Robstown man gets huge sentence for sexual exploitation of a child

 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 53-year-old local man has been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to entice a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Santos Gonzalez pleaded guilty March 2.

Today, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton sentenced Gonzalez to 420 months in prison. He will then have to serve the rest of his life on supervised release, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Gonzalez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

At the time of his plea, Gonzalez admitted to soliciting co-defendant Diane Martinez to produce and send illicit photographs of a minor victim. In exchange, he provided Martinez money for groceries and medication.

Forensic analysis of Facebook accounts belonging to Gonzalez and Martinez revealed they communicated between Jan. 21, 2016, and May 20, 2020. Throughout the thousands of pages of communication, Gonzalez expressed wanting to have sexual intercourse with the minor victim. Gonzalez would offer food, groceries, gifts and other items of monetary value in exchange for Martinez sending nude photographs of the child.

Eventually, Gonzalez no longer used Martinez as an intermediary, directly soliciting the minor victim for sex.

Authorities received information about the abuse from a family acquaintance of the victim as well as a tablet used to commit the crimes.

Gonzalez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Martinez is scheduled to be sentenced July 28 before Judge Tipton.

Homeland Security Investigations, Corpus Christi Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation.

Childersburg Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography

 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –  A federal judge today sentenced a Childersburg man for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger.

United States District Judge Corey L. Maze sentenced William Jason Walker, 49, to 78 months in prison followed by 10 years’ supervised release. Walker was also ordered to pay $51,000.00 in restitution to the victims. In September 2020, Walker pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. This conviction will require Walker to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). 

“Victimization of children will not be tolerated. We will prosecute those who produce, possess or distribute child pornography to the fullest extent of the law,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said.  “Thanks to the collaborative work of the Swedish National Police and the Department of Homeland Security, a child predator has been taken out of our community for many years and will be closely monitored upon his release.” 

“HSI is proud to work with our law enforcement partners in Alabama to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Our community is safer now that this child predator is off the streets.”

According to the plea agreement, in November 2019, the Department of Homeland Security  Cyber Crimes Center (DHS/C3) of Fairfax, Virginia, received information from SKF, a company located in Sweden, that images of child pornography had been downloaded to a company laptop at a specific IP address. DHS/C3 agents obtained information from the representatives of SKF and determined that the laptop was assigned to Walker.  The IP address was traced to the SKF factory located in Moody, Alabama.  Walker was employed as a sales representative at that location.   Walker used his employer’s laptop, as well as an iPad and thumb drives, to view the pornographic images.  Forensic examination of the seized devices revealed 16,870 images of suspected child sexual abuse material.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case along with HSI Task Force Agents with the Bessemer Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case.

Zuni man sentenced to nine years in prison for assaulting a child in Indian Country

             ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alliah Jawaun Soseeah, 23, of Zuni, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, was sentenced on May 26 in federal court to nine years in prison for two counts of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of a minor in Indian Country.

            Soseeah pleaded guilty on Dec. 14, 2020.  In his plea agreement, Soseeah admitted that between Nov. 25 and Nov 29, 2017, at his home on the Zuni Pueblo, he used a thumbtack to cut and puncture the back of the 23-month old victim. Soseeah also admitted that on Nov. 30, 2017, he assaulted the child again by hitting and dropping the victim, causing a serious head injury.

          Upon his release from prison, Soseeah will be subject to three years of supervised release.

          The Gallup Resident Office of the FBI investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa Dimas prosecuted the case.

Everly, Iowa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth

 Crouch was involved in trafficking over seven pounds of meth near two public parks with playgrounds.

A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced May 26, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.

Jimmy Crouch, 48, from Everly, Iowa, pled guilty on December 7, 2020, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within a protected location, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine within a protected location.

At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that Crouch and others conspired to distribute over seven pounds of methamphetamine mixture from January 2019 through April 2020 in the Wright and Webster County areas.  In March/April 2020, law enforcement seized nearly four ounces of methamphetamine from Crouch.  On a number of occasions, Crouch and his co-conspirators were observed on home security recordings receiving and distributing ounces to ¼ pounds of methamphetamine to other co-conspirators.  Finally, Crouch’s offense conduct included methamphetamine distribution in Eagle Grove, Iowa, within 1,000 feet of two separate protected locations, specifically public parks with playgrounds.    

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Crouch remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.  Crouch was sentenced to 136 months’ imprisonment and must serve an 8-year term of supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Grove Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Laboratory.

Federal Jury Convicts Titusville Man Of Attempting To Entice And Meet A 13-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity

 Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Karin Hoppmann announces that a federal jury has found Michael Craig Gorycki (50, Titusville) guilty of attempted enticement of a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Gorycki faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 12, 2021. Gorycki has been detained since his arrest on August 7, 2020.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in August 2020, Gorycki engaged in online chats with a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) task force agent who was acting in an undercover capacity and posing as the father of a 13-year-old girl. During the online conversation, Gorycki expressed interest in meeting the father in order to gain access to and sexually assault his minor daughter.  Gorycki expressed in detail his intention to rape the child and teach her to perform a specific sexual act. Gorycki was arrested when he traveled to meet the father at a prearranged meeting place in Titusville so that he could have sex with the 13-year-old child.

This case was investigated by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily C. L. Chang and John M. Gardella.

Branford Man Charged with Child Pornography Offenses

 Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, announced that MICHAEL HOLM, 42, of Branford, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with distribution, transportation and possession of child pornography and obscene visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

As alleged in court documents, from approximately September 1, 2014 to March 8, 2021, Holm used various websites, mobile applications and online file storage platforms, such as ChatStep, Kik, Discord, Dropbox, Skype, SkyDrive and Gmail, to distribute, transport, and store material depicting the sexual abuse of children.  On March 8, 2021, law enforcement agents conducted a court-authorized search of Holm’s Branford residence and seized his Apple iPhone. A preliminary forensic examination of the iPhone revealed 31 images and videos depicting child pornography. Law enforcement agents also conducted a court-authorized search of Holm’s Dropbox account, where he had uploaded and stored over 100 images and videos of child pornography.

The complaint also alleges that Holm engaged in some of this conduct while he was on federal supervised release for a prior child pornography offense.  In August 2011, Holm was sentenced in federal court to three months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for possession of child pornography.

Holm appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was ordered detained.

If convicted of the distribution and transportation charges, Holm faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. If convicted of the possession charges, Holm faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Holm’s prior federal conviction for possession of child pornography.

Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Branford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Veronica Lewis Sentenced for Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Possession of a Stolen Firearm

 The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Veronica Lewis, 37, of Worchester, Vermont, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Christina Reiss after previously having pled guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.  Judge Reiss accepted the agreement of the parties that Lewis be sentenced to a term of 6 years of incarceration, with no credit for the approximately four years Lewis served in state custody prior to her federal arrest.  Lewis will also serve 3 years of supervised release, the maximum available term of post-incarcerative supervision.  The parties agreed to determine restitution at a subsequent hearing later in the summer.  Lewis also faces sentencing in Vermont’s courts for a charge of Attempted Second Degree Murder.  

According to court records, on June 29, 2015, Lewis intentionally fired three rounds from a revolver at D.M. during a firearms lesson at a business in Westford, Vermont.  After shooting D.M. in the face and abdomen, Lewis left the business with the revolver.  Later in the day, Lewis was apprehended outside her residence in Worchester, Vermont while still in possession of the stolen firearm.  The investigation by Vermont State Police revealed that Lewis had first received instruction from D.M. three days prior to the shooting.  During that first training session, Lewis asked multiple times about when she would be able to shoot a handgun, and whether .22 caliber ammunition could kill someone.  A search of Lewis’s bedroom resulted in the seizure of targets from the June 26, 2015 training session, handwritten questions about embalming and body removal, a scrapbook entitled D.E.A.T.H., and a computer.  A search of the computer’s browsing history revealed Lewis had visited websites regarding crime-scene cleanup, crime statistics, prison sentences, poison ingredients, jails and prisons in Vermont, and “what to do after you’re arrested.”  Investigators also learned that Lewis had visited a funeral home in Burlington on June 23 and 24, 2015, where she insisted on seeing an embalming, asked questions about facial reconstructions, and stated “I have some ideas about death and I need to explore them.”  

At the request of the government, a forensic psychological examination was conducted while Lewis was in federal custody.  That examination included a detailed review of the investigative materials, hundreds of pages of Lewis’s mental health records, and 12 hours of interviews of Lewis over the course of multiple days.  A number of psychological tests were administered to Lewis, and collateral phone interviews were conducted.  After this thorough investigation, the forensic psychologist determined that, although Lewis was suffering from schizoaffective disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder at the time of the shooting, Lewis was able to appreciate the wrongfulness of her criminal conduct, and was therefore sane at the time she shot D.M.  

At the sentencing hearing today, Judge Reiss reviewed in detail the evidence surrounding Lewis’s mental health at the time of the shooting, including the lack of concern from trained mental health providers with whom Lewis interacted in the weeks before the shooting.  Judge Reiss also noted that lay people with whom Lewis interacted in the days before and immediately after the shooting also failed to note any indicators of a mental health crisis.  Judge Reiss concluded that Lewis acted with clear intent, and Lewis’s actions in concealing her criminal conduct supported a finding that Lewis was aware of the wrongfulness of her actions.  

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigative efforts of both the Vermont State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  “Today’s sentencing holds Veronica Lewis accountable for the intentional harm she inflicted on D.M., with full knowledge of the wrongfulness of her actions.  Without doubt, Veronica Lewis suffers from mental health disorders stemming in part from surviving significant trauma and violence.  The resolution of this case involved a balancing of these mitigating factors with the horrific and calculated criminal conduct she undertook in Vermont, which resulted in significant harm to a fellow human being.  The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize violent crime and advocate for the rights of victims of violence.  I am especially thankful for the assistance of the Vermont Attorney General in obtaining a coordinated resolution of this matter that provides assurances for long-term supervision of Veronica Lewis, a result not obtainable under federal law.”

Lewis is represented by Assistant Federal Defender David McColgin.  Acting U.S. Attorney Ophardt prosecuted the matter for the government.

Bridgeport Jury Finds Waterbury Man Guilty of Drug and Gun Offenses

 Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found ANDRE DENNIS, 40, of Waterbury, guilty of narcotics and firearm offenses.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden began on May 26 and the jury returned its verdict this morning.

According to the evidence at trial, in November 2018, Dennis was on special parole following his most recent conviction for possession of narcotics.  On November 29, 2018, Connecticut parole officers and the Waterbury Police Department conducted a compliance check at Dennis’ residence and found a loaded Smith & Wesson pistol and approximately 45 grams of fentanyl, 12 grams of crack cocaine, and seven grams of powder cocaine.  The search also revealed items used to process and package narcotics for sale, and more than $9,000 in cash.

Dennis’ criminal history includes several state felony convictions.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

The jury found Dennis guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  Dennis was found not guilty of one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Dennis faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 50 years.

Dennis has been detained since his arrest on November 29, 2018.

This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Waterbury Police Department with the assistance of Connecticut State Parole.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Hal Chen.

Supervisory Attorney Advisor Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

 

South Central Region, Federal Transfer Center, Oklahoma City

Attorney

7410 S MacArthur Blvd

Oklahoma City, OK 73169

United States

About the Office: 

The legal practice at the Consolidated Legal Center (CLC) covers a wide variety of issues focusing on correctional law and litigation, either through administrative or litigation channels and includes but is not limited to such matters as inmates' reasonable access to the courts (through access to legal materials, legal correspondence, and attorney-client visits), conditions of confinement, medical care, diet and religious accommodations, housing assignments, hygiene and sanitation, discipline, civil commitment, and other mental health matters. On a daily basis the attorney will work alongside other attorneys and legal support staff. The attorney will also work closely with several different United States Attorneys' Offices handling litigation issues.

The position involves legal advice and litigation assistance that may arise out of several federal correctional facilities including: the Federal Transfer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; the Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, Oklahoma; the Federal Correctional Complex in Forrest City, Arkansas; and the Federal Correctional Institution in Texarkana, Texas.

The attorney will be expected to periodically travel to and provide on-site legal services to the locations served by the CLC. The attorney will be expected to provide advice, guidance and training to all levels of staff at these correctional facilities, including members of the Executive staff. The position requires frequent professional communication with defense attorneys, prosecutors, federal courts and agency officials. The incumbent will need to develop a thorough knowledge of all aspects of BOP policy and practice as he/she may be required to appear in District Court on short notice to explain and advocate the agency's rationale for its correctional management decisions.

Our office places a high value on diversity of experiences and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified individuals from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LGBT individuals, and persons with disabilities.

Job Description: 

The incumbent will be the direct supervisor of the attorneys within the Oklahoma City CLC, which includes supervising remotely as needed. The incumbent will also supervise legal support staff as applicable, but may delegate supervision of legal support staff when such staff are not physically stationed at FTC Oklahoma City. The incumbent assigns matters/cases, establishes protocols and priorities for the Oklahoma City CLC, and provides supervisory oversight and support to subordinate legal staff. Supervision includes complying with BOP and Department of Justice protocols and procedures, to include timely periodic progress reviews and a final evaluation that is thorough. Supervision also requires providing/arranging appropriate training to subordinate staff, and providing support and guidance as needed.

This is a primary law enforcement position. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, the maximum entry age of 36 has been established for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons correctional institution. The duties of this position may at times require frequent and direct contact with individuals in confinement who are suspected or convicted of serious criminal offenses. It has also been determined that the duties of this position require experience and knowledge of the on-the-job responsibilities of a primary law enforcement officer working in a detention facility. A prerequisite requirement of this position is the completion of "Institution Familiarization" and the satisfactory completion of a mandatory course in "Introduction to Correctional Techniques." The training emphasizes self-defense, firearms, security, hostage situations and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Because of the nature and mission of this position, it requires "hands-on" understanding of the operating problems encompassed in working within an institution. The incumbent may be called on to perform as a law enforcement officer in a correctional environment during training, emergency situations, times of staff shortages and under any other type of correctional operating crisis. Specific correctional responsibilities may include custody and supervision of inmates, responding to emergencies and institution disturbances, participating in fog and escape patrols, and assuming correctional officer posts when necessary. The incumbent may be required to shakedown inmates and conduct visual searches in their work or living area for contraband. The incumbent must be prepared to use physical control in situations where necessary, such as in fights among inmates, assaults on staff and riots or escape attempts.

Qualifications: 

Required Qualifications: Applicants must have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least three(3) years post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.

Preferred qualification: Prior experience in correctional law is preferred.

Salary: 

Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range, including locality pay adjustments, is GS -14 ($108,885 to $141,548) to GS-15 ($128,078 to $166,502).

Travel: 

Some travel may be required.

Application Process: 

Applicants must submit a cover letter (highlighting relevant experience), resume and a writing sample by June 18, 2021, to:

U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
South Central Regional Office
U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Complex
344 Marine Forces Drive
Grand Prairie, TX 75051
Attention: Jason Sickler, Regional Counsel

You may also submit your application materials to jsickler@bop.gov. Please include in the subject line “Oklahoma Attorney June 2021".

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Application Deadline: 

Friday, June 18, 2021

Relocation Expenses: 

Not authorized.

Number of Positions: 

One

Updated May 28, 2021

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Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity:  The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected genetic information, pregnancy, status as a parent, or any other nonmerit-based factor.  The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.

Reasonable Accommodations:  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities:  The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements.  Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.   

Suitability and Citizenship:  It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.  Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans:  There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his  or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

 

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This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

Beltsville Pimp Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking

 Trafficked Three Victims, Including a 17-year-old Girl

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III sentenced Kamal Dorchy, age 46, of Beltsville, Maryland, yesterday to eight years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.  Judge Russell also ordered that, upon his release from prison, Dorchy will be required to register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Chief Lisa D. Myers of the Howard County Police Department; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Malik Azziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Howard County State’s Attorney Rich Gibson.

According to Dorchy’s plea agreement, from September 2016 to July 2017, Dorchy conspired with others to commit sex trafficking.  Dorchy used Internet websites to post prostitution advertisements and recruit sex workers for his prostitution business through advertisements for massage work or prostitution.

As detailed in his plea agreement, on July 27, 2017 a Howard County Police Department detective met with an adult sex worker (Victim 1) at a hotel in Laurel, Maryland.  Victim 1 advised the detective about Dorchy’s conduct.  The victim also told the detective she used a name had given her in prostitution ads.

Dorchy admitted that he met a 17-year-old minor at a strip club in July of 2017 and recruited the minor victim to work for him in his prostitution business.  Dorchy claims that he was not aware of her true age at the time, and believed she was 18 years of age due to her employment at the strip club.  The minor victim informed law enforcement that she told Dorchy her true age before she was trafficked.  Dorchy arranged prostitution dates for the minor victim by posting ads on Internet websites, including for dates in Maryland.  When Dorchy could not be there for the minor victim’s prostitution dates, he employed his cousin to act as “security.”  The minor victim was 17 years old during the time that she was trafficked.

A third sex trafficking victim, an adult female, advised law enforcement that she met Dorchy in 2016 during a job interview for a massage business at a hotel in Baltimore, where she was told that she would be walking clients to appointments.  The victim advised that, at Dorchy’s direction, she later did prostitution dates at the massage business.

This case was investigated by law enforcement agencies that are members of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, formed in 2007 to discover and rescue victims of human trafficking while identifying and prosecuting offenders.  Members include federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as victim service providers and local community members.  For more information about the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit http://www.mdhumantrafficking.org/.

Report suspected instances of human trafficking to HSI's tip line at 866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or by completing its online tip form.  Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner praised HSI, the Howard County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Prince George’s County Police Departments, and the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution.  Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ayn B. Ducao, Adam K. Ake, and Jeffrey J. Izant, who prosecuted the case.

Resident Legal Advisor, Honduras

 Criminal Division (CRM)

Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training

Attorney

Tegucigalpa

Honduras

21-CRM-DET-043

About the Office: 

Although this vacancy announcement expires on June 29, 2021, the announcement may be closed at any time if a selection is made. This assignment is for a detail of 14 months, beginning on or about August 2021 with the possibility of an extension, contingent on funding. Appointment to this position will be through a reimbursable detail.

The mission of the Criminal Division's Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) is to develop and administer technical and developmental assistance designed to enhance the capabilities of foreign justice sector institutions and their law enforcement personnel. This assistance is administered in order to enable those institutions and their personnel to more effectively combat terrorism, transnational organized crime, corruption, financial crime, and other types of crime in a manner consistent with the rule of law. The assistance is also administered to enable those institutions and their personnel to more effectively cooperate regionally and with the United States in combating such crime. http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/opdat.

Job Description: 

The Resident Legal Advisor (RLA) will represent the U.S. Department of Justice and OPDAT in the implementation of justice sector technical assistance activities designed to improve the capacity of Honduras’ criminal justice system in combatting transnational crimes with a primary focus on corruption and related crimes. The RLA will work closely with other OPDAT personnel and the region in assisting Honduran prosecutors, judges, law enforcement and government officials in the design and implementation of bilateral and regional technical assistance and development projects. These projects include providing technical advice to the Honduran Prosecutor General’s Office on the development of major task forces. The RLA’s work will also include general capacity building activities to increase collaborative efforts to identify, disrupt, and dismantle these transnational criminal networks. This may include analysis of any advice on initiatives including, but not limited to criminal code and criminal procedure code legislation, international mutual legal assistance, and proposals focused on extradition, financial crimes, human smuggling, and asset forfeiture.    

Qualifications: 

Required: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess ALL of the requirements below:

1. A J.D. degree, duly licensed, and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.
2. Specific grade level requirements:
   1. GS-15: At least four (4) years of post J.D. legal experience, to include four (4) years of prosecutorial experience in Article III courts or comparable state level courts.
   2. GS-14: At least three (3) years of post J.D. legal experience, to include three (3) years of prosecutorial experience in Article III courts or comparable state level courts.
3. The applicant must be a fluent Spanish speaker, as well as proficient in reading and writing Spanish.

Applicant must have, or be able to obtain through their Component/Agency, and maintain a Top Secret security clearance

Preferred: Applicants should have a thorough understanding and practical knowledge of Department of Justice and other United States Government approaches and policies involving transnational crimes and security and justice sector development issues, including training and institution-building. Experience living, working, and/or training in an overseas environment is desirable. 

The successful applicant should also have:

• Ability to function effectively in an international, multi-cultural environment;
• Excellent interpersonal and management skills;
• The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Extensive prosecution experience;
• Experience in bar activities, teaching, designing course curricula, and/or work with international development projects;
• Experience in developing and litigating federal criminal cases involving international extradition and mutual legal assistance; and
• Experience working with and/or establishing task forces and corruption cases.

Salary: 

Under a detail assignment, there is no change to the selectee’s base pay. If applicable, the selectee will also receive appropriate post and overseas salary differentials.

Travel: 

Extensive travel to/from and within the host nation will be required.

Application Process: 

Although this vacancy announcement expires June 29, 2021, the announcement may be closed at any time if selections are made. The Application Package must be received by 11:59 PM, Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement. 

All interested attorneys meeting these qualifications should submit a cover letter and resume to opdatdetails.whp@usdoj.gov.

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Application Deadline: 

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Relocation Expenses: 

Relocation expenses to and from post are authorized. This is an accompanied position.

Number of Positions: 

1

Updated May 28, 2021

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Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity:  The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected genetic information, pregnancy, status as a parent, or any other nonmerit-based factor.  The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.

Reasonable Accommodations:  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities:  The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements.  Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.   

Suitability and Citizenship:  It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.  Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans:  There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his  or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

 

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This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

Ithaca Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor

 BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Jeffrey Blake, age 50, of Ithaca, New York, pled guilty today to attempted online enticement of a minor.  

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Nicholas B. Boshears, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 

As part of his guilty plea Blake admitted that between June 12, 2019 and August 23, 2019, he exchanged text messages with an undercover officer he believed was the mother of 9 and 13 year old girls.  In those messages, Blake expressed an interest in meeting the children and engaging in sex acts with them. He also communicated by text messaging with the undercover agent posing as each of the children.  In those communications Blake assured the children that sex with him would not be painful, and that he would take precautions to keep the 13-year-old from getting pregnant.  On August 23, 2019, Blake drove to a pre-determined location in Broome County to meet and have sex with the children.  He brought with him vibrators and VCF birth control film as well as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and stuffed animals that he planned to give to the children as gifts.  Blake was then encountered by law enforcement and arrested. 

As a result of his conviction, Blake faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and life.  He will also be required to register as a sex offender.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.  Sentencing is scheduled for  September 28, 2021 before Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy.  

This case is being investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force. This task force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Nine Men Charged in Large-Scale Cocaine Conspiracy

 Defendants were members of a drug trafficking organization that received dozens of packages allegedly containing kilograms of cocaine via U.S. Mail

BOSTON – Nine men were charged in connection with a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy that that involved dozens of parcels suspected of containing kilograms of cocaine sent from Puerto Rico to various addresses throughout Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Investigators intercepted eight parcels and seized more than 16 kilograms of cocaine from the mail.

“We allege that the defendants received parcels sent via U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico and containing kilograms of cocaine -- which we allege they then sold here in our communities. That’s illegal and dangerous, of course, and it is an affront to the hard-working public servants in the U.S. Postal Service,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “The trafficking conspiracy was detected and dismantled thanks to effective investigative work by the people who protect our mail system and by local and state law enforcement. Those investigators remain on the lookout, and the public should know that people who misuse and abuse public services for criminal schemes can expect to face justice.” 

“Today’s arrests are an example of our commitment and dedication to protect those we serve and to keep our communities safe from illegal drugs and those who seek to harm the public through their continued efforts to break the law,” said Joshua W. McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “These defendants allegedly used the mail to transport narcotics from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts and Rhode Island, introducing narcotics into the communities in which we all serve. This conduct will never be tolerated. Winning the battle against illicit drugs is a top priority for the Postal Service and the Inspection Service. Our objectives are to rid the mail of illicit drug trafficking and the associated violence, preserve the integrity of the mail, and, most importantly, provide a safe environment for postal employees and Postal Service customers — the American public.”

As alleged in the charging documents, since February 2020, law enforcement has been investigating a drug trafficking organization operated by Patrick Joseph. Based on a wiretap investigation, it is alleged that Joseph coordinated the transportation of 10-20 kilograms of cocaine at a time from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, and eventually to Massachusetts and Rhode Island via the U.S. Mail. During this investigation, the cocaine seized by investigators was found concealed in two-kilogram quantities inside air fryers and locking cash boxes before being sent through the mail.

Today, investigators seized various firearms, 21 kilograms of cocaine and over $100,000 cash.

The following defendants were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base:

• Patrick Joseph, 39, of Stoughton, Mass.;
• Donald Cue, 36, of Randolph, Mass.;
• Night Menard, 36, of Randolph, Mass.;
• Christian Junior Alvarado-Deleon, 20, of Randolph, Mass.;
• Oscar Nieves-Sosa, 20, a Dominican national residing in Hyde Park, Mass.;
• Stiven Berrio Osorio, 21, a Colombian national residing in Chelsea, Mass.;
• Robert Monteiro, 37, of Brockton, Mass.;
• Patrick Snow, 43, of Harwich, Mass.; and
• Felix Baez-Munoz, 31, of Methuen, Mass., who remains a fugitive at this time.

“The multiple kilos of cocaine intercepted through the combined work of these partner agencies would have, had they reached the streets, fueled despair and violence,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Christopher S. Mason. “The message to traffickers should be clear: the postal mail is not a safe route for you to distribute your poison and we will be as vigilant in interdicting that method of transport as we are with all other methods.”

“The Boston Police Department continues to work in partnership with our federal partners to prevent and reduce violence in our communities,” said Superintendent in Chief Gregory Long. “Today's arrests and seizure of firearms and drugs is a testament to the strong working relationships that ultimately resulted in removing dangerous firearms and drugs off the street.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell, USPIS Acting Inspector McCallister, MSP Colonel Mason and Superintendent in Chief Long made the announcement today. The Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division and Homeland Security Investigations in Boston provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip C. Cheng and James E. Arnold of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.

This case is 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.

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

Holyoke Man Sentenced for Heroin Distribution

 BOSTON – A Holyoke man was sentenced in federal court in Springfield today for distributing heroin.

Jose Rodriguez, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 90 months in prison and four years of supervised release. In October 2020, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin.

Rodriguez sold heroin on Sept. 19 and 27, 2018 in Holyoke. Rodriguez also possessed and intended to distribute 100 or more grams of heroin on July 6, 2019 in Holyoke. The charges were the result of an investigation into heroin trafficking in Holyoke.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

Newport Woman Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Stealing from Federally Funded Program

 BANGOR, Maine: A Newport woman was sentenced today in federal court for wire fraud and federal government program theft, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.

U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Sheri G. Walsh, 56, to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. Walsh also was ordered to pay approximately $325,000 in restitution. She pleaded guilty in December 2020.

According to court records, from June 2015 through April 2019, Walsh embezzled more than $325,000 from two not-for-profit organizations where she had previously been employed. Walsh carried out the scheme by fraudulently transferring funds from one organization to another, then converting the funds to her own use. During the relevant period, one of the not-for-profits received federal grant monies from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In imposing sentence, Judge Woodcock observed that Walsh had “violated not only her basic duty of loyalty” to the not-for-profit organizational victims, “but also her duty of loyalty to the missions of the two organizations.” He condemned Walsh’s offense conduct as “deplorable and inexcusable.”  

“The EPA awards grants in the public trust to protect the environmental health and safety of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Earle. “This case demonstrates that a grant custodian who violates the integrity of the Agency’s taxpayer-funded programs will be held accountable by the Office of Inspector General.”

The Ellsworth Police Department, the FBI, the EPA Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

Rockford Man Charged in Federal Court With Robbing Two Banks in Past Two Months

 ROCKFORD — A superseding indictment returned Tuesday by a federal grand jury in Rockford adds an additional charge of bank robbery against DEMONTRION DESHAN PHILLIPS, 27, of Rockford.

Phillips was originally charged with one count of bank robbery for allegedly stealing $5,930 in a heist on Apr. 7, 2021, at Midland States Bank, 1700 N. Alpine Rd. in Rockford.  The superseding indictment charges Phillips with an additional count of bank robbery for allegedly taking $4,408 from Midland States Bank, 600 S. State St. in Belvidere, on May 3, 2021. 

Phillips has been ordered detained in federal custody pending trial.  His arraignment on the superseding indictment is set for June 21, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston in Rockford. 

The superseding indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Randy Berke, Interim Chief of the Rockford Police Department; and Shane Woody, Chief of the Belvidere Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Talia Bucci.

The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Each count of bank robbery carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

Joint Law Enforcement Efforts In Union County Result In Lengthy Sentences For Five Drug And Gun Offenders

 Eight Others Have Pleaded Guilty and Are Currently Awaiting Sentencing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Acting U.S. Attorney William T. Stetzer announced today that five individuals have been sentenced to date on drug and gun charges as a result of proactive investigations led by federal and local law enforcement in Union County.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) partnered with the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the Monroe Police Department in joint investigations to identify drug and gun offenders operating in and around Union County. The investigative teams engaged in undercover operations including controlled buys of narcotics and illegal firearms. Over the course of the investigations, law enforcement also seized methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and 56 firearms.

Of the 13 defendants charged in connection with these investigations, five have been sentenced to date as follows:

• Princeton Patterson, 33, of Wadesboro, N.C., was sentenced today to 188 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Patterson pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon. (Docket No. 3:20-cr-221)
• Markiel Tyson, 29, of Pageland, South Carolina, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison and four years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. (3:20-cr-221)
• Cameron Jamal McManus, 29, also of Pageland, was ordered today to serve 120 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. (3:20-cr-221)
• On May 13, 2021, Rico Lorodge Brown, 32, of Monroe, N.C., was sentenced to 180 months in prison and four years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon. (3:20-cr-223)
• Alvin Thomas, Jr., 41, of Charlotte, was sentenced on May 13, 2021, to 120 months in prison and four years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. (3:20-cr-278)
   
  The following defendants have pleaded guilty and are currently awaiting sentencing.
   

• Santuron Cureton, 39, of Lancaster, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon, distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. (3:20-cr-216)
• Jamorris Demonte Sanders, 21, of Chester, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, dealing firearms without a license, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. (3:20-cr-218)
• Timonth Antonio Flanagan, 35, of Lancaster, has pleaded guilty to crack cocaine trafficking conspiracy and distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. (3:20-cr-218)
• Chareo Demarcus Johnson, 21, of Lancaster, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. (3:21-cr-66)
• Diante Ramon Brown, 22, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. (3:20-cr-222)
• Elliott Carmel Fincher, 32, of Marshville, N.C., has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon. (3:20-cr-217)
• Larry Eddie Crowder Jr., 32, of Waxhaw, N.C., has pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. (3:20-cr-219)
• Bridget Cherie Chambers, 32, of Monroe, has pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. (3:20-cr-27).

In making today's announcement Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer commended the ATF, FBI, DEA, the Union County Sheriff's Office and the Monroe Police Department for their investigative efforts.

The prosecution for the government was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kelly and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Stephanie Spaugh. Ms. Spaugh is a state prosecutor with the office of the 26^th Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Spencer Merriweather to serve as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.  Ms. Spaugh is duly sworn in both state and federal courts.  The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the office of the 26^th Prosecutorial District and the United States Attorney’s Office. 

Pembroke Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography

            CONCORD - Erik Bjork, 38, of Pembroke, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution and possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, in May, 2019, officers with the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force were conducting online investigations into individuals utilizing peer-to-peer networks (P2P) to share known images of child pornography on the internet.  On May 10, 2019, a detective with the Portsmouth Police Department was able to download five files from a target IP address. Additional monitoring of the target IP address showed more files, all indicative of child pornography available for download. 

           The IP address was traced to Bjork’s address in Pembroke.  A search warrant was executed and a laptop was seized that contained over 1,600 files of child pornography, many involving infants and toddlers.  Bjork admitted to using P2P networks to obtain and share child pornography.

           Bjork is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2021.

           “Protecting vulnerable children is among the most important duties of law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We are committed to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the child pornography and the sexual exploitation of minors.  I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose efforts resulted in this successful prosecution.”

          “With today’s guilty plea Bjork, who possessed and distributed more than a thousand deeply disturbing child pornography images, will be held accountable for his depraved, criminal actions,” said Acting Special Agent In Charge William S. Walker, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “The online sharing and distribution of child pornography by individuals like Bjork re-victimizes and adds to the original abuse suffered by the victims. We hope today’s guilty plea will bring some measure of justice for the innocent victims and their families in this case.  HSI is thankful for the dedicated work of our partners in the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the New Hampshire State Police, the Pembroke Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire, that today’s plea to help in the recovery and healing process.”

          “The NH Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is proud to partner with law enforcement officials from Homeland Security, NHSP, the Pembroke Police Department and the US Attorney’s Office in an effort to keep our children safe.”

           This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire State Police, and Pembroke Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.

           In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Virginia Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Distribute Over Two Tons Of Illegal Marijuana

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Harold McDonald, 23, of Virginia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra to conspiring to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a $10,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Misha Coulson, who is handling the case, stated that on August 23, 2020, a commercial tractor bearing Canadian plates was encountered at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry and was said to contain two shipments of empty plastic bottles and paper product. The truck was referred to secondary inspection for a vehicle x-ray scan. A physical inspection of five wooden pallets inside revealed 1,848.5 kilograms of marijuana located on pallets.

Subsequently, law enforcement officers conducted a controlled delivery operation. This included a vehicle stop of a Jeep Cherokee in which the defendant was riding. The Jeep was observed following the shipment of marijuana and conducting counter surveillance of law enforcement in the area. Law enforcement observed a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun partially tucked under the defendant’s leg. An additional loaded magazine for the handgun was later located on McDonald’s person. Also, in the vehicle at the time of the stop were co-defendants Joseph Lee Ellis and Heather Nicole Dommer, who was driving the vehicle.

Charges remain pending against co-defendants Joseph Lee Ellis and Health Nicole Dommer. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

Convicted murderer, gang member who led drug trafficking organization from inside state prison is sentenced to federal term

 Former Savannah resident led drug ring from inside state facilities

SAVANNAH, GA:  A former Savannah resident serving a life sentence in state prison for murder has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for operating a drug trafficking organization while incarcerated.

Eugene Allen, a/k/a “Poncho,” 44, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine and 50 Kilograms or More of Marijuana, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Allen was convicted of the charge by a U.S. District Court jury in August 2019. After completion of his prison term, Allen must serve eight years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Using contraband cell phones to circumvent prison monitoring of his conspiracy, Eugene Allen directed nearly two dozen others outside the prison to bring large amounts of drugs to the Savannah area for distribution throughout the region,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “Our diligent law enforcement partners shut down this poison distribution network, and Allen is the final member of this conspiracy to now find himself in federal prison.”

As described in court documents and testimony, Allen – a high-ranking member of the Gangster Disciples criminal street gang – has been in state prison since 2004 after violating parole on a prior state conviction. In 2006, he was convicted of multiple violent crimes, including murder, and sentenced to life in prison. While incarcerated in Autry State Prison and at Coffee Correctional Facility, Allen used cell phones – dropped in by remote-control drone aircraft, or smuggled via prison guards – to direct the other members of the conspiracy.

In an investigation dubbed Operation Five Hole started in 2014, the FBI, the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) and the Savannah Police Department determined that those co-conspirators shipped or delivered kilogram amounts of drugs, including cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and marijuana, from California to Atlanta, and then to Savannah for distribution throughout the area, often concealing the shipments in candy machines. Co-conspirators also shipped large quantities of vacuum-sealed cash to pay the sources of supply.

Allen and 19 co-defendants were indicted in U.S. District Court in 2017 for their roles in the drug trafficking conspiracy. All have been adjudicated, with17 found guilty and sentenced and two cases dismissed. Another 12 related defendants also have been sentenced. Many of the defendants also were convicted and sentenced for related state charges.

“This sentencing is the result of the hard work and dedication of multiple federal state and local law enforcement agencies, as part of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. As a result, Allen, who continued to wreak havoc in the community even after his state prison sentence will now face federal prison time, without the possibility for parole.  Hopefully, this sends the message that the FBI and our partners will go to any length to uphold the law.” 

“By directing a drug trafficking network from prison, Allen has shown an obvious disregard for the law which cannot be ignored,” said CNT Director Michael G. Sarhatt, “CNT continues to focus our efforts on targeting criminal organizations such as this one in order to keep these toxic substances from reaching our community. I am thankful for the assistance from our federal, state, and local partners during this investigation.”

Operation Five Hole was investigated under the 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.

The case was investigated by the FBI, CNT, the Savannah Police Department, the Chatham and Effingham County Sheriffs’ Offices, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Marshals Service, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah J. Abrams, Frank M. Pennington II, and E. Gregory Gilluly Jr.

Bronx, New York, Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison For Conspiring to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl From a Bronx Drug Mill

 NEWARK, N.J. – A Bronx, New York, man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl from a drug mill in the Bronx to locations in New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Jose Antonio Vasquez Pena, a/k/a “Tono,” 48, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Judge Salas imposed the sentence by videoconference today. Dilson Vazquez Genao, 23, Eddie Urena Rodriguez, 35, and Francisco Mercedes Gil, 31, also of the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty before Judge Salas to the same charges in September 2019. Daury Contreras Ulerio, 34, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced in March 2020.

Two other individuals – Jhan Carlos Capellan Maldonado, 31, and Reimon Genao Rosario, 23 – were indicted on the same charge as Pena in August 2019. Their cases are pending.

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

In early February 2019, law enforcement officers learned that Maldonado used an apartment in the Bronx to store, mix, and package heroin and fentanyl in distribution quantities. Pena stayed at the apartment in order to safeguard the narcotics and narcotics supplies. Maldonado employed approximately five workers at a time—including Rodriguez, Ulerio, Rosario, Gil, and Genao—to assist in preparing the heroin and fentanyl for distribution, which Maldonado then distributed to customers in New Jersey.

On Feb. 25, 2019, law enforcement officers saw Maldonado drive to a retail store and emerge with several full shopping bags and then drive to the apartment. Genoa came out of the building and met with Maldonado, who got out of his vehicle and gave Genoa the plastic shopping bags. Through its investigation, law enforcement later learned that the plastic shopping bags contained materials to package heroin and fentanyl.

Genoa went back inside the building and was followed by law enforcement officers, who watched as Genoa entered Maldonado’s apartment with a key, still carrying the shopping bags. On Feb. 27, 2019, law enforcement searched Maldonado’s apartment and found seven individuals inside, including Rodriguez, Ulerio, Rosario, Gil, Maldonado, Pena, and Genao. All seven defendants attempted to escape out a window, but all but one – Rosario – were apprehended and arrested by law enforcement officers waiting outside. Rosario was arrested at a later date. Law enforcement recovered nearly a kilogram of fentanyl from the apartment, along with materials to grind and package fentanyl for distribution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)’s New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould, Acting Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charge and allegations against Maldonado and Rosario are merely accusations, and those defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Former IT Director and Contractor Charged in Federal Court for Roles in Bribery Scheme

 Defendants Prosecuted as Part of The Guardians Project, a Federal Law Enforcement Initiative to Combat Corruption, Fraud, and Abuse in South Dakota

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that the former information technology director of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (SRST) and a contractor were each charged with their respective roles in a bribery scheme.  Sven Schreiber, age 52, of Florida and North Dakota, and Arnaldo Piccinelli, age 43 of Florida, were each charged with three counts of Bribery Concerning a Program Receiving Federal Funds.

Schreiber made his appearance on May 20, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno and entered a plea of not guilty.  Piccinelli made his appearance on May 12, 2021, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Middle District of Florida. The charges are merely accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  Each was released pending trial.

Each charge carries the following maximum penalties: 10 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine; three years of supervised release following release from custody; $100 special assessment; and restitution.

According to the charging document, in or around December 2015, Schreiber became the Director of the Information Technology Department of the SRST.  Schreiber’s duties included, among other things, serving as the Tribe’s primary contact with outside vendors and generating bids, contracts, and agreements relating to the work of the Tribe’s Information Technology Department. 

Piccinelli provided information technology services on a sole-source, contract basis with the Tribe, by and through its Information Technology Department.  Schreiber served as Defendant Piccinelli’s point of contact regarding all of the contracts with the Tribe.

Piccinelli accepted payments from the Tribe, at the direction of Schreiber, via checks made payable to Piccinelli individually or to Piccinelli’s for-profit corporation, Hexagon Code, Incorporated.  It is alleged that on more than one occasion, Schreiber agreed to accept a bribe from Piccinelli, who paid the bribe to Schreiber.

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.      

The case was brought pursuant to The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities.  The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities.  Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include:  Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.

For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400.  To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.

Baton Rouge Woman Charged with Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in Connection with Fraudulent Scheme to Obtain Unemployment Benefits

 A federal grand jury recently returned a seven-count indictment charging Shawnda Rochelle Augustus, age 39, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for allegedly obtaining and attempting to obtain unemployment benefits following the floods of 2016 and pandemic unemployment benefits in 2020.  Augustus appeared for her arraignment and pled not guilty to the pending charges. 

In August 2016, the President issued a major disaster declaration for portions of Louisiana devastated by historic flooding.  The declaration authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide federal funds for disaster relief programs, including disaster unemployment benefits to those who could no longer work as a result of the floods.  In March 2020, the President declared a national emergency as a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, and signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.  The CARES Act was designed to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing emergency assistance for individuals, including new types of unemployment benefits for those individuals who were not longer employed as a result of the pandemic.   In Louisiana, both the disaster unemployment assistance (DUA) and pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA) programs were administered by the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC).  In other states, the PUA program is administered by the state’s unemployment insurance agency. 

According to the indictment, following the floods of 2016, Augustus engaged in a scheme to defraud and to obtain money from FEMA by submitting fraudulent applications for DUA benefits to the LWC, both in her own name, and in the names of other victims, without their knowledge or consent.  As a result of these submissions, Augustus received or attempted to receive approximately $244,036 in fraudulent DUA benefits. 

The indictment further alleges that Augustus engaged in multi-state fraud scheme to obtain PUA benefits to which she was not entitled. Specifically, Augustus submitted fraudulent applications for PUA benefits in Louisiana, and in multiple other states, including Arizona, Georgia, Tennessee, Hawaii, and Nebraska, among others.  Augustus also obtained the personal identifying information of victims, including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers.  Using these stolen identities, Augustus submitted fraudulent applications for PUA benefits in the names of those victims in multiple states.  According to the indictment, Augustus received approximately $123,908 in false claims for PUA benefits. Once the funds were transmitted, Augustus allegedly withdrew the funds as cash, or used the funds to pay for hotels, airline tickets, and purchases at restaurants and retail stores.   

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Labor is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen L. Craig. 

NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury.  The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea. 

Tulsa Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Methamphetamine

 A man was sentenced today in federal court for attempting to have heroin mailed from Mexico to his Tulsa residence and for possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Shane McClearan Wright, 44, of Tulsa, to 10 years in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. Wright pleaded guilty on Jan. 7, 2021, to attempted possession of heroin with intent to distribute; possession of heroin with intent to distribute; possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute; possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; and maintaining a drug-involved premises.

“Shane Wright attempted to have nearly 2 kilos of heroin shipped to Oklahoma and planned to distribute a trio of deadly drugs- fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin- onto the streets of Tulsa,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Because of the close working relationships established between U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Tulsa Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick, this drug dealer is headed to federal prison.”

“Those seeking to profit from the distribution of these dangerous, life-altering drugs will face swift prosecution and accountability for their crimes,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge of HSI Dallas. “While we recognize the users addicted to these illicit substances need help, our most pressing priority as a law enforcement agency is to eradicate the source of this scourge, placing the traffickers that bring these drugs into our communities behind bars.”  

On September 10, 2020, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer x-rayed a FedEx package coming from Mexico and noticed some anomalies. A K-9 unit then discovered that the package contained 1.84 kilos of heroin and was en route to an address in Northern Oklahoma. Officers discovered that the package was intended for Shane Wright and that Wright was known to local law enforcement as a narcotics courier. Prior to the delivery arriving at Wright’s residence, law enforcement replaced the 1.84 kilos with 100 grams of heroin as a represented delivery sample. On September 15, 2020, an officer from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs posed as a FedEx delivery driver and knocked on Wright’s door to have him sign for the package. Once the parcel was received by Wright, law enforcement conducted a search warrant and found $6,975 cash in a lock box, more heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, unknown white pills, and a digital scale at the residence.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Tulsa Police Department, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick prosecuted the case. AUSA McCormick is the lead attorney for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in the Northern District of Oklahoma.