuss the importance of good online citizenship and protecting yourself from online predators.
For more information on NCMEC, visit www.missingkids.com. For more information about the Be Here for Kids campaign, visit www.missingkids.com/behereforkids. For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-075_Be Here for Kids_Tsn
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
SAN DIEGO – Kevin Noe Campos Villa of Tijuana was sentenced in federal court today to seven months in prison for human smuggling.
Campos previously pleaded guilty, admitting he guided seven unauthorized immigrants through sewer pipes during heavy rains. Several had to be rescued from the Tijuana River by San Diego lifeguards.
Campos was arrested on January 22, 2024, after U.S. Border Patrol agents observed Campos directing the individuals from Mexico into the United States through the pipes about two miles west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry during heavy rains.
When confronted by Border Patrol agents, Campos and three of the immigrants he was guiding ran to avoid apprehension. While attempting to escape, they fell into the Tijuana River, known to be contaminated, and had to be rescued by San Diego lifeguards.
According to court records, two of the unauthorized immigrants who were rescued stated that they feared for their lives when crossing the river because they did not know how to swim. One stated that he was swept away by the river’s current and was able to grab and hold onto a tree branch until his rescue.
Sewer tubes between the United States and Mexico have grates to prevent individuals from illegally entering the United States. During heavy rain, the grates are opened to let water flow through the sewer tubes without damaging the grates. Due to heavy rain that was occurring in the area at the time, the grates were open, and Campos used the opportunity to smuggle the unauthorized immigrants into the United States.
Court documents established Campos agreed to guide the group in the January event, and in exchange he would have his own smuggling fee reduced to $6,000. Campos also admitted that he has been working for smugglers by building ladders to smuggle people across the U.S.-Mexico border fence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Adeline Schulberg.
DEFENDANT Case Number 24CR0290-LL
Kevin Noe Campos Villa Age: 20 Tijuana, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 8, United States Code, §1324(a)(1)(A)(i)— Bringing in Illegal Aliens at a Place other than a Designated Port of Entry
Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison; $250,000 fine
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Lawrence A. Casper (619) 546-6734, Paul Benjamin (619) 546-7579, James Redd (619) 546-9661
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – May 16, 2022
SAN DIEGO – A federal drug investigation has resulted in the discovery of a sophisticated cross-border tunnel and charges against six people for conspiring to distribute 1,762 pounds of cocaine.
The subterranean passageway, stretching from Tijuana, Mexico to a warehouse in Otay Mesa just east of the Port of Entry, is estimated to be about 1,744 feet long, 61 feet deep and 4-feet in diameter, with reinforced walls, a rail system, electricity and a ventilation system.
The defendants include Mario Jaramillo of Huntington Beach; Adrian Enriquez of Perris, Calif.; Juan Cruz of San Ysidro; and Vanessa Ramirez, Luz de Luna Olmos and Manuel Perez of San Diego. All are charged with cocaine trafficking; Olmos and Ramirez are also charged with methamphetamine and heroin trafficking. In addition to the 1,762 pounds of cocaine, authorities seized 164 pounds of methamphetamine and 3.5 pounds of heroin.
READ the complaint
The tunnel was discovered just after midnight on Friday by U.S. law enforcement officials from Homeland Security Investigations who were conducting surveillance on a National City residence that was previously used as a stash house in a cocaine smuggling event on March 2. That event had resulted in the arrest of one person and the seizure of 28 kilograms of cocaine.
According to the federal complaint, at about 11:45 a.m., officials observed as Olmos and Ramirez drove away from that National City residence in a silver Nissan Frontier pickup truck to Harbor Freight Tools store in Chula Vista, where they retrieved large cardboard boxes from a dumpster and put them into the pickup truck.
The women then entered the Harbor Freight Tools store and purchased wheeled carts that are typically used to move heavy items, the complaint said. They later returned to the residence in the pickup truck and removed the boxes from the back of the pick-up bed and carried them inside the residence. At about 1:20 p.m., Olmos left the residence and drove to a Walmart store, where she purchased additional cardboard boxes and transported them back to the residence.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., Ramirez drove the pickup away from the residence to a warehouse located at 9986 Via De La Amistad, Unit A, in San Diego. The warehouse is approximately 300 feet north of the U.S.-Mexico border fence.
Ramirez drove the pickup into the bay of the warehouse and the roll-up door was shut immediately after. At approximately 4:40 p.m., the warehouse door opened. Ramirez exited the warehouse in the pickup and drove back to the residence with law enforcement conducting surveillance.
In the hours that followed, law enforcement officials saw five other cars come and go from either the residence, the warehouse or both. Those vehicles were ultimately stopped by law enforcement, drugs were seized from the vehicles and the residence, and defendants associated with the cars and or residence were arrested.
Upon searching the warehouse, agents uncovered the sophisticated cross-border tunnel exit point carved out of the cement floor.
“There is no more light at the end of this narco-tunnel,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We will take down every subterranean smuggling route we find to keep illicit drugs from reaching our streets and destroying our families and communities.”
Grossman thanked the prosecution team, HSI San Diego Costa Pacifico Money Laundering Task Force, and its partners from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Customs and Border Protection for their excellent work on this case. “This tunnel was discovered because of the patience and tenacity of federal agents who are passionate about protecting their communities from the scourge of drug addiction and related violence.”
“The San Diego law enforcement community has multiple investigative task forces that highly prioritize tunnel detection- exemplified by this tunnel discovery by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego led Costa Pacifico Money Laundering Task Force,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “The San Diego law enforcement community throughout the years has consistently shown its ability to detect and remediate tunnels while bringing those responsible to justice.”
There have been 90 subterranean passages discovered in the Southern District of California since 1993. Of those, 27 were considered sophisticated. The last tunnel discovered in the Southern District of California was in March 2020.
The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill Burkhardt.
The discovery of the tunnel resulted from an ongoing investigation by members of the San Diego Costa Pacifico Money Laundering Task Force, which include Homeland Security Investigations, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border
Protection and the United States Attorney’s Office.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 22mj01680
Mario Jaramillo 55 Huntington Beach
Adrian Enriquez 31 Perris
Manuel Perez 49 San Diego
Juan Cruz 48 San Ysidro
Vanessa Ramirez 31 San Diego
Luz de Luna Olmos 43 San Diego
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1: Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine (all six defendants) – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841 and 846;
Maximum penalty: Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and maximum of life in prison and $1 million fine
Count 2: Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (Olmos and Ramirez) – Title 21 U.S.C. Sections 841 and 846;
Maximum penalty: Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and maximum of life in prison and $1 million fine
Count 3: Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin (Luz de Luna Olmos & Vanessa Ramirez) – Title 21 U.S.C. Sections 841 and 846;
Maximum penalty: Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and maximum of life in prison and $1 million fine
AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
United States Border Patrol
*The charges and allegations contained in a complaint or indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Kelly Thornton (619) 546-9726 or Cindy Cipriani (619) 546-9608
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – January 16, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Robert S. Brewer, Jr., a decorated Vietnam War veteran, former prosecutor and prominent San Diego litigator for decades, was sworn in today as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of California by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz.
Mr. Brewer took the oath of office in federal court this morning before an audience that included family members, lifelong friends, members of the legal community, judges and staff from the court and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. As the United States Attorney, Mr. Brewer is the chief federal law enforcement officer responsible for prosecuting and defending the interests of the United States in one of the busiest judicial districts in the nation.
“It is one of my life’s great honors to serve as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of California,” Mr. Brewer said in a statement. “I am committed to fairness, equality, justice and above all the rule of law. I will draw on my valuable life experiences to uphold these principles and protect our community and our border. It will be a privilege to work with the skillful and dedicated attorneys and staff in the office. I also want to highly commend Adam Braverman who served as U.S. Attorney for the past 14 months and Alana Robinson who served as U.S. Attorney from January to November 2017. Both served with distinction and brought great credit to the office.”
President Trump nominated Mr. Brewer to serve as U.S. Attorney for this district on June 25, 2018, upon the recommendation of U.S. Senators Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein. The full Senate unanimously confirmed his appointment on January 2, 2019.
During today’s swearing in, Judge Moskowitz noted Mr. Brewer’s many contributions to his country and community – from heroic actions as a combat veteran in Vietnam to volunteer work for the American RedCross, the San Diego Humane Society and Canine Companions for Independence.
He also praised Mr. Brewer’s legal accomplishments. “I’ve known Bob Brewer for 33 years,” Judge Moskowitz said. “He is one of the five best lawyers I have ever met.”
Until recently, Mr. Brewer, a native of Ithaca, New York, was a litigation attorney at Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek. He previously served as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County from 1975 to 1977, and as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California from 1977 to 1982, where he successfully prosecuted a variety of cases including espionage, bank robbery, murder for hire and aircraft hijacking. He also held various management positions, including Assistant Chief of the Criminal Division. He received the Attorney General’s Commendation Award in 1981.
From 1982 through the present, Mr. Brewer has been in private practice, including from 1991 to 2009 as a partner at McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP, and from 2009 to 2014 as a partner at Jones Day. Before attending law school, Mr. Brewer served in the United States Army as an Airborne Ranger Infantry Officer and received the Silver Star and two Bronze Stars for his combat service in the Vietnam War. Mr. Brewer has been a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers since 1999. He received the Daniel T. Broderick Award from the San Diego County Bar Association in 2009 and the Distinguished Graduate Award from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2016. Mr. Brewer earned his B.A. from St. Lawrence University, and his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law.
Brewer is married to retired U.S. District Judge Irma Gonzalez, the nation’s first Mexican-American female federal judge.
Because of the lapse in appropriations, information about possible media availability will be provided at the conclusion of the government shutdown.
LOS ANGELES – A Diamond Bar man was arrested today on federal charges alleging that he disrupted a “Stop Asian Hate” rally in March 2021 by deliberately running a red light, blocking the path of demonstrators lawfully using a crosswalk and yelling racial epithets at them.
Steve Lee Dominguez, 56, is charged in a federal grand jury indictment with two counts of bias-motivated interference with federal protected activities.
Dominguez is expected to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
According to the indictment that was unsealed today, on March 21, 2021, a “Stop Asian Hate” rally occurred in Diamond Bar. The rally was a protest against the increase in hate crimes and hate incidents against members of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community both locally and nationally – including the murders of six Asian American women five days earlier in Atlanta.
A group of rally participants assembled at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue, carrying American flags and large signs in support of their cause. The demonstrators had gathered peacefully and lawfully crossed the streets using the marked pedestrian crosswalk when they had the right of way.
During the rally, Dominguez was driving a black Honda four-door sedan and was stopped at a red light at the intersection. Dominguez allegedly yelled, “Go back to China!” and other racial slurs at the demonstrators. Dominguez then allegedly deliberately drove his car through the intersection’s crosswalk at the red light, made an illegal U-turn and cut off the route of several rally participants lawfully crossing the street.
One of the victims was an Asian woman carrying a sign that read, “Stop Asian Hate.” Another victim was a minor Black female rally participant who carried a sign that read, “End the Violence Against Asians.” Another person who was cut off in the crosswalk was a 9-year-old child, and Dominguez’s car narrowly missed coming into contact with her and other victims, according to the indictment. No injuries were reported.
Dominguez allegedly then pulled his car over some distance away from the intersection, got out of the car and continued to yell racial epithets and threats at the demonstrators. He then called the police, identified himself as “John Doe” and falsely reported to police that the rally participants were blocking the street and he had to run a red light “because they were about to trample my car,” the indictment alleges. He also allegedly requested that police “get some control out” at the intersection.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted of the two charges in the indictment, Dominguez would face a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
The FBI investigated this matter. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department initially responded to the scene and assisted in this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Veronica Dragalin of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section is prosecuting this case.
Any member of the public who has information related to this incident or other hate crimes is encouraged to call the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565 or report tips online at https://tips.fbi.gov.
LOS ANGELES – A Diamond Bar man pled guilty today to a federal criminal civil rights charge for disrupting a “Stop Asian Hate” rally in March 2021 by running a red light and driving through a crowded crosswalk of peaceful demonstrators while shouting racial slurs and epithets.
On the third day of trial, Steve Lee Dominguez, 57, pleaded guilty to one felony count of bias-motivated interference with federally protected activities.
“The right to political expression is a bedrock principle of this nation,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Mr. Dominguez’s decision to attack a peaceful rally meant to raise awareness of anti-Asian hate was both unlawful and un-American. My Office will remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguard civil rights against those who would seek to undermine our constitutional rights.”
“The FBI safeguards the civil rights of all Americans, including the constitutionally protected right of free speech, but that right ends where violence begins,” said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to work with our partners to address these types of violations, where individuals who were simply calling for an end to violence were senselessly attacked.”
“Hate has no place within Los Angeles County, and those that commit acts of hate and interfere with the civil rights of others will be held accountable,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “The Sheriff’s Department is focused on combatting hate crimes and hate incidents in our diverse communities and increasing our outreach efforts to better understand the needs of the victims and educate the public on how to report such crimes.”
According to a plea agreement filed in federal court, a “Stop Asian Hate” rally occurred on March 21, 2021 in Diamond Bar. The rally was to raise awareness about the increase in hate crimes and hate incidents against members of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community both locally and nationally – including the murders of six Asian American women five days earlier in Atlanta.
A group of rally participants assembled at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue, carrying American flags and large signs in support of their cause. The demonstrators peacefully gathered and lawfully crossed the streets using the marked pedestrian crosswalk when they had the right of way.
During the rally, Dominguez was driving a black Honda Civic sedan and was stopped at a red light at the intersection. Dominguez yelled, “Go back to China!” and other racial slurs and profanities at the demonstrators. He then deliberately drove his car through the intersection’s crosswalk at the red light, made an illegal U-turn into oncoming traffic, and cut off the route of several rally participants lawfully crossing the street, primarily women and a young child.
One of the victims was an Asian woman carrying a sign that read, “Stop Asian Hate.” Another victim was a minor Black female rally participant who carried a sign that read, “End the Violence Against Asians.” Another person who was cut off in the crosswalk was a 9-year-old child, and Dominguez’s car narrowly missed her and other victims. No injuries were reported.
Dominguez then pulled his car over, got out of the car and continued to yell racial epithets – including the n-word – and threats at the demonstrators. He then called the police, identified himself as “John Doe” and falsely reported to police that the rally participants were blocking the street and he had to run a red light “because they were about to trample my car,” according to evidence presented at trial. He also requested that police “get some control out” at the intersection.
United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II scheduled a May 6, 2024 sentencing hearing, at which time Dominguez will face up to one year in prison pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement. Dominguez has remained free on a $30,000 bond since his initial arrest in May 2022 and will remain on bond until sentencing.
The FBI investigated this matter. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department initially responded to the scene and assisted in this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Frances S. Lewis of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section and Suria M. Bahadue of the Criminal Appeals Section are prosecuting this case.
Any member of the public who has information related to this incident or other hate crimes is encouraged to call the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565 or report tips online at https://tips.fbi.gov.
LOS ANGELES – A Diamond Bar man was sentenced today to 12 months in federal prison for disrupting a “Stop Asian Hate” rally in March 2021 by running a red light and driving through a crowded crosswalk of peaceful demonstrators while shouting racial slurs and epithets.
Steve Lee Dominguez, 58, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II.
Dominguez pleaded guilty in October 2023 to one count of bias-motivated interference with federally protected activities.
“This defendant’s hateful attack was designed to curtail the rights of peaceful demonstrators,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “While differences of opinion are part of a healthy democracy, we cannot allow people to commit acts of violence against those with whom they disagree. My office will continue to safeguard civil rights for all members of our community.”
“Mr. Dominguez attacked innocent civilians who were simply standing up for a righteous cause – to protect Asian members of our society from hateful attacks,” said Mehtab Syed, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Today’s sentence represents the FBI’s commitment to ensuring that Constitutionally-protected rights are not violated and those who deny them will be held accountable.”
“We are deeply committed to protecting everyone’s constitutional rights including freedom of speech, and when actions turn violent and cross the line into criminal misconduct they will not be tolerated,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “The Sheriff’s Department will continue to work with our justice partners to ensure our diverse communities within Los Angeles County are protected for exercising their civil rights without fear of being attacked or harassed.”
A “Stop Asian Hate” rally occurred on March 21, 2021, in Diamond Bar. The rally was to raise awareness about the increase in hate crimes and hate incidents against members of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community both locally and nationally – including the murders of six Asian American women five days earlier in Atlanta.
A group of rally participants assembled at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue, carrying American flags and large signs in support of their cause. The demonstrators peacefully gathered and lawfully crossed the streets using the marked pedestrian crosswalk when they had the right of way.
During the rally, Dominguez was driving a black Honda Civic sedan and was stopped at a red light at the intersection. Dominguez yelled, “Go back to China!” and other racial slurs and profanities at the demonstrators. He then deliberately drove his car through the intersection’s crosswalk at the red light, made an illegal U-turn into oncoming traffic, and cut off the route of several rally participants lawfully crossing the street, primarily women and a young child.
One of the victims was an Asian woman carrying a sign that read, “Stop Asian Hate.” Another victim was a minor Black female rally participant who carried a sign that read, “End the Violence Against Asians.” Another person who was cut off in the crosswalk was a 9-year-old child, and Dominguez’s car narrowly missed her and other victims. No injuries were reported.
Dominguez then pulled his car over, got out of the car and continued to yell racial epithets – including the n-word – and threats at the demonstrators. He then called the police, identified himself as “John Doe” and falsely reported to police that the rally participants were blocking the street and he had to run a red light “because they were about to trample my car,” according to evidence presented at trial. He also requested that police “get some control out” at the intersection.
The FBI investigated this matter. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department initially responded to the scene and assisted in this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Frances S. Lewis of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section and Suria M. Bahadue of the Criminal Appeals Section prosecuted this case.
Any member of the public who has information related to hate crimes is encouraged to call the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565 or report tips online at https://tips.fbi.gov.
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Charles Gilbert Green, age 29 of Leland, was sentenced to 232 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearm charges after he was identified as the shooter who fired multiple shots in broad daylight near a Wilmington funeral home. One person was injured in the shooting. On September 12, 2023, Green pled guilty to two counts of distribution of cocaine base (crack) and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
“We will continue to go after individuals involved in violent crime and will aggressively seek prosecution,” said Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams. “I am proud of the continued work of our women and men and the partnerships we have with other agencies as well. We take the opportunity to serve and protect our community very seriously and will stop at nothing to do our part to help ensure our citizens have a safe place to live and work.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, on April 2, 2022, at approximately 1:30 p.m. officers with the Wilmington Police Department were dispatched to the area of 6th and RedCross Streets after receiving a ShotSpotter alert and multiple 911 calls about shots fired. Upon arrival, officers located one person suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and he was immediately transported to the hospital where he received treatment and recovered from his injuries. During their investigation, officers located almost a dozen fired shell casings. Officers were able to locate security camera footage which showed Charles Green firing multiple shots from the southeast corner of RedCross Street towards a group of individuals standing near the funeral home and then get into a white Ford Flex and flee the scene.
After reviewing the video from the shooting and hearing evidence, the court found Mr. Green used a firearm in an attempted murder, which resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim. At the time of the shooting, Mr. Green was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Mr. Green has prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, common law robbery, assault inflicting serious injury, resisting a public officer, and possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana.
Members of the Brunswick County Vice and Narcotics Unit received information that a man that went by “CJ” was distributing narcotics in Leland. Law enforcement was able to identify “CJ” as Charles Gilbert Green, and then utilize a confidential informant to conduct controlled purchases of cocaine base (crack) from Green.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The FBI’s Coastal Carolina Safe Street’s Gang Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Brunswick County Vice and Narcotics Unit, the Wilmington Police Department, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wilmington Police Department’s Gun Crime Task Force investigated the case and Special Assistant United States Attorney William Van Trigt prosecuted the case. Van Trigt is a prosecutor with the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal violent crimes and other criminal matters. This has been made possible by a grant funded by New Hanover County.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:23-cr-00014-M-001.
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Charles Gilbert Green, age 29, pled guilty today to two counts of distribution of cocaine base (crack) and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, in 2021 members of the Brunswick County Vice and Narcotics Unit received information that a man that went by “CJ” was distributing narcotics in Leland. Law enforcement was able to identify “CJ” as Charles Gilbert Green. On June 2, 2021, and on September 23, 2021, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to conduct controlled purchases of cocaine base (crack) from the defendant.
On April 2, 2022, at approximately 1:30 p.m., officers with the Wilmington Police Department were dispatched to the area of 6th Street and RedCross Street after receiving a ShotSpotter alert and multiple 911 calls about shots fired. Upon arrival, officers located one person suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and he was immediately transported to the hospital where he received treatment and recovered from his injuries. During their investigation, officers located six fired shell casings in front of the John H. Shaw’s Son Funeral Home on RedCross Street, where people were gathered for a funeral. Five fired shell casings were also found on the southeast corner of RedCross and North 6th Street. Officers were able to locate security camera footage which showed Green firing multiple shots from the southeast corner of RedCross Street towards a group of individuals standing near the funeral home where the shell casings were found. Green then got into a white Ford Flex and fled the scene. Based on their review of the video footage, officers determined the shell casings found in front of the funeral home were fired in self-defense.
At the time of the shooting, Green was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. His prior felony convictions include a conviction for common law robbery in 2018 and a conviction for possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana in 2014.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief United States District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. Sentencing will occur before Chief United States District Judge Richard E. Myers II later this year. The FBI’s Coastal Carolina Safe Street’s Gang Task Force is leading the investigation, and Special Assistant United States Attorney William Van Trigt is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:23-cr-00014-M.
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael Khoo and David Lim, Co-Directors of Task Force KleptoCapture, announced today the filing of a civil forfeiture complaint against the Motor Yacht Amadea, a 348-foot luxury vessel reportedly worth over $300 million. The Complaint alleges that the superyacht, which is beneficially owned by Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, was improved and maintained in violation of applicable sanctions against Kerimov and those acting on his behalf. The Complaint alleges that the Amadea is forfeitable based on violations of U.S. law, including International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”), and money laundering violations.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The filing of this complaint exemplifies that the United States takes sanction evasion seriously and will use all tools at its disposal to ensure that sanctioned individuals are held accountable for their crimes. I thank our partners with Task Force KleptoCapture as well as the dedicated prosecutors of this office for their important work holding Russian oligarchs responsible and aiding our allies in Ukraine.”
Co-Director of Task Force KleptoCapture Michael Khoo said: “The United States brings this action today after a careful and painstaking effort to develop the necessary evidence showing Suleiman Kerimov’s clear interest in the Amadea and the repeated misuse of the U.S. financial system to support and maintain the yacht for his benefit. Getting to this point required extensive cooperation across the U.S. government and with foreign partners. It underscores our resolve to undertake challenging, cross-border investigations and to send a message to Russian oligarchs and their enablers: if you flout the rule of law, you can expect to pay real and meaningful consequences.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court today:[1]
On April 6, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) designated Kerimov as a Specially Designated National (“SDN”) under IEEPA in connection with its finding that the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation in Ukraine constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. In imposing sanctions, OFAC determined that Kerimov benefited from the regime of Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and played a key role in advancing Russia’s malign activities. As alleged, Kerimov never sought a license from OFAC authorizing any transactions including any transactions in connection with expenditures related to the yacht. On or about September 30, 2022, OFAC redesignated Kerimov as an SDN.
In September 2021, following Kerimov’s designation by OFAC, Kerimov arranged to purchase the superyacht Amadea, contracting with the seller to receive use rights to the vessel even before Kerimov had completed payment or obtained title to the vessel. Kerimov gained beneficial ownership of the vessel in or about September 2021 through a series of transfers between shell companies conducted in a manner designed to conceal his ownership of the yacht. Between in or about July 2021 and in or about September 2021, beneficial ownership of the Amadea was transferred from the former title holder, Nereo Management Ltd., to Millemarin Investments Ltd., which was incorporated approximately 30 days before the sale. Ownership of the Amadea was then transferred to Errigal Marine Limited, another newly incorporated company, which was used to obscure Kerimov’s beneficial ownership of the Amadea. Beginning in October 2021 through the date the yacht was seized by Fijian authorities in April 2022, Kerimov and/or his family members took multiple trips aboard the Amadea, planned extensive renovations to the Amadea, made long-term plans for the Amadea’s travel schedule, and assumed all liability and responsibility for the Amadea’s upkeep and running costs.
During that time period, individuals and/or entities acting on Kerimov’s behalf accrued U.S. dollar-denominated costs necessary for the upkeep of the Amadea and sent or caused to be sent through the U.S. financial systems payments in satisfaction of those expenses, in violation of applicable sanctions.
The Amadea is currently under the control of the U.S. Government in San Diego, California, pursuant to a seizure warrant issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which was enforced by a court order issued by the Republic of Fiji following a request from the United States. The United States is deeply grateful to the Fijian police and prosecutors whose perseverance and dedication to the rule of law made this action possible.
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Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI New York Field Office’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force. Mr. Williams further thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, as well as the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Embassy Suva, and the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, for their assistance and cooperation in this investigation.
On March 2, 2022, the Attorney General announced the launch of Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export restrictions, and economic countermeasures that the United States has imposed, along with allies and partners, in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. The Task Force will leverage all the Department’s tools and authorities against efforts to evade or undermine the economic actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit in partnership with the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and the National Security Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Mortazavi and Trial Attorneys Joshua L. Sohn and Andrew D. Beaty are handling the investigation.
A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or represents the proceeds of a crime. These allegations are not proven until a court awards a judgment in favor of the United States.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco and Estonian Secretary General Tõnis Saar announced today at the Munich Security Conference the transfer of nearly $500,000 in forfeited Russian funds for the purpose of providing aid to Ukraine. The funds were forfeited by the United States following the breakup of an illegal procurement network attempting to import into Russia a high-precision, U.S.-origin machine tool with uses in the defense and nuclear proliferation sectors. Additionally, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, a citizen of Latvia charged criminally in connection with the procurement scheme pleaded guilty to violating U.S. export laws and regulations.
This transfer is the first of its kind from the United States to a foreign ally for the express purpose of assisting Ukraine, and the second time the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture has made confiscated Russian assets available for Ukraine—having provided $5.4 million in forfeited funds last year to the State Department for the support of Ukrainian war veterans. The confiscated funds are being transferred to Estonia since under current authorities, the facts of this case do not allow for a direct transfer to Ukraine. Estonia will use the funds for a project to expedite damage assessments and critical repairs to the Ukrainian electrical distribution and transmission system, which have been purposefully targeted by Russian forces.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the United States and our Estonian partners to cut off President Putin's access to the western technologies he relies on to wage an illegal war against Ukraine,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who signed the transfer agreement on behalf of the United States. “This step for justice and restoration blazes a new trail toward combating Russia’s ongoing brutality. The Department of Justice will continue pursuing creative solutions to ensure the Ukrainian people can respond and rebuild.”
“Preventing cross-border crime has been and will be an even greater priority in the future,” said Secretary General Tõnis Saar of the Estonian Ministry of Justice.“Effective prosecution of sanctioned crimes is a very important part of this. In my opinion, this agreement provides additional motivation to deal with sanctions violations even more. The reason is very simple, the goal here is not only to detect, prosecute and ensure justice, but to direct illegal income to the victim, i.e. Ukraine. I hope that this will become the new normality for sanctioned crimes in other countries in the future.”
“Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Department of Justice, together with its U.S. and overseas partners, has leveraged every tool available to cut off the Kremlin from the resources it needs to prosecute its war of aggression. These efforts are yielding results,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today, we demonstrate once again our commitment to holding Russia to account and to aiding the people of Ukraine as they bravely resist and rebuild.”
“I commend the investigators who prevented this sensitive piece of Connecticut-manufactured equipment from crossing the Russian border, and our team of prosecutors who are not only bringing the individuals and entities involved to justice but have worked to seize and forfeit the funds involved in its purchase,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “We thank our law enforcement partners and the Government of the Republic of Estonia for helping us achieve our mission to chase down the assets of those who violate our laws and to ensure proper compensation to their victims.”
“This agreement between the United States and Estonia not only reinforces our strong partnership, it fortifies the commitments of both countries to stand up to Russian aggression,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “This transfer stems from a joint investigation into the attempted illegal shipment of military materials to aid the Russian war against Ukraine. HSI will continue to ensure the safety of the homeland of this great nation, and when necessary, that of our allies.”
“The Putin regime has purposefully targeted critical and civil infrastructure in Ukraine to weaken morale, cripple the Ukrainian economy, and use winter as a weapon of war. The funds we are providing to Estonia today will be used to dramatically reduce the time needed to evaluate and prioritize urgent repairs to Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure, all in effort to literally keep the lights on,” said Task Force KleptoCapture Co-Director Michael Khoo.
This action demonstrates that the Department and its international partners will seek and develop novel solutions to ensure that the profits of Russian criminal networks are redirected for the support of the Ukrainian people.
The agreement with Estonia showcases the joint commitments of the United States and Estonia to both enforce the export control regimes that deprive the Russian war machine of critical technologies and supplies and use the confiscated criminal proceeds to sustain Ukraine as it resists illegal Russian aggression.
In March 2023, an investigation into the attempted smuggling of a dual-use export-controlled item to Russia resulted in the forfeiture of $484,696, representing funds wired into the United States to purchase the item. The item, known as a jig grinder, is a high-precision grinding machine system that requires a license for export or reexport to Russia because of its applications in nuclear proliferation and defense programs. The jig grinder was intercepted before it could reach Russia.
In addition to the forfeiture, U.S. authorities, with the active support of the Estonian Prosecutor General’s Office and the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, charged multiple individuals and companies who were part of the smuggling network. The transfer of the forfeited funds to Estonia is in recognition of the crucial assistance received from the Estonian authorities.
Among those criminally charged in the smuggling case, Latvian national Vadims Ananics, 47, was arrested in Latvia on Oct. 18, 2022, and pleaded guilty earlier this week in federal court in Connecticut. Ananics admitted to his role in the scheme to violate U.S. export laws and regulations by attempting to smuggle a dual-use export-controlled item to Russia.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ananics was the general manager of CNC Weld, a Latvia-based corporation. Beginning in 2018, Ananics conspired with others, including individuals in Russia and a Russia-based company, to violate U.S. export laws and regulations to smuggle a 500 Series CPWZ Precision jig grinder that was manufactured in Connecticut to Russia.
In August 2019, to finalize the purchase of the jig grinder, Ananics and others traveled to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he informed the sellers that the jig grinder was being purchased for the benefit of CNC Weld. Only after the jig grinder was exported from the United States did Ananics inform the sellers that CNC Weld was not the end user.
Ananics pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
U.S. authorities, working with Latvian authorities, intercepted the jig grinder in Riga, Latvia, before it was to be shipped to Russia. In March 2023, $484,696 in funds involved in the purchase of the jig grinder were subsequently forfeited.
In turn, Estonia has, in consultation with the United States, agreed to use the transferred funds to finance a drone-based program to assess the damage Russian aggression has done to Ukraine’s electrical distribution and transmission infrastructure.
In April 2023, an additional €312,192.44 (approximately $342,000) was ordered forfeited as part of a criminal sentence imposed on one of the shell companies involved in the jig-grinder smuggling network. The funds are currently held in Latvia pending final enforcement of the U.S. forfeiture order.
HSI Field Offices in New Haven, Connecticut; Portland Oregon; and the Hague, Netherlands; the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement in Boston; and the FBI handled the investigation. In addition to the assistance by Estonian authorities, the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Latvia, the Latvian Tax and Customs Police, and the Latvian State Police provided valuable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Konstantin Lantsman, Stephanie Levick, and David Nelson for the District of Connecticut and Trial Attorneys Brendan Geary and Matthew Anzaldi of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are handling the investigation and the Ananics prosecution. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance. The international sharing agreement was prepared with the support of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Treasury Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture, and the State Department.
The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls, and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.
Jeff Jensen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, joined the Department of Justice in officially announcing the expansion of Operation Legend to St. Louis. Operation Legend, a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime, will be expanding into the City of St. Louis.
“The most basic responsibility of government is to protect the safety of our citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Today, we have extended Operation Legend to Memphis and St. Louis, two cities experiencing increases in violent crime that no resident of those cities should have to accept as part of everyday life. For decades, the Department of Justice has achieved significant success when utilizing our anti-violent crime task forces and federal law enforcement agents to enforce federal law and assist American cities that are experiencing upticks in violent crime. The Department of Justice’s assets will supplement local law enforcement efforts, as we work together to take the shooters and chronic violent criminals off of our streets.”
“Operation Legend has come to St. Louis,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen. “Today we expand our ever-present federal commitment to the City of St. Louis by welcoming federal agents and money to our City for the purpose of fighting gun and gang violence. This expansion will greatly enhance on-going crime fighting by our Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Joint ATF-St. Louis Metropolitan Strike Force, and the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. Our children are being caught in the crossfire and murdered in senseless acts of gun violence. I am very grateful to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partnerships in a dedicated effort to achieve safety and security for our community. I want to thank Chief John Hayden as well as the various federal and state agencies that make this initiative possible.”
Operation Legend is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early on the morning of June 29 in Kansas City. The operation was first launched on July 8 in Kansas City, Missouri, and is now underway in Chicago, Albuquerque, Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee. Today, the expansion of Operation Legend was announced in St. Louis and Memphis.
In the City of St. Louis, the Department of Justice will supplement state and local law enforcement agencies by sending more than 50 federal investigators from the Department of Homeland Security to the City. Under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen, these investigators will complement the work already underway by existing joint federal, state and local task forces focused on combatting violent gangs, gun crime, and drug trafficking organizations.
St. Louis is currently experiencing a significant increase in violent crime, with homicides up over 34% and non-fatal shootings are up over 13%. These resources will be utilized to address the spike in violent crime.
During a press conference to announce the expansion of Operation Legend, FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn announced that as part of the initiative, a reward of up to $25,000 would be made available for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for the homicides of Kayden E. Johnson, two years of age at the time, and his mother Trina’ty A. Riley, 18, inside their home on April 30, 2019.
“I just need closure. My family needs peace. We just want justice. If you know anything, please contact the detectives,” said Taiesha Campbell, mother of Trina’ty and grandmother of Kayden, in connection with today’s announcement.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance will make available $1 million to support Operation Legend’s violent crime reduction efforts and shot spotter responses in St. Louis. The City is also receiving two Special Assistant United States Attorneys from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office to support violent crime prosecutions.
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney McSwain was the keynote speaker at the Union League of Philadelphia’s annual Lincoln Day celebration. In his remarks, U.S. Attorney McSwain discussed the importance of the rule of law, President Lincoln’s almost religious devotion to it, and how the rule of law is under attack today in Philadelphia on a number of fronts. Finally, he offered his thoughts on what should be done in response and encouraged his fellow patriots to fight back against the City’s lawlessness. His remarks as prepared for delivery are below.
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Thank you, Charlie [Davidson], for that very kind introduction and for your leadership of the Union League. Thank you, Ed Turzanski, for emcee-ing today and for being the Chair of these wonderful Lincoln Day festivities. Thank you, Joan Carter, for your work as Chair of the Union League Legacy Foundation, which hosts and presents today’s program. Thank you, John Meko, for your important work as the Executive Director of the Union League Legacy Foundation. And a few final thank-yous to others at my table: thank you, Bob and Darlene Cavalier, for the invitation to speak here today; thank you, Frank and Dottie Giordano, for your many years of dedication to the Union League; and thank you, Bruce Meyer, Tom Pappas and Jim Straw, for your leadership. I also want to acknowledge and thank my Senior Advisor, Clare Putnam Pozos, for her help in crafting today’s message and for her wise counsel, which I benefit from daily.
When I look out over this crowd of fellow patriots, I feel joy, I feel optimism, I feel solidarity, I feel strength, but most of all, I feel the blessings of God. One of those blessings was the life of Abraham Lincoln.
I invite you to take a trip with me. A trip through some of the streets and monuments of Washington D.C. Whenever I make an overnight visit to our nation’s capital, I always stay at the Army-Navy Club on Farragut Square, just a few blocks from the White House. My favorite thing to do in Washington – and one of my favorite things in life – is to rise early, step outside the Army-Navy Club, and run.
I run along Farragut Square and make a left onto 17th Street. It’s flat for a bit, and then it slopes downward. I run by the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and the White House on my left – feeling pretty good at this point, mostly because I’m running downhill. I pass the American RedCross Headquarters on my right, and the ground flattens out. I cross Constitution Avenue and see the World War II Memorial straight ahead. As I approach, I briefly think about the Greatest Generation, and then I hang a right. I wind my way around the World War II Memorial and I emerge onto the beauty of the Reflecting Pool.
It’s still mostly dark out, but the sun is starting to rise, and as I run with the Pool on my left, I can see the huge edifice of the Lincoln Memorial looming ahead of me. At this point, I’ve found my stride. I run with a purpose – to get to that Memorial as fast as possible. Sometimes I even think to myself: I had better not slow down, President Lincoln is watching and he would not be impressed.
As I approach the Memorial, I hop over the series of stairs that lead to the plaza, and I reach the foot of the Memorial, pausing for a second to stare up at the 58 steps that lead to the chamber, where President Lincoln sits. (Yes, I have counted those steps, many times). And then I run up those steps, greet the President, and turn around so that I’m now facing east, looking down along the Reflecting Pool towards the Washington Monument, pointing to the sky, with the sun rising behind it. As I take in this remarkable vista, I say a silent prayer, thanking God for the blessing of America.
I like being at the top. For the purpose of my workout, I should probably get going down the stairs and along the Reflecting Pool again. But sometimes I linger. I turn around and I look at President Lincoln. And I look at the words of the Gettysburg Address inscribed in the wall. Staring at those words never gets old. They are, in my opinion, the 10 greatest sentences ever spoken or written in the English language:
Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow – this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
I can’t see, read, or say those words without feeling a jolt go through my body. Having had my time with President Lincoln, I run down the steps of the Memorial and back along the Reflecting Pool, past the World War II Monument again, and up a slight rise to the Washington Monument. After pausing there briefly, I turn back towards the Army-Navy Club – down the hill, across Constitution Avenue, up the hill along 17th Street, past the White House on my right, through Farragut Square, and finally, I arrive where I started. My body is tired, but my heart is full.
So what did President Lincoln mean when he uttered those famous words – what was he really getting at? President Lincoln was addressing the beauty and the promise of the law. And he was addressing the will of the people. In America, it is the law that is the will of the people. The law is the manifestation of government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” It is the law that gives birth to freedom.
Moreover, it is federal law that reigns supreme: it is federal law that expresses the will of the nation. But that federal law will only have lasting legitimacy – and will only live up to the potential that the Framers could see in it – if it protects all Americans, and does not exclude and subjugate an entire race.
But the law is not self-enforcing. It is the rule of law – namely, the enforcement of the law in an impartial, consistent manner – that gives the will of the people its power and its meaning. President Lincoln held the rule of law in such high esteem that it almost had a spiritual quality to him. The rule of law is literally the foundation of this nation and the foundation of everything that we hold dear as Americans.
Sadly, today, the rule of law is under attack, right here in Philadelphia. The examples are all around us. Presently, we have two of the most powerful members of City Council under federal indictment for allegations of selling their office. The Mayor’s reaction to this is utter indifference. But the City Council president’s reaction is even worse: he has rewarded both of these Councilmen with a promotion – handing them plum committee assignments and chairmanships. Yes, these Councilmen are entitled to their day in court, and they will have it. But these are grave allegations that should not elicit a shrug of the shoulders from our City leaders – especially given the City’s sorry track record of political corruption. Just to name a few, one of the City’s recent U.S. Congressmen, the City’s previous District Attorney, and the City’s previous Sheriff are all currently sitting in federal prison. And not too long ago, the most powerful state senator in the City’s history finished serving his federal sentence for 137 felony convictions.
Our City is also subjected to a District Attorney who willfully – even gleefully – ignores entire sections of the criminal code. This District Attorney’s stated priority is “decarceration,” or in other words, emptying the jails in service of his radical, anti-law enforcement, political ideology. An ideology which has nothing to do with guilt or innocence, or accountability, or public safety, or justice, or the rule of law.
Our City is further subjected to the radical concept of a so-called “safe injection site,” for the injection of illegal drugs, like heroin. Any use of heroin for any purpose, anywhere, by anybody, in this country is illegal under federal law – there are no exceptions. It should be self-evident that setting up a place for the purpose of injecting heroin is a grievous affront to the rule of law. But we have a Mayor, and a District Attorney, and a handful of loud, misguided activists in our City who think otherwise – because to them, the rule of law is not the foundation of our nation, but rather something to be ignored when it suits their purposes.
But the most flagrant affront to the rule of law in Philadelphia is its status as a so-called “sanctuary city.” This is such an absurd concept that it’s hard to even wrap one’s head around it. A sanctuary city? Sanctuary from what, exactly? A sanctuary from the enforcement of federal law. Yes, a sanctuary from the supreme law of the land, the law that binds our nation together, enacted by our democratically-elected Congress, exercising its authority in our constitutional republic.
What an amazing concept – one that would have elated those who opposed the desegregation of lunch counters in the Deep South, or those who told Rosa Parks to go to the back of the bus, or those who stood in the schoolhouse doorway to prevent African-American children from entering.
And this concept would have absolutely thrilled Southern slave owners. A sanctuary from federal law, where they could continue their practice of human bondage. They might have even been willing to fight a war in defense of that concept. They lost that war. And thank God for that.
The secessionists who defied federal authority during our nation’s Civil War are gone but not forgotten. They did not fight in vain. No, their spirit lives on, right here in Philadelphia, in the Cradle of Liberty. Their spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of those who declare Philadelphia a “sanctuary city.”
President Lincoln would have been appalled by all of this. Even at the young age of 28, he knew where he stood on the rule of law. Here are his words from his Lyceum Address in Springfield, Illinois:
Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well wisher to his posterity, swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate in the least particular, the laws of this country; and never to tolerate their violation by others. As the patriots of seventy-six did to the support of the Declaration of Independence, so to the support of the Constitution and Laws, let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor – let every man remember that to violate the law, is to trample on the blood of his father, and to tear the character of his own, and his children’s liberty. Let reverence for the laws, be breathed by every American mother, to the lisping babe, that prattles on her lap – let it be taught in schools, in seminaries, and in colleges; let it be written in Primers, spelling books, and in Almanacs – let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice. And, in short, let it become the political religion of the nation; and let the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the grave and the gay, of all sexes and tongues, and colors and conditions, sacrifice unceasingly upon its altars.
So what should we do – what can we do – when the rule of law is under attack? Come with me again to the National Mall. I’ve thought about this question while running along the Reflecting Pool, while bounding up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and while standing at the top, looking back at the Washington Monument. There’s a cleansing quality to exercise, a purity that comes with the physical exertion, as the noise from the outside world falls away. It provides a mental clarity that answers our question.
And the answer is this: we . . . must . . . fight. We must fight for our nation’s founding values and we must fight for the rule of law. When the rule of law is under attack, we must be willing to stand up and say – not in my neighborhood, not in my City, not in America, not on my watch. We must fight for the principles that Abraham Lincoln lived and died for.
I am a son of Lincoln. Everybody in this room is a son or daughter of Lincoln. We are all children of Lincoln. From this day forward, my friends, let us go forth together – and make him proud.
God bless you, God bless the Union League and God bless the United States of America. Thank you.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tim Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that Lt. David Williams of the Jefferson City, Missouri, Police Department has received the 2019 Enoch B. Morelock Award.
The Enoch B. Morelock Award is an annual recognition of outstanding moral character, service to law enforcement and service to the community. Williams was honored on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, during the 17th Annual LECC Training Seminar in Springfield, Missouri. The prestigious law enforcement award, presented annually by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee, is named in honor of Sullivan County Sheriff Enoch B. Morelock, who was the first recorded line of duty death in the Western District of Missouri on Dec. 19, 1847.
In Williams’s 24-year career in law enforcement, he has served as an undercover officer, an accident reconstructionist, a motorcycle officer, and has been a member and commander of the agency SWAT team. He has also served as a field training officer, a defensive tactics trainer, and coordinated his agency’s reserve officers. Williams is currently serving as the agency training officer, coordinating new hire training as well as continuing education for existing officers.
Williams is well known and highly thought of in his community as well as his agency. He served as the face of the agency and the city in the aftermath of the EF 3 tornado that hit the capital city this summer, and received praise from local and national media for his handling of the press events. He is a past member of the board of directors for the First Financial Credit Union and was crucial in the merger with River Region Credit Union, where he was able to deal with concerns of members of both entities because of his strong ties to the community. He remained on the board of the newly merged River Region Credit Union and serves as treasurer of that board. In 2018, he was awarded the National Credit Union Association Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedicated work in the community.
Williams is a member of the board of directors for the local American RedCross and Special Learning Center, which provides learning opportunities for children with disabilities, as well as a member of the local Elks Lodge. He serves as a guardian for the Central Missouri Honor Flight, where he assists the aging veterans from WW2, Korean and Vietnam Wars in their journey to Washington, D.C., to visit the military memorials.
In 2017, Williams received the Juneteenth Jefferson City Emancipation Award from Lincoln University, which is given annually to a person who has shown dedication to the protection of and service to the community.
Williams is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, and was selected to serve a six-month detail as an executive fellow with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Washington, D.C. He is a peer reviewer for the Bureau of Justice Affairs grant process, where he helps evaluate and approve various grants to law enforcement agencies around the country. He is a certified instructor in explosive investigations, Taser, and pursuit driving, among other specialties.
Enoch B. Morelock Award
Sullivan County Sheriff Enoch B. Morelock was the first recorded line of duty death in the Western District of Missouri on Dec. 19, 1847. He was appointed the first sheriff of Sullivan County, Mo., in 1845. He was in office a little over two years, but he was known to be an honorable, hardworking man intent on protecting the residents of his community. Sheriff Morelock was shot and killed during a court ordered sale of the accused=s property. The accused killer, Patrick McIntry, was charged with 1st Degree Murder but was later acquitted. Within a year Mr. McIntry was found shot to death on the banks of a local river.
The annual Enoch B. Morelock Award recognizes individuals with outstanding moral character, service to law enforcement and to the community outside of law enforcement. Recipients may include officers from local police departments, sheriffs= offices, state agencies, or federal agencies as well as investigators from prosecutors= offices.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing methamphetamine and heroin to distribute and illegally possessing firearms.
Matthew J. Crossfield, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
On June 1, 2022, Crossfield pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, and two counts of possessing firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes.
St. Joseph police officers were called to a Dollar General Store on Dec. 11, 2019, in response to a theft that had just occurred. An officer checked the area where the thief had fled and saw Crossfield, who matched the description of the thief, walking into Oak Ridge Apartments. When Crossfield saw the officer, he immediately ran into an apartment building. The officer followed him into the building and caught up with him on the third floor. The officer orderedCrossfield to place his hands on the wall, but Crossfield started running with the officer in pursuit. The officer eventually caught up to Crossfield, tackled him to the ground, and detained him.
Crossfield had a loaded SCCY 9mm pistol in the front waistband of his jeans. Crossfield also had a fanny pack in his front left jacket pocket, which contained a plastic bag with approximately 10.9 grams of methamphetamine, a plastic bag that contained approximately 1.4 grams of heroin, and a plastic bag that contained 11.7 grams of heroin. Crossfield had another bag in his left front jeans pocket that contained approximately 14.1 grams of methamphetamine. His right front jeans pocket contained a bag with approximately 13.8 grams of marijuana and four suboxone strips.
On Jan. 13, 2021, investigators with the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force and the St. Joseph, Police Department were conducting surveillance on Crossfield, who had two active felony warrants for his arrest. They located Crossfield, who was driving a white PT Cruiser, in the area of Illinois Street and Stockyards Expressway in St. Joseph. When Crossfield pulled into the driveway at an Arby’s restaurant, a detective pulled in front of him and an investigator pulled behind him and activated his emergency lights. When Crossfield saw the detective pull in front of him, he attempted to get away by putting his car in reverse, striking the investigator’s patrol vehicle. After striking the patrol vehicle, Crossfield placed both hands in the air.
Investigators saw a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol with an extended magazine (that contained 25 rounds) in between Crossfield’s legs. officers took Crossfield into custody and found a loaded KelTec .22-caliber handgun in his back pocket. Crossfield also had a belt around his waist (under his shirt) that contained a plastic bag with approximately 2.1 grams of methamphetamine, a plastic bag with approximately 14.7 grams of heroin, a plastic bag with approximately 3.4 grams of heroin, and two plastic bags with approximately 20-25 ecstasy pills. Officers searched Crossfield’s vehicle and found two bags of marijuana and rolling papers, a bag of approximately 21.7 grams of methamphetamine, a bag with approximately 11.5 grams of methamphetamine, a bag with 1.6 grams of methamphetamine, a bag with 4.1 grams of methamphetamine, a jar with 92.4 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Crossfield told investigators he had been selling 10 ounces of heroin every eight days since approximately August 2020. He also admitted he had been selling drugs since he was released from prison in 2018.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Smith. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, and the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On October 20, 2022, U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III joins the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), advocates, survivors, victim service providers, justice professionals, police and first responders, and communities across the U.S. in observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
Domestic violence is more prevalent than many realize. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime. Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes: however, rates are disproportionately higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, women of Color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and two-spirit people, and people with disabilities. DVAM provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence.
“We are honored to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month as an opportunity to increase awareness of the dangerous dynamics of domestic violence and its prevalence,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) announced the expansion of its Firearm Technical Assistance Project (FTAP) to help communities across the county reduce domestic violence homicides and injuries committed with firearms.
The FTAP grant will allow a multidisciplinary team of community leaders, victim service providers, law enforcement agencies, and judicial staff to collaboratively troubleshoot the implementation and safety issues around firearm dispossession for domestic violence offenders in criminal sessions and civil court. Our office is pleased to announce that the Young Woman’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley was selected to participate in this project expansion.
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Shreveport and Lafayette collected more than 294 pounds of food and non-perishable items this week that were delivered to two local food pantries.
In all, federal employees contributed 294 pounds of food to the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana in Shreveport and FoodNet: The Greater Acadiana Food Bank in Lafayette. The Shreveport U.S. Attorney’s Office gathered 180 pounds of the total, and the Lafayette U.S. Attorney’s Office gathered 114 pounds. Donation boxes for the Feds Feed Families food drive campaign were located at the federal courthouses in Shreveport and Lafayette. The food drive campaign ended September 1, 2017.
“The Feds Feed Families food drive campaign provides federal employees an opportunity to help their communities,” Van Hook stated. “Food pantries are always in need of assistance, and during the summer, sometimes donations and contributions can run low. I want to thank the federal employees in our office as well as the U.S. Courts and other agencies who gave food, time and other resources.”
The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana began in 1995 when a group of individuals from churches with food pantries and benevolent organizations met to discuss the need to establish a local food bank to serve the parishes of Northwest Louisiana. The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana is the largest distributor of donated food for the seven-parish area and is one of only five food banks in the state. They sort, warehouse and distribute food to more than 120 non-profit organizations in the seven-parish region, which includes: Caddo, Bossier, Bienville, Claiborne, Desoto, Red River and Webster parishes. For more information about the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, visit their website at www.foodbanknla.org or call (318) 675-2400.
FoodNet: The Greater Acadiana Food Bank, a non-profit food bank serving Lafayette Parish, was established in October 1987. FoodNet has distributed tens of thousands of tons of food since opening, and presently serves several agencies including: Faith House of Acadiana women’s shelter, the Children’s Shelter, St. Joseph Shelter for Men, Acadiana Youth Shelter for Girls, St. Joseph Diner, the RedCross, Alleman Center, Acadiana Cares, St. Francis Foundation for Substance Abuse and the Arc. For more information, visit www.foodnetacadiana.org or call (337) 232-3663.
In the United States, 50 million people are challenged with hunger, including 17 million children. Feds Feed Families was started when Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) and former Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry realized that food donations were dropping during the summer months because many families were on vacation. The campaign has run every summer since 2009, and to date, it has collected nearly 70 million pounds of food, including more than 12.5 million pounds last year alone.
For more information visit www.usda.gov/fedsfeedfamilies or call the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana, at 337-262-6618.
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – Three Sarasota, Florida residents, who previously admitted to traveling in a stolen vehicle and committing the May 2018 robbery of the I-81 Travel Plaza in Wythe County, were sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Abingdon. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen made the announcement.
Christyen Sumpter, 27, was sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 20 years. Michael Anthony Wilson, 25, was sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 12 years. Perla Isel Pineda-Osorio, 25, was sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 2 years and 9 months.
All three defendants pleaded guilty in July to one count of robbery by threatening physical violence, one count of transporting a stolen vehicle in interstate commerce, and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, possess a motor vehicle that had crossed a state boundary after being stolen, and transporting in interstate commerce a vehicle that had been stolen.
“The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting, in federal court, individuals who commit acts of violence in our local communities,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “I am grateful for the hard work and collaboration of our federal, state, and local partners on this important case and our violence-reduction initiatives across the district.”
According to court documents, on May 28, 2018, an individual in South Carolina picked up Pineda-Osorio, Sumpter, and Wilson, who posed as hitchhikers. The three defendants pulled guns on the driver and demanded he take them to various ATMs to withdraw money from his account. After taking the driver’s money, the defendants abandoned the victim on the side of the road and stole his vehicle. Pineda-Osorio, Sumpter, and Wilson then proceeded to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they robbed a convenience store. The three committed a similar armed robbery at a store in Jonesville, North Carolina. Later that same night, all three committed another robbery at the I-81 Travel Plaza in Wythe County, Virginia. Soon after the robbery, law enforcement spotted the stolen vehicle in which they were traveling and a high-speed chase ensued. The vehicle eventually crashed and the defendants were taken into custody. The guns used in the robberies were recovered and, although they looked like real firearms, were determined to be BB guns.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Wythe County (VA) Sheriff’s Office, with assistance by the Charlotte Mecklenburg (NC) Police Department, the Jonesville (NC) Police Department, the Montgomery County (VA) Sheriff’s Office, the New River Valley (VA) Regional Jail, the Orangeburg (SC) Department of Public Safety, the Pulaski County (VA) Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota (FL) Police Department, the South Carolina State Police, and the Virginia State Police.
Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A third Florida resident has admitted to traveling in a stolen vehicle and committing the May 2018 armed robbery of the I-81 Travel Plaza in Wythe County, according to a plea agreement entered in U.S. District Court yesterday in Abingdon and announced today by United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen.
Christyen Sumpter, 27, of Sarasota, Fla., pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of robbery by threatening physical violence, one count of transporting a vehicle in interstate commerce knowing the same vehicle to have been stolen, and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, possess a motor vehicle that had crossed a state boundary after being stolen, and transporting in interstate commerce a vehicle that had been stolen. Earlier this month, Michael Anthony Wilson and Perla Isel Pineda-Osorio, also of Sarasota, pled guilty to the same charges in relation to the robbery.
“The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to take all acts of violence and those crimes involving firearms seriously,” United States Attorney Cullen stated today. “We will work with our federal, state, and local partners to prosecute violent offenders and make our communities safer.”
According to court documents, on May 28, 2018, an individual in South Carolina picked up Pineda-Osorio, Sumpter, and Wilson, who posed as hitchhikers. The three defendants pulled guns on the driver and demanded that he take them to various ATMs to withdraw money from his account. After taking the driver’s money, they abandoned him on the side of the rode and stole his vehicle. Pineda-Osorio, Sumpter, and Wilson then proceeded to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they robbed a convenience store. The three committed a similar armed robbery at a store in Jonesville, North Carolina. Later that same night, all three committed another robbery at the I-81 Travel Plaza in Wythe County, Virginia. Soon after the robbery, law enforcement spotted the stolen vehicle in which they were traveling and a high-speed chase ensued. The vehicle eventually crashed and the defendants were taken into custody. The guns used in the robberies were recovered and, while looking like real firearms, were determined to be BB guns.
All three defendants will be sentenced on October 16, 2019, at 2:30 p.m. At sentencing, the defendants each face a maximum of thirty-five years in prison.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Wythe County (VA) Sheriff’s Office, with assistance by Charlotte Mecklenburg (NC) Police Department, Jonesville (NC) Police Department, Montgomery County (VA) Sheriff’s Office, New River Valley (VA) Regional Jail, Orangeburg (SC) Department of Public Safety, Pulaski County (VA) Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota (FL) Police Department, South Carolina State Police, and Virginia State Police.
Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A Florida man and woman, who traveled in a stolen vehicle and committed a robbery at the I-81 Travel Plaza in Wythe County, pleaded guilty last week in U.S. District Court in Abingdon to a series of related federal charges, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
Michael Anthony Wilson, 25 and Perla Isel Pineda-Osorio, 24, both of Sarasota, Fla., pleaded guilty last week, while a third defendant, Christyen Elijah Sumpter, is scheduled to plead guilty on July 25, 2019.
On Thursday, July 11, 2019, in U.S. District Court, both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of robbery by threatening physical violence, one count of transporting a vehicle in interstate commerce knowing the same vehicle to have been stolen, and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, possess a motor vehicle that had crossed a state boundary after being stolen, and transporting in interstate commerce a vehicle that had been stolen.
“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach with individuals who commit acts of violence with firearms,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “Robbery can, under many circumstances, result in federal prosecution, and we are committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to identify violent offenders and send them to federal prison.”
According to court documents, on May 28, 2018, an individual in South Carolina picked up Pineda-Osorio, Sumpter, and Wilson, who posed as hitchhikers. The three defendants pulled guns on the driver and demanded that he take them to various ATMs to withdraw money from his account. After taking the driver’s money, they abandoned him on the side of the rode and stole his vehicle. Pineda-Osorio, Sumpter, and Wilson then proceeded to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they robbed a convenience store. The three committed a similar armed robbery at a store in Jonesville, North Carolina. Later that same night, all three committed another robbery at the I-81 Travel Plaza in Wythe County, Virginia. Soon after the robbery, law enforcement spotted the stolen vehicle in which they were traveling and a high-speed chase ensued. The vehicle eventually crashed and the defendants were taken into custody. The guns used in the robberies were recovered and, while looking like real firearms, were determined to be BB guns. At sentencing, the defendants each face a maximum of thirty-five years in prison.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Wythe County (VA) Sheriff’s Office, with assistance by Charlotte Mecklenburg (NC) Police Department, Jonesville (NC) Police Department, Montgomery County (VA) Sheriff’s Office, New River Valley (VA) Regional Jail, Orangeburg (SC) Department of Public Safety, Pulaski County (VA) Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota (FL) Police Department, South Carolina State Police, and Virginia State Police.
Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Description: The fiscal year of the data file obtained from the AOUSC
Format: YYYY
Description: The code of the federal judicial circuit where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the federal judicial district where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the district office where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: Docket number assigned by the district to the case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which cannot be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which can be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A sequential number indicating whether a case is an original proceeding or a reopen
Format: N5
Description: Case type associated with the current defendant record
Format: A2
Description: Case type associated with a magistrate case if the current case was merged from a magistrate case
Format: A2
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, defendant number, and reopen sequence number
Format: A18
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, and reopen sequence number
Format: A15
Description: The docket number originally given to a case assigned to a magistrate judge and subsequently merged into a criminal case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a magistrate case
Format: A3
Description: The status of the defendant as assigned by the AOUSC
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the fugitive status of a defendant
Format: A1
Description: The date upon which a defendant became a fugitive
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which a fugitive defendant was taken into custody
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date when a case was first docketed in the district court
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which proceedings in a case commenced on charges pending in the district court where the defendant appeared, or the date of the defendant’s felony-waiver of indictment
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code used to identify the nature of the proceeding
Format: N2
Description: The date when a defendant first appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code indicating the event by which a defendant appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the second highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE2
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE2
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the third highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE3
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE3
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE3
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE3
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the fourth highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE4
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE4
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE4
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE4
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the fifth highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE5
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE5
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE5
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE5
Format: A3
Description: The FIPS code used to indicate the county or parish where an offense was committed
Format: A5
Description: The date of the last action taken on the record
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which judicial proceedings before the court concluded
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the final sentence is recorded on the docket
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the case was closed
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The total fine imposed at sentencing for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and a fine was imposed
Format: N8
Description: A count of defendants filed including inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed excluding inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings commenced
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated including interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated excluding interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings terminated
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period including long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period excluding long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: The source from which the data were loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: A10
Description: A sequential number indicating the iteration of the defendant record
Format: N2
Description: The date the record was loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: Statistical year ID label on data file obtained from the AOUSC which represents termination year
Description: The fiscal year of the data file obtained from the AOUSC
Format: YYYY
Description: The code of the federal judicial circuit where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the federal judicial district where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the district office where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: Docket number assigned by the district to the case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which cannot be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which can be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A sequential number indicating whether a case is an original proceeding or a reopen
Format: N5
Description: Case type associated with the current defendant record
Format: A2
Description: Case type associated with a magistrate case if the current case was merged from a magistrate case
Format: A2
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, defendant number, and reopen sequence number
Format: A18
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, and reopen sequence number
Format: A15
Description: The docket number originally given to a case assigned to a magistrate judge and subsequently merged into a criminal case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a magistrate case
Format: A3
Description: The status of the defendant as assigned by the AOUSC
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the fugitive status of a defendant
Format: A1
Description: The date upon which a defendant became a fugitive
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which a fugitive defendant was taken into custody
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date when a case was first docketed in the district court
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which proceedings in a case commenced on charges pending in the district court where the defendant appeared, or the date of the defendant’s felony-waiver of indictment
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code used to identify the nature of the proceeding
Format: N2
Description: The date when a defendant first appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code indicating the event by which a defendant appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the second highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE2
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE2
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the third highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE3
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE3
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE3
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE3
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the fourth highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE4
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE4
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE4
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE4
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the fifth highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE5
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE5
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE5
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE5
Format: A3
Description: The FIPS code used to indicate the county or parish where an offense was committed
Format: A5
Description: The date of the last action taken on the record
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which judicial proceedings before the court concluded
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the final sentence is recorded on the docket
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the case was closed
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The total fine imposed at sentencing for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and a fine was imposed
Format: N8
Description: A count of defendants filed including inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed excluding inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings commenced
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated including interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated excluding interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings terminated
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period including long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period excluding long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: The source from which the data were loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: A10
Description: A sequential number indicating the iteration of the defendant record
Format: N2
Description: The date the record was loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: Statistical year ID label on data file obtained from the AOUSC which represents termination year
Description: The fiscal year of the data file obtained from the AOUSC
Format: YYYY
Description: The code of the federal judicial circuit where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the federal judicial district where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the district office where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: Docket number assigned by the district to the case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which cannot be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which can be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A sequential number indicating whether a case is an original proceeding or a reopen
Format: N5
Description: Case type associated with the current defendant record
Format: A2
Description: Case type associated with a magistrate case if the current case was merged from a magistrate case
Format: A2
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, defendant number, and reopen sequence number
Format: A18
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, and reopen sequence number
Format: A15
Description: The docket number originally given to a case assigned to a magistrate judge and subsequently merged into a criminal case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a magistrate case
Format: A3
Description: The status of the defendant as assigned by the AOUSC
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the fugitive status of a defendant
Format: A1
Description: The date upon which a defendant became a fugitive
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which a fugitive defendant was taken into custody
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date when a case was first docketed in the district court
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which proceedings in a case commenced on charges pending in the district court where the defendant appeared, or the date of the defendant’s felony-waiver of indictment
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code used to identify the nature of the proceeding
Format: N2
Description: The date when a defendant first appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code indicating the event by which a defendant appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the second highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE2
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE2
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the third highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE3
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE3
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE3
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE3
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the fourth highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE4
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE4
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE4
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE4
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the fifth highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE5
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE5
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE5
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE5
Format: A3
Description: The FIPS code used to indicate the county or parish where an offense was committed
Format: A5
Description: The date of the last action taken on the record
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which judicial proceedings before the court concluded
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the final sentence is recorded on the docket
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the case was closed
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The total fine imposed at sentencing for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and a fine was imposed
Format: N8
Description: A count of defendants filed including inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed excluding inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings commenced
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated including interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated excluding interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings terminated
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period including long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period excluding long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: The source from which the data were loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: A10
Description: A sequential number indicating the iteration of the defendant record
Format: N2
Description: The date the record was loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: Statistical year ID label on data file obtained from the AOUSC which represents termination year
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Isaiah Cross White, age 36, was charged on September 17, 2020. Cross White appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 25, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years’ supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Cross White, previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a Smith & Wesson double-action revolver in June 2020 in Rapid City. The charge is merely an accusation and Cross White is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Cross White was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Description: The fiscal year of the data file obtained from the AOUSC
Format: YYYY
Description: The code of the federal judicial circuit where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the federal judicial district where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the district office where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: Docket number assigned by the district to the case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which cannot be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which can be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A sequential number indicating whether a case is an original proceeding or a reopen
Format: N5
Description: Case type associated with the current defendant record
Format: A2
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, defendant number, and reopen sequence number
Format: A18
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, and reopen sequence number
Format: A15
Description: The status of the defendant as assigned by the AOUSC
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the fugitive status of a defendant
Format: A1
Description: The date upon which a defendant became a fugitive
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which a fugitive defendant was taken into custody
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date when a case was first docketed in the district court
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which proceedings in a case commenced on charges pending in the district court where the defendant appeared, or the date of the defendant’s felony-waiver of indictment
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code used to identify the nature of the proceeding
Format: N2
Description: The date when a defendant first appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code indicating the event by which a defendant appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The FIPS code used to indicate the county or parish where an offense was committed
Format: A5
Description: The date of the last action taken on the record
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which judicial proceedings before the court concluded
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the final sentence is recorded on the docket
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the case was closed
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The total fine imposed at sentencing for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and a fine was imposed
Format: N8
Description: A count of defendants filed including inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed excluding inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings commenced
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated including interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated excluding interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings terminated
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period including long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period excluding long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: The source from which the data were loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: A10
Description: A sequential number indicating the iteration of the defendant record
Format: N2
Description: The date the record was loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: Statistical year ID label on data file obtained from the AOUSC which represents termination year
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cross Lanes man pled guilty to two federal drug trafficking crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joseph Lee Harper, 35, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.
“The lives of many West Virginians have been lost to fentanyl overdose,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “By getting fentanyl dealers and their poisons off the street, many lives are saved and the harm done to our communities is greatly reduced.”
Harper admitted that on June 10, 2019, he sold over four grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in return for $700. The sale occurred at the Speedway in Cross Lanes. Harper also admitted that on June 12, 2019, he had approximately 26 grams of fentanyl concealed behind an air duct in his Cross Lanes residence. Officers executing a search warrant located the fentanyl when they searched Harper’s residence. Inside Harper’s residence, officers also located the United States currency tied to the earlier controlled drug sale conducted by Harper.
Harper faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on October 13, 2020.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-00300.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Tonja Oakes, 58, of Cross Lanes, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, admitting to defrauding the American RedCross (ARC) while employed at its Cross Lanes office. Oakes agreed to pay of $21,943 in restitution as a consequence of her guilty plea.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the ARC hired Oakes in 2105 as a business operations specialist, and her duties included acting as the purchasing agent for the ARC Central Appalachian Region. On March 9, 2019, Oakes began working as the executive assistance to the chief executive officer of the ARC Central Appalachian Region. Among her duties in that position, Oakes reviewed monthly statements of credit cards issued by ARC to certain employees and approved the statements for payment. This position allowed Oakes to review and approve her own expenditures.
Oakes admitted to making multiple unauthorized purchases with ARC-provided credit cards from at least February 17, 2017 through at least October 5, 2020. Oakes further admitted that the unauthorized transactions included a $973.77 payment for servicing a 2011 Kia Sorento on June 8, 2020. Other unauthorized purchases by Oakes included buying items while on vacation in South Carolina, groceries, and personal items purchased on Amazon. Oakes admitted that she used her employment position to review and approve her credit card statements, even though she knew many of the payments were unauthorized.
Oakes is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Blackwell is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-67.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Tonja Oakes, 58, of Cross Lanes, was sentenced today to three years of federal probation, including eight months on home detention, and ordered to pay $21,943.80 in restitution for wire fraud. Oakes admitted to defrauding the American RedCross (ARC) while employed at its Cross Lanes office.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the ARC hired Oakes in 2015 as a business operations specialist, and her duties included acting as the purchasing agent for the ARC Central Appalachian Region. On March 9, 2019, Oakes began working as the executive assistance to the chief executive officer of the ARC Central Appalachian Region. Among her duties in that position, Oakes reviewed monthly statements of credit cards issued by ARC to certain employees and approved the statements for payment. This position allowed Oakes to review and approve her own expenditures.
Oakes admitted to making multiple unauthorized purchases with ARC-provided credit cards from at least February 17, 2017 through at least October 5, 2020. Oakes further admitted that the unauthorized transactions included a $973.77 payment for servicing a 2011 Kia Sorento on June 8, 2020. Other unauthorized purchases by Oakes included buying items while on vacation in South Carolina, groceries, and personal items purchased on Amazon. Oakes admitted that she used her employment position to review and approve her credit card statements, even though she knew many of the payments were unauthorized.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Blackwell and Holly Wilson prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-67.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is committed to investigating, prosecuting, and deterring those who would take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to prey on vulnerable citizens. Again, we urge you to be vigilant and report any suspected instances of fraud to the COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Hotline, 202-252-7022 and USADC.COVID19@usdoj.gov.
Some examples of the scams or other fraudulent activity related to COVID-19 to be on the lookout for include the following:
Treatment Scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19. All of these claims are a lie, as there is no cure or vaccine yet for COVID-19. Similarly, we have also learned that scammers are impersonating governmental organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and urging people to reserve a vaccine for COVID-19 with their credit card, and to also provide personal information such as their Social Security Number.
Testing Scams: Scammers are impersonating organizations, such as The RedCross, and saying that they are offering COVID-19 home tests door-to-door. The scammers then fraudulently charge their victims for tests that are never administered.
Supply Scams: Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
Provider Scams: Scammers are also contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
Charity Scams: Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
Phishing Scams and Cyber Intrusions: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC, are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that downloads malware, or providing personal identifying financial information. One form of malware being spread contains an interactive online map of Coronavirus-infected areas purportedly produced by Johns Hopkins University. Once someone downloads this interactive map, the malware steals the user’s credentials, such as usernames, credit card numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information usually stored in internet browsers.
App Scams: Scammers are also creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
Investment Scams: Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as “research reports,’ make predictions of specific “target price,” and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
Doctor’s Prescription Abuse: Other reported activity concerns doctors writing prescriptions for various medications that are believed to cure COVID-19. As of now, there is no known cure or therapeutic treatment for COVID-19, and taking any medication believed to cure or relieve the symptoms of COVID-19 can be deadly. We are already hearing reports of individuals that have died after taking medications believed to cure COVID-19. Moreover, taking unapproved medication can also deprive others who need those medicines for legitimate purposes.
$1,000 Check Scams: Scammers are contacting people over email and are telling them that their $1,000 check, as part of the stimulus package responding to COVID-19, is already waiting for them and that all they need to do is to provide personal information, such as bank account numbers and Social Security Numbers, which are the key pieces of information needed to perpetrate identity theft.
If you encounter any activity that indicates one of these scams, please report it to the COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Hotline, 202-252-7022 and USADC.COVID19@usdoj.gov.
WASHINGTON – Three men, all from Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to charges stemming from the August 2015 slaying of Matthew Shlonsky, an innocent bystander who was shot on a crowded street in Northwest Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Andre Dudley, 22, Marcus King, 22, and Christopher Proctor, 28, pled guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Dudley also pled guilty to a charge of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon stemming from a jailhouse stabbing. The pleas took place in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Dudley’s plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for Dudley to be sentenced to an agreed-upon 18 ½-year prison term for the shooting and an additional 22 months for the jailhouse stabbing, for a total of 20 years and four months of incarceration. King’s plea calls for an agreed-upon sentence of 15 to 20 years, and Proctor’s plea calls for an agreed-upon term of 12 to 14 years. The Honorable Juliet McKenna scheduled sentencing for Aug. 13, 2018. All three defendants remain held pending the sentencing hearing.
According to the government’s evidence, King and Proctor both associated with the Ninth Street neighborhood of Northwest Washington. On Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at approximately 4:45 p.m., King and Proctor were standing near a liquor store at the intersection of Seventh and S Streets NW, both armed with firearms. Dudley, meanwhile, drove to the area of Seventh and S in a red Chrysler 300 sedan. While stopped at the intersection of 8th and S Streets, Dudley got into an argument with Ninth Street crew members. One pulled out a gun, and Dudley pulled out his gun as well. King and Proctor were both nearby, and Proctor yelled out to other crew members to find out the identity of the person in the red car.
Dudley then turned from Eighth Street onto S Street and headed east. He adjusted his position so that his head and arms were outside the sunroof. He then pointed his gun at individuals on the south side of S Street, near Seventh. King and Proctor both fired shots at Dudley as he crossed their path. King fired seven shots from a .40-caliber semiautomatic firearm and Proctor fired 10 shots from a different .40-caliber semiautomatic. Dudley extended his arm out and fired several shots in the direction of King and Proctor.
Mr. Shlonsky, 23, had just gotten out of an Uber with friends and was heading to a concert at the Howard Theatre. He was walking in the 1800 block of Seventh Street NW, near the entrance to the Shaw/Howard Metro station, when one of the bullets from the shootout struck him in the chest. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
While King and Proctor were firing their weapons, a couple was walking on the sidewalk of the 700 block of S Street NW. The man and woman were each pushing strollers that had two young children inside each of them. Hearing the gunshots, the couple sprinted away; however, their proximity to the gunfire put them in the zone of harm.
While Dudley drove east on S Street NW, his vehicle came head-to-head with a vehicle turning left on S Street NW, from Sixth Street, NW. Blocked, Dudley again lifted his head and arms out of the sunroof, pointed a gun at the driver, threatened to kill him, and yelled at him to move his car. Scared, the driver moved his vehicle and Dudley then continued across S Street; as he sped into the 1900 block of Fourth Street NW, another man yelled at Dudley to slow down. In response, Dudley slammed on the brakes, rolled down his window, pointed an imitation firearm at the man, which the man believed was an actual firearm, and fired shots in the general vicinity of the man. Dudley then left the area. Dudley pled guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for these crimes.
As part of the plea agreement, Dudley admitted to his role in the May 17, 2018 stabbing of a fellow inmate at the District of Columbia Jail. The victim of that incident sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
In announcing the pleas, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the FBI, including the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team, and the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences.
They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharon Donovan, Kimberley Nielsen, Laura Bach, and Jeffrey Nestler; former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shana Fulton; Paralegal Specialists Lornce Applewhite and Sharon Newman; Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney David Misler, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
WASHINGTON – Andre Dudley, 22, Marcus King, 22, and Christopher Proctor, 28, all of Washington, D.C., were sentenced today to prison terms on charges stemming from the August 2015 slaying of Matthew Shlonsky, an innocent bystander who was shot three years ago on a crowded street in Northwest Washington. Dudley was sentenced to an 18 ½-year prison term for the murder, King was sentenced to 17 ½ years, and Proctor was sentenced to 14 years.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The three defendants pled guilty in June 2018 to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Dudley also pled guilty to a charge of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon stemming from a jailhouse stabbing. The pleas took place in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Dudley’s plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for him to be sentenced to an agreed-upon 18 ½-year prison term for the shooting and an additional 22 months for the jailhouse stabbing, for a total of 20 years and four months of incarceration. King’s plea called for an agreed-upon sentence of 15 to 20 years, and Proctor’s plea called for an agreed-upon term of 12 to 14 years. The Honorable Juliet McKenna accepted the pleas and sentenced the defendants accordingly. Following their prison terms, the defendants will each be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, King and Proctor both associated with the Ninth Street neighborhood of Northwest Washington. On Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at approximately 4:45 p.m., King and Proctor were standing near a liquor store at the intersection of Seventh and S Streets NW, both armed with firearms. Dudley, meanwhile, drove to the area of Seventh and S in a red Chrysler 300 sedan. While stopped at the intersection of 8th and S Streets, Dudley got into an argument with Ninth Street crew members. One pulled out a gun, and Dudley pulled out his gun as well. King and Proctor were both nearby, and Proctor yelled out to other crew members to find out the identity of the person in the red car.
Dudley then turned from Eight Street onto S Street and headed east. He adjusted his position so that his head and arms were outside the sunroof. He then pointed his gun at individuals on the south side of S Street, near Seventh. King and Proctor both fired shots at Dudley as he crossed their path. King fired seven shots from a .40-caliber semiautomatic firearm and Proctor fired 10 shots from a different .40-caliber semiautomatic. Dudley extended his arm out and fired several shots in the direction of King and Proctor.
Mr. Shlonsky, 23, had just gotten out of an Uber with friends and was heading to a concert at the Howard Theatre. He was walking in the 1800 block of Seventh Street NW, near the entrance to the Shaw/Howard University Metro station, when one of the bullets from the shootout struck him in the chest. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
While King and Proctor were firing their weapons, a couple was walking on the sidewalk of the 700 block of S Street NW. The man and woman were each pushing strollers that had two young children inside each of them. Hearing the gunshots, the couple sprinted away, however, their proximity to the gunfire put them in the zone of harm.
While Dudley drove east on S Street NW, his vehicle came head-to-head with a vehicle turning left on S Street, NW, from Sixth Street NW. Blocked, Dudley again lifted his head and arms out of the sunroof, pointed a gun at the driver, threatened to kill him, and yelled at him to move his car. Scared, the driver moved his vehicle and Dudley then continued across S Street; as he sped into the 1900 block of Fourth Street NW, another man yelled at Dudley to slow down. In response, Dudley slammed on the brakes, rolled down his window, pointed an imitation firearm at the man, which the man believed was an actual firearm, and fired shots in the general vicinity of the man. Dudley then left the area. Dudley pled guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for these crimes.
As part of the plea agreement, Dudley admitted to his role in the May 17, 2018 stabbing of a fellow inmate at the District of Columbia Jail. The victim of that incident sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Dudley was arrested on a warrant in a burglary case on Sept. 11, 2015, and charged with the murder in December 2015. King was arrested on Aug. 21, 2015. Proctor was arrested on Feb. 23, 2016. All have been in custody since their arrests.
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the FBI, including the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team, and the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences.
They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharon Donovan, Kimberley Nielsen, Laura A. Bach, Jeffrey Nestler, Julianne Johnston, and Sharon Marcus-Kurn; former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shana Fulton; Paralegal Specialists Lornce Applewhite and Sharon Newman; Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling; Criminal Investigator Durand Odom, and Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney David Misler, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- U.S. Attorney John C. Milhiser and Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office, Kathy A. Enstrom, are reminding the public to beware of possible scams related to economic impact payments made during the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing efforts to defraud the public.
Not only is there fraud related to the economic impact payments, but also, the Department of Justice is working in a cooperative effort with a number of private-sector companies, including internet domain providers and registrars. The effort has already disrupted hundreds of fraudulent websites that use domain names that include “covid19” or “coronavirus” to attract traffic to the fake site. In some cases, the fake sites purport to be run by or affiliated with public health organizations or agencies.
To date, the Department’s cooperative effort has disrupted:
An illicit website pretending to solicit and collect donations to the American RedCross for COVID-19 relief efforts.
Fraudulent websites that spoofed government programs and organizations to trick American citizens into entering personally identifiable information, including banking details.
Websites of legitimate companies and services that were used to facilitate the distribution or control of malicious software.
“The public must remain alert and vigilant to the unscrupulous methods scammers use,” stated U.S. Attorney John C. Milhiser. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to collaborate with federal, state and local law enforcement and private sector partners to combat online COVID-19 related crime. We are not only learning to navigate the health uncertainties of this pandemic, but also economic hardships that are exploited in these evolving online threats.”
“In today’s economic environment and unprecedented challenges with the COVID-19 crisis, it is more important than ever that the American people know that IRS-CI is on their side,” said Special Agent in Charge Kathy A. Enstrom, IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. “Rest assured, IRS-CI and the Department of Justice will uncover, investigate, and prosecute allegations of fraud committed by fraudsters who seek to profit from and deceive the American taxpayer. The IRS will use all its investigative tools to actively pursue those who prey upon individuals to dismantle these types of illicit scams and bring the criminals to justice.”
The following tips can help protect individuals and businesses from being victimized by cyber scammers.
Check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ addresses that differ only slightly from those belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For example, they might use “cdc.com” or “cdc.org” instead of “cdc.gov.”
Be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for medical purposes. Legitimate health authorities will not contact the public this way.
Do not click on links or open email attachments from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so could download a virus onto your computer or device.
Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is operating and up to date. Keep your operating system up to date as well.
Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment. Remember, if a vaccine becomes available, you will not hear about it for the first time through an email, online ad, or unsolicited sales pitch.
Check online reviews of any company offering COVID-19 products or supplies. Avoid companies whose customers have complained about not receiving items.
Research any charities or crowdfunding sites soliciting donations in connection with COVID-19 before giving any donation. Remember, an organization may not be legitimate even if it uses words like “CDC” or “government” in its name or has reputable looking seals or logos on its materials. For online resources on donating wisely, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.
Be wary of any business, charity, or individual requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire transfer, gift card, or through the mail. Do not send money through any of these channels.
The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account, debit account, or PayPal account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It is not; it's a scam.
Be on the look-out for bogus checks. If you receive a “check” for an odd amount (especially one with cents), or a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud
If you think you are a victim of a fraud or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or email at disaster@leo.gov.
If it is a cyber-scam, submit your complaint through https://www.ic3.gov.To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
HAMMOND- Olanrewajua A. Beyioku, 38, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in an indictment with wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “At a time when individuals were going through some of the worst times in their lives, Mr. Beyioku seized the opportunity to enrich himself with hurricane relief funds meant for those who lost homes and businesses. My Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate those who defraud the government for personal gain.”
The Indictment alleges that, in September and October 2017, Beyioku, a.k.a. “Papa Smith Morgan,” working in conjunction with others, known and unknown to the United States Attorney, devised a scheme to defraud the American RedCross (“RedCross”) by obtaining reference codes intended for nine different households directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey, and by using those codes to obtain $3,600 in hurricane relief funds.
According to the Indictment, on August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey struck the Houston, Texas area causing extensive damage. President Donald J. Trump declared it a federal disaster area that same day, which made federal disaster relief funds available to those affected by the storm.
One type of federal disaster relief was a one-time cash payment of $400 through the RedCross. The RedCross established a link on their website where hurricane victims could apply for the cash assistance. Hurricane victims used their email addresses to apply. They entered personally identifiable information, including their address. If the address fell within a designated disaster area, The RedCross forwarded the application electronically to an entity referred to herein as “Company A.”
Company A vetted the information, and electronically forwarded it to “Company B.” Company B then created an eleven-digit alphanumeric code. The code was then sent to the applicant with instructions to redeem the code at a Wal-Mart Money Center or Customer Service Desk.
In early September 2017, The RedCross received reports of ineligible people redeeming multiple reference codes at various Wal-Mart stores across the United States. The RedCross reported this to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”). With assistance from Wal-Mart Global Security Investigators, The RedCross identified over 3,300 instances of fraudulently obtained reference codes. The loss to The RedCross is more than 1.3 million dollars.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.
Description: The fiscal year of the data file obtained from the AOUSC
Format: YYYY
Description: The code of the federal judicial circuit where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the federal judicial district where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the district office where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: Docket number assigned by the district to the case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which cannot be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which can be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A sequential number indicating whether a case is an original proceeding or a reopen
Format: N5
Description: Case type associated with the current defendant record
Format: A2
Description: Case type associated with a magistrate case if the current case was merged from a magistrate case
Format: A2
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, defendant number, and reopen sequence number
Format: A18
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, and reopen sequence number
Format: A15
Description: The docket number originally given to a case assigned to a magistrate judge and subsequently merged into a criminal case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a magistrate case
Format: A3
Description: The status of the defendant as assigned by the AOUSC
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the fugitive status of a defendant
Format: A1
Description: The date upon which a defendant became a fugitive
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which a fugitive defendant was taken into custody
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date when a case was first docketed in the district court
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which proceedings in a case commenced on charges pending in the district court where the defendant appeared, or the date of the defendant’s felony-waiver of indictment
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code used to identify the nature of the proceeding
Format: N2
Description: The date when a defendant first appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code indicating the event by which a defendant appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The FIPS code used to indicate the county or parish where an offense was committed
Format: A5
Description: The date of the last action taken on the record
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which judicial proceedings before the court concluded
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the final sentence is recorded on the docket
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the case was closed
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The total fine imposed at sentencing for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and a fine was imposed
Format: N8
Description: A count of defendants filed including inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed excluding inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings commenced
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated including interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated excluding interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings terminated
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period including long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period excluding long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: The source from which the data were loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: A10
Description: A sequential number indicating the iteration of the defendant record
Format: N2
Description: The date the record was loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: Statistical year ID label on data file obtained from the AOUSC which represents termination year
Description: The fiscal year of the data file obtained from the AOUSC
Format: YYYY
Description: The code of the federal judicial circuit where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the federal judicial district where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the district office where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: Docket number assigned by the district to the case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which cannot be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which can be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A sequential number indicating whether a case is an original proceeding or a reopen
Format: N5
Description: Case type associated with the current defendant record
Format: A2
Description: Case type associated with a magistrate case if the current case was merged from a magistrate case
Format: A2
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, defendant number, and reopen sequence number
Format: A18
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, and reopen sequence number
Format: A15
Description: The docket number originally given to a case assigned to a magistrate judge and subsequently merged into a criminal case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a magistrate case
Format: A3
Description: The status of the defendant as assigned by the AOUSC
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the fugitive status of a defendant
Format: A1
Description: The date upon which a defendant became a fugitive
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which a fugitive defendant was taken into custody
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date when a case was first docketed in the district court
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which proceedings in a case commenced on charges pending in the district court where the defendant appeared, or the date of the defendant’s felony-waiver of indictment
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code used to identify the nature of the proceeding
Format: N2
Description: The date when a defendant first appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code indicating the event by which a defendant appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The FIPS code used to indicate the county or parish where an offense was committed
Format: A5
Description: The date of the last action taken on the record
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which judicial proceedings before the court concluded
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the final sentence is recorded on the docket
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the case was closed
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The total fine imposed at sentencing for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and a fine was imposed
Format: N8
Description: A count of defendants filed including inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed excluding inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings commenced
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated including interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated excluding interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings terminated
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period including long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period excluding long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: The source from which the data were loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: A10
Description: A sequential number indicating the iteration of the defendant record
Format: N2
Description: The date the record was loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: Statistical year ID label on data file obtained from the AOUSC which represents termination year
DENVER – Following a one-week trial, a jury found Perry Wayne Suggs, Jr., age 32, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn and ATF Denver Field Division Special Agent in Charge Debbie Livingston. Suggs appeared at the trial in custody, and was remanded after the jury relayed their verdict. The trial was before U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martinez.
Suggs was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on February 21, 2018. The federal grand jury then returned a superseding indictment on April 19, 2018. The trial started on March 25, 2019, and concluded today, March 28, 2019, with the guilty verdict. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Martinez on August 28, 2019. He faces not more than 10 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on January 3, 2018, Colorado Springs Police Officers were dispatched to a shots fired call where a man in a BMW fired at a pedestrian crossing the street. Officers interviewed a mother and daughter who had witnessed the shooting. They had the make and model of the car, as well as its license plate number. The pedestrian had nothing in his hands and was legally crossing an intersection when an individual in a black BMW pointed a firearm at the pedestrian’s legs and fired. The driver then fled. A witness took a picture of the car’s license plate and then pointed out the shell casing in the intersection, which was retrieved by the officers.
The victim called 911 and was interviewed by the police officers. Based on the victim’s information as well as that of the witnesses, officers learned the black BMW was registered to Perry Suggs, Jr., the defendant, who lived in Colorado Springs. It was determined that Suggs was a member of the Gangster Disciples street gang who had at least one felony conviction and was likely to possess firearms. It is against federal law for felons to possess firearms.
Officers executed a search warrant at Suggs’ residence as well as the BMW. There were two firearms in plain view inside a vehicle at his residence, including a black handgun and a black semi-automatic rifle. Ultimately officers found a Glock handgun and an AR-15 style rifle as well as ammunition. A test using the NIBIN database (National Integrated Ballistic Information Network) as well as a full forensic examination, confirmed that the Glock recovered by officers matched the shell casings found at the scene.
“The defendant was a danger to the Colorado Springs community,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Thanks to the hard work of law enforcement and prosecutors, the defendant will now have to answer for his crime,”.
“This case is a prime example of technology and skilled investigators coming together to find the person responsible for acts of violence,” said ATF Denver Special Agent in Charge Debbie Livingston. “I am proud of our partnerships that made this case possible.”
This matter was investigated by the Colorado Springs Police Department and the ATF with the assistance of the Colorado Springs Metro Crime Lab. The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Treaster and Hetal J. Doshi.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Description: The fiscal year of the data file obtained from the AOUSC
Format: YYYY
Description: The code of the federal judicial circuit where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the federal judicial district where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the district office where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: Docket number assigned by the district to the case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which cannot be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which can be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A sequential number indicating whether a case is an original proceeding or a reopen
Format: N5
Description: Case type associated with the current defendant record
Format: A2
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, defendant number, and reopen sequence number
Format: A18
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, and reopen sequence number
Format: A15
Description: The status of the defendant as assigned by the AOUSC
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the fugitive status of a defendant
Format: A1
Description: The date upon which a defendant became a fugitive
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which a fugitive defendant was taken into custody
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date when a case was first docketed in the district court
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which proceedings in a case commenced on charges pending in the district court where the defendant appeared, or the date of the defendant’s felony-waiver of indictment
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code used to identify the nature of the proceeding
Format: N2
Description: The date when a defendant first appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code indicating the event by which a defendant appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the second highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE2
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE2
Format: A3
Description: The FIPS code used to indicate the county or parish where an offense was committed
Format: A5
Description: The date of the last action taken on the record
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which judicial proceedings before the court concluded
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the final sentence is recorded on the docket
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the case was closed
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The total fine imposed at sentencing for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and a fine was imposed
Format: N8
Description: A count of defendants filed including inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed excluding inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings commenced
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated including interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated excluding interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings terminated
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period including long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period excluding long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: The source from which the data were loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: A10
Description: A sequential number indicating the iteration of the defendant record
Format: N2
Description: The date the record was loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: Statistical year ID label on data file obtained from the AOUSC which represents termination year
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Keith T. Jones, 28, Chicago, Illinois was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 30 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Jones pleaded guilty to this charge on December 15, 2021.
On the night of August 24, 2020, La Crosse Police Department officers responded to a shots-fired complaint in La Crosse. Officers learned that multiple gunshots were fired from a gray minivan towards a blue sedan. Multiple residents reported bullet hole damage to their homes from the shooting, including into a bedroom that was occupied at the time.
The next day, officers conducted a traffic stop on the gray minivan involved in the shooting. Jones was one of the occupants in the minivan at the time of the stop. Officers searched the minivan and found a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun in the center console, and a spent 9mm shell casing under the driver’s seat. The Taurus handgun was identified as the same firearm used in the shooting the night before, and further investigation revealed that Jones was the shooter. In addition, analysis by the Wisconsin State Crime Lab identified Jones’ DNA on the firearm. Jones was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on a prior felony conviction.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that Jones’s gun possession was connected to a shooting that occurred in a neighborhood which posed a profound risk to the community, including both the intended targets as well as bystanders. Judge Peterson said the sentence was meant to be a deterrent to Jones to prevent any future involvement with firearms, and also a message that shootings which take place in communities have to be taken seriously and will lead to steeper punishment.
Co-defendant Antwan Taylor, who was also involved in this drive-by shooting, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison by Judge Peterson on December 2, 2021.
The charge against Jones was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence.
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Tarek Sonnier, age 26, a resident of Fresno, Texas, to 90 months in federal prison following his conviction for robbery of personal property of the United States. The Court further sentenced Sonnier to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, on October 6, 2021, at approximately 4:00 p.m., the victim postal worker was delivering mail in her capacity as a USPS mail carrier. Sonnier, who had been waiting behind a tree near the rear of the USPS vehicle, crossed the street with a red letter. The victim noticed Sonnier as he crossed the street, looked in his face, and asked him if he had to mail something. When he got close to the victim, Sonnier pepper sprayed the victim and snatched USPS keys from her. The keys included a set of USPS Promaster truck keys and a USPS Arrow Key. Sonnier and his accomplice then fled in a silver Camaro.
Surveillance camera footage across the street from the incident captured the robbery. The surveillance footage captured a silver Camaro with distinctive damage to the rear passenger side drive pass by, then a few minutes later an individual, later identified as Sonnier, walk down the street and wait behind a tree near the rear of the USPS vehicle. Sonnier was dressed in a black shirt, and black sweatpants with white stripes halfway down the sides. The surveillance video also captured the robbery. In addition, a witness saw the silver Camaro with distinctive damage to rear passenger side prior to the robbery. Also, footage from several surveillance cameras in the area captured the silver Camaro with damage to the rear passenger side.
On October 7, 202l, at approximately 2:30 pm, near 2000 Lobdell Dr., BRPD conducted a lawful traffic stop on a silver Camaro. This silver Camaro had distinctive damage to the rear passenger side. The driver of the vehicle was Sonnier. On October 8. 2021, BRPD executed a search warrant on the Camaro and located notable evidence that included the following: (1) USPS truck keys, (2) black adidas sweatpants with a stripe that goes half-way down the side, (3) stolen
U.S. mail, checks, and money orders; numerous checks were from Houston and postmarked from September 202l, but many were also dated October 6, 2021 and from Baton Rouge, and (4) bottles of “Wite Out” and “Heet,” which are both commonly used to alter checks. In addition, on October 7, 2021, the victim selected Sonnier out of a photo lineup as the person that robbed her.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service and Baton Rouge Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Jeremy S. Johnson.
Greenbelt, Maryland – On April 9, 2018, United States District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Antonin DeHays, age 33, of College Park, Maryland, to 364 days in prison followed by three years of supervised release (the first eight months on home detention), as well as 100 hours of community service, for theft of government records from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Judge Chuang also ordered DeHays to pay $43,456.96 in restitution.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Jason Metrick of the National Archives and Records Administration - Office of Inspector General.
According to the plea agreement, beginning in December 2012, and continuing through June 2017, DeHays stole and knowingly converted for his own use U.S. service members’ dog tags and other records from the public research room at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland. Specifically, DeHays stole at least 291 U.S. service members’ dog tags and at least 134 other records from the National Archives at College Park. Some of these dog tags bore evidence of damage, such as dents and charring due to fire sustained during crashes of Allied aircraft that were shot down or crash-landed within German-controlled areas of Europe during World War II.
For example, on December 9, 2016, DeHays visited the National Archives at College Park and stole two dog tags, one silver and one brass, issued to a downed Tuskegee Airman, who died when his fighter plane crashed in Germany on September 22, 1944. DeHays gave the brass dog tag to a military aviation museum in exchange for the opportunity to sit inside a Spitfire airplane. On a different occasion, DeHays stole two dog tags that were linked together with a wire loop. One of the dog tags was issued to a U.S. serviceman who served in World War II, and the other dog tag was issued to his father, who had served in World War I.
DeHays stole other records, in addition to dog tags, from the National Archives at College Park, including identification cards, personal letters, photographs, a bible, and pieces of downed U.S. aircraft.
Although DeHays kept some of the stolen U.S. dog tags and other stolen records for himself and gave others as gifts, he sold the majority of the stolen items on eBay and elsewhere. Before selling the dog tags, DeHays sometimes removed from the dog tags markings made in pencil which could have been used to identify the dog tags as having been stolen from the National Archives. On one occasion, DeHays sent a text message to a potential buyer stating that certain dog tags for sale were “burnt and show some stains of fuel, blood . . . very powerful items that witness the violence of the crash.” On a different occasion, DeHays sent a text message to a potential buyer stating that a dog tag for sale was “salty” (bearing the signs of war-related damage) and that an officer ID and American RedCross ID for sale were “partially burned.”
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended NARA – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of the Treasury – Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur also thanked Assistant United States Attorney Nicolas A. Mitchell, who prosecuted the case.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Elizabeth Morse www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland –Antonin DeHays, age 33, of College Park, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to theft of government property stemming from the theft of government records from the National Archives and Records Administration.
The plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Jason Metrick of the National Archives and Records Administration - Office of Inspector General.
According to the plea agreement, beginning in December 2012, and continuing through in or about June 2017, DeHays stole and knowingly converted for his own use U.S. service members’ dog tags and other records from the public research room at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland. Specifically, DeHays stole at least 291 U.S. service members’ dog tags and at least 134 other records from the National Archives at College Park. Some of these dog tags bore evidence of damage, such as dents and charring due to fire sustained during the crashes.
For example, on or about December 9, 2016, DeHays visited the National Archives at College Park and stole two dog tags, one silver and one brass, issued to a downed Tuskegee Airman, who died when his fighter plane crashed in Germany on September 22, 1944. DeHays gave the brass dog tag to a military aviation museum in exchange for the opportunity to sit inside a Spitfire airplane. On a different occasion, DeHays stole two dog tags that were linked together with a wire loop. One of the dog tags was issued to a U.S. serviceman who served in World War II, and the other dog tag was issued to his father, who had served in World War I.
DeHays stole other records, in addition to dog tags, from the National Archives at College Park, including identification cards, personal letters, photographs, a bible, and pieces of downed U.S. aircraft.
Although DeHays kept some of the stolen U.S. dog tags and other stolen records for himself and gave others as gifts, he sold the majority of the stolen items on eBay and elsewhere. Before selling the dog tags, DeHays sometimes removed from the dog tags markings made in pencil which could have been used to identify the dog tags as having been stolen from the National Archives. On one occasion, DeHays sent a text message to a potential buyer stating that certain dog tags for sale were “burnt and show some stains of fuel, blood . . . very powerful items that witness the violence of the crash.” On a different occasion, DeHays sent a text message to a potential buyer stating that a dog tag for sale was “salty” (bearing the signs of war-related damage) and that an officer ID and American RedCross ID for sale were “partially burned.”
DeHays faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A sentencing date has been set for April 4, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at the United States District Court in Greenbelt.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the National Archives – Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning also thanked Assistant United States Attorney Nicolas A. Mitchell, who is prosecuting the case.
Fargo – United States Attorney Drew Wrigley announced that Errick Toa, age 31 of Fargo, ND, originally from California, pleaded guilty before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte, U.S. District Court, Fargo, ND, for the charge of Civil Disorder, 18 USC 231 (a)(3), during the riots in Fargo, ND.
On May 30, 2020, Toa participated in riots that erupted in Fargo in response to George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. What started as peaceful protest in Fargo turned violent when rioters, including Toa, jumped on top of a Fargo Police Department vehicle causing extensive damage. In one instance, Toa is seen on video stomping on the windshield of an occupied police vehicle, shattering the windshield.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 13, 2021, before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte.
"Peaceful assembly and protest help form the foundation of our democracy, but intimidation is not speech, violence is not speech, and destruction is not speech" said US Attorney Drew Wrigley, "those who employ the tactics of hate and violence have crossed a bright red line and will be brought to justice."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fargo Police Department, and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Richard Lee assigned to the case.
The United States today filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Southern District of New York against the motor yacht Amadea – a 348-foot luxury vessel reportedly worth more than $300 million and beneficially owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov – which was seized in 2022 at the request of the United States.
Today’s filing alleges that the superyacht was improved and maintained in violation of applicable sanctions against Kerimov and those acting on his behalf. According to the complaint, the Amadea is forfeitable based on violations of U.S. law, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and money laundering violations. The burden to prove forfeitability in a civil forfeiture proceeding is upon the government, and proceedings involving this property and its claimants remain ongoing.
“The United States brings this action today after a careful and painstaking effort to develop the necessary evidence showing Suleiman Kerimov’s clear interest in the Amadea and the repeated misuse of the U.S. financial system to support and maintain the yacht for his benefit,” said Task Force KleptoCapture co-director Michael Khoo. “Getting to this point required extensive cooperation across the U.S. government and with foreign partners. It underscores our resolve to undertake challenging, cross-border investigations and to send a message to Russian oligarchs and their enablers: if you flout the rule of law, you can expect to pay real and meaningful consequences.”
“The filing of this complaint exemplifies that the United States takes sanction evasion seriously and will use all tools at its disposal to ensure that sanctioned individuals are held accountable for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “I thank our partners with Task Force KleptoCapture as well as the dedicated prosecutors of this office for their important work holding Russian oligarchs responsible and aiding our allies in Ukraine.”
According to court documents, on April 6, 2018, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Kerimov as a Specially Designated National (SDN) under IEEPA in connection with its finding that the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation in Ukraine constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. In imposing sanctions, OFAC determined that Kerimov was an official of the Government of the Russian Federation. As alleged, Kerimov never sought a license from OFAC authorizing any transactions including any transactions in connection with expenditures related to the yacht. On or about Sept. 30, 2022, OFAC redesignated Kerimov as an SDN.
In September 2021, following Kerimov’s designation by OFAC, Kerimov arranged to purchase the superyacht Amadea, contracting with the seller to receive use rights to the vessel even before he completed payment or obtained title to the vessel. Kerimov gained beneficial ownership of the vessel in or about September 2021 through a series of transfers between shell companies designed to conceal his ownership of the yacht. Beginning in October 2021 through its seizure, Kerimov and/or his family members took multiple trips aboard the Amadea, planned extensive renovations to the Amadea, made long-term plans for the Amadea’s travel schedule, and assumed all liability and responsibility for the Amadea’s upkeep.
During that time, individuals or entities acting on Kerimov’s behalf accrued U.S. dollar-denominated costs for the Amadea’s upkeep and sent or caused to be sent through the U.S. financial systems, payments in violation of applicable sanctions.
The Amadea is currently under the control of the U.S. government in San Diego, pursuant to a seizure warrant issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which was enforced by a court order issued by the Republic of Fiji following a mutual legal assistance request from the United States. The United States is deeply grateful to the Fijian police and prosecutors whose perseverance and dedication to the rule of law made this action possible.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York, and Task Force KleptoCapture co-directors Michael W. Khoo and David H. Lim made the announcement.
The FBI New York Field Office’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force is investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, as well as the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Embassy Suva, and the Diplomatic Security Service, provided valuable assistance and cooperation in this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Mortazavi for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorneys Joshua L. Sohn of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Andrew D. Beaty of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are litigating the case.
This case was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls, and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the Department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.
A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or represents the proceeds of a crime. These allegations are not proven until a court awards a judgment in favor of the United States.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. At the core of PSN is setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announces the following actions in federal PSN cases.
Indictments
Charles Jerome Moore, 40, of Madera, was indicted on April 13, 2023, and charged with two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. According to court documents, on Dec. 14, 2022, law enforcement officers arrested Moore after finding a loaded firearm and ammunition in Moore’s vehicle. Moore was arrested again on March 13, 2023, when officers located ammunition in his vehicle. Moore is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he has prior felony convictions. This case was the product of an investigation by the Madera Police Department and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany M. Gunter is prosecuting the case.
Evan Moore, 39, of Chowchilla, was indicted on April 13, 2023, and charged being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Dec. 18, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop and found Moore to be in possession of a loaded firearm. This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI and the Madera Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
Aaron Michael Correia, 37, of Manteca, was indicted on March 30, 2023, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, during a traffic stop, Correia was found to be in possession of a loaded .22 Ruger revolver and a box of .22 caliber ammunition. Correia is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has multiple state felony convictions, including 2017 and 2021 convictions for felon in possession of a firearm in San Joaquin County. This case is the product of an investigation by the Manteca Police Department, the Stockton Police Department, and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Correia, Charles Jerome Moore, and Evan Moore face a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Guilty Pleas
Earnest Donte Ruff, 24, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony crime. According to court documents, on April 21, 2021, law enforcement officers responded to a barbershop in Fresno and observed Ruff wearing a camouflage, cross-body satchel as he entered the rear-passenger seat of a car. Ruff was arrested and found to be in possession of a loaded .40‑caliber gun with no serial number. Ruff has four convictions for illegally possessing firearms or ammunition. Sentencing in this case is set for July 24, 2023. Ruff faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.
Sentencings
Darien Williams, 24, of Fresno, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Aug. 26, 2021, in Fresno, law enforcement officers tried to stop a car in which Williams was a passenger. The driver failed to yield, sped away, and crashed into another car. After the crash, Williams fled on foot. While fleeing, he discarded a loaded handgun that officers found after they caught and arrested Williams. Williams is prohibited from possessing firearms because of his prior felony record. This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio prosecuted the case.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richardson, Texas, man pleaded guilty Friday to conspiring to commit wire fraud to defraud the American RedCross of disaster relief funds donated to the RedCross by members of the American public for the benefit of the victims of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
According to court documents, Muata Khalif, 55, conspired with other individuals to obtain the personal information of Texas residents, and to use that personal information to apply for and obtain RedCross disaster relief payments in those individuals’ names. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall in August of 2017, and the resultant damage to areas of Texas and Louisiana, the RedCross initiated an “Immediate Assistance Program,” funded by public donations, to provide financial assistance to disaster victims. Upon verifying that an applicant was, in fact, a resident of an affected area in Texas, the RedCross would provide the applicant with a $400 cash payment, which the applicant could retrieve at, among other designated locations, Wal-Mart Money Centers. To retrieve the $400 RedCross payment, the applicant needed to be able to provide the applicant’s verified RedCross client ID number and a corresponding, specific payment reference number.
In October of 2017, Khalif – at the time, a resident of Emporia, Virginia – obtained the client ID and reference numbers of at least 116 individuals. Armed with this information, and over the course of a five-day span, Khalif traveled to Wal-Mart stores located in Emporia, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, and Midlothian to obtain the RedCross relief payments intended for those individuals. One day into his scheme, Khalif met, befriended, and then recruited a Petersburg Wal-Mart Money Center cashier. Assisted by this Wal-Mart employee, Khalif eventually obtained 116 RedCross disaster relief payments, totaling more than $46,000 in fraud loss to the RedCross—funds which had been donated to the RedCross for the explicit purpose of assisting hurricane victims.
Khalif is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17. 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.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jerald W. Page, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark R. Colombell accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin Cooke and Thomas A. Garnett are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-29.
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., along with stakeholders in the north Memphis Community announced the third “Better Community Summit” effort to reduce violent crime throughout our city. Summit organizers and participants include the Neighborhood Christian Centers, represented by CEO, Ephie Johnson, Dr. Todd Richardson, Crosstown Redevelopment Cooperative, Memphis Medical District Collaborative, represented by Rory Thomas, Bishop Brandon Porter, Greater Community Temple Church of God In Christ, Tanja Mitchell, Mitchell Consulting, the Memphis Police Department, represented by Deputy Chief Paul Wright; and program facilitators, Rev. Ricky Floyd, The Pursuit of God Transformation Center; Charlie Caswell, Executive Director of Legacy of Legends, CDC; and DeAndre Brown, Founder, Lifeline2Success.
The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to work with law enforcement and other stakeholders to reduce violent crime in Memphis and West Tennessee. To achieve this goal, the Department has directed every U.S. Attorney’s Office to formulate a strategic plan designed to reduce violent crime. To that end, our office convened meetings with over 40 clergy leaders across the greater Memphis area to discuss violent crime and recommend possible solutions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Memphis Police Department, non-profit organizations, clergy leaders, and other community stakeholders are pleased to announce the next “Better Community Summit” will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022, 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at the Neighborhood Christian Centers, 785 Jackson Avenue. The summit is tailored to address the needs of parents and children. Topics covered will include domestic violence prevention, gang talk, community conflict resolution, and de-escalation training.
The remaining Summits will be held quarterly in the areas of Whitehaven/Westwood and Hickory Hill/East Memphis.
LAREDO, Texas – A Nuevo Laredo man and a Laredo woman have entered guilty pleas for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic drugs via the World Trade Bridge, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Daniel Rodirugez Reyna, 45, entered his plea to conspiracy to posses with the intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine. Vanessa Bernal, 33, pleaded guilty for her participation as a co-conspirator in the methamphetamine conspiracy.
The investigation began in 2014 when authorities learned of a possible drug transaction with a commercial truck driver expected to be crossing drugs via the World Trade Bridge in Laredo. Upon conducting surveillance, they observed Reyna meet with a confidential source at a warehouse in Laredo as he placed a white plastic bag inside the source’s front passenger window. After he departed the area, authorities were able to obtain the bag, which contained three bundles wrapped in clear cellophane wrap and black electrical tape. Laboratory analysis confirmed the three bundles all contained heroin with a net weight of 2.85 kilograms.
On March 25, 2015, agents conducted surveillance of the same white semi-truck Reyna was driving after it crossed in to the United States from Mexico via the World Trade Bridge. Law enforcement followed Reyna as he drove the a warehouse on El Gato Road in Laredo. Shortly thereafter, a red Dodge Journey arrived. Bernal was later identified as the driver. Reyna then exited his vehicle, carrying a plastic shopping bag and placed it in the back seat of Bernal’s vehicle.
After they departed, authorities conducted a traffic stop and found the plastic bag. Inside, they discovered four bundles wrapped in brown tape which all contained crystal methamphetamine with a net weight of 3.9 kilograms.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo accepted the pleas today and set sentencing for July 31, 2017. At that time, both face a minimum 10 years and up to life for the conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Reyna faces the same penalty for the heroin conspiracy. Bernal was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing, while Reyna will remain in custody.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of task force members of the Webb County District Attorney’s Office and the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Lou Castillo is prosecuting the case.
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The U.S. Department of Justice today launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C.
Each strike force region will be led by designated United States Attorneys, who will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction (where firearms are used in crimes) as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. These officials will use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
“All too often, guns found at crime scenes come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. We are redoubling our efforts as ATF works with law enforcement to track the movement of illegal firearms used in violent crimes. These strike forces enable sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions to help disrupt the worst gun trafficking corridors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Department of Justice will use all of its tools – enforcement, prevention, intervention, and investment – to help ensure the safety of our communities – the department’s highest priority.”
According to gun trace data, a significant number of firearms recovered in California originate from outside the state, and many originate from the District of Arizona, among other locations. The new strike forces will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in California with their counterparts in those other locations, including Arizona.
“Combatting violent crime is a national priority that requires a coordinated effort,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Glenn B. McCormick. “Because many crime-involved firearms recovered in California can be traced to purchases in Arizona, our office will work closely with the strike forces launched in the Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay, and Sacramento regions to address the flow of firearms trafficked from our state for illegal purposes.”
The strike forces represent one important, concrete step in implementing the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, which was announced on May 26, 2021. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime—and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. In guidance to federal agents and prosecutors as part of that comprehensive strategy, the Deputy Attorney General made clear that firearms traffickers providing weapons to violent offenders are an enforcement priority across the country.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-043_Strike Force
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On August 3, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a 65-count indictment against Chris Oliver, 23, of Gilbert, Arizona, Michael Kelly, 23, of Tempe, Arizona, and Dion Delpino, 23, of Gilbert, Arizona, for conspiracy to make false statements in acquisition of firearms and 63 instances of making a false statement during the purchase of firearms. In addition, the indictment charges Oliver with dealing firearms without a license.
The indictment alleges that Oliver, Kelly, and Delpino conspired to purchase firearms from licensed dealers by means of false statements and representations. It also alleges that, on 63 occasions between September 2019 and November 2020, Oliver, Kelly, and Delpino used false statements to successfully purchase 102 firearms from 14 licensed dealers throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Oliver then sold these firearms to persons known and unknown in Arizona and elsewhere.
“Evidence shows that illegally-trafficked firearms go hand-in-hand with violent criminal acts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Glenn McCormick. “The District of Arizona remains steadfast in its commitment to work with law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who fuel dangerous offenses by violating federal firearms laws.”
On July 22, the Department of Justice launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces are working to stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, like Phoenix, into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C.
“The District of Arizona’s indictment is an important example of the partnership across jurisdictions to identify and prosecute the sources of illegally trafficked firearms,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert of the Eastern District of California. “As part of the new firearms trafficking strike force for the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region, the Eastern District of California commends the District of Arizona for its important work in holding traffickers accountable.”
“I wish to commend the efforts of our agents and the United States Attorney’s Office as these indictments exhibit our collective efforts in combating firearms trafficking. Together, with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to focus on these criminals that promote gun violence in our community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Gabriel Pinon.
Convictions for conspiracy, false statement during the purchase of a firearm, and dealing firearms without a license, are each punishable by a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, or both, and a term of supervised release of three years.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, and Scottsdale Police Departments, as well as Homeland Security Investigations and Phoenix Police Department – Commercial Narcotics Interdiction Unit, is conducting the investigation in this case. Coleen Schoch, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR 21-00600-DLR (DMF)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-049_Oliver
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
TUCSON, Ariz. – Yesterday, Katherine Rose Sparks, 23, of Huachuca City, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez to serve 84 months in prison and pay $49,930.73 in restitution. Sparks had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous or deadly weapon. Sparks’s term of imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release.
On Feb. 23, 2017, a United States Border Patrol surveillance vehicle saw an SUV near Bisbee, Ariz. being loaded with bundles. The SUV was then observed traveling west on Highway 92. Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) followed the SUV west, activating their law enforcement lights, until the vehicle stopped at a red traffic light on the east side of Highway 92’s San Pedro River bridge crossing. At the stoplight, the SUV veered off the right side of the road, traveled down a steep embankment, and began driving on the dirt area on the side of the road, maintaining a high rate of speed. At one point, the vehicle was briefly airborne as it drove through a trench. When it landed, the SUV came to a stop, appearing to be stuck in a ditch on the roadside.
Two BPAs exited their vehicles, proceeding to the front doors on either side of the SUV. When the passenger refused to exit the vehicle, the agent opened the door and attempted to remove him. During this altercation, Sparks, who had still not turned off the SUV, slammed the car into reverse, causing the open passenger door to trap and drag one of the agents underneath the door of the SUV. While the agent was trapped under the door, the passenger climbed back into the SUV and, after the agent freed himself, shut the passenger’s door. Afterward, Sparks successfully negotiated the vehicle back onto Highway 92 traveling east. Agents located the SUV the following day, still containing the bundles of marijuana. The driver of the SUV was later identified as Katherine Rose Sparks.
The injured agent was transported to Canyon Vista Medical Center in Sierra Vista, Ariz. for medical treatment. The injuries to his knee were substantial and resulted in significant surgery.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sierra Vista. The prosecution was handled by Erica L. Seger, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-00478-TUC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-012_Sparks
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Jacksonville, Florida – Ji Lin Qiu (44) and Gui Zhen Yang (37), both of Palm Coast, have pleaded guilty to offenses related to their employment of undocumented aliens at their restaurants. Qiu has pleaded guilty to harboring undocumented aliens for commercial advantage and private financial gain and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Yang has pleaded guilty to establishing a commercial enterprise for the purpose of evading United States Immigration laws and she faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. As part of his plea agreement, Qiu agreed to forfeit a residence in Palm Coast, a 2013 Toyota Sienna van, a 2019 Honda Odyssey van, and a 2020 Honda Odyssey van. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Qiu and Yang had been indicted on September 14, 2020.
According to court documents, Qiu and Yang, a married couple, owned and operated the Red Bowl restaurant on Bartram Park Boulevard in Jacksonville, the Red Bowl Poké & Hibachi restaurant on Crosshill Boulevard in Jacksonville, and the Fancy Sushi & Grill restaurant on East Highway 100 in Palm Coast. At the restaurants, they employed aliens who were unlawfully present in the United States and who were not legally authorized to work in the United States. Contrary to federal law, they did not require the workers to provide documents to establish that they could legally work in the United States.
Qiu and Yang also owned or rented three residences, each of which was near one of the restaurants. At the residences, they provided rent-free housing to the undocumented workers. They also provided the workers with transportation between the houses and the restaurants. Qiu and Yang paid the workers in cash, did not withhold taxes and other payments from the workers’ wages, and did not pay the employer’s portion of these taxes to government authorities. They also did not report the workers to state revenue authorities as required under Florida law to ensure the collection of the proper amount of unemployment compensation tax.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.
Tampa, Florida - After 21 years with the Department of Justice, and 32 years’ government service, United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez will resign as chief law enforcement officer for the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) on February 27, 2021.
“Serving as the United States Attorney for the MDFL these past three years has been my highest honor and, serving the United States for these last 32 years has been my highest privilege,” said Chapa Lopez. “It has been my honor to serve with a fantastic group of federal, state and local law enforcement partners. Together, we have done great work to protect our communities here in the MDFL. It has also been my greatest honor to work with the tremendously talented group of AUSAs and staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office here in the MDFL. Thank you all for your partnership and support these last three years. My respect for each and every one of you is immeasurable. Team MDFL is the best!”
Chapa Lopez also said, “I want to thank Senator Marco Rubio and former Senator Bill Nelson for their support and confidence in me to lead this office. I am grateful to Attorney General Jeff Sessions for trusting me with this position when he appointed me interim U.S. Attorney, and to Attorney General Bill Barr for his trust in my abilities when he asked me to be on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee.”
U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez came to the job with a significant amount of experience that prepared her to lead the MDFL. Previously, she served on active duty as a United States Army Officer, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In April of 2000, she joined the USAO-MDFL as an Assistant United States Attorney as a narcotics prosecutor, working to dismantle transnational drug trafficking organizations. Immediately prior to serving as U.S. Attorney, Chapa Lopez served as DOJ Deputy Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, working closely with Mexican Justice and Law Enforcement counterparts, as well as other international stakeholders, to disrupt cross-border crime.
“Maria Chapa Lopez rendered good and faithful service as United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. In her dealings with the Court, Ms. Lopez always represented the United States with the utmost professionalism. The Court wishes her well in her future endeavors” said Timothy J. Corrigan, Chief Judge, Middle District of Florida.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis commends USA Chapa Lopez for her outstanding leadership. “During her tenure, she has supported all the agencies focused on reducing supplies of dangerous drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamines, diverted prescription drugs, cocaine and related violence impacting our Florida Communities,” said SAC Weis. “She has been instrumental in dismantling significant transnational criminal organizations narcotics smuggling and money laundering operations from South America to shores of the United States. USA Chapa Lopez has been extremely dedicated to enforcing the rule of law with the tireless goal of helping those communities and families adversely affected by illicit drug distribution. The DEA wishes USA Chapa Lopez the best in her next endeavors, she is an invaluable leader and friend who will be greatly missed by law enforcement.”
“U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa López has been a quintessential partner in combatting violent crime throughout the Middle District Florida for more than 20 years. Mrs. Chapa López tirelessly worked with the ATF Tampa Field Division to investigate and aggressively prosecute some of the most violent offenders in the Middle District. On behalf of the women and men of the ATF Tampa Field Division, I thank Mrs. Chapa López for her service to the United States. Her leadership as United States Attorney made our communities safer. You will be missed,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Saier.
“Under the leadership of United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez, the law enforcement community across the Middle District of Florida has become more united and collaborative. Her commitment to protect the most vulnerable in our communities as well as the way she led her office to take on emerging threats is just part of the legacy she leaves. We wish you all the best in your next chapter Maria.” said Kevin Sibley, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations.
“It has truly been an honor and a privilege working alongside US Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez over the past three years protecting and defending the Middle District of Florida,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County. “I am saddened to see her leave, but truly grateful for the dedication she has put into causes that affect our Hillsborough County residents. Through our partnership, we have worked to combat issues of both opioid abuse and human trafficking throughout our state, bringing drug dealers responsible for fatal overdoses to justice and putting behind bars those who seek to buy or profit off of the exchange of another individual’s body for sex. I look forward to continuing the work we have started together as she moves on to the next step in, what is sure to be, a continuously rewarding career in service.”
“The St. Petersburg Police Department has enjoyed a cooperative and mutually supportive relationship with our valued criminal justice partners at the Department of Justice, led by U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez,” said Chief Anthony Holloway, St. Petersburg Police Department. “The DOJ is staffed with tremendously talented members and I am proud of our collective achievements and the significant progress that has been made toward improving the lives of individuals in our community through better public safety and police protection and most recently for the support of the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force. I look forward to the opportunity to work together someday soon and seeing her many future accomplishments.”
“U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez has truly made Manatee County a safer place to live,” said Sheriff Rick Wells. “Under her leadership, several high-profile drug dealers and gang members have been removed from our community. I will be forever indebted to her and the commitment she made to prosecute those responsible for distributing fentanyl throughout Manatee County. She will be greatly missed, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
“We’ve had a productive and strong working relationship with U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. Her reputation is one of being committed to her work and has shown through her accomplishments during her appointment. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her,” said Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County.
“Maria Chapa Lopez led undeniable efforts that resulted in fewer victims of crime and ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Chief Brian Dugan, Tampa Police Department. “Although she will be missed, our law enforcement agents are better prepared and trained to take on any criminal element due to her years of dedicated service.”
“U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez has done an outstanding job protecting the citizens of the Middle District of Florida,” said Sheriff Christopher Nocco, Pasco County. “From terrorism to illegal pharmaceuticals, violent crime, and human trafficking, her leadership to prosecute criminals and build coalitions worked to make Pasco, along with all of Tampa Bay, a safer community.”
“Our relationship with the Middle District of Florida is paramount to the cycle of success needed to combat and counter transnational organized crime. I thank my colleague, Ms. Maria Chapa Lopez, for her professionalism and dutiful service as US Attorney for the past three years, and deeply value her leadership and gracious friendship. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with her successor and I wish Maria the very best,” said Rear Adm. Eric C. Jones, Seventh District Commander.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is a key partner with U.S. Probation. Under Maria’s leadership, the communication between our agencies has flourished. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has been a responsive and reliable partner in our promotion of the fair administration of justice,” said Joe Collins, Chief U.S. Probation Officer.
“Maria has been a dedicated partner and a trusted ally who has served the Middle District of Florida with honor and distinction,” said State Attorney Melissa Nelson of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. “She undoubtedly will continue to do great things in her community.”
Upon the U.S. Attorney’s resignation, Karin Hoppmann, who served as Ms. Chapa Lopez’s First Assistant U.S. Attorney, will become Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida by virtue of the Vacancies Reform Act. Ms. Hoppmann becomes Acting U.S. Attorney for up to 300 days, and she will serve in that position until such time as an Interim U.S. Attorney is appointed or the President nominates and the United States Senate confirms a new United States Attorney.
Link to summary of highlights of the USAO MDFL’s work during U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez’s tenure.
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Victor Alexander Morales-Acosta (27, Venezuela) to 24 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States. Morales-Acosta entered a guilty plea on March 20, 2024.
According to court documents, Morales-Acosta is a Venezuelan citizen and national who entered the United States illegally on September 1, 2022, by crossing the border from Mexico into Texas, at a place other than a port of entry, without inspection. On November 1, 2023, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) task force officers (TFOs) preparing to execute a search warrant on an Orlando residence suspected of being used in drug trafficking observed Morales-Acosta run inside the home. Morales-Acosta subsequently exited the back of the house carrying a loaded Glock 27 semiautomatic 40 caliber handgun and two baggies containing approximately 56 grams of cocaine. Morales-Acosta was immediately confronted by a TFO and threw the firearm and baggies into a planter bed behind the residence. The firearm had been reported stolen by its owner in Virginia in September 2023.
During a search incident to arrest, officers recovered from Morales-Acosta’s person a fake lawful permanent resident (LPR) card. Morales-Acosta admitted buying the fake LPR card for a $100 when he arrived in the Orlando area in 2022 and needed documentation to be able to work.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the DEA, the Orlando Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Seattle – Four racially motivated violent extremists from across the U.S. were arrested and charged today in U.S District Court in Seattle with a conspiracy to threaten and intimidate journalists and activists, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. Today’s arrests and searches by the FBI and local law enforcement are being coordinated by the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Seattle, Tampa, Houston, and Phoenix.
“These defendants sought to spread fear and terror with threats delivered to the doorstep of those who are critical of their activities,” said U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran for the Western District of Washington. “As Attorney General William Barr has made clear, rooting out anti-Semitic hate and threats of violence and vigorously prosecuting those responsible are top priorities for the Department of Justice.”
“The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and FBI-Tampa have been focused on identifying and eradicating the threat posed by the Atomwaffen Division both locally and nationally,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “Today’s arrests send a powerful message that the Department of Justice will not tolerate criminal conduct based on hateful ideology. We will continue to work with our partners here in the Middle District of Florida, and elsewhere, to devote our resources to investigate and prosecute those who aim to threaten and terrorize our communities.”
“These defendants from across the country allegedly conspired on the internet to intimidate journalists and activists with whom they disagreed,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “This is not how America works. The Department of Justice will not tolerate this type of behavior.”
The defendants charged in the conspiracy include:
Cameron Brandon Shea, 24, of Redmond, Washington
Kaleb Cole, 24, of Montgomery, Texas
Taylor Ashley Parker-Dipeppe, 20, of Spring Hill, Florida
Johnny Roman Garza, 20, of Queen Creek, Arizona
According to the criminal complaint, the defendants conspired via an encrypted online chat group to identify journalists and others they wanted to intimidate. The group focused primarily on those who are Jewish or journalists of color. Defendants Kaleb Cole and Cameron Shea created the posters, which included Nazi symbols, masked figures with guns and Molotov cocktails, and threatening language. The posters were delivered to Atomwaffen members electronically, and the coconspirators printed and delivered or mailed the posters to journalists or activists the group was targeting. In the Seattle area, the posters were mailed to a TV journalist who had reported on Atomwaffen and to two individuals associated with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). In Tampa, the group targeted a journalist, but delivered the poster to the wrong address. In Phoenix, the poster was delivered to a magazine journalist.
“Today’s announcement serves as a warning to anyone who intends to use violence as intimidation or coercion to further their ideology that the FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to protect Americans from domestic terrorism,” said Assistant Director for Counterterrorism Jill Sanborn. “These nationwide arrests are the result of the robust partnerships among the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Tampa, Seattle, Houston, and Phoenix, and with the Seattle Police Department.”
“The FBI recognizes all citizen's First Amendment-protected rights. However the subjects arrested today crossed the line from protected ideas and speech to action in order to intimidate and coerce individuals who they perceived as a threat to their ideology of hate,” said Raymond Duda, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Seattle.
“Today's takedown is proof the FBI in Tampa and our Joint Terrorism Task Force will work tirelessly to ensure communities are rid of hate inspired groups whose goal is to fuel intimidation and violence,” said FBI Tampa Special Agent in Charge Michael McPherson.
Shea will make his initial appearance on the complaint at the federal courthouse in Seattle at 2 p.m. today. Those arrested in other districts will make their appearances in federal court in those districts and will appear in Seattle on a future date.
The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Seattle, Tampa, Houston, and Phoenix. In Western Washington, these agencies assisted with the case: The U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Seattle, Edmonds, Arlington, Mercer Island, and Kirkland Police Departments; the King and Snohomish County Sheriff’s Offices; U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Canadian partners RCMP and CBSA; and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Woods with assistance from DOJ’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Texas, District of Arizona, and Central District of California.
Description: The fiscal year of the data file obtained from the AOUSC
Format: YYYY
Description: The code of the federal judicial circuit where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the federal judicial district where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the district office where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: Docket number assigned by the district to the case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which cannot be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which can be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A sequential number indicating whether a case is an original proceeding or a reopen
Format: N5
Description: Case type associated with the current defendant record
Format: A2
Description: Case type associated with a magistrate case if the current case was merged from a magistrate case
Format: A2
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, defendant number, and reopen sequence number
Format: A18
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, and reopen sequence number
Format: A15
Description: The docket number originally given to a case assigned to a magistrate judge and subsequently merged into a criminal case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a magistrate case
Format: A3
Description: The status of the defendant as assigned by the AOUSC
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the fugitive status of a defendant
Format: A1
Description: The date upon which a defendant became a fugitive
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which a fugitive defendant was taken into custody
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date when a case was first docketed in the district court
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which proceedings in a case commenced on charges pending in the district court where the defendant appeared, or the date of the defendant’s felony-waiver of indictment
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code used to identify the nature of the proceeding
Format: N2
Description: The date when a defendant first appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code indicating the event by which a defendant appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the second highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE2
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE2
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the third highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE3
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE3
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE3
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE3
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the fourth highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE4
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE4
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE4
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE4
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the fifth highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE5
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE5
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE5
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE5
Format: A3
Description: The FIPS code used to indicate the county or parish where an offense was committed
Format: A5
Description: The date of the last action taken on the record
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which judicial proceedings before the court concluded
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the final sentence is recorded on the docket
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the case was closed
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The total fine imposed at sentencing for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and a fine was imposed
Format: N8
Description: A count of defendants filed including inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed excluding inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings commenced
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated including interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated excluding interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings terminated
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period including long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period excluding long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: The source from which the data were loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: A10
Description: A sequential number indicating the iteration of the defendant record
Format: N2
Description: The date the record was loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: Statistical year ID label on data file obtained from the AOUSC which represents termination year
Description: The fiscal year of the data file obtained from the AOUSC
Format: YYYY
Description: The code of the federal judicial circuit where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the federal judicial district where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the district office where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: Docket number assigned by the district to the case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which cannot be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which can be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A sequential number indicating whether a case is an original proceeding or a reopen
Format: N5
Description: Case type associated with the current defendant record
Format: A2
Description: Case type associated with a magistrate case if the current case was merged from a magistrate case
Format: A2
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, defendant number, and reopen sequence number
Format: A18
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, and reopen sequence number
Format: A15
Description: The docket number originally given to a case assigned to a magistrate judge and subsequently merged into a criminal case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a magistrate case
Format: A3
Description: The status of the defendant as assigned by the AOUSC
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the fugitive status of a defendant
Format: A1
Description: The date upon which a defendant became a fugitive
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which a fugitive defendant was taken into custody
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date when a case was first docketed in the district court
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which proceedings in a case commenced on charges pending in the district court where the defendant appeared, or the date of the defendant’s felony-waiver of indictment
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code used to identify the nature of the proceeding
Format: N2
Description: The date when a defendant first appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code indicating the event by which a defendant appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the second highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE2
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE2
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the third highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE3
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE3
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE3
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE3
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the fourth highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE4
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE4
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE4
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE4
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the fifth highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE5
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE5
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE5
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE5
Format: A3
Description: The FIPS code used to indicate the county or parish where an offense was committed
Format: A5
Description: The date of the last action taken on the record
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which judicial proceedings before the court concluded
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the final sentence is recorded on the docket
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the case was closed
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The total fine imposed at sentencing for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and a fine was imposed
Format: N8
Description: A count of defendants filed including inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed excluding inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings commenced
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated including interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated excluding interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings terminated
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period including long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period excluding long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: The source from which the data were loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: A10
Description: A sequential number indicating the iteration of the defendant record
Format: N2
Description: The date the record was loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: Statistical year ID label on data file obtained from the AOUSC which represents termination year
Description: The fiscal year of the data file obtained from the AOUSC
Format: YYYY
Description: The code of the federal judicial circuit where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the federal judicial district where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the district office where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: Docket number assigned by the district to the case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which cannot be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which can be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A sequential number indicating whether a case is an original proceeding or a reopen
Format: N5
Description: Case type associated with the current defendant record
Format: A2
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, defendant number, and reopen sequence number
Format: A18
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, and reopen sequence number
Format: A15
Description: The status of the defendant as assigned by the AOUSC
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the fugitive status of a defendant
Format: A1
Description: The date upon which a defendant became a fugitive
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which a fugitive defendant was taken into custody
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date when a case was first docketed in the district court
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which proceedings in a case commenced on charges pending in the district court where the defendant appeared, or the date of the defendant’s felony-waiver of indictment
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code used to identify the nature of the proceeding
Format: N2
Description: The date when a defendant first appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code indicating the event by which a defendant appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the second highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE2
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE2
Format: A3
Description: The FIPS code used to indicate the county or parish where an offense was committed
Format: A5
Description: The date of the last action taken on the record
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which judicial proceedings before the court concluded
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the final sentence is recorded on the docket
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the case was closed
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The total fine imposed at sentencing for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and a fine was imposed
Format: N8
Description: A count of defendants filed including inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed excluding inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings commenced
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated including interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated excluding interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings terminated
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period including long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period excluding long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: The source from which the data were loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: A10
Description: A sequential number indicating the iteration of the defendant record
Format: N2
Description: The date the record was loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: Statistical year ID label on data file obtained from the AOUSC which represents termination year
