Law Enforcement Seeking Persons of Interest in Kenosha Arson Investigations

 Kenosha, Wis. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Milwaukee Field Office, the Kenosha Police Department, the Kenosha Fire Department, the Kenosha Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin is seeking to speak to at least seven persons of interest who could advance the arson investigations of several Kenosha, Wisconsin businesses and vehicles that were set ablaze between Sunday, August 23 and Tuesday, August 25.

ATF’s National Response Team (NRT) and local field office of Special Agents, in partnership with the Kenosha Police Department, Kenosha Fire Department, Kenosha Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office are focusing their efforts on identifying the persons responsible for twenty structure and seven vehicle arsons that occurred in Kenosha last month. Members of ATF’s specialized NRT arrived last week to work alongside the local investigators. The NRT brings expertise in meeting the challenges faced at the scenes of significant fires and explosions. The teams are each comprised of veteran special agents who have post-blast and fire origin-and-cause expertise, forensic chemists, explosives enforcement officers, fire protection engineers, accelerant detection canines, explosives detection canines, intelligence support, computer forensic support, and audit support.

“With remarkable speed, the ATF’s National Response Team has already processed the fire scenes and isolated images of individuals who may have important information,” said United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger.  “Now we need the public’s help in reviewing these images.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, with the ATF and our state and local partners, will continue working to hold accountable anyone responsible for the arsons that devastated Kenosha.”

 “We are asking the community to look at these images and videos and provide information to help solve these arsons,” said Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo of the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “Engaging the community is imperative to not only solving these arsons, it will help the community heal and build trust among all Kenosha stakeholders.”

Anyone with information on the identities or whereabouts of these individuals, or if you have additional pictures or videos, please contact Kenosha Police Department at (262) 605-5203 or Kenosha CrimeStoppers at (262) 656-7333, or 1-888-ATF-FIRE. Additionally, you may also email information to ATFTips@atf.gov. Provide as much information as you can about the identities and whereabouts of these individuals or upload any videos or photos that may aid in an investigation.

ATF National Response Team and Kenosha Police Department are seeking to identify the above male (ID# UNSUB16) in relation to an arson which occurred at B&L Furniture located at 1101 60^th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin the evening of August 24.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/be9YiWWCgHM

ATF National Response Team and Kenosha Police Department are seeking to identify the above male (ID# UNSUB1) in relation to a Kenosha Garbage Truck set ablaze which occurred at 56^th and Sheridan, Kenosha, Wisconsin August 23.

ATF National Response Team and Kenosha Police Department are seeking to identify the above female (ID# UNSUB15) in relation to an arson that occurred at TCF Bank located at 1815 63^rd Street in Kenosha, Wisconsin on August 24 at 11:34 p.m.

ATF National Response Team and Kenosha Police Department are seeking to identify the above female (ID# UNSUB6) in relation to an arson that occurred at H&R Block located at 6124 22^nd Avenue in Kenosha, Wisconsin on August 24.

ATF National Response Team and Kenosha Police Department are seeking to identify the above female (ID# UNSUB15) in relation to multiple arsons that occurred in Kenosha, Wisconsin on August 24.

Video link: https://youtu.be/FMITrN2I5Tg

ATF National Response Team and Kenosha Police Department are seeking to identify the above male (ID# UNSUB12) in relation to an arson which occurred at Car Source located at 6226 Sheridan Road in Kenosha, Wisconsin the evening of August 24.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/zNNykVfFsPg

ATF National Response Team and Kenosha Police Department are seeking to identify the above male (ID# UNSUB12) in relation to an arson which occurred at Kenosha Probation and Parole Building at 1212 60^th Street in Kenosha, Wisconsin the evening of August 24.

In addition to the persons of interest in the arsons described above, the following arsons are also under investigation. Please submit any information you may have regarding the following addresses:

• Mangia’s Italian Restaurant, 5717 Sheridan Road
• Kenosha Public Library, 711 59^th Place
• Mattress Shop, 6224 22^nd Avenue
• Affordable Auto, 1118 60^th Street
• County Credit Union, 925 59^th Street
• Charlie’s 10^th Hole, 3805 22^nd Avenue
• Boost Mobile, 2208 Roosevelt Road
• Car Source, 5821 Sheridan Road
• Something Different, 5716 6^th Avenue
• DeBerge’s Framing & Gallery, 2008 63^rd Street
• Citgo Gas Station, 3806 30^th Street
• Treasure’s Within, 1016 60^th Street
• Dinosaur Discovery Museum, 5608 10^th Avenue
• Lend Nation, 6304 22^nd Avenue

If you have information about any of these incidents, please contact Kenosha Police Department at (262) 605-5203 or Kenosha CrimeStoppers at (262) 656-7333, or 1-888-ATF-FIRE. Additionally, you may also email information to ATFTips@atf.gov.

Pittsburgh Felon Charged in Shooting of ATF Special Agent in June 2020

 PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of assault on a federal employee, and violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

According to U.S. Attorney Brady, on June 18, 2020, a multi-agency enforcement action was occurring in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood following the indictment of members of a large-scale cocaine trafficking organization. At approximately 6:00 a.m., a Special Agent on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Response Team was shot and wounded as he breached a doorway.

The three-count Indictment, returned on September 1, named Dion Williams, age 44, of Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.

"My office has zero tolerance for assaults upon or violence directed against law enforcement officers. Violent drug trafficking felons like Dion Williams who brazenly use illegal firearms to shoot at law enforcement officers have no place in western Pennsylvania," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "We will continue to use all available resources to dismantle drug gangs and bring violent criminals to justice, and to protect the men and women of law enforcement who work tirelessly every day to keep us all safe."

"It’s essential that we keep law enforcement officers safe as they protect and serve the nation’s communities," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Assault on law enforcement officers undermines the rule of law and will not be tolerated. Anyone who fires at law enforcement threatens the safety of our community and will face serious legal consequences. I am thankful the injured ATF agent is recovering and appreciative of his service and dedication."

"While danger is an inherent part of our job as law enforcement officers we take anyone who tries to kill a federal agent as a clear and present danger to not only law enforcement but the community as a whole," said John Schmidt, acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. "Today, we applaud the multi-jurisdictional efforts that resulted in the indictment of this alleged violent offender. ATF, along with our local, state and federal partners will continue to target violent individuals who have little regard for the law and human life."

According to the Indictment, Williams is accused of using a deadly and dangerous weapon to assault and inflict bodily injury upon a member of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Williams is also accused of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Williams has four prior drug convictions in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, and has one prior conviction for distribution and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years in prison, nor more than life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney and Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

FBI Charlotte Encourages Safe Online Learning for Students, Teachers, and Parents

 The FBI is encouraging students, teachers, and parents to take advantage of the FBI’s Safe Online Surfing program as many children begin their school year online.

The goal of FBI’s Safe Online Surfing (SOS) Internet Challenge program is to teach children in third through eighth grades how to recognize and respond to online dangers such as cyberbullying, online predators, and identity thieves. The SOS program teaches young people about web terminology and how to recognize secure and trustworthy sites. Other lessons cover how to protect personal details online, create strong passwords, avoid viruses and scams, be wary of strangers, and be a good virtual citizen.

More than 1 million students completed the program and took the SOS exam during the 2018-2019 school year. SOS activities are available to everyone to use, but teachers can register for a class to participate in the tests and competition. Any public, private, or home school in the United States with at least five students is eligible for the online challenge, which meet state and federal standards. Teachers manage their students’ participation in the program and the FBI does not collect or store any student information.

Since October 2012, the FBI-SOS website has been visited nearly 3.6 million times. Here is a link to the website for students, parents, and teachers: https://sos.fbi.gov/en/.

Here is the link to the Spanish language site: https://sos.fbi.gov/es/

Six-Time Bank Robber From Philadelphia Sentenced to Over 10 Years

 The defendant targeted banks in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Justin O’Brien, 33, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $7,244 in restitution by United States District Court Judge Nitza I. Alejandro-Quinones for armed bank robbery.

In December 2019, O’Brien pleaded guilty to committing an armed bank robbery on March 12, 2019, taking $1,260 from an employee of Firstrust Bank on Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr, PA. The defendant also admitted to committing an assault by the use of a dangerous weapon – namely, a facsimile firearm (pellet gun).

As part of the plea agreement, O’Brien also acknowledged his guilt for five other bank robberies, and agreed that the Court could sentence him as if he had been convicted of these crimes: 1) the October 29, 2018 bank robbery of the Tompkins VIST Bank on Verree Road in Philadelphia, resulting in a loss of approximately $1,880; 2) the November 9, 2018 bank robbery of the M&T Bank on Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia, resulting in a loss of approximately $451; 3) the March 1, 2019 armed bank robbery of the Firstrust Bank on Krewstown Road in Philadelphia, resulting in a loss of approximately $975; 4) the March 8, 2019 armed bank robbery of the Tompkins VIST Bank on West Lancaster Avenue in Radnor Township, resulting in a loss of approximately $600; and 5) the March 18, 2019 bank robbery of the PNC Bank on Market Street in Philadelphia, resulting in a loss of approximately $2,078.

“O’Brien’s bank robbery spree terrorized innocent employees and showed a contempt for the law,” U.S. Attorney McSwain. “But federal crime means federal time, and now O’Brien has earned a long stint behind bars. My Office’s anti-violence public awareness campaign warns against the serious consequences of committing violent crime in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. You can learn more about this campaign on our District website.”

“Thanks to the hard work of the Philadelphia FBI and its local partners, Justin O’Brien will no longer be in a position to terrorize the community,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “While today’s sentence cannot undo the harm O’Brien caused his victims, it sends a message that if you commit a violent crime, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to bring you to justice.”

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lower Merion Township Police Department, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Radnor Township Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Zaleski.

Washington D.C. Man Faces Federal Charges Related to Series of Armed Robberies in Prince George’s County

 Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging Shaykh Abdul-Majid, age 35, of Washington, D.C., for federal armed commercial robbery and for discharging, brandishing, using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to any crime of violence.  At his initial appearance today, U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles B. Day ordered that Abdul-Majid be detained pending trial.

The criminal complaint was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Interim Chief of Police Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

According to the complaint, Abdul-Majid is charged with committing three armed robberies of businesses between June 29 and July 5, 2020.  In each robbery, the complaint alleges that Abdul-Majid entered the store, pointed a silver and black handgun at the employee victims and customers, and demanded money, stealing a total of more than $2,700 in cash, as well as 10 cellular phones worth approximately $7,400, and a customer’s wallet.  As detailed in the complaint, Abdul-Majid wore distinctive clothing and drove the same vehicle in each robbery.

At the robbery on July 5, 2020, the complaint alleges that after the store employee gave Abdul-Majid $200 in store funds at gunpoint, Abdul-Majid then demanded they move to the store’s back storage area. According to the complaint, fearing he would be shot, the employee attempted to remove the handgun from Abdul-Majid, who allegedly fired two rounds during the struggle. The employee’s hand and fingers were cut as he tried to prevent the handgun’s slide from racking as casings were ejecting. After the struggle, Abdul-Majid fled on foot out the back of the business with the store funds. 

On July 7, 2020, detectives located Abdul-Majid in his vehicle, which was parked in Washington, D.C.  Upon seeing law enforcement, Abdul-Majid fled from the vehicle on foot, but was apprehended a short time later. Law enforcement officers seized the vehicle and subsequently executed a search warrant on the vehicle.  During the search, law enforcement recovered clothing consistent with the items worn in the robberies.  Officers also recovered a silver and black handgun, consistent with the weapon used in the robberies. 

If convicted, Abdul-Majid faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for robbery; seven years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for brandishing a firearm; and 10 years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the PGPD, for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes, who is prosecuting the case.

Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced To 12+ Years In Prison

 MACON, Ga. – A methamphetamine trafficker caught with a large amount of “ice” methamphetamine was sentenced to serve twelve and a half years in prison today for his crime, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.

DeMarcus Bell, 42, of Cordele, Georgia was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell to 150 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.

On October 7, 2018, an officer with the Byron, Georgia Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Bell. The defendant consented to a search of the vehicle and officers found what was later confirmed to be 993 grams of d-methamphetamine hydrochloride with a purity of 89%, 1,017.1 grams of d-methamphetamine hydrochloride with a purity of 82% and 58.27 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride. The methamphetamine was found hidden in boxes containing small bags of chips that were in the backseat and trunk of the vehicle. In the passenger glove box, officers also found a 9mm semiautomatic pistol.

“Methamphetamine trafficking destroys lives, cripples families and gravely harms communities. We will prosecute illegal drug traffickers, and they will face federal prison without parole,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney. “I want to thank our local and federal law enforcement partners for their work in this case and for taking these dangerous drugs off the streets.”

The case was investigated by the Byron Police Department, Peach County Sheriff’s Office, Perry Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.

Cresco Man Indicted For Online Child Enticement

 SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on September 1, 2020, Earnest Lee Pittman, Jr., age 45, of Cresco, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on online child enticement charges.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that between August 4-12, 2020, Pittman used the internet, a computer and a cellular telephone in an attempt to entice an individual under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activities.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kingston Municipal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit  www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

 

U.S. Army major convicted on federal charge of producing child pornography

 Juvenile victims captured in images from hidden camera

AUGUSTA, GA:  A U.S. Army major assigned to the U.S. Army Cyber Command at Fort Gordon, Ga., has admitted to producing child pornography.

Jason Michael Musgrove, 40, of Grovetown, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to an Information charging him with Production of Child Pornography, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a possible penalty of up to 30 years in prison along with substantial fines and restitution to victims in the case, followed by a period of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

At the time of his December 2019 arrest, Musgrove was an Integrated Threat Operations Officer with Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmentalized Information clearance, assigned to the Army Cyber Joint Headquarters at Fort Gordon.

According to court testimony and documents, Musgrove admitted using a hidden camera to film juvenile victims in a bathroom of his residence. 

“We’re grateful to our FBI partners for their work in identifying and removing this threat to children. Their diligent and fast action in this case is inspiring,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “There is no place in the Southern District where such a despicable predator will be allowed to hide from justice.”

“The production of child pornography is one of the most horrendous crimes we deal with in our society.  It is even more concerning when the crime is allegedly committed by a member of our armed forces who is sworn to protect the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Hacker of the FBI Atlanta field office. “The FBI is committed to protecting our children and working with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend predators who carry out these appalling crimes.”   

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator Tara M. Lyons.

Greenfield Man Sentenced to 85 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking

             CONCORD - Ira Weeks, 40, of Greenfield, was sentenced to 85 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Weeks conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl.  Weeks obtained the fentanyl from a source of supply in Methuen, Massachusetts. As part of the investigation, in December 2017 the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) intercepted phone communications between Weeks and his co-conspirator wife in which the couple ordered quantities of fentanyl from their Methuen drug source.  DEA subsequently surveilled Weeks in Methuen meeting with the drug source on approximately four occasions.  The DEA and the New Hampshire State Police arranged to conduct motor vehicle stops on Week’s vehicle after observing him meet with his drug source.  These stops resulted in the seizure of over 175 grams of fentanyl.

             Weeks previously pleaded guilty on May 27, 2020.  His wife, Shelley Weeks, was also indicted in the conspiracy.  She pleaded guilty on March 26, 2020 and is awaiting sentencing. 

             “Interstate fentanyl traffickers make a deadly drug available for sale in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The results have been disastrous.  The substantial prison sentence imposed in this case should serve as a warning to those would choose to involve themselves in this dangerous business.”

             “Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

             This matter was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

             Agencies participating in this investigation are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy.  Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement.  The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

Supervisor at Long Island Drug Manufacturer Indicted for Theft of Over a Million Dollars Worth of Medical Products

 Drugs for Equine Illness Allegedly Sold to Trainers and Veterinarians at New York Racetracks

An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Central Islip charging Gregory Settino with theft of medical products and making a false statement to a federal agent.  Settino was arrested today and arraigned this afternoon via teleconference before United States Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay. Settino was released on a $250,000 bond.

Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent-in-Charge, Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office (FDA-OCI), announced the arrest and charges.

“As alleged, Settino abused his supervisory position at a pharmaceuticals company to steal large quantities of equine drugs in order to enrich himself and without regard for how his sale of the medical products could potentially endanger the health of horses,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme.  “The defendant then allegedly compounded his criminal conduct by lying to an FDA Special Agent to minimize the scope of his thefts.  Thanks to the combined efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FDA, this illicit pipeline of stolen drugs to vets and horse trainers has been shut down.”

“The safety and effectiveness of veterinary drugs play a key role in maintaining the health of animals.  When these drugs leave the legitimate supply chain, they can lose their effectiveness or become unsafe,” stated FDA-OCI Special Agent-in-Charge Ebersole.  “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who endanger the health of animals.”

As set forth in court filings, Settino was the production supervisor of manufacturing at Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Shirley, New York.  In January 2019, Luitpold was renamed American Regent.  One of the products manufactured at Luitpold and American Regent was Adequan, an injectable equine drug administered to horses with degenerative joint disease and sold throughout the United States.  Between 2012 and January 2020, Settino allegedly stole thousands of bottles of Adequan from Luitpold and American Regent valued at over $1 million, and sold those drugs to horse trainers and veterinarians at New York racetracks, including Belmont Park, for more than $600,000.  Settino’s conduct endangered the health of horses because the drugs were not maintained, stored or transported in accordance with proper procedures for ensuring the safety, effectiveness and efficacy of the drugs.  At times, Settino transported the drugs in shoeboxes stored in his car.  At all times, the drugs were handled in violation of the FDA regulated supply chain.

On January 23, 2020, Settino was interviewed by an FDA Special Agent and allegedly falsely stated that he had stolen fewer than 100 bottles of Adequan from Luitpold and American Regent.  

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Settino faces up to 25 years in prison.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division.  Assistant United States Attorney Charles P. Kelly is in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

GREGORY SETTINO
Age: 58
Bethpage, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-340 (JS)

Defendants Sentenced to 20 Years In KCK Meth Lab Fire

 KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two defendants who were arrested after their meth lab caught fire were sentenced today to federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Orlando Cortez-Nieto, 43, Kansas City, Kan. and Jesus Cervantes-Aguiler, 23, Kansas City, Kan., were sentenced to 20 years each.

During a jury trial in July 2019, the defendants were convicted on charges including conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that on Dec. 1, 2017, firefighters responded to a house fire at 2739 Cleveland in Kansas City, Kan. They discovered a methamphetamine conversion lab inside the house. Prosecutors introduced evidence tying the defendants to the drug lab, including a blue spiral notebook in which cash transactions were recorded, as well as multiple receipts and corresponding business surveillance videos showing both defendants purchasing items found in the meth lab.

McAllister commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan and Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.

Bridgeport Man Charged with Robbery, Firearm and Carjacking Offenses

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Stratford Police Chief Joseph McNeil today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging TYIESE WARREN, also known as “Loose Screw,” 20, of Bridgeport, with robbery, firearm and carjacking offenses.

The indictment was returned yesterday and unsealed today after Warren was arrested.  Warren appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel via videoconference and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.  Warren is detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for September 15.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address escalating violence in Bridgeport, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals, Bridgeport Police and other local police departments are actively investigating members of multiple Bridgeport-based groups, including members of the Original North End (“ONE”), a group based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport.

It is alleged that, on March 25, 2020, Warren and an accomplice stole a car that was in front of the Citgo 6M Service Station and Quik Mart located at 2000 Barnum Avenue in Stratford.  During the theft, they dragged the car’s driver, who was trying to stop the theft and was hanging onto the car, several hundred yards before he let go.  Warren and an accomplice then engaged in a carjacking involving a Toyota Corolla in Bridgeport, holding the owner at gunpoint and ultimately driving away in the car.  Minutes later, Warren and an accomplice committed a gunpoint robbery of the Citgo in Stratford, taking cash from the store and a cellphone from a store employee.  Stratford Police arrested Warren later that night after he crashed another stolen car he was driving on an I-95 on-ramp and then ran from police.

The indictment charges Warren with one count of interference with commerce by robbery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of brandishing, carrying and using a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years; and one count of carjacking, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Warren investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, and the Stratford, Stamford, Milford, Waterbury and Bridgeport Police Departments, with the assistance of the ATF, DEA and U.S. Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that this prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and Project Longevity.  PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.

Gilmer County Men sentenced for role in a methamphetamine distribution operation

 CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremiah Lee Carr, of Glenville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months of incarceration to be followed by six months of home detention for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Carr, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location” in August 2019. Carr admitted to selling methamphetamine near Glenville State College in September 2018 in Gilmer County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

 

 CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Chet Atkins Massey, of Sand Fork, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months of incarceration to be followed by six months of home detention for his involvement in methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Massey, age 51, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location” in September 2019. Massey admitted to selling methamphetamine near Gilmer County High School in September 2018 in Gilmer County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided. 

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Waitman Larry Frederick, of Glenville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 168 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Frederick, also known as “Cornbread,” age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine ,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises ,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in November 2019. 

Frederick admitted to working with others to distribute large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” from July 2018 to November 2018 in Gilmer County and elsewhere. Frederick also admitted to operating a residence located at 18 East Main Street, Apartment C in Glenville for the purpose of distributing the drug. He also was illegally in possession of 10 different firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

 

Columbus man sentenced for meth distribution

 CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Anthony Hill, Jr., of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hill, also known as “Big Mike,” age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Possession With Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine” in November 2019. Hill admitted to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal” and “ice,” in November 2018 in Gilmer County. Hill also pled guilty in January 2020 to one count of “Possession With Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine” from a crime that occurred in the Southern District of West Virginia. He was sentenced today for that crime to 57 months of incarceration to run concurrently to the Northern District of West Virginia case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

Springfield Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Child Pornography

 SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography.

Marco Barraza, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Barraza to 20 years of supervised release following incarceration and ordered him to pay $39,000 in restitution to his victims. Barraza will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

On Oct. 29, 2019, Barraza was found guilty at trial of one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

Law enforcement investigators received two reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Barraza had transmitted images of child pornography through chat sessions on his Tumblr account in September 2016. Officers executed a search warrant at Barraza’s residence on March 16, 2017, and seized numerous computer-related property, including three cell phones and two hard drives that had been removed from laptop computers. Those devices contained approximately 600 images of child pornography.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

Tioga County Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of a Child

 BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Jacob Gorman, age 39, of Waverly, New York, was arrested and charged with attempting to entice a child.  Following his initial appearance in court on Friday, a detention hearing was held today and United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric ordered that Gorman be detained pending trial.

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

The criminal complaint alleges that between August 11, 2020 and August 27, 2020, Gorman exchanged text messages with an undercover FBI agent who was posing as the mother of a 9-year-old girl.  In those messages, Gorman expressed an interest in meeting the child and engaging in sex acts with her.  Gorman negotiated a price he was willing to pay to engage in sex acts with the child and on August 27, 2020, drove to a pre-determined location in Broome County to meet and have sex with the child.  Gorman was then encountered by law enforcement and arrested. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted, the defendant 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 5 years and life.  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. Gorman would also be required to register as a sex offender.

Anyone who wants to provide law enforcement with information about the defendant should contact the FBI Binghamton office at (607) 778-7240. 

This case is being investigated by the FBI 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 Attorneys’ 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.

Bridgeport Man Charged with Illegal Gun Possession

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging ASANTE GAINES, 23, of Bridgeport, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address escalating violence in Bridgeport, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals, Bridgeport Police and other local police departments are actively investigating members of multiple Bridgeport-based groups, including members of the “Greene Homes Boys” or “Hots” (“GHB/Hots”), a group based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End.  On August 5, 2020, the grand jury returned an indictment charging Gaines and four associates with multiple offenses related to their alleged involvement in a shooting in front of the state courthouse in Bridgeport on January 27, 2020.

The indictment returned yesterday charges Gaines with illegally possessing a loaded Glock 19, 9 millimeter handgun on February 15, 2018.  Gaines was arrested on state charges on that date.

It is alleged that Gaines’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for possessing a firearm without a pistol permit, and failure to appear.  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 charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Gaines is currently detained.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle and Karen L. Peck.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that this prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and Project Longevity.  PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.

Justice Department Reaches Settlement With City of San Antonio for Illegally Auctioning Servicemembers' Vehicles

 The Justice Department today announced that it has reached an agreement with the City of San Antonio, Texas to resolve allegations that the city violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by auctioning or otherwise disposing of cars owned by protected servicemembers without first obtaining court orders.  

Under the agreement, San Antonio must pay $47,000 to compensate two servicemembers who complained that the city unlawfully auctioned off their cars while they were in military service. The city must also establish a $150,000 settlement fund to compensate other servicemembers whose SCRA rights may have been violated and pay a $62,029 civil penalty to the U.S. Treasury.

The agreement, which is subject to court approval, resolves a suit filed today by the Department of Justice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.

“Servicemembers who serve our country honorably should not have to come home to find that that their only means of transportation and its contents have been auctioned off to the highest bidder,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “We are pleased that the city has worked cooperatively with the department to reach a settlement that will compensate all the servicemembers who lost their vehicles and will provide additional protections for the thousands of servicemembers stationed in and around San Antonio.” 

“I am proud that our office was able to reach a settlement with the City of San Antonio to protect servicemembers who are deployed overseas,” said U.S. Attorney John Bash for the Western District of Texas. “When servicemembers are fighting for our country, they should not have to worry that their vehicles will be gone when they return home.”

The department launched its investigation after receiving a complaint from U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Paula Rangel, alleging that the city had towed and auctioned her vehicle while she was deployed to Afghanistan. After learning that her vehicle had been impounded at the city’s Growdon Road Vehicle Storage Facility, Staff Sergeant Rangel and her military legal assistance attorney called the facility on several occasions to try to arrange for the release of her vehicle. During these phone calls, they identified Staff Sergeant Rangel as an active duty servicemember who was deployed overseas. Despite these efforts, employees at the storage facility refused to release the vehicle to members of Staff Sergeant Rangel’s military unit and would not allow them to remove her personal property and military equipment from the vehicle. On Sept. 21, 2016, the city, through its contractual agent, UR Vehicle Management Solutions, sold the vehicle at auction for $6,600, without obtaining the court order required by the SCRA.

The department’s investigation revealed that between 2011 and 2019, San Antonio auctioned at least 227 vehicles registered to SCRA-protected servicemembers without obtaining the required court orders. In some cases, the city auctioned vehicles that listed the name of a military installation as a part of the registered owner’s address. The settlement requires San Antonio to adopt new procedures to investigate the military status of any registered owner prior to auctioning a vehicle. The city will also be required to obtain a court order or a valid SCRA waiver prior to auctioning a vehicle owned by a protected servicemember.

The department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the department has obtained over $474 million in monetary relief for over 120,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.

Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under SCRA have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil/.

Feds Prosecute Additional Louisville Looters

 These indictments bring the total number of these defendants federally charged to 11

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Three defendants are now charged by a federal Grand Jury as a result of civil unrest in Jefferson County during the period of Monday, June 1, 2020, through Wednesday, June 3, 2020. The defendants charged are alleged to have engaged in looting a neighborhood pharmacy for controlled substances and firearms from a licensed dealer.  This indictment is additive to multiple charges recently announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the looting of neighborhood pharmacies for controlled substances, carjacking, and illegal possession of firearms by convicted felons. These indictments bring the total number of these defendants federally charged to 11.

“In Louisville we honor and protect lawful protest, but loot our businesses and expect to go to federal prison,” said United States Attorney Russell Coleman.

Kroger Pharmacy Burglary

According to the indictment, on or about June 2, 2020, Jordan K. Johnson and Frederick F. Reed conspired with one another to enter the Kroger located at 2710 West Broadway with the intent to steal controlled substances. Both Johnson and Reed are charged with conspiracy to commit burglary involving controlled substances. The charge carries a penalty of no more than 10 years in prison. 

Johnson and Reed are also charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances for their possession with intent to distribute alprazolam (Xanax), a schedule IV controlled substance, between June 2, 2020 and July 1, 2020. The charge carries a maximum penalty of no more than 5 years in prison.

Johnson is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. On July 1, 2020, Johnson possessed a Glock, model 42, .380 handgun. He had previously been convicted in Hart County Circuit Court, in case number 10-CR-0170 of facilitation of robbery in the first degree, a felony. The count carries a penalty of no more than 10 years in prison.

Stolen firearms

De’Aisjia S. Shrivers has also been charged via superseding federal indictment returned today. According to the indictment, on or about June 2, 2020, Shrivers aided and abetted by others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, stole three firearms from a business licensed to sell guns. The charge of stealing from a licensed dealer carries a penalty of no more than 10 years in prison.

Shrivers is also charged with a single count of possession of a stolen firearm, a Glock, model 30 Gen 4, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The charge carries a penalty of no more than 10 years in prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Secret Service, and the Louisville Metro Police Department are investigating these cases.

 

The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Seattle man arrested for making bomb threat to Portland, Oregon, Police precinct

 Submitted the threat via online Portland citizen communication system

(Seattle) - A 36-year-old Seattle man was arrested today and appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle for making a threat to damage or destroy a building–in this case a Portland, Oregon, police precinct, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran.  KYLE ROBERT TORNOW is accused of using an online communication system to claim he had planted explosives at a Portland, Oregon, Police precinct.

According to records file in the case, on July 24, 2020, TORNOW allegedly used the Portland Police TrackIT system to send a message claiming he had planted an explosive at one of the city’s police precincts.  Using an alias, TORNOW claimed he had planted a bomb that was “undetectable” to canine searchers and that if he were caught, “others will take my place and immediately detonate the bomb.”  The communication claimed it was a “felony threat” and needed to be taken “seriously to avoid death.”

FBI agents were able to trace the communications back to TORNOW, and he was arrested without incident this morning.

Making a threat to damage or destroy a building is punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the FBI.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Woods.

North Texas Men, Including a Head Pastor of a Church, Indicted on Child Pornography Violations

 PLANO, Texas – Two North Texas men have been charged with child exploitation crimes in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.                   

           David Pettigrew, 48, of Denison, Texas, and Chad Michael Rider, 46, of Anna, Texas have been charged in an indictment returned by a grand jury with conspiring to sexually exploit children (also referred to as production of child pornography).  Pettigrew was additionally charged with transporting child pornography.   Both men have entered “not guilty” pleas to the charges.

           Pettigrew came to the attention of law enforcement officials through referrals sent by two electronic surveillance providers and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  Those referrals identified a computer user who uploaded suspected child pornography onto their online platforms.  On August 6, 2020, Homeland Security Investigations agents executed federal search warrants at Pettigrew’s residence and the Denison Church of the Nazarene, after which, agents arrested Pettigrew.  Agents executed a search warrant at Rider’s residence on August 21, 2020.  Until recently, Pettigrew had served as pastor of the Denison Church of the Nazarene.  Rider is a resident of Anna, Texas.

           If convicted, Pettigrew and Rider face a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison.

           The investigation has revealed that a number of children were surreptitiously photographed in private locations or outside of the presence of their parents. Any members of the public with information about this case or possible victims are urged to contact Homeland Security Investigations at HSIDallasVictimInfo@ice.dhs.gov.  Members of the community are urged to send a detailed message (including contact information) with information about any possible private interactions with Pettigrew or Rider to the email above.

           This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

           This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa J. Miller and Jay Combs.

           It is important to note that an indictment or arrest should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography, Cyberstalking Charges

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Timothy Myers, 35, of Freehold, NJ, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge William P. Geraci, Jr. to production of child pornography and cyberstalking. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 35 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that between December 2016 and August 2017, the defendant, using the names “CJ Mikowski” and “Colin James,” communicated via Facebook with five minor girls who lived in the Western District of New York. During those communications, Myers pretended to be a boy close in age to the minor girls with whom he was speaking. The defendant then coerced or attempted to coerce, each of the minor girls, who ranged in age from 13-16 years old, into sending sexually explicit visual depictions of themselves. Myers also transported one victim from New York State to New Jersey and engaged in sexual intercourse with her, and distributed sexually explicit images of the victim over Facebook.

In addition, between March and August 2017, the defendant, while residing in New Jersey and using the alias Colin James, contacted one of the victims via Facebook and made her believe she was in a relationship with him. Myers then persuaded the victim to produce sexually explicit images of herself. When the victim did not send the defendant additional sexually explicit images, he threatened to distribute images of the victim that he had already obtained. This repeated harassment caused the victim substantial emotional distress. Myers also used Facebook to contact three other victims using the names CJ Mikowski and Colin James. Once again, he made the victims believe that he was in a relationship with them and requested that they produce sexually explicit images of themselves. The defendant told the victims that if they did not send him these images, he would distribute previously sent images of the victims. These victims also suffered substantial emotional distress as a result of defendant’s repeated and sustained harassment.          

The plea is the result of an investigation by New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 17, 2020, before Judge Geraci.

Federal Jury Convicts Two Buffalo Men Of Cocaine Conspiracy

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that following a two week trial, a federal jury has convicted Henry Lloyd, 34, and Roman Dunnigan, 41, both of Buffalo, NY, of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Lloyd faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum of 40 years, while Dunnigan faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremiah E. Lenihan and Charles E. Watkins, Jr., who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on May 7, 2017, the defendants purchased last-minute airline tickets to travel from Buffalo to Houston, TX. Defendant Lloyd, who was on supervised release at the time as a result of a prior conviction, never sought permission from his probation officer to travel. The following day, May 8, 2017, Lloyd, along with two females, were stopped at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport by TSA Agents and found to be in possession jointly of $64,000, which was seized by the DEA. Lloyd, Dunnigan, and the two females rebooked a flight for the next day, traveling from Rochester, NY, to Houston, TX. The DEA learned of this flight and notified the DEA Resident Office in Houston.

A narcotics surveillance unit monitored the travel of Lloyd, Dunnigan, and the two females upon their arrival in Houston. As part of the surveillance, on May 10, 2017, Houston Police Department detectives observed Lloyd and Dunnigan purchase an Intex Inflatable Chair at a nearby Walmart. The next day on May 11, 2017, Houston police officers pulled over a rental vehicle driven by Dunnigan with Lloyd in the passenger seat.  The stop occurred next to a U.S. Post Office, which authorities believed Dunnigan and Lloyd would be utilizing to send cocaine. Upon stopping the vehicle and speaking with both Lloyd and Dunnigan, the defendants told multiple lies to the officer, and were unable to keep their story straight. A K-9 sniff of the exterior of the vehicle revealed the presence of narcotics. During a search of the trunk, police officers located the Intex Inflatable Chair box, which contained approximately one kilogram of cocaine. Lloyd and Dunnigan were arrested and charged locally by the Houston Police Department.

Approximately three weeks later, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, along with the DEA, executed a search warrant at 1807 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo. During the search, investigators recovered 177 grams of cocaine, 344 grams of butryryl fentanyl, two empty Intex Inflatable Furniture boxes, paraphernalia used to package and process narcotics for distribution, $5,500 in cash, a receipt in Dunnigan’s name, and a firearm with Dunnigan’s DNA. 

Defendants Lloyd and Dunnigan both have three prior convictions. Dunnigan has prior convictions for 2nd degree Robbery and 3rd degree Possession of a Loaded Firearm in NYS, and a federal conviction for structuring a financial transaction to evade reporting requirements. Lloyd has prior convictions for 4th degree Possession of a Firearm in NYS, and federal convictions for possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

The guilty verdict is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Houston Police Department, under the direction of Chief Art Acevedo; the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) Police, under the direction of Chief George Gast; the Transportation Security Administration, under the direction of Brett O’Neil; the Erie County Central Police Services Forensic Laboratory, under the direction of Commissioner James Jancewicz; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; and the U.S. Probation Office, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Anthony SanGiacomo.

Lloyd is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11, 2020, and Dunnigan is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2020, both before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial of the case.

San Jose Man Sentenced To Ten Years In Prison For Possession Of Child Pornography

 SAN JOSE – James Gould, Jr. was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, and ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.

Gould pleaded guilty on February 3, 2020, to Possession of Child Pornography.  According to the plea agreement, Gould admitted that on June 15, 2019, while on supervised release from a prior child pornography conviction, a probation officer conducted a random inspection of Gould’s cell phone, revealing that it had child pornography images on it.  As a result, a search was conducted of Gould’s residence, located in San Jose, California.  In his bedroom were 26 electronic devices capable of accessing the internet or processing or storing data, which Gould was prohibited from possessing as part of his supervised release conditions.  As part of his plea agreement, Gould further admitted that on one of his devices he possessed 556 child pornography images and 169 child pornography videos.  The images and videos that Gould possessed depicted infants and toddlers engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including sadistic or masochistic conduct and sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler. 

Gould, 32, of San Jose, was charged by an Information filed on January 30, 2020.  He was charged with Possession of Child Pornography.

The sentence was handed down by The Honorable Edward J. Davila, U.S. District Court Judge, following a guilty plea on one count of Possession of Child Pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B).  Judge Davila also sentenced the defendant to an 8 year period of supervised release.  The defendant has been in continuous custody since his initial appearance on the related supervised release violation (CR 12-00464 EJD) on June 27, 2019. 

Chinhayi Cadet is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessica Leung.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Claremore Man Sentenced to 78 Months In Prison for Child Pornography

 A Claremore man was sentenced today in federal court for distribution and receipt of child pornography and for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Daniel Nathan West, 48, to 78 months in federal prison, where he will receive sex offender treatment. Judge Frizzell further ordered West to pay $12,000 in restitution to victims depicted in the videos and identified by the  National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Following his prison sentence, West will spend seven years on supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.

“The sexual exploitation of children is both despicable and criminal. Victims of child pornography are exploited time and again when explicit images of them are produced, shared, and viewed on the internet. This is why the work of investigators, prosecutors and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is so critical,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “We will never stop our duty to identify and recover victims of sexual abuse. And we will never stop pursuing criminals like Daniel West who exploit our children. We will bring them to justice for their heinous crimes.”

In his written plea agreement, West admitted that from May 17 through Dec. 17, 2019, he knowingly possessed, received and distributed child pornography using computer devices, social media applications and the internet. The files contained images of at least one prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. On his cell phone, investigators discovered 100 video files of child sexual abuse, including the rape of infants and bestiality.

West was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.

The Tulsa Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Nassar and Ryan Heatherman prosecuted the case.

Operation Shutdown Corner Update: Beckley Woman Sentenced to More than 12 Years for Federal Drug Crime

 BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley woman was sentenced to federal prison for her participation in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating between California and Raleigh County, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stephanie McClung, 48, of Beckley, was sentenced to 151 months in prison, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine.

“Operation Shutdown Corner took down 17 drug traffickers and was operating from California to West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “151 months in prison for her work with a drug trafficking organization. My question is, ‘Was it worth it?’ Great work by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and our partners at the federal, state and local levels.”

At her plea hearing in January, McClung admitted that between June 2018 and September 17, 2019, she worked with other members of a DTO operating in Raleigh County to distribute methamphetamine. McClung admitted that during this time period she was supplied with distribution amounts of controlled substances from various members of the DTO. She also admitted to selling the controlled substances, which included methamphetamine and heroin, to individuals that she now understands were working with law enforcement as confidential informants. She further admitted to allowing another member of the DTO to have controlled substances delivered to her address. She admitted to allowing this on at least two separate occasions. On one occasion, approximately one pound of methamphetamine was delivered and on a second occasion a quantity of heroin was delivered to her address. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, the Beckley Police Department and the West Virginia State Police. 

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution.  

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00237.

 

Nashua Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking

             CONCORD - Martin Sheehan, 28, of Nashua, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, in October of 2018, Sheehan sold fentanyl on two occasions to a cooperating individual at locations in Nashua.  In February of 2019, law enforcement officers arrested Sheehan at a motel.  Officers recovered over 13 grams of fentanyl, which Sheehan admitted belonged to him. 

             Sheehan previously pleaded guilty on May 13, 2020.

             “Fentanyl has caused substantial damage throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Through Operation S.O.S., we are fighting back against the drug dealers who peddle fentanyl and other opioids.  We will continue to work closely with Nashua Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the drug traffickers who have threatened public health and safety by selling these deadly drugs.”

             This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

             This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.

Randolph County man indicted on methamphetamine and firearms charges

 ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Derek Raines, of Elkins, West Virginia, is facing drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Raines, 37, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute at Least Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Raines is accused of having at least 50 grams of methamphetamine in August 2019 in Randolph County. He is also accused of having a .40 caliber pistol during a drug trafficking crime in August 2019.

Raines faces not less than 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for each of the conspiracy and possession of meth charges. Raines faces at least five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession of a firearm charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Randolph County woman indicted on methamphetamine and firearms charges

 ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Tara Lynn Leary, of Valley Head, West Virginia, is facing drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Leary, 30, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute More Than Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine,” one count of “ Distribution of More Than Five Grams of Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Leary is accused of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from August 2019 to March 2020 in Randolph County. She is also accused of having a .380 caliber postil with her during one drug trafficking crime in January 2020.

Leary faces not less than 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for each of the conspiracy and possession of meth charges. She faces at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5 million for the distribution of more than five grams of meth charge. Leary faces at least five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession of a firearm charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking

             CONCORD - Christopher Gelinas, 24, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Gelinas sold highly-pure methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers on two occasions.  On October 23, 2019, a cooperating individual bought methamphetamine from Gelinas at a residence in Concord.  On November 18, 2019, a cooperating individual purchased methamphetamine from Gelinas in Boscawen.

            Gelinas is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2020.

            “Highly-pure methamphetamine is now appearing in New Hampshire with alarming frequency,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Even as we continue to combat the opioid crisis, methamphetamine poses an additional serious threat to public health and safety.  Accordingly, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the traffickers who are responsible for selling this highly dangerous drug in the Granite State.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Concord Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.

Wichita Man Sentenced to 8+ Years For Meth Trafficking

 WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man was sentenced today to 100 months in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Myron L. Hite II, 43, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted that when the Kansas Bureau of Investigation served a search warrant at his home in Wichita, they found more than half a pound of methamphetamine. They also found more than $14,000 in cash and two loaded firearms.

McAllister commended the KBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst for their work on the case.

Galeton Man Sentenced To 20 Years’ Imprisonment For Distributing Fentanyl Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury

 WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on August 27, 2020, David Piaquadio, age 63, of Galeton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to 20 years’ imprisonment following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone, Fentanyl and Heroin, distribution of Oxycodone and Fentanyl, and attempted distribution of Oxycodone.

According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, on March 12, 2015, Piaquadio delivered Fentanyl to an individual who overdosed after using the drug.  The overdose victim was found by his mother unconscious with a syringe stuck in his right arm in close proximity to a metal spoon containing Fentanyl residue that was distributed by Piaquadio. 

Piaquadio admitted that he and his girlfriend, who is now deceased, sold between 100 to 120 Oxycodone tablets and one or two Fentanyl patches per month.  On the morning of March 12, 2015, the day he delivered Fentanyl to the overdose victim, Piaquadio filled a prescription for 150 Oxycodone tablets and 10 Fentanyl patches.

The federal investigation was conducted by the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Pennsylvania State Police, with the assistance of the Galeton Borough Police Department and the Potter County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Geoffrey W. MacArthur and George J. Rocktashel prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of Heroin and Opiods like Fentanyl and Oxycodone.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets Opiod traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence because the drug offense resulted in serious bodily injury, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

Saratoga County Drug Dealer Sentenced to 20 Years for Fentanyl Overdose Death

 ALBANY, NEW YORK – Steven M. Boice, age 30, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for distributing furanyl fentanyl that caused an overdose death in Saratoga County in February 2017.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Saratoga Springs Police Department Chief Shane Crooks. 

In pleading guilty in November 2019, Boice admitted that he sold controlled substances, including furanyl fentanyl, from his residence in Saratoga Springs, New York. 

Early on February 3, 2017, he sold approximately 50 small envelopes, each containing furanyl fentanyl, to B.L., a Saratoga County man who overdosed and died that same day. Boice has also admitted that when B.L. arrived at his house on February 3, B.L. seemed incoherent, but Boice sold him drugs anyway.  B.L. ingested some of the fentanyl while at Boice’s residence and fell down while leaving. Boice and his roommate put B.L. on their back porch in the cold air and sat with him for approximately 45 minutes, slapping him to keep him awake. B.L. “snapped back into it,” according to Boice, and left Boice’s residence. B.L. died at home later on February 3 after ingesting more fentanyl sold to him by Boice.  (The roommate died months later, also due to a drug overdose.)

United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith stated: “Steven Boice did not care whether his customers lived or died.  Today’s sentence holds him responsible for the avoidable and senseless death of a young man, and the daily pain and suffering of that man’s wife and parents. Heroin and fentanyl dealers should take notice that they are accountable for the overdoses of their customers, and that a 20-year prison term could be in their future.” 

DEA Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan stated: “Too many lives were changed because of a drug transaction in Saratoga Springs. This investigation traced a drug overdose to a local drug trafficker whose actions caused a man’s death, a family’s loss, and a 20-year prison sentence.  This case also emphasizes the consequences of drug trafficking and reminds traffickers that law enforcement won’t rest until those responsible are brought to justice.” 

Saratoga Springs Police Chief Shane Crooks stated: “Today, thanks to the hard work of all agencies involved, Steven Boice was held accountable for his actions.   While this does not remove the pain that the family of B.L. has gone through, I can only hope that it will help bring them some closure.”

On February 10, 2017 – a week after B.L.’s death – law enforcement executed a search warrant on Boice’s residence in downtown Saratoga Springs, and found furanyl fentanyl packaged for sale and 2 firearms.  Boice admitted to possessing a total of 363 green-colored envelopes containing furanyl fentanyl.

Boice also admitted to possessing 2 firearms to protect his drugs and drug proceeds.  When law enforcement entered his house on February 10, 2017, Boice had a loaded Mossberg Maverick shotgun, leaning against a wall of his bedroom and directly next to the door, and a loaded DPMS Panther Arms .223-5.56 mm semi-automatic rifle, under his bed.

Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after Boice’s release from prison.

This case was investigated by the DEA and its Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force; the Saratoga Springs Police Department; and the New York State Police.  The Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.

Bakersfield Resident Sentenced For Selling Methamphetamine

FRESNO, Calif. — Jesus Gonzalez, 29, of Bakersfield, California was sentenced to 188 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841, United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. 

According to court documents, from April to May 2019, Gonzalez distributed pound quantities of methamphetamine during separate transactions. Gonzalez pled guilty to a two-count indictment on February 20, 2020. In his written plea agreement, Gonzalez acknowledged selling five pounds of methamphetamine on April 10 and 17, 2019 and on May 3, 2019. He was detained as of the date of his guilty plea.    

 This case is the product of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Newman is prosecuting the case.    

Brooklyn Felon Arrested for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition Used in Deadly Gang-Related Shooting

 Carey Gabay, an Aide to Governor Cuomo, Was Fatally Shot in the Cross-Fire During J’ouvert Festival on September 7, 2015

Stanley Elianor, a member of the Folk Nation Street gang, was arrested today in connection with an indictment returned on August 27, 2020 charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition while having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.  Elianor will be arraigned this afternoon via teleconference by United States Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr.

Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrest and indictment.

“Repeat offenders who possess firearms present an extreme danger to the community as this case tragically demonstrates with the senseless killing of Carey Gabay,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme.  “This Office and our law enforcement partners are doing everything in our power to take guns out of the hands of violent felons as a measure to prevent the senseless loss of life.”  Mr. DuCharme expressed his grateful appreciation to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance with the investigation.

“No one should have to fear standing in a crowd at a street festival, thinking their life could be taken by a gang member's stray bullet.  This brand of mayhem is often the work of convicted felons shooting guns they’re not legally allowed to possess.  We are methodically going down the list of these repeat offenders, and, as today's action demonstrates, we are committed to keeping them from terrorizing our besieged neighborhoods.  But we can't do it alone.  We are stronger together, and we need help from the communities these felons are targeting.  If you know something about any recent shooting, call us at 212-384-5000.  Help us protect our city from the criminals who seem determined to destroy it,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.

“This kind of gun violence erodes the fabric of city life and I commend the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York for bringing these significant federal charges and ensuring, along with our NYPD detectives and law enforcement partners, that a measure of justice will be served,” stated NYPD Commissioner Shea.

As set forth in the indictment and detention memorandum, in the pre-dawn hours of September 7, 2015, Elianor was attending the J’ouvert cultural festival with other Folk Nation gang members and members of the Hood Starz, a group that was allied with Folk Nation, when they engaged in a shootout with members of the rival Crips street gang outside the Ebbets Field Houses in Crown Heights.  Carey Gabay, an aide to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, was struck in the head by a stray bullet and died on September 15, 2015.  During the gun battle, Elianor allegedly possessed a .45 caliber Masterpiece Arms handgun which was recovered by the NYPD.  The firearm has a large capacity magazine and was loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition.  Prior to possessing this firearm, Elianor had been convicted of two counts of attempted criminal possession of a weapon in New York state court in October 2009.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Elianor faces up to 10 years in prison.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section.  Assistant United States Attorney Nadia E. Moore is in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

STANLEY ELIANOR
Age:  29
Brooklyn, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-332 (MKB)

Delaware Man Who Sold Heroin Laced With Furanyl Fentanyl Sentenced To Over 8 Years In Federal Prison

 WILMINGTON, Del. – Cornelius Riley, 44, of Dover, was sentenced on August 26 to 100 months in federal prison for distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute heroin, after being convicted by a jury in May of 2019.

In January of 2018, Defendant sold an ounce of heroin to an undercover officer.  The Defendant then made arrangements to sell an additional 4.5 ounces of heroin to the same undercover officer later that week.  On the day of the sale, Defendant was arrested at the agreed-upon place, at the agreed-upon time, and with the agreed-upon amount of heroin in the back of his car.  Forensic chemical analysis of the substance showed that the heroin was mixed with a deadly fentanyl analogue, furanyl fentanyl. 

“The Court’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Riley’s actions and the harm he posed to society,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss.  “Riley was responsible for injecting a large amount of heroin into the Delaware community.  His crime was made more dangerous by the fact that the heroin Riley sold was laced with a deadly fentanyl analogue.  We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute drug dealers, and those who are responsible for selling this poison to the community should expect to face serious punishment.” 

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura D. Hatcher and Daniel Logan prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.