LOCAL RAP ARTIST SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON ON CHARGES RELATING TO FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM AND OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRISTOPHER DORSEY, aka "BG", age 28, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U. S. District Court Judge Helen G. Berrigan to serve 168 months (14 years) in federal prison. Dorsey pled guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice on December 7, 2011, without the benefit of a plea agreement. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Berrigan ordered that DORSEY be placed on three (3) years of supervised release following the term of imprisonment, during which time the defendant will be under federal supervision and risks an additional term of imprisonment should he violate any terms of his supervised release.

According to the indictment, DORSEY, who had three prior felony drug convictions from 1998 through 2003, was in possession of a firearm between August 2009 and November 2, 2009 and again on November 3, 2009. (Counts 1 and 2).

The indictment also charges DORSEY with conspiring to obstruct justice with two other individuals, Jerod Fedison and Demounde Pollard. The indictment alleges that these three individuals conspired with each other to obstruct justice by getting Pollard to sign a false affidavit attesting that neither Fedison nor DORSEY possessed three firearms on November 3, 2009.

Both Fedison and Pollard have already pled guilty in connection with this investigation. Fedison was sentenced earlier this year to serve 20 years (240) months for his role in these offenses. Pollard pled guilty to misprision of a felony, and received a sentence of 30 months in prison.

The case was investigated by the ATF and the New Orleans Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.

Former Rochester Amerk Sentenced on Drug Charges

ROCHESTER, NY—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Sean McMorrow, 30, of Toronto, Canada, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, was sentenced to 24 months in prison and a $2,000 fine by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that McMorrow, a former professional hockey player, played for the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League from 2003 through 2006. From April 2003 through April 2005, McMorrow was involved in importing large quantities of marijuana from Canada into the United States over the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and distributing the marijuana to others in the Western District of New York. As part of the conspiracy, the defendant, on numerous occasions, obtained large quantities of marijuana from a supplier in Toronto and then transported the marijuana, concealed in hockey bags inside his sport utility vehicle, over the border.

Also as part of the conspiracy, McMorrow used various individuals, including two college-age women, to act as drug couriers. McMorrow organized and supervised the trips by the drug couriers, providing them with money to smuggle into Canada, loading their vehicles with marijuana, driving across the Rainbow Bridge ahead of the couriers in an effort to avoid detection by law enforcement authorities, retrieving the marijuana from the couriers on the United States side of the border, and paying the couriers for their services. The conspiracy involved up to 80 kilograms (or 176 pounds) of marijuana.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota.

Florida Man Arrested in “Operation Hackerazzi” for Targeting Celebrities with Computer Intrusion, Wiretapping, and Identity Theft

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LOS ANGELES—A man accused of targeting the entertainment industry by hacking into the personal e-mail accounts of celebrities was arrested today after being charged with a range of cyber-related crimes, announced André Birotte Jr., the United States Attorney in Los Angeles; and Steven Martinez, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

Christopher Chaney, 35, of Jacksonville, Florida, was arrested this morning by FBI agents without incident. A federal grand jury in Los Angeles returned a sealed indictment yesterday charging Chaney with violations under Title 18 of the U.S. Criminal Code, including: accessing protected computers without authorization; damaging protected computers without authorization; wiretapping; and aggravated identity theft.

According to the indictment, which was unsealed this morning, Chaney used several aliases while illegally obtaining personal information of numerous celebrities through a series of computer intrusions. The aliases used include: “trainreqsuckswhat,” “anonygrrl,” and “jaxjaguars911.”

Investigators believe that Chaney used publicly available sources to mine for data about his female and male victims, all of whom are associated with the entertainment industry. Once Chaney gained access and control of an e-mail account, he would obtain private information, such as e-mails and file attachments, according to the indictment. In addition, investigators believe that Chaney was led to new victims by accessing the address books of victims whose computers he already controlled.

Throughout the 11-month investigation, agents identified over 50 victims whose accounts were illegally accessed by Chaney. The 26-count indictment details specific instances in which Chaney violated 11 of the victims, some of whom are identified by initials only. The victims are identified in the indictment as: Simone Harouche, Mila Kunis, Christina Aguilera, Scarlett Johansson, Renee Olstead, B.P., J.A., L.B., L.S., D.F., and B.G.

The indictment specifically charges Chaney with illegally accessing the computers, e-mail accounts and account settings of several victims, beginning November 13, 2010, through February 10, 2011. The indictment further alleges that Chaney knowingly caused the transmission of programs, information codes and commands, resulting in damage to e-mail servers, causing losses of at least $5,000 per instance. Chaney also used the identities of some of the victims to illegally access and control computers, according to the indictment. In other instances, Chaney allegedly intercepted and endeavored to intercept wire communications; specifically, e-mails and attachments.

In most cases, Chaney accessed the administrative settings on the victims’ accounts so that all of their e-mails would automatically be forwarded to a separate e-mail account Chaney controlled. This form of wiretapping allowed Chaney to continually receive victims’ e-mails even after a password had been reset.

Investigators determined that Chaney distributed some of the files he obtained illegally, including photos of celebrities, and offered them to various celebrity blog sites. Some of the illegally obtained files, including private photographs, were ultimately posted online as a result of Chaney’s alleged activities.

“While the case against Mr. Chaney involves celebrities who were targeted because of their fame, this case reminds us that we are all potential victims of computer hackers,” said United States Attorney André Birotte Jr. “Everyone can take simple steps that will help protect a computer system. Taking these steps will go a long way in protecting yourself from the financial and emotional costs of having someone intrude on your private life and potentially steal your identity.”

“As we highlight cyber awareness during the month of October, it’s important to remember that, although these victims appear to have been targeted based on their celebrity, similar methods may be used to illegally access any one of our computers,” said Steven Martinez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Strict computer security should be practiced when using smart phones, laptops, desktops, iPads, or any other device that provides Internet access.”

Chaney will have an initial appearance in United States District Court in Jacksonville, Florida. It is anticipated that the government will request that Chaney be removed to Los Angeles, the district in which he was charged, to face prosecution.

If convicted on all counts, Chaney faces a statutory maximum penalty of 121 years in federal prison. This investigation was conducted by the FBI. The charges against Chaney will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Man Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud in Multi-Million-Dollar NASCAR Merchandise Ponzi That Bilked Friends and Family

LOS ANGELES—A San Fernando Valley man pleaded guilty to this afternoon to mail fraud charges after taking millions of dollars from victims—including friends and family members—who thought they were financing a wholesale business that distributed NASCAR merchandise.

Eliott Jay Dresher, 64, of Chatsworth, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Philip S. Gutierrez.

In a plea agreement filed in United States District Court, Dresher admitted that he fraudulently took in more than $13.5 million from victims during the course of a Ponzi scheme that lasted more than a decade. As a result of his criminal activity, more than two dozen families suffered losses of at least $5 million, although that figure could be as high as $9.5 million.

Dresher solicited money from investors by telling them that he had an inside connection that allowed him to purchase NASCAR apparel and merchandise at a discount, and that he then sold that merchandise to “big box” stores, such as Costco, for a substantial profit. As part of his scheme, Dresher guaranteed substantial monthly returns—typically between 20 percent and 25 percent every six months. However, Dresher did not actually have any inside source and did not operate a business to buy and sell NASCAR-related merchandise. Instead, all of the funds paid to investors were “Ponzi” payments that came from money invested by victims.

The specific mail fraud count to which Dresher pleaded guilty relates to more than $250,000 that he solicited from a longtime friend who at the time had been unemployed for more than three months.

Judge Gutierrez scheduled a sentencing hearing for December 19. As a result of his guilty plea to the mail fraud charge, Dresher faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Dresher has been held without bond since his arrest in Las Vegas, Nevada in December 2009.

The case against Dresher was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Former Baseball Player Lenny Dykstra Indicted by Federal Grand Jury in Bankruptcy Fraud Case

LOS ANGELES—Celebrity athlete Lenny Dykstra, an All-Star outfielder who played for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, was indicted today by a federal grand jury that accused him of bankruptcy fraud for allegedly selling items from his $18 million mansion in Ventura County.

Lenny Kyle Dykstra, 48, who was known by the nickname “Nails” and is currently residing in Murietta, California, was named in a 13-count indictment returned this afternoon.

The indictment accused Dykstra of one count of bankruptcy fraud, one count of obstruction of justice, four counts of concealing property from the bankruptcy estate, three counts of embezzlement from the bankruptcy estate, and four counts of making false declarations to the Bankruptcy Court.

The indictment is the result of conduct Dykstra allegedly engaged in after filing a bankruptcy case on July 7, 2009. The indictment alleges that after filing the bankruptcy protection, Dykstra looted his Sherwood Estates mansion, lied about who stripped the mansion, and denied receiving money for having sold items that were owned by the Bankruptcy Estate.

According to court documents, an attorney hired by the bankruptcy trustee estimates that Dykstra stole and destroyed more than $400,000 worth of property in the estate.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

All of the charges in the indictment carry a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, except for obstruction of justice, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Therefore, if he is convicted of all 13 counts in the indictment, Dykstra would face a maximum possible penalty of 80 years in prison.

Dykstra’s bankruptcy case is still pending in United States Bankruptcy Court in Woodland Hills.

The investigation in the bankruptcy fraud case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS - Criminal Investigation. The United States Trustee for the Central District of California (Region 16) provided substantial assistance during the investigation.

“The bankruptcy-related conduct charged in the indictment constitutes an egregious abuse of the bankruptcy system and will not be tolerated,” stated Peter C. Anderson, U.S. Trustee for Region 16. The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws.

CONTACT:

Assistant United States Attorney Evan Davis

Major Frauds Section

(213) 894-4850

Assistant United States Attorney Aaron May

Major Frauds Section

(213) 894-0363

Release No. 11-064

Former MLB Star Lenny Dykstra Charged in Bankruptcy Fraud Case That Alleges Sale of Items from Mansion

LOS ANGELES—Lenny Dykstra, former celebrity who played outfield for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies baseball clubs and later gained notoriety as a stock picker, has been charged with bankruptcy fraud for allegedly selling items from his $18 million mansion in Ventura County.

Lenny Kyle Dykstra, 48, who is currently residing in Encino, was named in a one-count criminal complaint filed Wednesday that accuses Dykstra of one count of embezzling from a bankruptcy estate.

The federal criminal case against Dykstra was announced today after he was taken into custody last night at his residence by local authorities on unrelated charges.

The federal charges stem from a bankruptcy case that Dykstra filed on July 7, 2009. The criminal case filed in United States District Court alleges that Dykstra removed, destroyed, and sold property that was part of the bankruptcy estate without the permission of the bankruptcy trustee.

According to court documents, after Dykstra filed for bankruptcy, he sold many items belonging to the bankruptcy estate for cash, as well as destroying and hiding other items. An attorney hired by the bankruptcy trustee estimates that Dykstra stole and destroyed more than $400,000 worth of property in the estate, according to the criminal complaint.

When Dykstra filed for bankruptcy, he listed two residences—a mansion in Lake Sherwood Estates purchased from Janet and Wayne Gretzky that he estimated was worth $18.5 million, and a home in Westlake Village that he estimated was worth $5.4 million. As a result of the bankruptcy filing, the residences and Dykstra’s personal property became part of the bankruptcy estate that would be used to pay off creditors. Even though Dykstra was prohibited from liquidating any part of the estate, the investigation showed that:

About a month after filing for bankruptcy, Dykstra was paid cash at a Los Angeles consignment store for personal items, including a truckload of furnishings and fixtures that he had taken from the Lake Sherwood mansion; Dykstra admitted in a bankruptcy hearing to having arranged the sale of sports memorabilia and a dresser that were property of the bankruptcy estate; and Dykstra “ripped out” a $50,000 sink from his mansion and took granite from the mansion and installed it in an office he set up at the Camarillo airport after he had filed for bankruptcy protection.

A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The charge of bankruptcy fraud carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

Dykstra’s bankruptcy case is still pending in United States Bankruptcy Court in Woodland Hills.

The investigation in the bankruptcy fraud case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS - Criminal Investigation. The United States Trustee for the Central District of California (Region 16) provided substantial assistance during the investigation.

CONTACT:

Assistant United States Attorney Evan Davis

Major Frauds Section

(213) 894-4850

Assistant United States Attorney Aaron May

Major Frauds Section

(213) 894-0363