HOUSTON – A 28-year-old man has been sentenced for the unlicensed sale of firearms and possession of a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Austin Shofner pleaded guilty May 23, admitting he sold multiple privately manufactured firearms and machine gun conversion devices (MCDs).
U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. has now ordered Shofner to serve a 120-month-term of imprisonment for the possession and transfer of a machine gun charge and 60 months for unlicensed firearms sales which will be served concurrently. The total 10-year prison term will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Shofner was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,000. In handing down the sentence, the court noted this sentence reflects the need for deterrence due to the nature of the offense and Shofner’s criminal history.
“Austin Shofner wanted to build his illegal gun manufacturing business, supplying deadly machine guns, devices that converted handguns into machine guns, automatic rifles and silencers to anyone who would pay,” said Hamdani. “He had big dreams until he ran into an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Entrepreneurs are an important part of America’s fabric, but not Austin Shofner’s kind. Instead of counting his profits, Shofner will be counting down days, the thousands of days he will spend in a federal prison.”
“Engaging in the business of firearms sales without proper licensing is a violation of law that the ATF will continue to investigate aggressively,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of the ATF. “MCDs pose a grave risk to law enforcement and the general public. We are committed to fighting against the dangers that they pose.”
Beginning in January, Shofner sold several privately manufactured firearms with no mark or serial number, commonly known as “ghost guns.” He also sold machine gun conversion devices aka switches and firearm silencers at various locations in the Houston metropolitan area to undercover authorities via Instagram.
During one transaction, Shofner described a silencer he was selling as “illegal as [expletive].”
Additionally, Shofner had stated that selling firearms and switches was his primary source of income and detailed his plans to expand his firearm manufacturing operation.
On March 7, authorities executed a search warrant at Shofner’s residence in Pasadena where they found a Glock pistol, a pistol frame, an assault-style pistol and a suppressor. As part of the overall investigation, law enforcement also seized five MCDs, two silencers and five ghost guns which included a machine gun and a short-barreled rifle.
About an inch long, switches may be made of metal or plastic and printed on commercially available 3D printers. They generally slide into the butt of a gun and allow the shooter to fully automatically fire, unloading dozens of rounds with a single pull of the trigger. In contrast, regular semi-automatic firearms require a separate trigger pull for each round fired.
Shofner will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
The former mayor of the municipality of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, was sentenced today to five years and three months in prison for his involvement in a bribery scheme in which he received cash payments in exchange for awarding municipal contracts and expedited payment of invoices related to those contracts.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ángel Pérez-Otero, 53, was involved in a bribery conspiracy in which, from approximately late 2019 through May 2021, he accepted thousands of dollars in cash bribes on a regular basis from the owner of a construction company. In exchange for those payments, Pérez-Otero agreed to obtain and retain government contracts for the company and ensured that the company’s invoices were promptly paid.
In March, a federal jury convicted Pérez-Otero of conspiracy, federal program bribery, and extortion.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph González of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI San Juan Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Nicholas Cannon of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Myriam Fernández-González for the District of Puerto Rico prosecuted the case. PIN Trial Attorney Ryan R. Crosswell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott H. Anderson for the District of Puerto Rico assisted in the investigation.
This case is a part of the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to combat public corruption by municipal officials in Puerto Rico. In addition to the above matter, PIN and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico have recently obtained convictions against other former public officials and contractors in the District of Puerto Rico for soliciting and accepting bribes related to municipal contracts. See United States v. Félix Delgado-Montalvo, 21-463 (RAM); United States v. Oscar Santamaria-Torres, 21-464 (RAM); United States v. Raymond Rodríguez, 21-465 (RAM); United States v. Mario Villegas-Vargas, 21-468 (FAB); United States v. Radamés Benítez-Cardona, 21-475 (PAD); United States v. Luis Arroyo-Chiques, 21-485 (SCC); United States v. Eduardo Cintron-Suarez, 22-151 (SCC); United States v. Javier Garcia-Perez, 22-185 (ADC); United States v. Reinaldo Vargas-Rodriguez, 22-186 (PAD); United States v. Ramon Conde-Melendez, 22-221 (PAD); United States v. Pedro Miranda-Marrero, 22-251 (RAM); United States v. Jose Cruz-Cruz, 22-276 (SCC); and United States Jose Bou-Santiago, 22-379 (ADC).
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Dudzinski Poole and sixteen co-conspirators to federal prison terms ranging from six years, up to life, imprisonment in a multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy. Poole was the leader of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that was responsible for distributing thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine and fentanyl with sources of supply or distributors in California, multiple other states, and China. The organization also laundered millions of dollars in drug money. Two of Poole’s co-conspirators (Michael Chester and George King, Jr.) were convicted after a ten-day jury trial in July 2024. The rest of the defendants entered guilty pleas. A summary chart of the sentences is below:Name (Age, Residence)ChargesSentenceDudzinski Edwinn Poolea/k/a “Zink”(50, Apopka, FL)Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine(two counts)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy21 years, 10 months’ imprisonmentMelvin Tyrone Patterson, Jr.a/k/a “Goon”(34, Wildwood, FL)Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy18 years, 7 months’ imprisonmentAndrew Woodruff, Jr.a/k/a “Smurf”(40, Mount Dora, FL)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy30 years’ imprisonmentJose Ivan Carbajala/k/a “Primo”(35, California)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy40 years’ imprisonmentAntonio Holmesa/k/a “Tone”(36, Davenport, FL)Possession with intent to distribute fentanylDrug trafficking conspiracy15 years, 8 months’ imprisonmentDiego Navarro- Martineza/k/a “Shooter”(34, California)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy15 years’ imprisonmentMichael Andre Chestera/k/a “Dre”(50, Apopka, FL)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracyLife in prisonSamantha Tiesha Kinga/k/a “Mamp”(34, Altamonte Springs, FL)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy17 years, 6 months’ imprisonmentGeorge Nelvin King, Jr.(47, Altamonte Springs, FL)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy14 years, 8 months’ imprisonmentFelisha Denise Williamsa/k/a “Lil Momma”(35, Apopka, FL)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy12 years, 7 months’ imprisonmentNathaniel Donnell, Jr.a/k/a “Bob”(60, Wildwood, FL)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy13 years’ imprisonmentRodrieka Lashay Manninga/k/a “Drieka”(27, Apopka, FL)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy11 years, 3 months’ imprisonmentMohammed McDowella/k/a “Mo”(45, Wildwood, FL)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy10 years, 10 months’ imprisonmentJanice Denise Andersona/k/a “Butter”(67, Mount Dora, FL)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy10 years, 4 months’ imprisonmentLatonya Sharee Conleya/k/a “Hershey”(47, Mount Dora, FL)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy10 years’ imprisonmentOveda Denise Millera/k/a “Gangsta Granny”(62, Mount Dora, FL)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy10 years’ imprisonmentRoland Richardson(65, Mount Dora, FL)Drug trafficking conspiracyMoney laundering conspiracy6 years’ imprisonmentAccording to court records and the evidence presented at trial, between 2017 and 2023, the DTO operated largely out of Lake County, Florida, where Poole received hundreds of shipments of methamphetamine and fentanyl from sources of supply in California, including Jose Carbajal. The drugs were transported or shipped via commercial planes and through the mail. DEA seized more than 250 pounds of drugs (mostly methamphetamine and fentanyl) during the course of the investigation.The defendants played various roles in the DTO, such as suppliers, distributors, couriers, and courier coordinators. The couriers would fly to California from Florida with large sums of cash to purchase drugs and transport checked luggage full of drugs back to Florida on commercial flights. The conspirators sometimes purchased tickets and checked the suitcases full of drugs or cash at the airport but did not fly on the plane. The suitcases would travel to the destination where they would be picked up by other conspirators awaiting their arrival. Nearly all the flights were between the Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida and the Palm Springs Airport (PSP) or the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California. Flight records during a two-year period show more than 400 flights between California and Orlando among the various conspirators.The DTO also used couriers to transport large amounts of methamphetamine from Orlando to Virginia via train. In April 2022, one of these couriers was arrested at a train station in Virginia with approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine inside a suitcase.In addition to transporting drugs on commercial flights and trains, Poole and his associates had multiple stash houses and received hundreds of mailed packages of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California and other drugs, including fentanyl, from China. Poole’s source of supply in California (Carbajal) would ship packages that contained an average of five to ten pounds of drugs at a time. Poole would provide Carbajal various addresses to ship the drugs, including co-conspirators’ residences. Investigators identified almost 400 packages that were shipped from California as part of this conspiracy from 2019 to 2023.The members of this DTO also conspired with one another to engage in money laundering. Poole developed an entertainment business that he used to promote concerts with famous rap artists, whom he paid with drug proceeds. Poole then commingled the profits from the ticket sales with the drug proceeds in the same business account. Members of the conspiracy also used drug proceeds to pay for various expenses of the DTO (such as flights) or funneled the proceeds through numerous financial accounts into purchases of expensive jewelry, vehicles, residences, and payments to coconspirators.“This multi-state drug trafficking organization used a vast network to move methamphetamine and fentanyl to poison our communities,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “I’m proud of the way our agents and numerous law enforcement partners worked together to bring this criminal element to justice.”“Greed is the biggest motivation these criminal organizations know,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office. “Motivated by money, they will try to place themselves above the law to the detriment of our communities. Fortunately, our agents and staff are extremely skilled at following the money to ensure these perpetrators face justice. We are proud to work alongside our partner agencies to put a stop to these dangerous drug trafficking organizations and ensure they are held accountable.” This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Secret Service; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the Orlando Police Department’s Special Enforcement Division and Crime Center and Forensics Division; the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s including the Gang Enforcement Unit; the Florida Highway Patrol; the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office; the Casselberry Police Department; the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation; the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office; the Marion County Sheriff’s Office; the Lake County Sheriff’s Office; the Kissimmee Police Department; the St. Cloud Police Department; the Winter Park Police Department; the St. Cloud IRS Financial Crimes Task Force; and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (California). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Belkis H. Callaos.This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
LOS ANGELES – A member of the Avenues street gang who was on the run for well over a decade pleaded not guilty this morning to federal hate crimes charges stemming from the racially motivated murders of two African-American men in Highland Park.
Merced Cambero Jr., 38, whose street name was “Shadow,” entered not guilty pleas before United States District Judge Percy Anderson, who scheduled a trial on March 28.
Cambero was repatriated to the United States and turned over to the custody of special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department on February 3 at the San Ysidro Port of Entry after he was deported by Mexican immigration authorities. In the weeks leading up to his deportation, Cambero had been detained in Baja California by Mexican law enforcement officers on an unrelated matter and was found to be using a false identification. Further investigation by Mexican authorities and members of the San Diego Police Department verified Cambero’s true identity and the outstanding federal civil rights charges in Los Angeles. At his initial court appearance later that day in United States District Court in Los Angeles, Cambero was ordered held in custody without bond.
Cambero faces three felony counts, including conspiring to violate the civil rights of African Americans who resided in Highland Park. Among the victims of the plot was Kenneth Kurry Wilson, a 38-year-old African-American man who was fatally shot in Highland Park on April 18, 1999. Members of the conspiracy also murdered Christopher Bowser, an African-American man who was shot while waiting at a bus stop in Highland Park on Dec. 11, 2000.
The conspiracy charge specially alleges that Cambero:
participated in a 1997 attack on African-American men who were playing basketball in a park;
was among several gang members who ambushed an African-American man in 1998 and struck him in the head with a metal object;
attacked an African-American man in a park in 1999;
directed racial slurs at an African-American girl in a supermarket and an African-American man walking down a street in 1999; and
was one of two triggermen in the murder of Kenneth Wilson.
The indictment also charges Cambero with violating Wilson’s civil rights by murdering him because he was African American and because he was using the public streets of Los Angeles. The third count of the indictment charges Camero with using a firearm during the commission of the federal conspiracy and hate crime charges.
Cambero was among five Avenues members who were indicted in 2004 in the first case in the nation to allege civil rights crimes against members of a street gang. The other four defendants were convicted at trial, and each was sentenced in 2006 and 2007 to life-without-parole in federal prison.
“The victims in this case were targeted simply because of their skin color and because members of the gang wanted to rid their neighborhood of African Americans,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “The heinous conduct with which this defendant is charged has no place in this nation, and the Department of Justice will stand steadfastly against hate crimes like those charged. Despite this defendant’s efforts to avoid prosecution over the course of many years, his appearance in court today demonstrates that law enforcement and my office will be tenacious in pursuing justice against such criminal conduct.”
“The apprehension of Mr. Cambero is the latest example of success among agencies cooperating internationally,” said Deirdre Fike, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “In addition, this arrest proves that leaving the country and evading capture for 15 years will not deter law enforcement in finding justice for victims of crime; in Mr. Cambero’s case, civil rights violations involving the alleged murder of an innocent man based on the color of his skin.”
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 he is convicted of the charges in the indictment, Cambero would face a potential sentence of life without parole in federal prison.
The arrest of Cambero is a result of a collaborative effort by Mexican law enforcement and immigration authorities; the San Diego Police Department; the FBI’s Los Angeles and San Diego Field Offices; and the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Mexico City. The investigation that led to the civil rights charges against Cambero was conducted by the FBI in Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel J. O’Brien of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section and Jennifer Chou of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Julia Beatrice Keleher, former Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education (“PR DOE”), and Ariel Gutiérrez-Rodríguez have been indicted for their participation in a bribery scheme and conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, announced U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico W. Stephen Muldrow. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.
The indictment returned yesterday, January 14, 2020, by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico, includes nine counts as follows: Count One: Julia Keleher and Ariel Gutiérrez-Rodríguez - Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Fraud, Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349; Counts Two through Seven: Julia Keleher and Ariel Gutiérrez-Rodríguez - Wire Fraud, Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343; Count Eight: Julia Keleher - Federal Program Bribery (accepting a bribe), Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(B); and Count Nine: Ariel Gutiérrez-Rodríguez - Federal Program Bribery (paying a bribe), Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(2).
The indictment alleges that the purpose of the conspiracy was for Keleher to use her official position as the Secretary of Education to enrich herself by soliciting and accepting things of value from others, and for others to enrich themselves by obtaining favorable official action from Keleher through corrupt means. Defendant Ariel Gutiérrez-Rodríguez facilitated Keleher’s receipt of financial benefits in connection with her lease and purchase of an apartment in the Ciudadela apartment complex in Santurce, Puerto Rico, in exchange for Keleher’s signing a letter purporting to give 1,034 square feet of the Padre Rufo School to a private company.
“Public corruption continues to erode the trust between government officials and our citizens. Defendant Keleher exploited her government position to benefit herself and other private individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Government officials are entrusted with performing their duties honestly and ethically. When they fail to do so, they will be held to account.”
“Anyone involved in the bribery of a public official seeks to put their own interests above those of the People of Puerto Rico. However, those corrupt parties will eventually pay a much higher price to the criminal justice system, and we will continue to deliver them to the federal courthouse. This has been our commitment to the people of Puerto Rico and one we intend to keep in the years to come,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel José Capó-Iriarte and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Alum. If found guilty, the defendants are facing possible sentences of up to 10 years for conspiracy and federal program bribery, and up to 20 years for wire fraud. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
# # #
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Julia Beatrice Keleher, former Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education (“PR DOE”), Ángela Ávila-Marrero, former Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration (“ASES”), Alberto Velázquez-Piñol, Fernando Scherrer-Caillet, Glenda Ponce-Mendoza, and Mayra Ponce-Mendoza have been indicted and arrested for their participation in a conspiracy to steal and convert federal funds involving fraudulently obtained contracts from the PR DOE and ASES, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation with the United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
The indictment returned yesterday, July 9, 2019, by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico, includes 32 counts against the following individuals:
Julia Beatrice Keleher (“Keleher”), the Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education (PR DOE) from January 2017 until April 2019;
Ángela Ávila-Marrero (“Ávila-Marrero”), the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration, from February 2017 until June 25, 2019;
Alberto Velázquez-Piñol (“Velázquez-Piñol”), President of Azur, L.L.C. (“Azur”);
Fernando Scherrer-Caillet (“Scherrer-Caillet”), managing partner of BDO, Puerto Rico, P.S.C.;
Glenda E. Ponce-Mendoza, Special Assistant to PR DOE Secretary Keleher;
Mayra Ponce-Mendoza, owner of Colón & Ponce, Inc., and sister of defendant Glenda E. Ponce-Mendoza.
The indictment alleges that the defendants used Keleher’s and Ávila-Marrero’s positions as Secretary of PR DOE and Executive Director of ASES, respectively, to benefit and enrich themselves and defraud the United States as follows:
Count 1 of the Indictment charges a wire fraud conspiracy. The purpose of the conspiracy was to steer contracts between the PR DOE and Colón & Ponce, a company owned by Mayra Ponce Mendoza. This was accomplished through a corrupted bidding process pursuant to a Request for Proposal (“RFP”), wherein Colón & Ponce was provided with a competitive advantage over other bidders based in part, on the close relationship between Keleher, Glenda Ponce-Mendoza, and her sister Mayra Ponce-Mendoza. Despite being unqualified under the terms of the RFP, Colón & Ponce was awarded a $43,500 contract, which was later increased to $95,000. The increased amount was used to pay in part the salary of one of Keleher’s special assistants. Keleher pressured a PR DOE official identified as Individual B in the indictment to execute the Colón & Ponce contract on behalf of PR DOE. Counts 2 through 11 list the wire communications transmitted by Keleher and the Ponce-Mendoza sisters in order to perpetrate the scheme set forth in Count 1.
Count 12 of the Indictment charges Keleher, Velázquez-Piñol, and Scherrer-Caillet with conspiring to violate 18 U.S.C. § 641 (theft and conversion of government money and property in excess of $1,000). The conspiracy and scheme to defraud involved federal funds paid by PR DOE to BDO for several contracts totaling over $13 million from January 2017 until April 2019. Despite express prohibitions in said contracts, BDO subcontracted other companies to perform the services, and paid Velázquez-Piñol, through his company Azur, a 10% commission for the contracts awarded through Velázquez-Piñol’s influence with government officials. By paying unauthorized commissions, the cost of government contracts was unnecessarily inflated and increased. Velázquez-Piñol, through Azur, received approximately $219,059 in commissions from BDO for the PR DOE contracts it was awarded. Counts 13 through 18 list the wire communications transmitted and caused to be transmitted in interstate commerce, all in furtherance of the conspiracy, scheme to defraud, and the theft of federal funds.
Count 19 charges Ávila-Marrero, Velázquez-Piñol, and Scherrer-Caillet with conspiring to violate 18 U.S.C. § 641 (theft and conversion of government money and property in excess of $1,000). The conspiracy and scheme to defraud involved federal funds paid by ASES to BDO for several contracts totaling $2.5 million during the period between January 2017 and June 2019. Ávila-Marrero provided internal ASES information on several contracts to Velázquez-Piñol. BDO and other companies used this internal information, provided by Velázquez-Piñol, to submit proposals to ASES, and replace the existing contracts. During ASES board meetings, Ávila-Marrero recommended the cancellation of the contracts and the award of replacement contracts to BDO and another company represented by Velázquez-Piñol. Despite express prohibitions in said contracts, BDO subcontracted other companies to provide the services, and paid Velázquez-Piñol, through his company Azur, a 10% commission for the contracts awarded through Velázquez-Piñol’s influence with government officials. By paying unauthorized commissions, the cost of government contracts was unnecessarily inflated and increased. Velázquez-Piñol received approximately $710,000 in payments from BDO for the ASES contracts it was awarded. Counts 20 through 25 list the wire communications transmitted and caused to be transmitted in interstate commerce, all in furtherance of the conspiracy, scheme to defraud, and the theft of federal funds.
The indictment also includes a money laundering conspiracy charge against Velázquez-Piñol and Scherrer-Caillet, and six substantive money laundering counts against Velázquez-Piñol.
“Public corruption continues to erode the trust between government officials and our citizens. Defendants Keleher and Ávila-Marrero exploited their government positions and fraudulently awarded contracts funded with federal monies. The greed of the private individuals charged along with these former government officials, resulted in inflated government contracts which deprived our citizens of much needed education and health services,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Government officials are entrusted with performing their duties honestly and ethically. The charged offenses are reprehensible, more so in light of Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis.”
“Yesterday’s indictment alleges that these individuals were involved in a public corruption campaign and profited at the expense of Puerto Rico’s children. That is completely unacceptable,” said Neil E. Sanchez, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Southern Regional Office. “OIG Special Agents will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of our nation’s students. America’s students, their families, and taxpayers deserve nothing less.”
“The illegal granting of contracts paid with monies from the Medicaid program is unacceptable. The Medicaid program is intended to provide health care benefits to low-income individuals and families, and any improper use of these funds will jeopardize its future availability. HHS-OIG and its law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue to the fullest extent of the law those who seek to unlawfully enrich themselves from Medicaid funds,” said Scott Lampert, Special Agent in Charge of HHS-OIG New York Regional Office.
“Today’s efforts are the result of true team work. Thanks to the admirable dedication of our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Inspectors General for both the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, new schemes have been uncovered, along with attempts to hide the proceeds of those schemes. Moving forward with the help of our local partners, the FBI will continue to make apprehending and exposing those who would do harm to the People of Puerto Rico our top priority,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys José Capó-Iriarte and Marie Christine Amy. If found guilty, the defendants are facing possible sentences of up to 10 years for conspiracy and theft of government funds, and up to 20 years for wire fraud and money laundering. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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 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
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Julia Beatrice Keleher, former Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education (“PR DOE”), and Ariel Gutiérrez-Rodríguez have been indicted for their participation in a bribery scheme and conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, announced U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico W. Stephen Muldrow. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.
The indictment returned yesterday, January 14, 2020, by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico, includes nine counts as follows: Count One: Julia Keleher and Ariel Gutiérrez-Rodríguez - Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Fraud, Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349; Counts Two through Seven: Julia Keleher and Ariel Gutiérrez-Rodríguez - Wire Fraud, Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343; Count Eight: Julia Keleher - Federal Program Bribery (accepting a bribe), Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(B); and Count Nine: Ariel Gutiérrez-Rodríguez - Federal Program Bribery (paying a bribe), Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(2).
The indictment alleges that the purpose of the conspiracy was for Keleher to use her official position as the Secretary of Education to enrich herself by soliciting and accepting things of value from others, and for others to enrich themselves by obtaining favorable official action from Keleher through corrupt means. Defendant Ariel Gutiérrez-Rodríguez facilitated Keleher’s receipt of financial benefits in connection with her lease and purchase of an apartment in the Ciudadela apartment complex in Santurce, Puerto Rico, in exchange for Keleher’s signing a letter purporting to give 1,034 square feet of the Padre Rufo School to a private company.
“Public corruption continues to erode the trust between government officials and our citizens. Defendant Keleher exploited her government position to benefit herself and other private individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Government officials are entrusted with performing their duties honestly and ethically. When they fail to do so, they will be held to account.”
“Anyone involved in the bribery of a public official seeks to put their own interests above those of the People of Puerto Rico. However, those corrupt parties will eventually pay a much higher price to the criminal justice system, and we will continue to deliver them to the federal courthouse. This has been our commitment to the people of Puerto Rico and one we intend to keep in the years to come,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel José Capó-Iriarte and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Alum. If found guilty, the defendants are facing possible sentences of up to 10 years for conspiracy and federal program bribery, and up to 20 years for wire fraud. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
# # #
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Julia Beatrice Keleher, former Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education (“PR DOE”), Ángela Ávila-Marrero, former Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration (“ASES”), Alberto Velázquez-Piñol, Fernando Scherrer-Caillet, Glenda Ponce-Mendoza, and Mayra Ponce-Mendoza have been indicted and arrested for their participation in a conspiracy to steal and convert federal funds involving fraudulently obtained contracts from the PR DOE and ASES, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation with the United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
The indictment returned yesterday, July 9, 2019, by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico, includes 32 counts against the following individuals:
Julia Beatrice Keleher (“Keleher”), the Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education (PR DOE) from January 2017 until April 2019;
Ángela Ávila-Marrero (“Ávila-Marrero”), the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration, from February 2017 until June 25, 2019;
Alberto Velázquez-Piñol (“Velázquez-Piñol”), President of Azur, L.L.C. (“Azur”);
Fernando Scherrer-Caillet (“Scherrer-Caillet”), managing partner of BDO, Puerto Rico, P.S.C.;
Glenda E. Ponce-Mendoza, Special Assistant to PR DOE Secretary Keleher;
Mayra Ponce-Mendoza, owner of Colón & Ponce, Inc., and sister of defendant Glenda E. Ponce-Mendoza.
The indictment alleges that the defendants used Keleher’s and Ávila-Marrero’s positions as Secretary of PR DOE and Executive Director of ASES, respectively, to benefit and enrich themselves and defraud the United States as follows:
Count 1 of the Indictment charges a wire fraud conspiracy. The purpose of the conspiracy was to steer contracts between the PR DOE and Colón & Ponce, a company owned by Mayra Ponce Mendoza. This was accomplished through a corrupted bidding process pursuant to a Request for Proposal (“RFP”), wherein Colón & Ponce was provided with a competitive advantage over other bidders based in part, on the close relationship between Keleher, Glenda Ponce-Mendoza, and her sister Mayra Ponce-Mendoza. Despite being unqualified under the terms of the RFP, Colón & Ponce was awarded a $43,500 contract, which was later increased to $95,000. The increased amount was used to pay in part the salary of one of Keleher’s special assistants. Keleher pressured a PR DOE official identified as Individual B in the indictment to execute the Colón & Ponce contract on behalf of PR DOE. Counts 2 through 11 list the wire communications transmitted by Keleher and the Ponce-Mendoza sisters in order to perpetrate the scheme set forth in Count 1.
Count 12 of the Indictment charges Keleher, Velázquez-Piñol, and Scherrer-Caillet with conspiring to violate 18 U.S.C. § 641 (theft and conversion of government money and property in excess of $1,000). The conspiracy and scheme to defraud involved federal funds paid by PR DOE to BDO for several contracts totaling over $13 million from January 2017 until April 2019. Despite express prohibitions in said contracts, BDO subcontracted other companies to perform the services, and paid Velázquez-Piñol, through his company Azur, a 10% commission for the contracts awarded through Velázquez-Piñol’s influence with government officials. By paying unauthorized commissions, the cost of government contracts was unnecessarily inflated and increased. Velázquez-Piñol, through Azur, received approximately $219,059 in commissions from BDO for the PR DOE contracts it was awarded. Counts 13 through 18 list the wire communications transmitted and caused to be transmitted in interstate commerce, all in furtherance of the conspiracy, scheme to defraud, and the theft of federal funds.
Count 19 charges Ávila-Marrero, Velázquez-Piñol, and Scherrer-Caillet with conspiring to violate 18 U.S.C. § 641 (theft and conversion of government money and property in excess of $1,000). The conspiracy and scheme to defraud involved federal funds paid by ASES to BDO for several contracts totaling $2.5 million during the period between January 2017 and June 2019. Ávila-Marrero provided internal ASES information on several contracts to Velázquez-Piñol. BDO and other companies used this internal information, provided by Velázquez-Piñol, to submit proposals to ASES, and replace the existing contracts. During ASES board meetings, Ávila-Marrero recommended the cancellation of the contracts and the award of replacement contracts to BDO and another company represented by Velázquez-Piñol. Despite express prohibitions in said contracts, BDO subcontracted other companies to provide the services, and paid Velázquez-Piñol, through his company Azur, a 10% commission for the contracts awarded through Velázquez-Piñol’s influence with government officials. By paying unauthorized commissions, the cost of government contracts was unnecessarily inflated and increased. Velázquez-Piñol received approximately $710,000 in payments from BDO for the ASES contracts it was awarded. Counts 20 through 25 list the wire communications transmitted and caused to be transmitted in interstate commerce, all in furtherance of the conspiracy, scheme to defraud, and the theft of federal funds.
The indictment also includes a money laundering conspiracy charge against Velázquez-Piñol and Scherrer-Caillet, and six substantive money laundering counts against Velázquez-Piñol.
“Public corruption continues to erode the trust between government officials and our citizens. Defendants Keleher and Ávila-Marrero exploited their government positions and fraudulently awarded contracts funded with federal monies. The greed of the private individuals charged along with these former government officials, resulted in inflated government contracts which deprived our citizens of much needed education and health services,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Government officials are entrusted with performing their duties honestly and ethically. The charged offenses are reprehensible, more so in light of Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis.”
“Yesterday’s indictment alleges that these individuals were involved in a public corruption campaign and profited at the expense of Puerto Rico’s children. That is completely unacceptable,” said Neil E. Sanchez, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Southern Regional Office. “OIG Special Agents will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of our nation’s students. America’s students, their families, and taxpayers deserve nothing less.”
“The illegal granting of contracts paid with monies from the Medicaid program is unacceptable. The Medicaid program is intended to provide health care benefits to low-income individuals and families, and any improper use of these funds will jeopardize its future availability. HHS-OIG and its law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue to the fullest extent of the law those who seek to unlawfully enrich themselves from Medicaid funds,” said Scott Lampert, Special Agent in Charge of HHS-OIG New York Regional Office.
“Today’s efforts are the result of true team work. Thanks to the admirable dedication of our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Inspectors General for both the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, new schemes have been uncovered, along with attempts to hide the proceeds of those schemes. Moving forward with the help of our local partners, the FBI will continue to make apprehending and exposing those who would do harm to the People of Puerto Rico our top priority,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys José Capó-Iriarte and Marie Christine Amy. If found guilty, the defendants are facing possible sentences of up to 10 years for conspiracy and theft of government funds, and up to 20 years for wire fraud and money laundering. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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 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
Saint Louis, MO – Johnzell Moorehead, 30, of Saint Louis, MO, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. Wines appeared today before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross who imposed the sentence.
According to court documents, Moorehead and an associate, Daryaun Wines, were travelling inside a vehicle in the early morning hours of October 12, 2017. Earlier that day, Moorehead and Wines had been involved in an altercation with another individual resulting in that individuals being shot.
Concerned about possibly retaliation from that earlier shooting, Moorehead and Wines were being followed by two additional associates who were in a separate vehicle. Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Federal Officer Archie Shaw was on-duty and, as part of an on-going investigation into drug distribution activity, began to follow the second of the two vehicles. Special Federal Officer Shaw was utilizing an unmarked law enforcement vehicle.
Moorehead and Wines noticed Special Federal Officer Shaw’s vehicle. Moorehead and Wines split-up from their other associates (who were being followed by Special Federal Officer Shaw). The vehicle being followed by Special Federal Officer Shaw intentionally led Special Federal Officer Shaw to the intersection of Miami and Iowa streets within the City of Saint Louis. As Special Federal Officer Shaw drove through the intersection, Wines and Moorehead shot Special Federal Officer Shaw. Wines and Moorehead traveled to that location for the purpose of committing the shooting.
Special Federal Officer Shaw’s vehicle was struck several times by the gunfire. Special Federal Officer Shaw himself was also struck by gunfire. After being shot, Special Federal Officer Shaw was able to drive himself to safety. Moorehead and his associates fled the area.
“Officer Shaw has shown great courage throughout this investigation and during his almost 30 years of service and dedication to the citizens of St. Louis. The St. Louis Police Department appreciates the continued support and assistance we’ve received from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI and all our federal partners in this case,” state Chief John Hayden, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
"The importance of Officer Archie Shaw to this community can be understood by law enforcement’s relentless and wide ranging response in the immediate aftermath of his October 12, 2017, shooting and throughout the almost three years since the incident occurred,” said Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Rea after today's proceeding.
Rea continued, “Law enforcement has held Mr. Moorehead and Daryaun Wines accountable for their actions. In the course of doing so, officials also dismantled an entire drug organization resulting in five additional federal prosecutions. That is a total of seven federal prosecutions arising out of the shooting of Officer Shaw. Offense conduct such as this cannot and will never go unchecked by the United States Attorney’s Office. We hope that these sentences of 25 years for Mr. Moorehead and 17 years for Mr. Wines make that clear.”
The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigated this case.
Saint Louis, MO – Daryaun Wines, 27, of Saint Louis County, MO, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. Wines appeared today before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross who imposed the sentence.
According to court documents, Wines and an associate, Johnzell Moorehead, were travelling inside a vehicle in the early morning hours of October 12, 2017. Wines and Moorehead were being followed by two additional associates who were in a separate vehicle. Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Federal Officer Archie Shaw was on-duty and, as part of an on-going investigation, began to follow the second of the two vehicles. Special Federal Officer Shaw was utilizing an unmarked law enforcement vehicle.
Wines and Moorehead noticed Special Federal Officer Shaw’s vehicle. Wines and Moorehead split-up from their other associates (who were being followed by Special Federal Officer Shaw). The vehicle being followed by Special Federal Officer Shaw led Special Federal Officer Shaw to the intersection of Miami and Iowa streets within the City of Saint Louis. As Special Federal Officer Shaw drove through the intersection, Wines and Moorehead shot Special Federal Officer Shaw. Wines and Moorehead traveled to that location for the purpose of committing the shooting.
Special Federal Officer Shaw’s vehicle was struck several times by the gunfire. Special Federal Officer Shaw himself was also struck by gunfire. After being shot, Special Federal Officer Shaw was able to drive himself to safety. Wines and his associates fled the area.
"We cannot lose sight of the many threats awaiting dedicated members of law enforcement every day. FBI Special Federal Officer Shaw is the paramount example of a courageous officer dedicated to his work and community. He is lucky to be alive, and we are so grateful that he is. This was an unconscionable ambush. Today’s stiff sentence makes clear that this type of conduct will never go unchecked by the Department of Justice," said Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Rea after today's proceeding.
Moorehead will be sentenced on February 13, 2020.
The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigated this case.
St. Louis, MO - Johnzell Moorehead, 29, of Saint Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. Moorehead appeared today before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for December 6, 2019.
According to the plea agreement and among other things, Moorehead, his girlfriend, and an associate, Daryaun Wines, were travelling inside a vehicle in the early morning hours of October 12, 2017. The group was being followed by two additional associates who were in a separate vehicle. Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Federal Officer Archie Shaw was on-duty and, as part of an on-going investigation, began to follow the second of the two vehicles. Special Federal Officer Shaw was utilizing an unmarked law enforcement vehicle.
Moorehead noticed Special Federal Officer Shaw's vehicle. Moorehead, his girlfriend, and Wines split-up from their other associates (who were being followed by Special Federal Officer Shaw). The vehicle being followed by Special Federal Officer Shaw led Special Federal Officer Shaw to the intersection of Miami and Iowa streets within the City of Saint Louis. As Special Federal Officer Shaw drove through the intersection, Moorehead and Wines shot Special Federal Officer Shaw. Moorehead and Wines travelled to that location for the purpose of committing the shooting.
Special Federal Officer Shaw's vehicle was struck several times by the gunfire. Special Federal Officer Shaw himself was also struck by gunfire. After being shot, Special Federal Officer Shaw was able to drive himself to safety. Moorehead and his associates fled the area.
Under the firearm charge, Moorehead faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life in prison. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. As part of the plea agreement, the parties have agreed to recommend a 25-year sentence at the time of Moorehead’s sentencing.
In addition to Moorehead’s conviction, this on-going investigation into the shooting of Special Federal Officer Shaw also resulted in the federal convictions of Daryaun Wines; Paris Gordon; Don Collins; Joseph Paster; Clifton Hudson; and Darlene Calhoun.
“Police Officer Shaw has provided nearly 30 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Saint Louis. The courage he exhibited in this incident, demonstrates his level of commitment to the protection of the community,” said Chief John Hayden, Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department. “The Saint Louis Police Department truly appreciates the support and assistance we receive from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI and all our federal partners.”
"Mr. Moorhead and Mr. Wines ambushed FBI Special Federal Officer Shaw as he was simply doing his job, a dangerous job requiring courage and dedication. When any officer is threatened or attacked, the Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable anyone directly or indirectly involved. We hope Mr. Moorehead’s case, along with the other individuals charged and convicted during the course of this on-going investigation makes that clear,” said Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Rea after today's proceeding.
The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is investigating this case.
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
Case Name: USA v. FEDERAL EXPRESS PACKAGE ADDRESSED TO "JAMES DAD SMITH 5638 HAZEL AVE PHILADELPHIA PA 19143" AND DISPLAYING TRACKING NUMBER "784411496166" et al
Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced today that James Marquand, 39, of Madison, Ohio, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Sara Lioi to a term of 420 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution after he pleaded guilty in October of 2020 to sexual exploitation of children and receipt and distribution of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, the Court recommended that Marquand receive any mental health, drug abuse, and sex offender treatment for which he qualifies and is prohibited from accessing the internet without supervision.
“Serial child predators bring these significant terms of incarceration on themselves. It is as simple as that,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan. “Despite prior convictions for similar conduct, this defendant chose to sexually exploit a child and also to repeatedly exploit other children by receiving and distributing more than 100 images of them. Because of the collaborative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the dedication of the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who prosecute these matters, this predator’s 35-year term of incarceration guarantees that he is no longer a threat to our children.”
“This is a lengthy, well-deserved sentence,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Marquand has a history of sexually exploiting minors and it's clear he learned nothing from his prior incarceration. Fortunately, this most recent sentence will ensure this predator will be kept away from children for 35 years. All of us share a responsibility to protect innocent children, especially from sexual predators, whether online or in your own home."
“This predator, who is a previously convicted sex offender, sexually abused a minor and uploaded more than 100 files of child abuse material,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley. “Our community is significantly safer with him behind bars for the next 35 years.”
According to court records and statements made during courtroom proceedings, in October of 2019, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) received a tip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children that a Google email address had uploaded 120 images of known child pornography to Google Photos. Through subpoenas, investigators traced the IP address used to upload the photos to Defendant James Marquand, who was living in Madison, Ohio.
At the time of the investigation, Marquand was on parole from a conviction in Cuyahoga County for attempted rape and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Additionally, Marquand was a registered sex offender who had been convicted for not providing notice of his change of address, in violation of his Sex Offender Registration provisions and was currently living at an address from which he was prohibited.
Law enforcement reviewed Marquand’s Google account in response to a federal warrant and found fifty-six files depicting minors engaged in sexual conduct. These images were uploaded to a Google account belonging to Marquand between March and September of 2019. Later, Marquand’s Google account was forensically analyzed and found to contain 150 images and 97 videos of child pornography. Court records state that the account also contained sexually explicit images and videos of Minor Victim #1, a four-year-old girl engaged in sexual conduct with Marquand.
Law enforcement officers interviewed Marquand, and he admitted to engaging in the conduct with Minor Victim #1 on multiple occasions and recording some instances on his cellphone.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of the FBI, Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Cleveland Adult Parole Authority (APA) Sex Offender Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carol M. Skutnik and John C. Hanley.
Federal, state, county and local law enforcement today participated in a wide-ranging takedown operation of 24 individuals charged in a multiple count indictment filed in federal court. These defendants are accused of participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that involved the use of a communications facility to facilitate a drug felony and the distribution of cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl in the Toledo area.
20 individuals were arrested during an early morning operation and transported to federal court in Toledo. The arrests were conducted by the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force, Toledo Metro Drug Task Force, the Northwest Ohio Interdiction Task Force and the USMS Fugitive Task Force. This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman, FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith and Toledo Police Chief George Kral made the announcement.
“Today’s arrests and indictment reflect the collaborative resolve of law enforcement in this region to continue our fight against drug trafficking in our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “To any trafficker, no matter how well connected or organized you think you are, know that if you continue to push drugs in our communities, you will eventually be caught and we will do everything we can to ensure that you go to federal prison.”
"These individuals are responsible for distributing dangerous illegal narcotics through our Toledo and surrounding communities, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Most often, as in this case, where there are illegal drugs, there are guns and violence. Law enforcement, with the publics’ assistance, has rid the streets of this violent drug trafficking organization."
“Through operations like this, law enforcement continues to target the criminals who wreak havoc in our community through the distribution of illegal and dangerous drugs,” said Toledo Police Chief George Kral. “I am grateful for the ongoing and continued relationship with our federal partners.”
Named in the indictment are Anthony Duff, age 44; Jackie Green, age 51; Anthony King, age 46; Antonio Mays, age 46; Antuan Wynn, age 45; Tomar Belcher, age 46; Ray Brown, age 37; Damian Dalton, age 46; Mark Humphrey, age 46; Kevion Jones, age 23; Kimberly Marshall, age 36; Orlando McCall, Sr., age 45; Jeremiah Mims, age 39; Marcus Odoms, age 43; Christopher Simpson, age 29; Daniel Ulis, Sr., age 46; Demetrius Wallace, Jr., age 20; Frederick Wilson, Jr., age 39; Kali Kowalski, age 34; Dawn Rahmstock, age 54; Briana Siler, age 24; Heidi Vaculik age 42; and Angela Whittecar, age 42 all of Toledo, Ohio, and Marquise Figures, age 35, of Wayne, Ohio.
According to the indictment, from December 2019 through the present day, the defendants are accused of conspiring together to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, crack cocaine and at least 5 kilograms of cocaine in the Toledo area and the use of a communications facility to facilitate a drug felony.
The conspirators are accused of using multiple cellular devices and code words to conceal their activity and various residences in the Toledo area to store, break down, package and distribute their narcotics and proceeds.
Defendants DUFF, KING, WYNN, MIMS and ULIS are all facing enhanced penalty charges due to previous felony convictions. In addition, defendant GREEN is charged with an additional account of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, each defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Toledo Metro Drug Task Force and the Northwest Ohio Interdiction Task Force.
The FBI Safe Streets is comprised of the FBI, Toledo Police Department, Sylvania Township Police Department and the Oregon Police Department. The Toledo Metro Drug Task Force is comprised of the FBI, Toledo Police Department, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF. The Northwest Ohio Interdiction Task Force is comprised of the FBI, Toledo Police Department, Lucas and Wood County Sheriff’s Offices.
This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Robert Melching.
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On March 14, 2018, Dr. Abdelrahman Mohamed, 64, and Cecilia Manacsa, 59, both of Morristown, Tennessee, were sentenced by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, U.S. District Judge, to serve 36 months and 16 months respectively in federal prison. In addition to his prison sentence, Mohamed also paid $730,000 in restitution.
Mohamed and Manacsa both pleaded guilty in September 2017, to an 11-count information charging them with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and 10 counts of health care fraud.
Mohamed was the owner and operator of Hamblen Neuroscience Center (HNC), a neurology and pain management facility located in Morristown, Tennessee. Manacsa, his wife, worked at HNC as a supervisor of various employees, including the employee responsible for submitting bills to Medicare and Medicaid (known as TennCare in the state of Tennessee). A detailed account of their offenses is included in the information and plea agreements on file with the U.S. District Court.
Mohamed, who was the only physician on staff at HNC, provided medical treatment to a variety of patients, most of whom sought treatment for chronic pain and had health insurance provided by TennCare or Medicare. Between January 2012 and September 2016 Mohamed and Manacsa developed a scheme to schedule far more patients per day than could be attended to by Mohamed. On average, they scheduled between 40 and 60 pain management patients per day, during the estimated six-hour period that Mohamed worked. To deal with the high volume, on many occasions staff members were instructed to line up the patients in the hallway outside of Mohamed's office, escort the first patient into the office for a one to two minute open-door meeting, then hand Mohamed a partially completed prescription for an opiate pain management medication, which he signed and gave to the patient. This process was repeated until all waiting patients had received a prescription for a controlled substance. Each patient was then scheduled for another appointment the following month at which time the process was repeated.
Mohamed admitted that during the fraud he issued thousands of prescriptions for opiate controlled substances and frequently did so on a recurring monthly basis, often for years. He also admitted that when he issued such prescriptions he was doing so outside of the scope of ordinary medical practice.
After these visits, Mohamed and Manacsa instructed HNC staff members to submit fraudulent bills to TennCare and Medicare claiming that they were owed approximately $1,538,000 for services they had not actually provided to these patients. This fraud resulted in Medicare and TennCare paying approximately $733,000 to HNC.
“This case sends a clear message to physicians and other health care providers in the Eastern District of Tennessee that investigating and prosecuting healthcare fraud related to prescription opioids is a top priority for the Department of Justice as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said J. Douglas Overbey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “Our district’s participation in the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit will provide us with the resources necessary to effectively investigate and prosecute medical providers, such as Mohamed and Manacsa, who are contributing to this epidemic by unlawfully diverting or dispensing opioids outside the scope of acceptable professional practice,” added U.S. Attorney Overbey.
“These defendants enriched themselves at the expense of taxpayers by defrauding Medicare and TennCare,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Their actions risked the health and safety of patients by prescribing opioids without a comprehensive physical exam. This sentence sends a strong message
that this type of behavior will be dealt with seriously,” added Jackson.
This case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General. Assistance was provided by the Tennessee Department of Health as well as District Attorney General Dan Armstrong and the District Attorney’s Office for the Third Judicial District. Assistant U.S. Attorney T.J. Harker represented the United States.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- On January 22, 2018, Joseph Anthony Armes, II, 38, of Petros, Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable Thomas W. Phillips, Senior U.S. District Judge, to serve 12 months and one day in prison for conspiring to defraud the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He will be also be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for a period of three years following his release from prison.
Armes formerly operated Transportation, Operations, and Professional Services (TOPS) and several other businesses in east Tennessee. In April 2011, DOE awarded UCOR the prime contract for the clean-up of the former K-25 Plant, which was being developed as the East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. UCOR awarded TOPS a $24 million subcontract for waste transportation services to the ETTP project in June 2011. The plea agreement for Armes, which is on file with U.S. District Court, detailed how he channeled payments to the son of UCOR’s President from TOPS and other businesses operated by Armes through an elaborate system of false invoices and cash payments from June 2011 through July 2013. TOPS had represented to DOE that it did not have an organizational conflict of interest with UCOR.
Armes also conspired with a tax preparer, Roger Beu, and others to submit false tax forms to the IRS to reduce federal taxes that he owed to the IRS for tax years 2007 through 2012. This resulted in a tax loss of over $1.4 million to the IRS. As part of the sentence, Judge Phillips ordered Armes to repay the IRS more than $2.3 million, which includes interest and penalties on the $1.4 million tax loss.
J. Douglas Overbey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee stated, “In addition to pursuing tax fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing federal laws aggressively to ensure compliance and transparency in federal government contracting and subcontracting.”
"Today's sentencing again emphasizes the IRS and U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who use fraudulent methods in an attempt to corrupt our nation's tax system." said Christopher Altemus, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation Nashville Field Office. “Everyone has a responsibility for filing correct and accurate tax returns, and this sentence should send a clear message: schemes to evade the payment of taxes are a violation of the federal tax laws and the consequences of such schemes can and will result in jail time.”
The investigation was conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Inspector General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris represented the United States.
TOPEKA, KAN. – Three men have pleaded guilty to federal charges of illegally hunting whitetail deer on a part of Fort Riley where explosives are discharged during training exercises.
Gregory J. Frikken, James C. Nunley and Michael J. Smith admitted they trespassed on federal property and illegally harvested trophy whitetail deer from that property, all in violation of the Lacey Act. “These hunters entered an area of Fort Riley which is off limits and not open for hunting”, said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. “They entered a prohibited area of the Army base, knowing the area was off limits, for the sole purpose of illegally taking large deer as trophies. Their behavior was not only unlawful and selfish, it was potentially dangerous to themselves and thus also foolish. Trespassing on a federal military base is a serious error of judgment, and unlawfully killing trophy deer undermines hunting and hunters who abide by the rules.”
An investigator’s affidavit alleged the hunters violated the federal Lacey Act while hunting on the grounds of the Army base over the past several years. They disregarded the fact the area was off limits to hunters, entering before daylight and leaving after dark through a washout where a creek went under a perimeter fence.
Recovered during the course of the investigation was evidence including deer mounts, antlers, phone data and equipment allegedly used to harvest eight whitetail deer, three of which are considered trophy class.
Investigating agencies included the Directorate of Emergency Services at Fort Riley, the Fort Riley Game Warden, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, New York State Environmental Conservation Office-Office of Law Enforcement and U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kenneth G. Gale sentenced the three hunters to pay approximately $11,000 in restitution to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and $10,000 in fines to the Lacey Act fund. Additionally, the hunters will have no hunting privileges for three years and agree to forfeit all property seized as part of the investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robin A. Graham and Taylor Rafaly.
SHERMAN, Texas –The former mayor of Richardson, Texas and a land developer who she eventually married, have been convicted of federal conspiracy violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Laura Jordan, also known as Laura Maczka, 54, and Mark Jordan, 52, both of Plano, Texas were found guilty by a jury of following a trial before U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant that lasted over three weeks. Maczka was found guilty of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, honest services wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bribery concerning a program receiving federal funds and bribery concerning program receiving federal funds. Jordan was found guilty of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, honest services wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bribery concerning a program receiving federal funds and bribery concerning program receiving federal funds.
According to information presented in court, from May 2013 through April 2015, Maczka was the mayor of Richardson, Texas, and Jordan was a land developer. Maczka and Jordan conspired to devise and execute a scheme to defraud and deprive City of Richardson residents of the honest services of the Mayor through bribery. Maczka, contrary to her campaign promises, supported and repeatedly voted for controversial zoning changes sought by Jordan ultimately allowing for the construction of over 1,000 new apartments in Richardson near Richardson neighborhoods. The indictment alleges that, in exchange, Jordan paid Maczka over $18,000 in cash and $40,000 by check, paid for over $24,000 in renovations to Maczka’s home, paid for Maczka’s luxury hotel stays and airfare upgrades, and provided Maczka lucrative employment at one of Jordan’s companies. According to court testimony, Maczka and Jordan failed to disclose to the public that they had coordinated to effect the zoning changes Jordan wanted and that Jordan had provided a stream of benefits to Maczka.
“This kind of corrupt relationship undermines the public’s confidence in government,” said Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown. “This was more than an ethical violation, this was absolutely criminal. We need juries that recognize public corruption for what it is, and support prosecutions that attempt to hold accountable those that cheat. This jury certainly did that.”
Mark Jordan was taken into custody following the verdict and will appear for a detention hearing on Mar. 8, 2019.
Under federal statutes, Maczka and Jordan each face up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher A. Eason, Maureen Smith, Glenn Roque-Jackson, and Bradley Visosky.
PLANO, Texas –The former mayor of Richardson, Texas and a land developer who she eventually married, have been indicted on federal conspiracy violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Laura Jordan, also known as Laura Maczka, 53, and Mark Jordan, 51, both of Plano, Texas were named in a seven-count indictment charging them with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, honest services wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bribery, and bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. A federal grand jury returned the indictment on May 10, 2018. Maczka and Jordan made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kimberly Priest Johnson today.
According to the indictment, from May 2013 through April 2015, Maczka was the mayor of Richardson, Texas, and Jordan was a land developer. The indictment alleges that Maczka and Jordan conspired to devise and execute a scheme to defraud and deprive City of Richardson residents of the honest services of the Mayor through bribery. Maczka, contrary to her campaign promises, supported and repeatedly voted for controversial zoning changes sought by Jordan ultimately allowing for the construction of over 1,000 new apartments in Richardson near Richardson neighborhoods. The indictment alleges that, in exchange, Jordan paid Maczka over $18,000 in cash and $40,000 by check, paid for over $24,000 in renovations to Maczka’s home, paid for Maczka’s luxury hotel stays and airfare upgrades, and provided Maczka lucrative employment at one of Jordan’s companies. According to the indictment, Maczka and Jordan failed to disclose to the public that they had coordinated to effect the zoning changes Jordan wanted and that Jordan had provided a stream of benefits to Maczka.
“These are the kinds of things that make the public distrust government officials,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown. “Public servants should not be for sale, and this indictment clearly indicates that that Ms. Maczka’s vote was for sale, and Mr. Jordan certainly was willing to buy it.”
"With the indictment and arrest of Maczka and Jordan, the FBI will continue its efforts to identify and bring to justice those public servants who use their positions of trust to benefit themselves personally and conspire with others to violate federal corruption laws," said Erick K. Jackson, FBI Dallas Special Agent-In-Charge.
If convicted, both Maczka and Jordan face up to 20 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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 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
CHICAGO — A businessman has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for running a fencing operation out of his suburban Chicago stores.ZIAD I. ZAYED used his store – Crestwood Electronics Inc. in Crestwood, Ill. – and other businesses to knowingly purchase stolen electronic devices and other merchandise, re-package the items, and then sell them to buyers out of state and overseas. Some of the items fenced by Zayed included laptop computers, fitness tracking devices, and digital cameras, some of which were stolen from railcars near Chicago.Zayed, 49, of Frankfort, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to a federal conspiracy charge. U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman on Wednesday sentenced Zayed to two years and four months in federal prison and ordered him to pay more than $1.3 million in restitution.The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.“By providing a marketplace to sell stolen goods, the defendant has incentivized thieves to steal and rob, whether that’s off tractor trailers sitting on railcars or phones from innocent victims,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barry Jonas and Ann Marie E. Ursini argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.
SALT LAKE CITY – Project Safe Childhood, a unified and comprehensive strategy to combat child sexual exploitation, continues to operate at full speed in Utah. Initiated in May 2006, Project Safe Childhood (PSC) in Utah continues to bring together statewide law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute cases and raise the level of public awareness and accountability of sexual predators in our communities.
“We have very serious problems with child sexual exploitation in Utah. Fortunately, a strong team of experienced prosecutors and investigators remain committed to protecting child victims and holding perpetrators accountable,” U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said today.
“While the pandemic has exacerbated the challenges in protecting children, there has been no slowdown in our efforts. Our investigations and prosecutions of new exploitation cases continue to move forward with determination,” Huber said.
Huber said that as a result of the pandemic, prosecutors have also been engaged in opposing the early release of PSC defendants, who are serving lengthy federal prison sentences based upon egregious offense conduct. These compassionate release motions, if granted, could result in significant reductions in the sentences imposed in the case.
Over the last several years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Utah has prosecuted approximately 55 cases a year involving the production, possession, and distribution of child pornography and coercion and enticement of minors in Utah. These cases result from investigations conducted by members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. This task force was formed in June 2016 to ensure a rapid, effective response to federal crimes against children and the victimization of children by online predators. These investigations, including chat operations conducted by the task force, account for the majority of cases charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also takes cases referred by the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
“Sadly, when it comes to the sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of children, there's never a shortage of work for our special agents and partners. The FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in Utah, Idaho, and Montana receives and responds to hundreds of cases each year. As more kids are spending time online, the case load is even greater right now,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Haertel of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Parents and guardians need to keep a close eye on their kids’ online activities because any child, no matter the age or demographic, can be a victim. Keeping our children safe will always be a top priority for the FBI and our task force."
Members of the task force include Adult Probation and Parole, Clearfield, Layton, Lehi, Park City, Roy, Salt Lake City, Syracuse, and Tooele police departments, the Davis County Sheriff’s Office, the Davis County Attorney’s Office, the Salt Lake District Attorney’s Office, the Weber County Sheriff’s Office, the Weber County Attorney’s Office, the Utah Department of Public Safety, the Dixie State University Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
State and federal prosecutors routinely coordinate on prosecutions when cases are referred by agents or law enforcement officers. Generally, state prosecutors handle the hands-on sexual abuse portion of the investigation while the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Utah undertakes the prosecution of any connected production, distribution and possession of child pornography or enticement of a minor. This coordination is effective because federal sentencing guidelines allow for enhanced sentences of repeat sex offenders and prosecutors can seek imposition of lifetime supervision of a defendant once they finish their prison sentence.
PRODUCTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY:
2016: United States vs. Lyman Dale Black
Black was sentenced to 300 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, after pleading guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. Black traded child sexual abuse material and through live stream chats Black sexually abused his 14-month-old victim. Black was also convicted in state court for the sexual abuse of the victim. This case is an example of the coordinated efforts with our state partners in holding offenders accountable for all conduct involved in the exploitation of children in our community. This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in St. George.
2017: United States vs. Geoffrey James Cheney
Cheney was sentenced to 300 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, after pleading guilty to production of child pornography. Cheney sexually abused an infant child and then distributed images of the sexual abuse to law enforcement during an undercover online operation.
2018: United States vs. Nathan Ward
Ward was sentenced to 262 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, after pleading guilty to production of child pornography. Ward, an obstetrician-gynecologist, live streamed the sexual abuse of his victim, who was between 12 and 14-years-old, with another sex offender, Robert Edwin Francis, who was also identified and convicted in federal court. Ward was also convicted for the sexual abuse of the same victim in state court. This case is an excellent example of the close working relationship the U.S. Attorney’s Office has with our state prosecuting agencies. A prosecutor in the Davis County Attorney’s Office, cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, played a significant role in this case.
2019: United States vs. Dennis Andreasen
Andreasen was sentenced to 180 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, after pleading guilty to production of child pornography. Andreasen recorded the sexual abuse he perpetrated on his 6-year-old victim. This case is an example of our coordinated efforts with state prosecuting agencies. Andreasen was also convicted of the sexual abuse in state court.
2020: United States vs. Eduardo Ponce:
Ponce was sentenced to 300 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, after pleading guilty to production of child pornography. Ponce recorded the sexual abuse of his victim. Ponce was also convicted of the sexual abuse in state court where he was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of 25 years to life.
2020: United States vs. Michael Travers
Travers was sentenced to 210 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, after pleading guilty to production of child pornography. Travers, a long haul truck driver from Mississippi, participated in the production of sexually explicit images of an 8-year-old child.
POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY:
2017: United States vs. Donald Ray Fritcher
Fritcher was sentenced to 330 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of child pornography. Fritcher, a previously twice convicted sex offender, distributed child sexual abuse material that included images and videos of Fritcher sexually abusing two minor girls. This investigation was a coordinated effort with Homeland Security Investigations and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
2018: United States vs. Jason David Lott
Lott was sentenced to 132 months in prison, followed by 240 months of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography. Lott, who had two previous sex offender convictions, was found to be in possession of child sexual abuse material of infants, toddlers, and prepubescent children.
2020: United States vs. Aaron Scott Smith
Smith was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, followed by lifetime supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography. Smith, a prior convicted sex offender, possessed child sexual abuse material.
COERCION AND ENTICEMENT OF A MINOR:
2018: United States vs. Christopher Lambert
Lambert was sentenced to 80 months in prison, followed by 120 months of supervised release, after pleading guilty to travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Lambert traveled from New Mexico to Utah to meet a 15-year-old female he met online with the intent to engage in sexual activity. He then transported the female minor back to New Mexico where Lambert engaged in illegal sexual activity with her.
2018: United States vs. Skyler Mark Hansen
Hansen was sentenced to 150 months imprisonment, followed by 120 months of supervised released, after pleading guilty to sex trafficking of a minor. Hansen, a long haul truck driver, admitted that over a two-year period, he coerced a minor to engage in sexual acts with him in exchange for money.
2019: United States vs. Sean Timothy O’Neill
O’Neill was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 240 months supervised release, after pleading guilty to attempted enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography. O’Neill, via Facebook, attempted to entice a minor under the age of 18 to engage in illegal sexual activity. O’Neill moved from Michigan to Utah and continued in his efforts to persuade the minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. O’Neill was also found to be in possession of child sexual abuse material during the course of this investigation. This case was prosecuted in federal court in St. George.
2020: United States v. Lyle Reveral Leifson
Leifson was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, after pleading guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Leifson, a prior convicted sex offender, arranged to meet with someone he believed was a 13-year-old minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. This is an example of the proactive efforts of law enforcement in undercover online operations in our communities.
COMPASSIONATE RELEASE CASES
United States vs. John Dennis Bowen
Bowen was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 180 months supervised release, in February 2020 after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography. Bowen possessed a large amount of child pornography, distributed child pornography on his YouTube account, and live streamed a video feed of female children being sexually assaulted by adult men. U.S. District Judge Richard Shelby denied relief because Bowen had not demonstrated the existence of extraordinary and compelling reasons despite Bowen claiming he had several underlying medical conditions that put him at risk if infected with COVID-19. However, even if Bowen had demonstrated the existence of extraordinary and compelling reasons, Judge Shelby found that Bowen was a danger to the community based upon the conduct in this case and his criminal history, which included prior sexual abuse convictions.
United States vs. Aaron Elliott
Elliott was sentenced to 72 months in prison, followed by 60 months supervised release, in 2015 after pleading guilty to sex trafficking of children. Elliott advertised and arranged for a female minor to engage in commercial sex acts with clients of his escort service in exchange for money. Elliott sought relief claiming he had serious health conditions that put him at risk if infected with COVID-19. Judge David Nuffer found that Elliott had failed to demonstrate that his circumstances constituted extraordinary and compelling reasons to justify compassionate release. In addition, U.S. District Judge Nuffer found that the conduct of the offense and Elliott’s criminal history also did not support granting the relief.
United States vs. Darin Fronk Clark
Clark was sentenced to 180 months in prison, followed by 120 months of supervised release, in 2013 after pleading guilty to Production of Child Pornography. Clark induced his victim into engaging in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing sexually explicit material. Although Clark claimed to suffer from several chronic medical conditions that put him at risk if infected with COVID-19, the medical conditions did not constitute extraordinary and compelling reasons to warrant relief. In addition, relief was denied because Clark was found to be a danger to the community if released.
United States vs. Chad Ryan Huntsman
Huntsman was sentenced to 270 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, in 2016 after pleading guilty to production of child pornography. Although Huntsman sought release based on his health condition and the COVID-19 pandemic, Judge Ted Stewart found that Huntsman had not exhausted all of his administrative remedies. However, even if Huntsman had exhausted his administrative remedies, Judge Stewart found that Huntsman was a danger to the community and he would not be released.
PITTSBURGH, PA- Two residents of Clearfield County, PA, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy and federal program fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The five-count Indictment named John “Herm” Suplizio, 63, and Roberta Shaffer, 58, both of DuBois, PA, as the defendants. The Indictment was unsealed after the defendants were arrested today.
According to the Indictment, from 2014 to 2022, Suplizio, the City Manager of DuBois, and Shaffer, a city employee, conspired to divert and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in city funds. As the full-time, salaried City Manager, Suplizio maintained substantial authority in DuBois, where he ran the city’s day-to-day operations. As alleged, beginning as early as 2008, Suplizio and Shaffer used the city’s tax identification number to establish secret bank accounts into which they diverted city money, including approximately $60,000 in annual administrative fees from the city’s waste management contract. During the alleged conspiracy, Suplizio and Shaffer made large cash withdrawals from these unaudited accounts, wrote checks to themselves and others, and obtained cashier’s checks with themselves listed as payees—totaling more than $350,000. The defendants also allegedly spent more than $450,000 from the accounts toward payments on Suplizio’s personal credit card, which he used to pay for personal vacations, utility bills for his residence, department store purchases, and jewelry store purchases, among other personal expenses.
“Herm Suplizio allegedly funneled city money into secret bank accounts that he and Shaffer controlled and that he could use for his personal benefit, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal credit card payments,” United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan said. “Our communities entrust public officials like Suplizio with tremendous authority, and when that trust is violated—as is alleged here—this office and our federal and state law enforcement partners will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
“As alleged, the suspects abused their public positions and betrayed the public’s trust all while lining their own pockets with hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “The FBI will always root out any and all forms of public corruption. We remain committed to ensuring those who violate the public’s sacred trust are held accountable.”
“I wish to thank our federal partners, who have adopted this prosecution and will work with an attorney from our office who is cross designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney,” Attorney General Michelle Henry said. “This federal indictment further validates our joint efforts to hold public officials accountable to the constituents they serve.”
The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 45 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Robert S. Cessar and Special Assistant United States Attorney Summer F. Carroll are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
WASHINGTON – Ronnie Simpkins, 68, of Lusby, Maryland, a former government contract officer with the General Services Administration (GSA), was sentenced to a 21-month prison term on a federal bribery charge stemming from a scheme in which he accepted bribes from government contractors from August 2011 to August 2017. Simpkins pled guilty to the charge on December 19, 2019.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin, Robert E. Bornstein, acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Washington Field Office, Criminal Division, and Eric D. Radwick, Acting Special Agent in Charge, General Services Administration, National Capital Region, Office of Investigations.
According to the government’s evidence, from 1989 until May 2019, Simpkins was employed by the General Services Administration (“GSA”) as a Contract Specialist, informally known as a Contracting Officer, in procurement related positions, and between August 2013 and May 2019, he worked as a Contract Specialist assigned to GSA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. From February 2010 to August 2017, Simpkins was assigned to a sub-division of the Federal Acquisition Service, which oversees the administration of GSA Schedule 70 contracts. “Schedules” are long-term government-wide contracts with commercial companies that provide access to commercial products and services at fair and reasonable prices to the government. “Schedule 70 contracts” provide IT solutions, services, and software to federal, state, and local customer agencies. GSA pre-negotiates the vendors’ pricing, terms, and conditions, to streamline the acquisition process while at the same time providing the best value to the end user agency.
According to court papers, Company A, a Northern Virginia corporation, held a GSA Schedule contract, which it actively advertised to prospective federal agency customers. To maintain its GSA Schedule contract, Company A was required to have annual sales in excess of $25,000—a requirement that could be waived by GSA’s administrative contracting officer. Company A was also required to pay an Industrial Funding Fee (“IFF”) of 0.75% of all its Schedule sales. Dating back to 2006, Company A maintained its GSA Schedule contract despite reporting no sales and not paying any IFFs since 2006. Simpkins oversaw the contract dating back to 2009.
Simpkins admitted that, for approximately six years between 2011 and 2017, he accepted cash, meals, and furniture from two Company A officials to use his position to help Company maintain its GSA Schedule contract. Simpkins admitted to meeting the Company A officials over a dozen times at various restaurants in Northern Virginia, the Company A officials’ residences, and other places, often outside of normal GSA business hours and on weekends. At these meetings, the Company A officials treated Simpkins to meals and gave him cash totaling “thousands of dollars into the teens.” In July 2016, Simpkins accepted more than $2,000 worth of furniture paid for by the officials. Simpkins admitted to taking more than $12,000 in cash and furniture from the Company A officials.
Simpkins admitted to using his GSA position to help Company A in exchange for these payments. Specifically, Simpkins recommended and signed Company A’s contracts with GSA, even though Company A failed to meet program requirements; deliberately neglected to notify GSA, as he was obligated to do, when Company A’s contract under his supervision no longer met program requirements; and advised Company A about ways to avoid contract cancellation despite failing to meet GSA’s program requirements.
United States District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, who presided over the case, sentenced Simpkins to 21 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. The Court also imposed a $10,000 fine and ordered Simpkins to forfeit $12,108.91.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division and GSA Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.
RENO, Nev. – A Fort McDermitt Shoshone Paiute Tribe member was sentenced today to a term of life in prison as to both counts to run consecutively to each other for murdering two women who were also Tribe members.
According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, on January 31, 2018, Stoney Prior (43) shot and killed two women on the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation, inside the home of one of the victims.
In August 2021, a jury convicted Prior of two counts of second-degree murder in Indian Country. U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks presided over the jury trial and the sentencing hearing today.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was a joint investigation by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, with assistance from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Penelope Brady and Richard Casper prosecuted the case.
If you have information concerning a missing or murdered person in Indian Country, you are urged to contact your local FBI office or submit a tip online – tips can remain anonymous – at TIPS.FBI.GOV.
The Department of Justice is committed to addressing violent crime in native communities and to improving the federal response to reports of missing or murdered American Indians or Alaska Natives. For more information about the Department’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons initiative, visit: www.justice.gov/tribal.
FORT WAYNE – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Ronnie Rutherford Jr., age 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Theresa Springmann on federal convictions of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Rutherford was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, between December 30, 2013 and February 17, 2014, Ruthererford possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessed a firearm after having been convicted felony Attempted Burglary and felony Theft.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of Fort Wayne Police Department and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
U.S. Attorney Totten attends May 5th MMIP Awareness Day Event in Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten and the Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2024, as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day.
“Today is a day of reflection and commitment as we remember the all-too-many victims of violence in our Tribal communities and the families and friends who are affected,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “The Justice Department’s work to address the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms to strengthening the federal response to missing or murdered indigenous people. In the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, we are committed to working with our federal, state, local, and Tribal partners to swiftly investigate these cases and secure justice.”
U.S. Attorney Totten today participated in the 2024 March for MMIP at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids to bring awareness and educate the public on missing and murdered indigenous persons. The event was hosted by three local Potawatomi Tribes: Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), Pokagon and Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band and all Natives and non-Native allies and advocates against violence.
The U.S. Attorneys for the Western and Eastern Districts of Michigan respectively, appointed Joel Postma to serve as the MMIP Coordinator for the two districts (11 of the Tribes are in the Western District), conducting outreach with Tribal communities to understand the challenges revealed through past experience; coordinating with Tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement in the development of protocols and procedures for responding to and addressing MMIP; providing training and assistance; and promoting improved data collection and analyses throughout the state.
In recognition of MMIP Awareness Day, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle the MMIP and human trafficking crises in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and other pressing public safety challenges, like the fentanyl crisis, in Tribal communities.
“There is still so much more to do in the face of persistently high levels of violence that Tribal communities have endured for generations, and that women and girls, particularly, have endured,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “In carrying out our work, we seek to honor those who are still missing, those who were stolen from their communities, and their loved ones who are left with unimaginable pain. Tribal communities deserve safety, and they deserve justice. This day challenges all of us at the Justice Department to double down on our efforts, and to be true partners with Tribal communities as we seek to end this crisis.”
“The FBI remains unwavering in our pledge to work with our law enforcement partners to address the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities and families,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We will continue to prioritize our support of victims and will steadfastly pursue investigations into the crime impacting American Indian and Alaska Native communities.”
“DEA’s top priority is protecting all communities from deadly drugs, like fentanyl, and drug related violent crime,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “We know that no community has been spared from these deadly threats and we are committed to keeping Tribal communities safe.”
Justice Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases
Last July, the Justice Department announced the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which permanently places 10 attorneys and coordinators in five designated regions across the United States to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people. The five regions include the Northwest, Southwest, Great Plains, Great Lakes, and Southeast Regions.
The MMIP Regional Outreach Program prioritizes MMIP cases consistent with the Deputy Attorney General’s July 2022 directive to U.S. Attorneys’ offices promoting public safety in Indian country. The program fulfills the Justice Department’s promise to dedicate new personnel to MMIP consistent with Executive Order 14053, Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native Americans and Addressing the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People, and the Department’s Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and respond to Violence Against American Indians and Alaska Natives, Including to Address Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons issued in July 2022.
Not Invisible Act Commission Response
The Department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort. In March, the Departments of Justice and the Interior released their joint response to the Not Invisible Act Commission’s recommendations on how to combat the missing or murdered Indigenous peoples (MMIP) and human trafficking crisis. The NIAC response, announced by Attorney General Garland during a visit to the Crow Nation, recognizes that more must be done across the federal government to resolve this longstanding crisis and support healing from the generational traumas that Indigenous peoples have endured throughout the history of the United States.
Addressing Violent Crime and the Fentanyl Crisis in Indian Country
As noted in the joint response to the NIAC, research suggests that certain public safety challenges faced by many American Indian and Alaska Native communities—including disproportionate violence against women, families, and children; substance abuse; drug trafficking; and labor and sex trafficking—can influence the rates of missing AI/AN persons.
Further, fentanyl poisoning and overdose deaths are the leading cause of opioid deaths throughout the United States, including Indian county, where drug-related overdose death rates for Native Americans exceeds the national rate.
Therefore, federal law enforcement components are ramping up efforts to forge stronger partnerships with federal and Tribal law enforcement partners to address violent crime and the fentanyl crisis, which exposes already vulnerable communities to greater harm.
Accessing Department of Justice Resources
Over the past year, the Department awarded $268 million in grants to help enhance Tribal justice systems and strengthen law enforcement responses. These awards have also gone toward improving the handling of child abuse cases, combating domestic and sexual violence, supporting Tribal youth programs, and strengthening victim services in Tribal communities.
For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website.
Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons.
MACON, Ga. – The leader of Macon’s “Get Dat Money” methamphetamine drug distribution organization pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge, following a lengthy investigation into the network’s activities, said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Kelvin D. Carswell, aka “K-9,” “Nine,” “Kinineso Harlem Carswell,” “9ne Oharlem,” “Kninepunkin KinGcarswell,” 40, of Macon, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, December 15, to one count conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III. Carswell faces a maximum twenty years imprisonment, to be followed by at least three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Co-conspirator Quateshia Carswell, 27, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine on December 1, 2020. She faces a maximum twenty years imprisonment, to be followed by at least three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. The additional co-conspirators are as follows:
Davan Randolph, 49, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on December 15, 2020, and faces a maximum twenty years imprisonment, to be followed by at least three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000;
Terrico Wade, 40, of Macon, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on December 15, 2020, and faces a maximum twenty years imprisonment, to be followed by at least three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000;
Jahmi Booker, 38, of Macon, pleaded guilty to use of communication facility on December 15, 2020, and faces a maximum of four years imprisonment, to be followed by one year of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000;
Kelly Jones, 38, of Macon, pleaded guilty to use of communication facility on December 15, 2020, and faces a maximum of four years in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000;
Kewaunis King, 31, of Macon, pleaded guilty to use of communication facility on December 15, 2020, and faces a maximum of four years imprisonment, to be followed by one year of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000; and,
Trent Burton, 50, of Macon, pleaded guilty to use of communication facility on December 16, 2020, and faces a maximum of four years imprisonment, to be followed by one year of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Charges are still pending against Tabitha Whitehead, 36, of Macon, and Jacobi Jones, Sr., 35, of Macon. Both have hearings scheduled on December 21, 2020. Charges are also pending against co-defendants Trayvion Burney, 26, of Macon, Chad Cummings, 37, of Macon, and Henry Flowers, 32, of Macon.
All co-conspirators who have entered guilty pleas to date will be sentenced by The Honorable Judge Self on May 4, 2021 in U.S. District Court, Macon. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to the stipulation of fact entered into court, in 2017, the Macon office of the FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office initiated their investigation of the Carswell drug trafficking organization known as “Get Dat Money” or “GDM,” that began as early as 2002. On May 30, 2012, Carswell was incarcerated by the Georgia Department of Corrections, serving a sentence for attempted carjacking with a maximum release date of October 12, 2026. In June 2017, the FBI received information that Carswell was selling drugs while incarcerated at the Washington State Prison in Sandersville, Georgia. A search of his prison cell recovered a cellular phone with multiple SD cards and a quantity of drugs. Investigators discovered Carswell was texting his co-conspirators explicit instructions via his contraband cell phone to facilitate the distribution of methamphetamine, heroin and crack cocaine from prison. The drugs, once obtained, were sold from a residence Carswell and his co-conspirators referred to as “The Mansion” located at 373 Fulton Street in Macon. Carswell’s co-conspirators would sell drugs out of “The Mansion” at his direction. Drugs were also sold by distributors working at the behest of Carswell, at multiple motels located in Macon. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, Quateshia Carswell obtained more than 10,000 grams of methamphetamine for distribution at Kelvin Carswell’s direction.
“Thanks to the persistence of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, GDM is broken, ridding Macon of a dangerous criminal drug trafficking organization whose leader was directing large amounts of methamphetamine from inside a prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “Carswell and his co-conspirators will soon face severe consequences for their crimes—federal prison without parole.”
“The aberrant behavior conducted by Carswell from inside a prison, where he is supposed to be rehabilitating from past crimes, is shocking,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the assistance from the Bibb County Sheriff Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Carswell and his co-conspirators will have more time in prison to think about the devastation they caused to the Macon community.”
“These guilty pleas represent the culmination of the efforts of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and our federal partners to go after these drug dealing gangs no matter where they may be, whether it is on the street or in the state prisons. Our community can rest easy knowing this group of dangerous criminals is out of business for a long time to come,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ouzts. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Officer (Contractor), U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
The Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Louise Larivee, 63, of Swanton, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court to a federal fraud charge. The guilty plea came on the third day of a jury trial in Rutland. Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford continued Larivee’s release on conditions pending sentencing, which will be scheduled for the spring.
On June 13, 2019, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned a two-count indictment charging Larivee with conspiracy and federal program embezzlement. Candy Thomas, 64, also of Swanton, a separately charged co-conspirator, had previously pled guilty to the federal program embezzlement charge. According to the evidence presented during the trial and other court documents, between 2013 and 2017, Larivee was employed by the Abenaki Self Help Association, Inc. in Swanton as the director of a federal grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. ASHAI functioned as a service arm of the Abenaki Nation, promoting economic and social development through programatic efforts in education, employment and economic development. Each year, ASHAI received tens of thousands of dollars in grant money from the Department of Labor. During that same period, Candy Thomas worked at ASHAI as an office worker and bookkeeper. Thomas had check signing authority on ASHAI’s bank accounts.
According to the indictment and testimony at Larivee’s trial, between 2013 and 2017, Larivee and Thomas conspired to embezzle, and did embezzle, more than $100,000 from ASHAI. Thomas aided the commission of this theft by issuing checks and giving cash to Larivee, at Larivee’s request, in amounts that significantly exceeded Larivee’s authorized compensation. Larivee also received travel reimbursement checks based upon fraudulently inflated mileage claims. Thomas helped cover up this fraud by sending tax forms to the Internal Revenue Service that concealed the true amount of ASHAI funds that were being paid over to Larivee.
Thomas, who testified at Larivee’s trial, is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
Both Larivee and Thomas face up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Their actual sentence will be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.
Larivee is represented by David Kirby. Candy Thomas is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steve Barth. The prosecutors are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Waples and Spencer Willig.
A man previously convicted of robbery who possessed a gun with an obliterated serial number while under the influence of marijuana was sentenced today to almost four years in federal prison.
Joseph Bogovich, age 34, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 7, 2019 guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Information disclosed at sentencing and in a written plea agreement showed that shortly after 1:00 a.m. on September 8, 2018, Bogovich was driving in Dubuque when he hit a parked car. Bogovich’s driver’s license was suspended at the time. He drove away from the scene, but a witness to the accident reported it to the police.
Officers from the Dubuque Police Department found Bogovich a short time later outside his home. Bogovich admitted to hitting the parked car because he lost control while scratching off a lottery ticket. An officer saw a handgun in Bogovich’s car. The serial number had been obliterated from the gun. Bogovich had previously been convicted of a felony robbery offense. Officers also found marijuana in the car and Bogovich admitted to having used marijuana earlier that night.
Bogovich was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Bogovich was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Bogovich is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
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 number of days from the earlier of filing date or first appearance date to proceeding date
Format: N3
Description: The number of days from proceeding date to disposition date
Format: N3
Description: The number of days from disposition date to sentencing date
Format: N3
Description: The code of the district office where the case was terminated
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant at the time the case was closed
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense that carried the most severe disposition and penalty under which the defendant was disposed
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with TTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with TTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with TTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with TTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The code indicating the nature or type of disposition associated with TTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The number of months a defendant was sentenced to prison under TTITLE1
Format: N4
Description: A code indicating whether the prison sentence associated with TTITLE1 was concurrent or consecutive in relation to the other counts in the indictment or information or multiple counts of the same charge
Format: A4
Description: The number of months of probation imposed upon a defendant under TTITLE1
Format: N4
Description: A period of supervised release imposed upon a defendant under TTITLE1
Format: N3
Description: The fine imposed upon the defendant at sentencing under TTITLE1
Format: N8
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense under which the defendant was disposed that carried the second most severe disposition and penalty
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with TTITLE2
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with TTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with TTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with TTITLE2
Format: A3
Description: The code indicating the nature or type of disposition associated with TTITLE2
Format: N2
Description: The number of months a defendant was sentenced to prison under TTITLE2
Format: N4
Description: The number of months of probation imposed upon a defendant under TTITLE2
Format: N4
Description: A period of supervised release imposed upon a defendant under TTITLE2
Format: N3
Description: The fine imposed upon the defendant at sentencing under TTITLE2
Format: N8
Description: The total prison time for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and prison time was imposed
Format: N4
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
A nurse who tampered with drugs given to patients and stole pain medications from patients in her care was sentenced today to 4 years in federal prison.
Katie Louise Boll, age 31, from Manchester, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 3, 2019, guilty plea to one count of tampering with a consumer product, specifically liquid morphine prescribed to a patient, and one count of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception and subterfuge.
In a plea agreement, Boll admitted she unlawfully acquired controlled substances including hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, codeine, and tramadol, from at least fourteen patients in her care at a nursing home by acquiring the pills by misrepresentation, fraud, deception and subterfuge. Boll also admitted tampering with a consumer product by diluting liquid morphine with mouthwash so the morphine was less than 2% of the strength listed on the bottle. Boll admitted that by reducing the strength of this pain medication was in reckless disregard and manifested an extreme indifference for the risk that her patient would be placed in danger of receiving bodily injury, including increased pain.
Boll was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Boll was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $593.22 in restitution to the victims in her case, including Medicare, Medicaid and individual victims for the cost of the stolen drugs. She was also ordered to forfeit her nursing license. Boll must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Unscrupulous healthcare providers who steal patient medications hurt those vulnerable patients they have promised to help. This office will always stand ready to protect our most vulnerable members of society,” said United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. “We especially thank the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their outstanding work investigating these cases.”
“Patients must have confidence in their health care provider that they are receiving appropriate medical care,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Kansas City Field Office. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the public health and bring to justice those who tamper with medications and deny patients access to the treatments they need.”
Boll is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert and was investigated by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the United States Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-2044.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Katie Louise Boll, age 31, from Manchester, Iowa, a nurse who took hydrocodone and morphine from patients, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Boll was convicted of one count of acquiring controlled substances by misrepresentation, fraud, deception and subterfuge, and one count of tampering with a consumer product.
In a plea agreement, Boll admitted that between September 2018 and January 2019, she acquired hydrocodone prescribed for two of her patients for her own use on at least 50 occasions. Boll took the pills by swapping the hydrocodone pills for over-the-counter pills containing acetaminophen. Boll admitted that on December 24, 2018, she stole a morphine oral solution that was prescribed for a hospice patient for pain management and used mouthwash to dilute the solution to hide her theft. Boll also admitted that on December 29, 2018, she acquired controlled substances from ten additional patients by swapping their prescribed pain management medications for other substances. Boll further admitted she had been acquiring pain medications through fraud from hospitals and other facilities where she worked since October of 2016. Finally, Boll admitted her nursing license allowed her the ability to commit her crimes.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Boll remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Boll faces a possible maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov. The case file number is 19-CR-2044.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert and investigated by Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Katie Louise Boll, age 31, from Manchester, Iowa, has been charged with thirteen counts of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception and subterfuge during 2018 and one count of tampering with a consumer product, specifically morphine, on December 24, 2018. The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on July 7, 2019, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, between September 2018 and January 2019, Boll acquired controlled substances including hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, codeine, and tramadol, from at least fourteen patients in her care at a nursing home by acquiring the pills by misrepresentation, fraud, deception and subterfuge. Boll is also charged with one count of tampering with a consumer product by diluting liquid morphine with mouthwash, resulting in injury to a patient.
If convicted on all charges, Boll faces a possible maximum sentence of 62 years’ imprisonment, a $3,500,000 fine, and 42 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Boll appeared on July 16, 2019, in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was released on bond. Boll’s next appearance for trial is set for September 16, 2019
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert and was investigated by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-2044. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
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 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
A man who kidnapped his ex-girlfriend was sentenced today, to more than 10 years in federal prison.
Zachary Smith, 21, from Bronson, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 25, 2022, guilty plea to kidnapping.
Evidence in this case revealed that, before the instant offense, on May 11, 2021, Smith sent emails to his ex-girlfriend pretending to be his own father, advising her that Smith had committed suicide on May 8, 2021, and telling her to come to his former residence to claim some of her property. The ex-girlfriend and another girl went to the residence, where Smith – armed with a BB gun -- was waiting for them. He locked and chained the door shut and would not let either woman leave. Law enforcement rescued the women, and a no contact order was issued against Smith.
On June 3, 2021, Smith violated the order of protection, when he hid in the back seat of his ex-girlfriend’s car at about 5:00 a.m., and waited for her to come out of her South Sioux City home. When she did, she was joined by a juvenile female. Smith lay hidden in the car as the two women drove to a near-by school. When the juvenile female left the car to join her athletic practice, Smith sprang on his ex-girlfriend. He threatened her with a B.B. gun, drugged her with homemade chloroform, and kidnapped her, bringing her ultimately to a home in rural Bronson, Iowa. Additionally, Smith told his victim that he had friends watching her family, and they would hurt her family if she resisted. Ultimately, the victim escaped and fled. She flagged down a passing motorist who happened to be her aunt, who was in the area searching for her.
Smith was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Smith was sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Smith is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the South Sioux City, Nebraska Police Department, the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
A man who discharged a gun at an occupied house was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison.
Montrell Anderson, age 20, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 3, 2023 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a drug user and possession of a stolen firearm.
Information at the sentencing hearing showed that on April 24, 2022, Anderson twice shot a stolen gun into a neighboring occupied house, nearly hitting one of the residents. At the time, he was under the influence of marijuana. Five months later, in September 2022, officers found three more guns belonging to Anderson. Two of the firearms were stolen. Anderson’s urine tested positive for marijuana metabolites, opiates, and benzodiazepines.
Anderson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Anderson was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Anderson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich and Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra Hake, and it was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
A man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced February 25, 2022, to more than 3 years in federal prison.
Stephen Bryant, 52, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 8, 2021, guilty plea to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Bryant was previously convicted of manufacture of methamphetamine in Marshall County, Mississippi in 2003, and manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance in Sioux County, Iowa, on April 18, 2016.
At the plea hearing, Bryant admitted he was previously convicted of a felony and was a drug user which prohibit him from possessing firearms. Evidence showed that on May 8, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Bryant was driving. Due to suspicious behavior, law enforcement deployed a K-9 on the exterior of the vehicle which indicated to the presence of controlled substances. Officers seized a handgun, which was determined to be stolen, and a magazine located underneath the driver seat.
Bryant was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Bryant was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Bryant is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and investigated by Spencer Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4045. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Two illegal aliens who sold real identification documents belonging to United States citizens were each sentenced November 8, 2017, to over three and one-half years in federal prison.
Ari Hernandez-Chacon, age 47, a native and citizen of Mexico illegally residing in Columbus Junction, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 22, 2017 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to transfer identification documents and one count of aggravated identity theft. In a plea agreement, Hernandez-Chacon admitted that on February 25, 2016, he sold three real Social Security cards and three real birth certificates to an undercover agent, knowing that the documents belonged to United States citizens. Hernandez-Chacon admitted that the identities sold were real and had no arrest records to avoid problems for the person using the stolen identities.
Magali Marroquin-Garcia, age 38, a native and citizen of Mexico illegally residing in Columbus Junction, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 22, 2017 guilty plea one count of possession with intent to transfer identification documents and one count of aggravated identity theft. In a plea agreement, Marroquin-Garcia admitted that on May 12, 2016, she sold three real Social Security cards and three real birth certificates to an undercover agent, knowing that the documents belonged to United States citizens.
Hernandez-Chacon and Marroquin-Garcia were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.
Hernandez-Chacon was sentenced to 43 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.
Marroquin-Garcia was sentenced to 43 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hernandez-Chacon and Marroquin-Garcia are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
Casey Tuttle, 26, from Spencer, Iowa, was sentenced on January 7, 2025, to 41 months’ imprisonment. On August 29, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City, Tuttle pled guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Tuttle was previously convicted in 2021 in the Iowa District Court of burglary, third degree; possession of methamphetamine, third or subsequent offense; and in 2018 of burglary, second degree. Each of these are felony convictions which prohibit Tuttle from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that in the early morning of April 4, 2024, Spencer Police Department officers stopped Tuttle riding his bike in the dark without taillights or reflectors. It was determined Tuttle had outstanding arrest warrants, so he was placed under arrest. During a search of Tuttle and a backpack he was wearing, law enforcement located a .22 caliber revolver, ammunition, marijuana, knives, 1 gram of methamphetamine, and other drug-use paraphernalia. Tuttle admitted to law enforcement he was a drug user. As a drug user, Tuttle is also prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Tuttle was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment and must serve a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Tuttle remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. 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.The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Spencer, Iowa Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 24-4032. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced yesterday to 96 months in federal prison.
Nethaniah Gordon, age 28, received the prison term after a March 16, 2023, guilty plea to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon.
During a domestic dispute, Gordon, who was convicted on January 13, 2014, of a controlled substance violation, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and prohibited from possessing firearms, struck his girlfriend in the face and head multiple times, verbally threatened her, and pointed a gun at different parts of her body. Gordon has a history of domestic abuse.
Gordon was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Gordon was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Gordon is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Dupuich and Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Independence Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 23-CR-2006.
A man who possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute it in a home where children were present and lived and who also illegally possessed guns was sentenced June 12, 2017, to more than eight years in federal prison.
Brian Paul Kamm, age 34, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 9, 2017, guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance on a premises in which individuals under the age of 18 were present and resided and one count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a drug user.
At the guilty plea, Kamm admitted that on August 4, 2016, he was in possession of at least 35 grams of pure methamphetamine in his house, which he intended to distribute to another person. Kamm also admitted that there were two minors present and that they resided at the house at the same time he possessed the methamphetamine there. Kamm further admitted possessing three handguns and ammunition, while he was an unlawful user of marijuana and methamphetamine.
Kamm was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Kamm was sentenced to a total of 99 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge with 17 months of the sentence specifically assessed due to the minors being present and residing at the residence. A special assessment of $200 was imposed. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Kamm is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, the Dubuque Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
A felon who unlawfully possessed a firearm was sentenced on August 30, 2019 to more than 7 years in federal prison.
Thomas Tuttle, age 34, from Watertown, South Dakota, received the prison term after a March 27, 2019, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Information provided by the United States at the sentencing, change of plea, and detention hearings revealed that on November 2, 2018, Tuttle walked into a convenience store in Sheldon, Iowa carrying a loaded 9 mm, Kel-Tec, Carbine, which contained 30 rounds of ammunition, and stole a pack of cigarettes, frightening customers and employees alike in the process. Tuttle, in fact, possessed and brandished the gun in connection with other felony offenses and contemporaneously with his possession of methamphetamine.
Tuttle was arrested from inside his car by a law enforcement tactical team. He had ingested a large amount of illegal drugs, and had the loaded gun in close proximity. He later commented that he had come to Iowa with “bad intentions” and had he not been sleeping when the tactical team approached him “things would have gone differently” during his arrest.
It was also revealed that Tuttle has a history of dangerousness and violence. He has been convicted four times for Driving Under the Influence, three times for assaultive conduct, and repeatedly for controlled substance violations and other offenses.
Tuttle was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Tuttle was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $8.00 in restitution (for the packet of cigarettes). He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Tuttle is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sheldon, Iowa, Police Department, which was assisted by the O’Brien County Attorney’s Office and Sherriff’s Office and other nearby agency and departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
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 number of days from the earlier of filing date or first appearance date to proceeding date
Format: N3
Description: The number of days from proceeding date to disposition date
Format: N3
Description: The number of days from disposition date to sentencing date
Format: N3
Description: The code of the district office where the case was terminated
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant at the time the case was closed
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense that carried the most severe disposition and penalty under which the defendant was disposed
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with TTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with TTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with TTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with TTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The code indicating the nature or type of disposition associated with TTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The number of months a defendant was sentenced to prison under TTITLE1
Format: N4
Description: A code indicating whether the prison sentence associated with TTITLE1 was concurrent or consecutive in relation to the other counts in the indictment or information or multiple counts of the same charge
Format: A4
Description: The number of months of probation imposed upon a defendant under TTITLE1
Format: N4
Description: A period of supervised release imposed upon a defendant under TTITLE1
Format: N3
Description: The fine imposed upon the defendant at sentencing under TTITLE1
Format: N8
Description: The total prison time for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and prison time was imposed
Format: N4
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
A man who distributed methamphetamine was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison.Dustin George Burnikel, age 45, from Lime Springs, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 27, 2025, guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.Between June 2022 and January 2024, Burnikel received packages containing controlled substances through the mail from an individual in California. In August 2023, Burnikel sold methamphetamine to an individual who was working with law enforcement. In October 2023, Burnikel sold methamphetamine to an undercover officer.Burnikel was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Burnikel was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.Burnikel is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the United States Postal Inspector Service, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Iowa State Patrol, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Waterloo Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.plLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..The case file number is 24-CR-2036.Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
A man who was shot in the ankle during a shootout at a liquor store in Waterloo, Iowa, was sentenced today to two years in federal prison.
Demitrius Cannon, age 35, from Waterloo, received the prison term today after an April 21, 2021 guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence at prior hearings showed that Cannon engaged in a shootout with Charles Ware at a liquor store in Waterloo during the early morning hours of September 25, 2020. During the shootout, Cannon was shot in the leg and bullets went through multiple nearby windows. Cannon was admitted to the hospital for his injuries and is currently confined to a wheelchair. The judge at sentencing described the scene as reminiscent of the Wild West. Cannon had previously been convicted of felony possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in Wisconsin in 2003. Ware, whose criminal history included 30 adult convictions, was previously sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment.
Cannon was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Cannon was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Cannon is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob Schunk and Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
A Cedar Rapids man who distributed over ten pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced October 26, 2023, to 21 years in federal prison.
Anthony McNeese, age 39, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 26, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, in November 2020, McNeese threw over 400 grams of ice methamphetamine out of the window of his vehicle as he fled from law enforcement. McNeese drove at a high rate of speed through residential neighborhoods and eventually escaped on foot. Later, McNeese directed his friend to go to the police station and attempt to claim ownership of the ice methamphetamine McNeese threw out of his window; however, McNeese’s scheme did not work. In late November and early December 2020, McNeese obtained at least 10 pounds of ice methamphetamine from his source of supply, which he then redistributed. At times, McNeese knowingly possessed a firearm when distributing ice methamphetamine. On December 7, 2020, law enforcement searched McNeese’s vehicle and recovered an additional 37 grams of ice methamphetamine.
McNeese was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. McNeese was sentenced to 251 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a five‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
McNeese is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Sixth Judicial District of Correctional Services’ High-Risk Unit and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
A Waterloo woman who purchased and possessed firearms while being a user of marijuana was sentenced July 29, 2022, to more than a year in federal prison.
Allyssa Stovall, age 23, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 1, 2022 jury verdict finding her guilty of one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, in July 2020, Stovall purchased two firearms. Stovall knowingly and intentionally lied about her drug use to purchase the firearms. Less than a month after purchasing the firearms, Stovall’s firearms were used in two separate shootings in Waterloo. Law enforcement seized the firearms from Stovall in July 2021, and, in September 2021, Stovall attempted to flee from law enforcement officers that were attempting to arrest her on the federal charge. She was eventually taken into custody.
Stovall was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Stovall was sentenced to 12 months’ and 1 day imprisonment. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Stovall is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Williams and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Waterloo Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
A man who conspired to distribute over 750 grams of methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than a decade in federal prison.
Fredy Juan Morales-Alvarez, age 33, from Michoaćan, Mexico, received the prison term after a February 2020 guilty plea to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Morales-Alvarez admitted that, beginning in the fall of 2013 and continuing through December 17, 2013, he conspired to traffic methamphetamine. On December 17, 2013, law enforcement searched Morales-Alvarez’s car during a traffic stop in Waterloo, Iowa, and recovered over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement then searched his home, finding an additional 122 grams of methamphetamine, $6,540 in United States currency, and a digital scale.
Morales-Alvarez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Morales-Alvarez was sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Morales-Alvarez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Williams and Special Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Waterloo Police Department, the Cedar Falls Police Department, and the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
A man who shot at an occupied vehicle in an apartment complex parking lot was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison.
Eric James Lyle, age 34, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 31, 2021 guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
At the guilty plea, Lyle admitted that on September 7, 2020, he possessed a Glock 42 .380 pistol, after previously being convicted of a felony offense. An on-duty police officer parked near the Mead Apartment Complex observed the shooting and later recovered the firearm and six shell casings from the parking lot. Surveillance video showed Lyle discharging the firearm multiple times towards a black SUV as the SUV left the parking lot.
Lyle was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lyle was sentenced to 105 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Lyle is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
Valon Jackson, Jr., age 40, from Sioux City, was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison, after a November 5, 2025, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user.Evidence in the case revealed on June 19, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., a concerned citizen reported a reckless driver, later identified as Jackson, speeding through residential neighborhoods with no headlights on. Officers located the vehicle and observed the car traveling at a high rate of speed, then abruptly stop, and park. As officers activated their emergency lights, Jackson accelerated at a high rate of speed again with the headlights off evading police. As Jackson fled law enforcement, another concerned citizen reported his reckless driving in another part of town. Law enforcement proceeded to that area and located the vehicle. As officers approached, Jackson began reversing in a reckless manner, leaving the roadway and hitting an unoccupied vehicle before again fleeing officers. Jackson continued to flee, driving through a person’s yard, through driveways, and along Broken Kettle Road, where he struck yet another vehicle ultimately incapacitating his vehicle. He then fled on foot but was apprehended a short distance away. Jackson had blood-shot and watery eyes and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Officers located marijuana, cocaine and multiple items of drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. After he was taken into custody, Jackson began making threats against law enforcement. On June 20, 2024, a citizen walking a dog on Broken Kettle reported finding a firearm in a yard. Officers located the firearm and observed that it was on the Jackson’s flight path. Fingerprint testing confirmed the firearm and loaded magazine bore Jackson’s fingerprints.Jackson has a history of violence, a 2023 arson conviction, and a 2011 federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a felon. Jackson left a location after a verbal altercation, retrieved a gun bearing a homemade silencer, and waited outside the location to ambush his victim. Jackson repeatedly fired at his victim, hitting him once. Jackson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.Jackson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.plLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..The case file number is 24-4084.Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
A woman who was responsible for the distribution of over 150 pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than eleven years in federal prison. Kris Marie Hagan, age 66, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 3, 2025 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Information from a plea agreement and a sentencing hearing showed that between 2019 and November 17, 2023, Hagan distributed methamphetamine from her residences in Marion and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. During that time, Hagan distributed more than 150 pounds of the controlled substance. Hagan was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Hagan was sentenced to 134 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Hagan is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jared Manternach and Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 24-CR-60. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
A man who sold K2 from a smoke shop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and who fled the country in 2014 after being charged with federal drug crimes was sentenced July 25, 2023, to 20 years in federal prison.
Mohammad Al Sharairei, age 47, previously from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 12, 2022 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of maintaining a premises for the distribution of controlled substance analogues and one count of conspiring to distribute controlled substance analogues.
The evidence at trial showed that in 2012 and 2013, Al Sharairei and his wife owned and operated a smoke shop on First Avenue in Cedar Rapids called Puff N Stuff II. During June 2013, federal agents raided Puff N Stuff II and seized thousands of packets of K2 which were labeled as “novelty items,” “potpourri,” and “incense” and contained a warning that the products were “not for human consumption.” Some names of the “potpourri” products were Bizarro, Grave Digger, Lights Out, and Mega Kush. The substances in the packages were determined to contain synthetic cannabinoids called PB‑22 and 5F‑PB‑22. Trial evidence showed that these synthetic cannabinoid substances are far more potent than marijuana and have been associated with severe psychological and physical effects, including death. Trial evidence showed that, despite labeling the products as “not for human consumption” and having a store policy that customers could not talk about smoking the products, Al Sharairei himself smoked the “incense.”
Evidence at sentencing showed that, even after the June 2013 DEA raid of his business, Al Sharairei continued selling synthetic cannabinoids. In August 2013, Al Sharairei and his wife called the police to report a theft of synthetic cannabinoids from a vehicle at their Cedar Rapids residence. When responding police informed Al Sharairei that they would be calling DEA to seize the rest of the synthetic cannabinoid products in the vehicle, Al Sharairei declared that he did not care if they took it, and that he had already ordered another shipment that would be on the way. Trial evidence also showed that after Al Sharairei was charged and appeared in federal court, he fled the country in 2014 prior to a scheduled hearing. He remained a fugitive until he was extradited back to the United States from Brazil.
Seized store records from Puff N Stuff II showed that between January 2012 and June 26, 2013, the store had sold over $1.3 million in synthetic cannabinoid products. At sentencing, the judge found that Al Sharairei was responsible for over 78 kilograms of synthetic cannabinoids. The sentencing judge commented that Al Sharairei’s actions were “brazen” and that his business selling synthetic cannabinoids in packaging labeled “not for human consumption” was “a total scam.”
Al Sharairei was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Al Sharairei was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently. He also was ordered to forfeit $425,000 in drug proceeds. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Al Sharairei is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The DEA Task Force consists of the DEA, the Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham and Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam Vander Stoep.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
Rodney Cook, age 40, of Starke, Florida, received the prison term after an August 24, 2020 guilty plea and sentencing on one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal drug user.
Information disclosed during the change of plea and sentencing hearings revealed that on May 5, 2019, law enforcement was dispatched to the Park Motel in Denison, Iowa, in response to reports that a man had fired a gun from inside his room into the parking lot on the south side of the motel. When police responded they did not see the shooter but noticed that the door to a particular hotel room was open and the window had been broken out. As law enforcement approached that room, they observed Cook standing in his hotel room reloading a revolver. Cook told one officer he had used methamphetamine earlier and there was meth in the room. Cook told another officer he had fired the revolver in an attempt to scare some people away. A subsequent search of his room revealed methamphetamine and a second handgun. Cook has twice before been convicted of misdemeanor violence, including an assault and battery on a law enforcement officer.
Cook was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Cook was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cook is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
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/ag/page/file/1217186/download.
The case was investigated by the Denison, Iowa Police Department and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa (that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation), and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced February 27, 2018, to 10 years in federal prison.
Delbert Raymond Lane, age 40, of Nora Springs, Iowa, received his prison term after a November 13, 2017, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Lane admitted his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in North Central Iowa between 2014 and April of 2017. During this time frame, Lane was receiving ounces of high purity methamphetamine and breaking them into smaller quantities for resale. In August 2016, Lane sold an eighth of an ounce of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Mason City. On November 23, 2016, defendant was in possession, with intent to deliver, approximately 43 grams of 96% pure methamphetamine. Lane sold methamphetamine in various quantities, up to ounces.
Lane sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Lane was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lane is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and investigated by the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force and the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-3048. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
An Oxford man who testified falsely at the federal firearms trial of a Cedar Rapids man in 2019 was sentenced May 8, 2020, to more than two years in federal prison.
Blayze Harding, age 27, from Oxford, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 14, 2020 guilty plea to one count of making a false statement before a federal court.
In a plea agreement, Harding admitted that on May 14, 2019, he testified as a witness in at trial in the case titled United States of America v. Carl McArthur, was placed under oath, and answered some of the questions posed to him falsely. Harding agreed his false testimony substantially interfered with the administration of justice.
Harding was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Harding was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment, which was ordered to be served consecutive to the sentences imposed in the Iowa District Court for Johnson County and Fayette County. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Harding is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Corkery and Patrick Reinert and was investigated by Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
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. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from its Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/page/file/1217186/download.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
WILMINGTON, Del. – On July 7, 2020, a federal grand jury indicted Nahsiem McIntosh, 21 years old, and Derris Lloyd, 35, both of Wilmington, Delaware, for offenses related to the May 31, 2020, burglary of the American Sportsman, a federal firearms dealer in Newark, Delaware.
According to the Indictment, 35 firearms were stolen. McIntosh and Lloyd are charged with: (1) theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee and aiding and abetting the theft; (2) possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; and (3) possession of a stolen firearm. McIntosh is charged with possessing one of the stolen firearms on June 1, 2020; Lloyd is charged with possession of one of the stolen firearms on June 18, 2020.
If convicted of all crimes charged, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 30 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.
The Indictment is a part of an ongoing investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). The ATF was assisted by the Delaware State Police, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Wilmington Police Department, New Castle County Police Department and Delaware State Probation and Parole.
David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and Timothy Jones, ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe and Maureen McCartney are prosecuting the case.
One unaccounted firearm in our community is too many. 35 guns on the street is unacceptable. We again ask for the public’s assistance in providing any information about the theft of these firearms or the suspects appearing in the attached photos. A $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of these individuals still stands. Please call 888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477) or send an email to ATFTips@atf.gov if you have information.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-040.
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.
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
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Delaware announced today that defendant Bob Bennett pled guilty today to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to facts disclosed at the change of plea hearing, Bennett—a 35-year-0ld Seaford resident—was a heroin dealer in Seaford who was known to possess and provide firearms to his sub-distributors in order to further his drug dealing.
On November 4, 2016, ATF and the Seaford Police Department executed a search warrant on Bennett’s home and car in Seaford. The search revealed a loaded, .40-caliber firearm in the same room as two safes, the contents of which included 3,250 individual bags of heroin stamped “Donald Trump.” Nearby, officers found an additional 109 bags of heroin, stamped “Donald Trump” or “Ferrari,” as well as a total of $2,418 in cash. Agents recovered a number of other items in the house.
“This plea reflects the outstanding, cooperative work of Seaford Police and the ATF,” Acting United States Attorney David C. Weiss said. “From Seaford to Wilmington, our state is not immune to the heroin epidemic afflicting the nation. This case shows we will use the tools at our disposal—federal, state, and local—to bring justice to those responsible.”
“Armed narcotics traffickers pose a significant risk to the citizens in Seaford and throughout Delaware,” said Daniel L. Board Jr., the Special Agent in Charge for the ATF Baltimore Field Division. “But the mission of the ATF is unwavering. We will continue to fight violent crime by targeting, investigating and partnering in the prosecution of those who seek to reduce the quality of life in our communities.”
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled by the District Court for September 14, 2017 at 2:00p.m. At sentencing, Bennett faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, to be served consecutively to any other sentence, for possessing and using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
This case was investigated by the ATF and Seaford Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander S. Mackler and Lesley F. Wolf prosecuted the case.
LITTLE ROCK—Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Jeffrey Reed, Resident Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced today that five-time convicted felon Andre Smalley, 33, of Little Rock, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for his illegal possession of a firearm.
A grand jury charged Smalley with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm on May 6, 2015, and he pleaded guilty to that count on May 19, 2017. On Wednesday, United States District Court Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr., sentenced Smalley to eight years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Andre Smalley is a dangerous, repeat offender who should not be free on the streets of Little Rock, and this sentence properly reflects the seriousness of his crime,” Hiland said. “Prosecuting repeat offenders who terrorize our community by engaging in gun violence will be one of this office’s top priorities. Dangerous criminals who illegally possess and use firearms should know there will be a spot in a federal prison waiting for them.”
At his change of plea hearing Smalley admitted that he possessed a gun during a fight on April 5, 2015. On that evening, Little Rock police officers responded to a fight in progress with shots fired at Our Community Market, located at 1901 Wright Avenue in Little Rock. While in route, communications relayed to officers that there was a male subject lying on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound and there were people trying to load him into a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located what appeared to be a crime scene, but found that both the victims and suspects had fled the area prior to officers’ arrival.
Following witnesses’ descriptions, and with the aid of security camera footage, officers identified Smalley as one of the people involved in the fight. Footage showed Smalley appear to shoot a gun at victims. Two victims eventually went to the hospital with gunshot wounds.
A short time later, officers located a vehicle matching the description of one of the vehicles seen at Our Community Market during the fight. Smalley was driving the vehicle. Following the execution of a search warrant, officers located a Ruger 9mm handgun, which was consistent with the description of the gun used in the shooting. Additionally, three expended shell cartridges located at Our Community Market were forensically determined to have been fired from the Ruger pistol that was recovered from Smalley.
The investigation was conducted by the Little Rock Police Department and the ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Walker and Kristin Bryant.
# # #
LITTLE ROCK—Patrick C. Harris, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Tracey D. Montaño, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Division, and Phyllis G. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)—Office of Inspector General, announced today that Chief United States District Judge Brian S. Miller sentenced Rhonda Williams, 50, and her husband, Gary Williams, 59, both of Des Arc, Arkansas, to prison for their role in a scheme to steal money intended for use by the Cotton Plant Housing Authority.
On September 2, 2016, Rhonda Williams and Gary Williams appeared before Judge Miller and pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit bank fraud and money laundering. Today, Judge Miller sentenced Rhonda Williams to 37 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In the same hearing, Judge Miller sentenced Gary Williams to 24 months of federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The Williams were jointly ordered to pay restitution of $732,177.80 and to forfeit $145,000 in cash seized from their home, the money in four bank accounts, a boat, and an SUV.
“These defendants took public money that was meant to provide affordable housing to a low income population, and instead used it for their own personal gain,” Harris said. “This case is an example of how our office will continue working tirelessly to protect the public and eliminate this unacceptable fraud, waste, and abuse.”
The Cotton Plant Housing Authority received its annual operating funds from HUD in the form of an annual distribution. Rhonda Williams served as the Executive Director of the Housing Authority and Gary Williams was the Housing Authority’s Maintenance Supervisor.
From January 31, 2001 to December 31, 2014, the Williams conspired and executed a scheme where they used false and fraudulent pretenses to receive funds that were intended for use by the Housing Authority. As part of the conspiracy, the Williams lied about the reasons for the payment of Housing Authority money, and solicited and accepted bribes and kickback payments from Housing Authority contractors. In addition, the Williams caused the Housing Authority to pay for their personal expenses on their Housing Authority credit cards, and took Housing Authority equipment and materials and used them in the construction of their personal residence.
“IRS-Criminal Investigation remains committed to its pursuit of individuals who engage in corruption at the expense of hardworking Americans,” Montaño said. “As employees of the Cotton Plant Housing Authority, Rhonda and Gary Williams’ actions violated public trust by using their position to enrich themselves at the expense of American taxpayers. Today’s sentence demonstrates the government’s determination to ensure that trust is not broken.”
This investigation was conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, the HUD - Office of Inspector General, and the Benton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Cameron McCree and Edward Walker prosecuted the case for the United States.
LITTLE ROCK—Patrick C. Harris, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced today that James Edgerson, 39, of Dumas, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for his role in a large-scale drug conspiracy.
On October 7, 2015, a federal Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Edgerson, who was a police officer at the time he committed his crimes, and five other people in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine, and marijuana. Edgerson also faced multiple drug distribution charges, as well as charges related to selling the drugs while carrying his police-issued firearm.
On February 2, 2017, Edgerson pleaded guilty to his role in the drug conspiracy. Edgerson also admitted to possessing a firearm and abusing his position of trust as a police officer. Today, Chief United States District Judge Brian S. Miller sentenced Edgerson to 135 months’ imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
“Police officers take an oath to protect and serve their communities,” Harris said. “Edgerson’s significant sentence reflects his absolute violation of this oath, and his abuse of the trust placed in him by members of his community. This sentence also demonstrates that no one is above the law, and people who sell drugs will be prosecuted, regardless of their position in society.”
Edgerson admitted to participating in the conspiracy from May 2015 through through September 2015. While he was working as a police officer for the Dumas Police Department, James Edgerson bought and sold cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana along with Kendrick Lamar Edgerson, Gregory Lamont Charles, Steven Sherrod Miles, Eli Haynes III and Rodney Lariel Edgerson.
James Edgerson obtained multi-ounce quantities of methamphetamine from Haynes for resale and redistribution to other individuals. For example, on August 25, 2015, James Edgerson called Haynes to arrange the purchase of methamphetamine. James Edgerson then traveled to meet Haynes in the Arlington, Texas, area, and purchased approximately nine ounces of methamphetamine. James Edgerson also purchased pound quantities of marijuana from Rodney Edgerson.
James Edgerson also sold drugs numerous times, including times while in uniform. As one example of multiple transactions, James Edgerson sold an informant nine ounces of cocaine for $11,300 on August 31, 2015, telling the source that he makes $50 on each ounce. On June 16, 2015, he completed a deal while in uniform and standing next to his police cruiser.
“James Edgerson betrayed the trust we place in police officers and the sentencing today is an indication of his total disregard for the citizens and law enforcement in our communities,” Upchurch said. “I commend the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District and the Arkansas State Police for their efforts, and the great work of our FBI team.”
Charles, Miles, Haynes, and Rodney Edgerson have all previously pleaded guilty. Kendrick Edgerson has trial pending on September 11, 2017.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI and Arkansas State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie Peters and Edward Walker. All defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
LITTLE ROCK—Patrick C. Harris, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kenton Buckner, Chief of Little Rock Police Department (LRPD), and Mike Davis, Chief of North Little Rock Police Department (NLRPD) announced today the unsealing of multiple federal indictments following the successful conclusion of an early morning operation that resulted in the arrests of dozens of accused drug and gun dealers in central Arkansas.
Wednesday morning’s operation culminated an 18-month joint investigation into several drug-trafficking organizations, primarily in Little Rock. Twenty-five people were arrested today—joining the 27 people indicted who were already in custody—while nine individuals remain at large. Fifty of the 61 defendants are from Little Rock.
Eight indictments were unsealed Wednesday, including five that alleged drug conspiracies. The largest involved a 33-defendant, 67-count indictment alleging heroin and cocaine conspiracies, both headed by Aaron “Black” Clark, 33, of Little Rock. Other indictments allege cocaine and crack cocaine conspiracies, and contain multiple methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine possession and distribution charges, as well as multiple gun charges.
The defendants arrested today will have initial appearances and enter pleas before United States Magistrate Judge Tricia. S. Harris on Friday. Judge Harris will see those who were already in custody on Wednesday, May 31.
“Targeting violent drug dealers remains a priority for my office, as well as for all law enforcement agencies in central Arkansas,” Acting U.S. Attorney Harris said. “Drugs continue to be a prime source of crime and violence in our city, and taking these criminals off the streets has made Little Rock a safer place. A major operation like this is not possible without the help of all agencies involved, particularly the FBI and the Little Rock and North Little Rock Police Departments. And while today’s operation represents a victory against dangerous criminals, it in no way ends our coordinated efforts to ease crime in Little Rock and improve the lives and security of law-abiding citizens in our city.”
In late 2015, the FBI and NLRPD began investigating the drug-trafficking activities of certain North Little Rock gangs. Investigators soon learned the gangs’ source of supply of drugs came from individuals in Little Rock. Through the use of several investigative tactics, including the controlled purchases of drugs, multiple wiretaps, and the execution of search warrants, among other methods, agents with the FBI and LRPD located and identified multiple drug sources of supply, and more than 60 suspects.
Eventually, in November 2016, agents executed a search warrant at the west Little Rock residence of Clark. Agents seized more than $100,000 cash and jewelry, 170 grams of heroin, a marijuana grow operation, and six firearms.
“Today’s arrests show our collective resolve to attack and dismantle these violent drug organizations that destroy our communities and generate fear in its citizens,” FBI SAC Upchurch said. “The FBI and our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office, Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas National Guard, and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office will remain committed to identifying drug traffickers and removing them from the streets to protect our cities.”
Throughout the investigation, agents seized more than two kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, more than a pound each of crack cocaine and methamphetamine, and eight ounces of fentanyl. Officers seized these drugs during more than 25 controlled purchases, as well as during the execution of multiple search warrants. In addition, agents seized 25 guns and approximately $241,000 of drug proceeds.
In addition to the work by the FBI’s Met Rock Task Force, local law enforcement assisted in the case. LRPD, for example, was familiar with many of individuals in the drug-trafficking organizations targeted in these federal indictments, and joined the FBI in making the arrests of these defendants a priority.
“Today, the Little Rock Police Department received some much needed assistance from the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office,” LRPD Chief Buckner said. “Our collaboration resulted in the indictment of many problem individuals within our city. LRPD is very appreciative of this ongoing partnership—with special thanks to Diane Upchurch and Pat Harris—and will continue to work with our federal partners in the future. This is another example of the work performed as a result of our participation in the Violence Reduction Network.”
“The North Little Rock Police Department initiated an investigation into the illegal sale of cocaine in our city that then revealed the illegal sale of methamphetamine, heroin, and weapons around central Arkansas,” NLRPD Chief Davis said. “The NLRPD contacted the FBI to assist with this investigation. We are grateful for the outcome, and will continue to work with federal agencies to reduce violence in our community and to take illegal drugs and weapons off the streets.”
Several agencies, including the Arkansas State Police, National Guard, and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, who each provided manpower and logistical support during the early-morning takedown, also combined to help make the Wednesday morning arrests.
“The Arkansas State Police acknowledges the significance of good teamwork,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police. “The efforts of a multi-jurisdictional team paid off today by stopping these individuals from further criminal acts and strengthening the public’s trust and respect of law enforcement officers who work together to make our cities and towns safer places to live.”
“The National Guard stands shoulder to shoulder in supporting law enforcement to contain the heroin epidemic facing our communities and state,” National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Chuck Vereen said. “Our Counter Drug Program is dedicated to help keep children and families safe, we are all in!”
The primary investigation was conducted by FBI’s Met Rock Task Force, in coordination with the LRPD and NLRPD. Also assisting Wednesday’s operation was the Arkansas State Police, the National Guard, and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Benecia Moore is the lead prosecutor on the indictments.
An indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Indictments unsealed Wednesday
U. S. v. Aaron Laray Clark, et al – 4:17-cr-00111-JM
Aaron Laray Clark a/k/a “Black”, 35, Little Rock^^^Hector Soto, 54, El Paso, Texas***
Elijah Alexander, III, 27, Little Rock***
Jason Michael Banks, 45, Little Rock^^^
John Webster Batton, 38, Searcy^^^
Carlos Eugene Burton, 37, Little Rock
Shannon Allen Cathey, 41, Little Rock
Jeremy Donte Craig, 33, Springdale^^^
Jabari Zaki Cummins, 39, Little RockAbreana Laray Daniels, 23, Little Rock***
Lekedric M. Davis, 31, Little Rock
Martin Drew Dehaven, 28, Little Rock
Kevin Dwane Dixon, 36, Little Rock
Alicia Lauren Fullington, 34, Little Rock^^^
Joseph Jamar Handy, 34, Little Rock
Desmond Kentrell Kelley, 23, Little Rock
Lowell John Ladd, 28, Little Rock^^^
Henry Lionell Lee a/k/a “Red”, 43, Little Rock
Antonio L. Lewis, 28, Benton^^^
Dalvin D. Lewis, 40, Little Rock
Marlon Shawn Marbley, Sr. a/k/a “Mob”, 45, Little Rock^^^Jamal Cornell McCoy, 42, Little Rock***
Kwesi Okang Montague, 38, Little Rock^^^
Rachel Elizabeth Moore, 29, Little Rock^^^
Lucas Todd Murray, 33, Little RockChristopher S. Newman, Jr., 26, Jacksonville***
Roderick O. Rainey, 46, Little Rock^^^
Benson Dubois Smith, 31, Little Rock
Christopher Forsean Smith, 33, North Little RockTimothy Dewann Smith, 30, Little Rock***
Lionell Tidwell, 41, Greenbriar^^^
Davaris Daquante Whitehead, 26, North Little Rock^^^
Bryan Deshawn Young, 29, North Little Rock^^^
U. S. v. Marcus Jermaine Buckner, et al – 4:17-cr-00110-DPM
Marcus Jermaine Buckner, 35, Little RockAntonio Louis Bumpers, 28, Little Rock***
Marcus J. Clark, 40, Little Rock
Willie Craig, III, 42, Little Rock^^^
Alvin Dean Withers, Jr., 32, Little Rock^^^
U. S. v. Thaddeus Eugene Higgins, Jr. et al – 4:17-cr-00113-KGB
Thaddeus Eugene Higgins, Jr., 28, Little Rock
Fabian A. Bridgewater, 37, Little Rock
Laquina Rena Cheatham, 35, Little Rock^^^Rodrick Deshawn Cunningham, 38, Little Rock***
Henry Lee Dupree, Jr., 68, Little Rock^^^
Courtney Ray Foster, 34, Little Rock
Brandon Deshawn Higgins, 21, Little Rock^^^
Brian Lamont Higgins, 34, Little Rock
Charles Bernard Higgins, 37, Little Rock^^^
William Frank Jones, 57, Pine Bluff^^^
Clarence Edward Walker, Jr., 28, Little Rock
U. S. v. Jeremiah Hollis, Sr. a/k/a “Trigg”, et al – 4:17-cr-00114-DPM
Jeremiah Hollis, Sr. a/k/a “Trigg”, 40, Little Rock^^^
Regina Evette Nelson, 47, Little Rock
Abdulah Farig Woods, 31, Little Rock
U. S. v. Antonio Malone a/k/a “Greenlight”, et al – 4:17-cr-00116-DPM
Antonio Lamont Malone a/k/a “Greenlight”, 37, Little Rock^^^
Christopher Bernard Bell a/k/a “Boonie”, 27, Little Rock
Antonio Dewayne Harris a/k/a “Big Yoke”, 37, Little Rock
Judge Lee Daniels, 26, Little Rock
Michael Princeton Marshall, 31, Little Rock
Terrence Edward Wright, 39, Little Rock
U. S. v. Hillary Ann Harmon – 4:17-cr-00112-BSM
Hillary Ann Harmon, 34, Little Rock^^^
U. S. v. Aaron William Lyman – 4:17-cr-00115-KGB
Aaron William Lyman, 36, North Little Rock^^^
U. S. v. Benjamin S. Schreiber – 4:17-cr-00117-BRW
Benjamin S. Schreiber, 32, Little Rock***
*** Fugitive
^^^ Arrested Wednesday
STATUTORY SENTENCES
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 1 kilogram of heroin is punishable by not less than 10 years, not more than life, incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $10,000,000, and not less than 5 years supervised release.
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 100 grams but less than 1 kilogram of heroin is punishable by not less than 5 years, not more than 40 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $5,000,000, and not less than 4 years supervised release.
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine is punishable by not less than 10 years, not more than life, incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $10,000,000, and not less than 5 years supervised release.
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 500 grams but less than 5 kilograms of cocaine is punishable by not less than 5 years, not more than 40 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $5,000,000, and not less than 4 years supervised release.
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine is punishable by not less than 10 years, not more than life, incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $10,000,000, and not less than 5 years supervised release.
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 28 grams but less than 280 grams of cocaine is punishable by not less than 5 years, not more than 40 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $5,000,000, and not less than 4 years supervised release.
Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine or more than 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture is punishable by not less than 10 years, not more than life, incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $10,000,000, and not less than 5 years supervised release.
Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of more than 5 grams, but less than 50 grams, of actual methamphetamine is punishable by not less than 5 years, not more than 40 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $5,000,000, and not less than 4 years supervised release.
Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of more than 100 grams, but less than 1 kilogram, of heroin is punishable by not less than 5 years, not more than 40 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $5,000,000, and not less than 4 years supervised release.
Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of more than 28 grams, but less than 280 grams, of crack cocaine is punishable by not less than 5 years, not more than 40 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $5,000,000, and not less than 4 years supervised release.
Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of less than 28 grams of crack cocaine is punishable by not more than 20 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $1,000,000, and not less than 3 years supervised release.
Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of less than 500 grams of cocaine is punishable by not more than 20 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $1,000,000, and not less than 3 years supervised release.
Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of less than 100 grams of heroin is punishable by not more than 20 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $1,000,000, and not less than 3 years supervised release.
Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of less than 50 grams of methamphetamine mixture is punishable by not more than 20 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $1,000,000, and not less than 3 years supervised release.
Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of fentanyl is punishable by not more than 20 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $1,000,000, and not less than 3 years supervised release.
Possession of a firearm by a felon is punishable by not more than 10 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than 3 years supervised release.
Use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime is punishable by not less than 5 years, not more than life incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons, consecutive to any other charge, with a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than 3 years supervised release.
Use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime is punishable by not more than 4 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than 1 year supervised release.
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
HONOLULU – Gregory Scher, 66, of Mililani, Hawaii, was sentenced yesterday to 20 months of imprisonment for defrauding the Social Security Administration. As part of his sentence, Scher was also ordered to pay $26,298.12 in restitution and a $100 assessment, and to serve 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price announced that, according to court documents and information presented in court, Scher admitted that he failed to disclose material information about his income and work, and lied about being legally blind, in order to receive and maintain Social Security Disability Insurance benefit payments. Scher also failed to disclose his employment while receiving Social Security Retirement Insurance benefits, and converted Social Security Child’s Insurance benefits intended for his minor daughter to his own personal use. Many of Scher’s lies and omissions occurred while he was on pretrial or supervised release for his federal Passport Fraud conviction.
At Scher’s sentencing, U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway remarked that her sentence sends a “strong and clear message” that Scher’s “extensive networks of untruths and wrongful actions” must stop. She told Scher that she observed a “pervasive attitude that you could do whatever actions to get whatever benefits you wanted.”
The case was investigated by the Special Agent Robert Rodriguez with Office of Investigations - Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darren W.K. Ching and Sara Ayabe.
