Two Brooklyn Residents and a Greene County Resident Charged in Connection with Molotov Cocktail Attacks on the NYPD

Two criminal Complaints were filed Saturday evening in federal court in Brooklyn charging two women and a man with using and attempting to use improvised incendiary devices commonly known as “Molotov Cocktails” to damage and destroy New York City Police Department (NYPD) vehicles.  Defendants Colinford Mattis and Urooj Rahman, both residents of Brooklyn, were arrested in a van early Saturday morning while allegedly in possession of explosive device components shortly after Rahman hurled a Molotov cocktail at an NYPD vehicle before fleeing with Mattis.  A separate complaint charges Samantha Shader, a resident of Catskill, New York, who was arrested after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at an NYPD vehicle occupied by four police officers.  The defendants charged in each of the complaints will make their initial appearances via teleconference on Monday, June 1, 2020, before United States Magistrate Judge Steven M. Gold. 

Richard P. Donoghue, 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, NYPD, announced the arrests and charges.

“These defendants are charged with attacking the New York City Police Department while its Police Officers are risking their lives to protect the Constitutional rights of protesters and the safety of us all,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  “No rational human being can ever believe that hurling firebombs at Police Officers and vehicles is justified.  The Eastern District of New York will do everything in its power to protect those who protect us all, and we will ensure that criminals who use the camouflage of lawful protest to launch violent attacks against Police Officers face justice.” 

“When you conduct a violent attack that breaks federal law, the FBI New York office, along with our NYPD and Department of Justice partners, will move with speed to hold you accountable.  Behavior like the attacks charged here puts our entire community - protestors and first responders alike - in danger, and we will simply not allow it to go unaddressed.  The consequences for conducting this alleged attack, and any similar activity planned for the future, will be severe,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. 

“Molotov Cocktails are violent tools of individuals looking to inflict harm and damage our city.  Crimes like these are devastating to their targets and also to the protestors and their right to free speech that police are working hard to protect.  It is reassuring that the U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn has taken this case.  I’m confident that the severest penalties under the law will be sought,” stated NYPD Commissioner Shea.

 As detailed in the complaint charging Mattis and Rahman, an NYPD surveillance camera recorded Rahman tossing a Molotov Cocktail at an unoccupied NYPD vehicle parked near the 88th Precinct in Brooklyn, New York and then fleeing in a tan minivan.  Officers pursued the minivan and arrested Rahman and Mattis, who was the vehicle’s driver.  The NYPD recovered several precursor items used to build Molotov Cocktails, including a lighter, a bottle filled with toilet paper and a liquid suspected to be gasoline in the vicinity of the passenger seat and a gasoline tank in the rear of the vehicle.

As detailed in the complaint charging Shader, a video recorded by a witness captured her igniting a Molotov Cocktail and throwing it at an NYPD vehicle occupied by four police officers, shattering two of its windows.  Police officers pursued Shader as she attempted to flee and apprehended her.  In a post-arrest statement, Shader later admitted to police that she had thrown the Molotov Cocktail at the NYPD vehicle.

The charges in the Complaints are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, each defendant faces a mandatory-minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Ian C. Richardson and Jonathan Algor are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendants:

COLINFORD MATTIS
Age:  32
Brooklyn, New York

UROOJ RAHMAN
Age:  31
Brooklyn, New York

SAMANTHA SHADER
Age:  27
Catskill, New York

Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Statement on the Death of George Floyd and Riots

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Federal, state and local law enforcement partners join together to condemn the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and offer sincere condolences to his family and colleagues, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, and Sacramento Chief of Police Daniel Hahn announced.

Mr. Floyd’s death is being addressed through our criminal justice system, which is moving quickly. The state prosecutor has brought murder charges against a former Minneapolis police officer. As United States Attorney General Barr announced on May 29, the Department of Justice, including the FBI, is also conducting an independent investigation to determine whether any federal civil rights laws were violated.

Peaceful protest is a time-honored tradition in our country, and we in law enforcement strive to protect these important First Amendment rights. The majority of those protesting are doing so peacefully. But when protests turn violent, this endangers the community, and law enforcement must act to protect the community. As a civilized society based upon the rule of law, we will not tolerate violence, anarchy or chaos that threatens the safety of the community.

Federal, state, and local law enforcement will continue to work together to protect the community’s First Amendment rights and to protect the community from violence and lawlessness. Federal and state felony statutes may apply.

“As part of the community, we share the concerns about George Floyd’s death,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “We also recognize that his death comes at a time when we are also fighting, as a nation, an unprecedented pandemic that has taken its toll across our country and our District. Together with state and local law enforcement, we have reached out to our community leaders to address the real and legitimate concerns about what happened to Mr. Floyd and to identify positive steps we can take going forward. Please join me in a call for unity and peace, not violence, as we work together during this difficult time.”

The FBI Sacramento Field Office is deeply committed to protecting the civil rights of all people within the 34 California counties we serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan. “The FBI steadfastly investigates all allegations involving the deprivation of civil rights, including ‘color of law’ violations – official actions taken by persons acting under the authority of local, state, federal, or tribal laws to willfully deprive someone of a right or privilege secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States. No one is above or beyond the law. The communities we serve can depend on the FBI to methodically collect facts in order to provide unbiased and independent investigative results so prosecutors can make a charging decision.”

Niagara Falls Man Arrested On Multiple Charges Including Possession Of Ecstasy And A Firearm

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Verquan Jackson, 32, of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute MDMA, a/k/a Ecstasy, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and maintaining a premises for drug use and distribution. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 13, 2020, the United States Postal Inspection Service was notified about a box that was shipped from California to Niagara Falls breaking open during transit. Inside the box, which was addressed to Jackson at his 65th Street residence, were approximately 41 lbs. of 2 oz. individual narcotics distribution baggies.

Subsequently, on April 8 and May 19, 2020, search warrants were executed on packages addressed to the defendant’s residence but in the names of B. Jackson and Jane Brown. One package contained approximately 695 grams of suspected marijuana and paraphernalia. The other package contained approximately 652 grams of multicolored pills containing MDMA and fentanyl.

On May 21, 2020, the package containing the MDMA was delivered to Jackson’s residence. A short time later, investigators executed a search warrant inside the residence. They recovered a 9mm firearm; five digital scales; a box of plastic sandwich baggies; clear plastic bags containing a tan powdery substance; designer drug packaging bags; and multiple clear plastic bags containing suspected marijuana.
Jackson made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and was released on conditions.

The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Thomas Licata.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

Investigations in Stanly County Result in Three Men Sentenced for Federal Firearms and Drug Offenses

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Two Albemarle residents and a Mount Gilead resident were all sentenced within the past two weeks by United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. following investigations conducted by law enforcement in Albemarle, North Carolina, announced Matthew G.T. Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.

WILLIAM WEBSTER CAGLE, 27, a resident of Albemarle, pled guilty on January 9, 2020, to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. On May 18, 2020, CAGLE was sentenced by Judge Osteen to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, including 1 year of home detention.

KAUNDRE TYREE CHARLES MCKILLIAN, 26, a resident of Albemarle, pled guilty on January 9, 2020, to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. On May 26, 2020, MCKILLIAN was sentenced by Judge Osteen to 44 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, including 90 days with a curfew and location monitoring.

On March 27, 2019, law enforcement officers with the Stanly County Narcotic Task Force met and executed a search warrant at CAGLE’s residence on Leonard Avenue in Albemarle, North Carolina. CAGLE and MCKILLIAN were located within the home during the search and each was found in possession of a handgun. CAGLE possessed a Springfield Armory, model XD9, 9mm handgun, which had been reported stolen out of Denver, North Carolina, as well as approximately 10 grams of marijuana. MCKILLIAN also possessed a separate Springfield Armory, model XD9, 9mm handgun. Both CAGLE and MCKILLIAN had previously been convicted of felony offenses. CAGLE was convicted of Felony Possession of Cocaine in Stanly County Superior Court on June 9, 2016, and had also been convicted in Stanly County of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana on August 3, 2009 and Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Ecstasy on September 13, 2010. MCKILLIAN was convicted of Felony Conspiracy to Commit Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Felony Common Law Robbery on July 18, 2012, and Felony Larceny on January 21, 2016, in Stanly County Superior Court.

RAKEEM JOHNTA’ BALDWIN, 23, a resident of Mount Gilead, pleaded guilty on January 9, 2020, to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. On May 28, 2020, BALDWIN was sentenced by Judge Osteen to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

On April 11, 2019, detectives with the Albemarle Police Department, using a confidential informant, conducted a “buy-bust” operation on BALDWIN for two ounces of methamphetamine (approximately 56.7 grams). Officers with the Stanly County Narcotics Task Force assisted by providing surveillance around an ABC Store in Albemarle, North Carolina where the drug transaction was to occur. BALDWIN arrived in a Nissan passenger car and was identified by the confidential informant. Officers closed in on BALDWIN and he attempted to run from the car. He was seen throwing a baggie containing approximately 56 grams of methamphetamine to the ground and was apprehended shortly after. In the Nissan, officers located a large bag containing approximately 475 grams of methamphetamine and digital scales. An iPhone and $1,281 in United States currency was also seized from BALDWIN. Laboratory analysis confirmed that BALDWIN possessed 515.32 grams of methamphetamine of approximately 99-100 percent purity.

These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Albemarle Police Department, and the Stanly County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Laboratories and Scientific Services Directorate. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig M. Principe for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Convicted Felon Indicted on Fentanyl Distribution Charges

NORFOLK, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment late yesterday charging a Portsmouth man for his role fentanyl distribution conspiracy.

According to the indictment, Dujuan Lee, 38, allegedly bought multi-ounce quantities of fentanyl for $10,000 a week over the course of eight months. The DEA, in partnership with the Portsmouth Police Department, made a series of controlled purchases of fentanyl from Lee and arrested him in February. According to the indictment, Lee, a previously convicted felon, was allegedly in possession of drug packaging materials, razors, a digital scale, a sifter, cutting agent, approximately $3,090 in United States currency, a Taurus G2C 9mm firearm, approximately 19.4 grams of fentanyl, and approximately 70.9 grams of cocaine.

Lee is charged with conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute Fentanyl and cocaine; seven counts of distributing fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Butler is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-34.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Tennessee Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Charge

ABINGDON, Va. – A Tennessee woman pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Abingdon to a federal drug conspiracy charge related to the distribution of more than 500 grams of methamphetamine between 2017 and September 2019, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today.

Kayla Quesenberry, 31, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for August 28, 2020. At sentencing, Quesenberry faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of lifetime incarceration. 

According to court documents, from approximately October 2017 to September 2019 Quesenberry was a member of a drug distribution conspiracy that operated in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. As part of the conspiracy, Quesenberry obtained and transported multiple kilograms of methamphetamine from or for various sources and provided it to other members of the conspiracy for re-distribution throughout Southwest Virginia.

The investigation was handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Cagle Juhan prosecuted the case for the United States.

Three Convicted Felons Charged in Federal Court With Illegally Possessing Handguns in Chicago

CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has returned indictments against three convicted felons for allegedly illegally possessing loaded handguns in Chicago.

MITCHELL AGNEW, 20, CARL ADAMS, 35, and ROLAND BLACK, 39, all of Chicago, are each charged with one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  All three defendants were previously convicted of criminal felonies and were not lawfully allowed to possess a firearm.

Three separate indictments were returned Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  All three defendants are in law enforcement custody.  Arraignments have not yet been scheduled.

The indictments were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen deTineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; James M. Gibbons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.  The government is represented in the Agnew and Adams cases by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cornelius S. Vandenberg, and in the Black case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Grayson S. Walker.

Holding gun offenders accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Guardian and Project Safe Neighborhoods – the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategies.  Project Guardian focuses specifically on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes, and it emphasizes the importance of using modern technologies to promote gun crime intelligence.  In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the Guardian and PSN programs to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, including by prosecuting individuals who illegally possess firearms.

According to the charges, Agnew illegally possessed a loaded semiautomatic handgun on Feb. 16, 2020, in the East Garfield Park neighborhood; Adams illegally possessed a loaded handgun on Feb. 1, 2020, in the West Garfield Park neighborhood; and Black illegally possessed a loaded semiautomatic handgun on Feb. 11, 2017, in the Douglas neighborhood.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  Illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Las Vegas Man Indicted For Three Armed Robberies

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Ryan Sanchez, 20, of Las Vegas, was arraigned in federal court today on an indictment charging him for allegedly committing armed robberies of three restaurants in Henderson and Las Vegas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.

Sanchez is charged with three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. A trial is scheduled for July 27, 2020.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and indictment, from February 11, 2020 to April 14, 2020, Sanchez committed three armed robberies in Henderson and Las Vegas at three different sandwich shop locations. In the first robbery on February 11, Sanchez — brandishing a handgun and wearing a surgical mask — allegedly pointed a handgun at an employee and demanded money from the safe. Then on April 9, Sanchez allegedly entered a restaurant, climbed onto the counter while brandishing a handgun, and demanded money from the employee. Lastly, on April 14, Sanchez allegedly pointed a handgun at a restaurant employee and instructed the employee to open the cash register.

If convicted, Sanchez faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of interference with commerce by robbery and a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than seven years imprisonment for each count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. In addition to imprisonment and fines, Sanchez also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Ruff is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.

Amherst Man Convicted Just Three Months Ago Of A State Child Sex Charge Caught Possessing Child Pornography

BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Gary Todd Baker, 51, of Amherst, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendant was convicted in Erie County Court of possession of a sexual performance by a child under the age of 16 on March 4, 2020.  Baker was designated a level-2 sex offender, and sentenced to 10 years probation. 

On March 12, 2020, eight days into his probation term, Erie County Probation Officers conducting a routine check discovered that the defendant possessed an internet-capable cellular device, as well as empty boxes of printer ink and paper. After questioning Baker, Probation Officers located a bag containing numerous torn-up printed images. Members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force reassembled several of the images and confirmed that they depicted child pornography.  

The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. 

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, the Erie County Probation Department, under the direction of Commissioner Brian McLaughlin, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Navajo man from Ojo Encino, New Mexico sentenced to life in federal prison for child sexual abuse

            ALBUQUERQUE – Francis Woody, 60, of Ojo Encino, N.M., was sentenced on May 27 in federal court in Albuquerque to life in prison for child sexual abuse in Indian Country.

            A jury convicted Woody on Aug. 23, 2019 of two counts of abusive sexual contactand one count of aggravated sexual abuse.  According to the evidence at trial and other public court records, Woody committed these offenses on the Navajo Nation in Sandoval County, New Mexico.  He sexually abused a child under the age of twelve between March 18, 2015 and Oct. 4, 2016.  Woody also abused another child under the age of twelve between May 1, 1999, and Nov. 30, 2002. 

            The Albuquerque office of the FBI investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raquel Ruiz-Velez and David P. Cowen prosecuted the case.

Former Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Charges

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to federal narcotics charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Erick McCoy, age 25, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Nora Barry Fischer to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute heroin and fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between August 2016 and June 12, 2017, Erick McCoy, conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute heroin and fentanyl.

In furtherance of that conspiracy, on June 12, 2017, McCoy was a passenger in a car while attempting to deliver fentanyl and heroin to a prospective drug customer when stopped by Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers and FBI Agents at a car wash in the City of Pittsburgh. During the car stop, McCoy fled from the vehicle, but was quickly apprehended after being tackled by a City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police narcotics detective. Officers then recovered a large quantity of a heroin and fentanyl mixture in McCoy’s pockets and down his pants. Officers also recovered a large sum of US currency from McCoy.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000 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. McCoy has been detained since his initial appearance in federal court and will remain detained pending sentencing. Co-defendant Antoine Johnson was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison in December of 2018. Co-defendant and leader of the conspiracy, Kimn Booth, was sentenced to 120 months in prison in October of 2019.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opiate Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, Stowe-Rox Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

Shelby County Police Agencies recently received COVID-19 funding from the Department of Justice

$124,838 received to defray expenses from coronavirus

Indianapolis – U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that Shelby County Sheriff’s Department received $58,008, and Shelbyville Police Department received $66,830 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

“The law enforcement officers and first responders in Shelby County are doing an outstanding job keeping the community safe and upholding the rule of law during these challenging times.” said United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler. “The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and the Shelbyville Police Department deserve our notice and appreciation for their efforts. This grant is money well spent on those who continue to serve during this unprecedented time.”

The funds are to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, allowed eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds.

      The Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs said the funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities.

      “The funds that the BJA provided to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and the Shelbyville Police Department will be very helpful with our current battle with COVID-19.” said Sheriff Louie Koch. Trying to keep the citizens and our employees safe will remain our priority with these funds.”

      “Sheriff Koch and I have a strong partnership and these funds will be a tremendous resource in keeping Shelbyville and Shelby County safe during these challenging times.” said Shelbyville Police Chief Mark Weidner. “Special thanks to the U.S. Attorney's Office for calling our attention to the grant and all of the advice during the application process.”

For information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553 .

If you receive any forms of suspicious communication related to the COVID-19 crisis, or become aware of family and friends that have received suspicious communications, don’t respond directly but instead report the activity to the Shelbyville Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, or the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721, or Justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm

Multi-State Operation Leads to Cheraw Man’s Arrest on Federal Criminal Complaint for Online Coercion of Minor, Transferring Obscene Material to Minor

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Nathan Branham, 39, of Cheraw, South Carolina, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint and charged with online coercion and enticement of a minor and transferring obscene material to a minor.

Branham had a detention hearing before United States Magistrate Judge Kaymani D. West on Tuesday and had his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Thomas E. Rogers on May 20. At this time, he remains in custody.

The complaint states that Branham contacted a 13-year-old minor in Kentucky through the online social media application Uplive, a live-streaming platform that allows viewers to broadcast and view real-time videos via their smartphones. Using the screen name Mystic, Branham learned the minor’s age, told the minor he was sixteen years old, and convinced the minor to contact him using the Google Duo video chat application.

According to the complaint, the minor immediately noticed Branham was an adult male. Although Branham stated that he had a genetic condition that made him look older, the minor ended the call. At that point Branham claimed he could find the minor’s address and threatened the minor into engaging in another call with him. On that call, Branham told the minor to expose herself or he was going to “find out your address and have a little talk to you.” After the minor complied, Branham also exposed himself. The minor reported the matter to her parents. The parents contacted Branham, who also used the Facebook username Shuja Jahan, at which point Branham claimed to be a police officer.

According to testimony during court proceedings, Branham – who has convictions for indecent exposure, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and being a felon in possession of a firearm – engaged in similar interactions with minors on more than thirty occasions.

The case was initiated by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office through the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force program, a national network of 61 coordinated task forces representing over 4,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service with the assistance of the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office ICAC task force. The complaint was brought in South Carolina federal court within a week of the first report to the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Derek A. Shoemake of the Florence office.

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

U.S. Attorney McCoy stated that all charges in this case are merely allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Couple Sentenced to 13 Years and 11 Years, Respectively, for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Robert Perkins, 58, of Hall Summit, Louisiana, and Deborah Hawthorne, 60, of Monroe, Louisiana, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to serve 13 years and 11 years in federal prison, respectively, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. 

On July 29, 2019, a Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a Dodge Charger commit a traffic violation. The deputy learned that the license plate on the vehicle was previously reported stolen and conducted a traffic stop. Robert Perkins, the driver, and Deborah Hawthorne, the passenger, denied consent to search the vehicle. After a K-9 unit alerted on the vehicle, deputies searched it and recovered approximately 960 grams of methamphetamine, three cell phones, and digital scales. Perkins later admitted to the officers that he knew the methamphetamine was inside the vehicle. The text messages on the cell phones recovered from the Charger revealed that Perkins and Hawthorne were working together to distribute the methamphetamine and shared in the proceeds. 

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.

Man from Laguna Pueblo pleads guilty to assault by strangulation in Indian Country

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Patrick Valencia, 50, of Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on May 26 to assault of an intimate partner by strangulation or suffocation in Indian Country.

            A grand jury previously returned an indictment against Valencia on July 9, 2019.  According to the indictment and other court records, Valencia allegedly committed this offense in Cibola County on Aug. 5, 2018.  Valencia became upset and assaulted the victim by knocking her to the ground, putting his hands around her neck and strangling her.  She was later treated for her injuries at the hospital.

            Valencia is currently in custody pending sentencing.  He has agreed to serve two years in prison under the terms of his plea agreement. 

            The office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services investigated this case with assistance from the Pueblo of Laguna Police Department.   Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall is prosecuting the case.

Former RI Attorney Sentenced for Stealing Deceased Man's Pensions

PROVIDENCE, RI – A former Providence attorney who fraudulently collected nearly a quarter of a million dollars in pension funds in the name of a former client for nearly twelve years following the man’s death was sentenced today to12 months and a day in federal prison to be followed by 6 months home confinement.

Oleg Nikolyszyn, 65, previously admitted to the Court that from December 2003 through September 2015, he collected monthly pension payments totaling $234,586 in the name of a former City of Providence employee and a member of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA).  

According to information presented to the Court, in May 2000, the former City of Providence employee hired Nikolyszyn as his attorney and executed a power of attorney that authorized Nikolyszyn to take certain acts on his behalf. Those actions included receiving pension benefits owed him and signing and depositing checks payable to him.

Nikolyszyn admitted to the Court that he continued to receive monthly pension payments in his client’s name for nearly twelve years following the man’s death in Poland on November 12, 2003. Nikolyszyn admitted to depositing the funds into a bank account in the name of both himself and his former client, and then transferring the money into his and his family’s personal bank account for their own personal use.

Nikolyszyn fraudulently collected $173,597 in payments from the City of Providence Employee’s Retirement System and $60,989 from the LIUNA Pension Fund in the name of his former client.

According to court documents, when the matter was referred to the Rhode Island Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Nikolyszyn represented to Bar Counsel that he had travelled annually to Poland and delivered the money in bulk cash payments to a nephew of his deceased client. Bank records proved that information to be demonstrably false.

Nikolyszyn, who pleaded guilty on January 3, 2020, to two counts of mail fraud and one count of theft from an employee benefit pension fund, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 12 months and one day in federal prison to be followed by one year supervised release, the first six months of supervised release to be served in home confinement with electronic monitoring.

Nikolyszyn’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman; Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Region for the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Investigations - Labor Racketeering and Fraud; Carol S. Hamilton, Acting Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni; and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.

United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the Rhode Island Supreme Court Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.

Oleg Nikolyszyn was suspended from the practice of law in Rhode Island by the Rhode Island Supreme Court on December 1, 2016, following an investigation by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. He was disbarred on an Order issued on January 23, 2020, retroactive to December 1, 2016.

Birmingham Man Indicted for Gas Station Robbery

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury yesterday indicted a Birmingham man in connection to an armed robbery of a Shell gas station, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.

A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Dennis Dewayne Dothard, 37, with one count of Hobbs Act Robbery and one count of carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime. 

“The FBI once again showed its investigative prowess in swiftly investigating and solving this crime,” Town said. “We also offer our gratitude to our local law enforcement partners for smartly apprehending the defendant.”

 The Hobbs Act prohibits actual or attempted robbery that affects interstate commerce and that involves the taking of property from another person by means of actual or threatened force or violence. The maximum penalty for Hobbs Act robbery is 20 years in prison. 

Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime carries a mandatory seven years in prison per count, to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the crime.

FBI investigated the cases along with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Hoover Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Sanchez is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Two Men Indicted For The Murder Of A Federal Informant, Three Others Charged With Obstruction Of Justice For Lying To The Grand Jury About The Murder

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Gregory Hay, a/k/a Gunner, a/k/a Franklin Gambino, a/k/a Reggie, and Alphonso Payne, a/k/a Ajay, with conspiracy to murder a federal informant; murdering a federal informant; conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine; possessing with intent to distribute and distributing cocaine; conspiring to retaliate against a federal informant; retaliating against a federal informant; discharge of a firearm in furtherance of crimes of violence and a drug trafficking crime; and discharge of a firearm causing death in furtherance of crimes of violence and a drug trafficking crime. In addition, defendant Hay is charged with possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon; possession of a short-barreled rifle; and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who are handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, between approximately 2016 and August 20, 2019, the defendants conspired with others to sell cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. The indictment also alleges that in the early evening of July 1, 2019, Hay and Payne murdered Joshua Jalovick by shooting him to death in the backyard of a residence on Freund Street in Buffalo, to prevent him from testifying about their alleged drug trafficking crimes and Hay’s firearm crimes.

“The Department of Justice has a capital case review process which culminates in a decision by the Attorney General regarding whether to seek, or not to seek, the death penalty against an individual defendant,” stated United States Attorney Kennedy.  “That process is underway in this case.”

In addition to defendants Hay and Payne, defendants Daeshawn Stevenson, Raejah Blackwell, and Roland Eady were also named in the superseding indictment for their roles in obstructing a grand jury’s investigation into Joshua Jalovick’s murder. For those crimes, defendants Stevenson, Blackwell, and Eady each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Daeshawn Stevenson is charged with obstruction of justice and making false declarations before grand jury. Stevenson is accused of lying to the grand jury about whether defendants Hay and Payne were in the backyard of 87 Freund when Joshua Jalovick was murdered, and whether Hay shot Jalovick. Raejah Blackwell is also charged with obstruction of justice and making false declarations before grand jury. She is accused of lying to the grand jury about whether she was present in the backyard of 87 Freund Street when Joshua Jalovick was shot and killed, and whether co-defendant Roland Eady was also present. Defendant Eady is also charged with obstruction of justice for lying to the grand jury about the identity of individuals present in the backyard of 87 Freund when Joshua Jalovick was murdered.

Defendant Payne was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained. Defendant Hay will be arraigned on June 5, 2020, at 9:30 a.m., also before Judge Roemer.

The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood. Additional assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Lewis Robinson, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

Man from Albuquerque sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for assaulting federal employee

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ethan Guido, 31, of Albuquerque, New Mexico was sentenced in federal court on May 27 in Albuquerque to 24 months in prison for assault upon a federal employee involving use of a deadly weapon and assault upon a federal employee involving physical contact.

            Guido pleaded guilty to these offenses on Aug. 20, 2019.  According to Guido’s plea agreement, he walked into a United States Postal Office with returned mail for insufficient postage in Bernalillo County, New Mexico on May 29, 2019.  As postal service members attempted to explain the reason for the returned mail, Guido became angry and was asked to leave. Guido then walked up to the postal service member as he walked out of the building and rammed him with his chest, knocking the postal service member to the ground. Guido then proceeded to drive away from the parking lot, reversed his car, hit the postal service member and sped away.

            The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eva Mae Fontanez and Niki Tapia-Brito prosecuted the case.

Mexican National Convicted of Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine and Money Laundering

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Mexican National residing in Lexington was convicted today, by a federal jury sitting in Lexington, of two counts of conspiring to distribute cocaine and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.      

After three hours of deliberations, following a three day-trial, the jury convicted 36-year-old Daniel Segura-Corro of conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and conspiring to commit money laundering.           

According to testimony at trial, in early 2015, Segura-Corro engaged in an agreement with other individuals from Mexico to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine in the Lexington area.  In August of 2015, several search warrants were executed by the Lexington Police Department, recovering approximately $20,000 in cash and large quantities of cocaine, from his residence. 

The evidence at trial established that Segura-Corro and other co-conspirators fled to Mexico, after the Lexington Police Department seized this cocaine. In mid-2018, the investigation led to several additional search warrants, where additional kilograms of cocaine were recovered.  In July 2019, a search warrant was executed at Segura-Corro’s apartment, resulting in the seizure of more than $99,000 in drug proceeds. In the course of the investigation, $188,000 in drug proceeds and seven kilograms of cocaine were seized. Segura-Corro was sending thousands of dollars of drug proceeds, by wire transfer, to his hometown of Vera Cruz, Mexico. Segura-Cora was ordered to forfeit the $99,000 in drug proceeds.

Segura-Coro was indicted in February of 2020.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the conviction.

The investigation was conducted by FBI and the Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger W. West. 

Segura-Coro will appear for sentencing on September 4, 2020. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years, up to a maximum of life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal statutes before imposing a sentence.

Convicted Felon Indicted For Arson And Unlawful Possession Of A Firearm After Discharging Handgun And Deliberately Setting Fire In Hotel Room

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Eric Larsgaard, 29, of Las Vegas, was arraigned in federal court today on an indictment charging him for allegedly unlawfully possessing a firearm and deliberately setting fire in a hotel room, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Larsgaard has two prior criminal convictions in Clark County, including ownership or possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. A jury trial has been scheduled before U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey on July 16, 2020.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and indictment, on March 4, 2020, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall after the fire alarm in Larsgaard’s hotel room was activated. Hotel security found that he had barricaded the door with a dresser and mattress. Guests staying in the hotel room next to Larsgaard’s room had also called hotel security to report that they heard three gunshots coming from his room. For safety reasons, officers evacuated all guests on the floor. After unsuccessfully attempting to make contact with Larsgaard for approximately four hours, responding law enforcement officers forced entry into the room and took Larsgaard into custody.

Officers executed a search warrant and located in Larsgaard’s room a Ruger handgun that previously had been reported stolen. The firearm’s safety was off, and the hammer was cocked in the firing position. Several bullet holes were located in the room. Further, an arson investigator with the Clark County Fire Investigation Division observed at least four different locations of deliberate ignition within the room. The arson investigator also noted that the smoke alarms had been tampered with and removed from the wall. 

If convicted, Larsgaard faces (a) a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the charge of felon in possession of a firearm, and (b) between five to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the charge of arson. In addition to imprisonment and fines, Larsgaard also faces a period of supervised release following any term of imprisonment imposed, restitution, and monetary penalties. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only. If convicted of an offense, the sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case is the product of an investigation by ATF, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Clark County Fire Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Ihler is prosecuting the case.

Attorney General William P. Barr’s Statement on the Death of George Floyd and Riots

Attorney General William P. Barr has issued the following statement:

“The greatness of our nation comes from our commitment to the rule of law.

The outrage of our national community about what happened to George Floyd in Minneapolis is real and legitimate.  Accountability for his death must be addressed, and is being addressed, through the regular process of our criminal justice system, both at the state and at the federal level.  That system is working and moving at exceptional speed.  Already initial charges have been filed.  That process continues to move forward.  Justice will be served.

Unfortunately, with the rioting that is occurring in many of our cities around the country, the voices of peaceful protest are being hijacked by violent radical elements.

Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the situation to pursue their own separate and violent agenda. 

In many places, it appears the violence is planned, organized, and driven by anarchistic and far left extremists, using Antifa-like tactics, many of whom travel from out of state to promote the violence. 

We must have law and order on our streets and in our communities, and it is the responsibility of the local and state leadership, in the first instance, to halt this violence.  The Department of Justice (including the FBI, Marshals, ATF, and DEA), and all of our 93 U.S. Attorneys across the country, will support these local efforts and take all action necessary to enforce federal law.

In that regard, it is a federal crime to cross state lines or to use interstate facilities to incite or participate in violent rioting.  We will enforce these laws.”

Mexican Man Sentenced for Being Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JUAN SANTOS PEREZ-ZAVALA, age 25, a native of Mexico, was sentenced by on May 26, 2020 on a one-count indictment which charged him with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).  ZAVALA was sentenced to credit for time served by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter.  ZAVALA has been incarcerated since April 2019.

According to court documents, ZAVALA was an illegal alien in possession of a firearm on April 16, 2019, found in the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Court documents also alleges he illegally possessed a Keltec model P11 9 millimeter pistol.

ZAVALA faced a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release. He will be turned over to federal immigration authorities for deportation to Mexico.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and 22^nd Judicial District Attorney Warren Montgomery in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.

Federal Inmate Sentenced to 8 More Months' Incarceration for Assault on Guard

ERIE, Pa. - A former inmate of Allenwood United States Penitentiary in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 8 months in jail on his conviction of infliction of bodily injury, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Lawrence W. Nelson, 45. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Nelson is currently serving.

According to information presented to the court, on or about July 10, 2019, Nelson assaulted a staff member while an inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution. The staff member suffered a broken nose, black eye and concussion as a result of the assault.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Nelson.

Four Alachua County Residents Arrested For Federal Drug-Trafficking Crimes

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Four residents of Alachua, Florida, have been arrested on federal criminal
complaints alleging an armed, drug-trafficking conspiracy. The criminal complaints were announced
by Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The defendants arrested are:

●    Lorenza Aaron Durr, Jr., 29, Alachua, Florida;
●    Elboric Quadarius Robinson, 29, Alachua, Florida;
●    Morris Robinson, 55, Alachua, Florida; and
●    Roddrae Antonio Williams, 28, Alachua, Florida

The charged defendants face penalties of up to life imprisonment and fines of up to $5,000,000.

The complaints and arrests resulted from an extensive investigation by the FBI Jacksonville Violent
Gang Safe Streets Task Force with support from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force
(OCDETF). This joint federal, state, and local cooperative targeted the “4K” drug trafficking
organization that allegedly conspired to distribute various controlled substances including
cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. During the operation, over 80 agents,
officers, and other law enforcement personnel successfully made arrests and executed 5 search
warrants on properties allegedly involved in drug trafficking.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement
Administration, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the University of Florida Police Department,
the Gainesville Police Department, the Alachua Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff's
Office and the Florida Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States
Attorney James A. McCain.

The OCDETF approach to combating drug trafficking is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and
dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug

trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to
disrupt and dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize its assets.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of federal
criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a
fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable
doubt at trial.

Hazleton Man Sentenced To 144 Months’ Imprisonment For Drug Trafficking

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on May 28, 2020, Roberto Sanchez, age 42, formerly of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Sanchez pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin and crack cocaine in Pennsylvania from approximately 2013 through March 2015.  Sanchez admitted to trafficking in excess of five kilograms of cocaine and 10 kilograms of heroin, the latter of which is the equivalent of approximately 400,000 potentially fatal doses of heroin.

Sanchez was originally scheduled for sentencing in August 2017, but failed to appear.  He remained a fugitive until his apprehension, in New York, in March 2019, and has remained in custody since.  The United States seized and forfeited over $54,000 from Sanchez.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo and Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.

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.

This case also was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin 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.

Gang Member Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm During Struggle with Detectives

GREENVILLE, N.C. – A Jacksonville man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

According to court documents, Dasean Clifton Moore, 34, attempted to pull a loaded .25 caliber handgun on Onslow County Sheriff’s detectives while they were serving him with warrants for drug-related crimes.  After a prolonged struggle over the handgun, the Onslow County detectives were able to disarm and arrest Moore.  Moore is a high-ranking member of the United Blood Nation street gang in the Jacksonville area.     

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parris prosecuted the case.

Man Charged in Criminal Complaint With Making False Statements to Purchase Firearms

HAMMOND- Kyle Jackson, 34, was charged in a criminal complaint with making materially false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms from a firearms dealer, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

The affidavit attached to the criminal complaint alleges that on November 23, 2019, Jackson made a false statement about his current residence address while purchasing a firearm at a federally licensed firearms dealer in Schererville, Indiana, stating on an ATF Form 4473 that he lived at one residence in Gary, Indiana, when in fact he lived at a different Gary location.  On January 2, 2020, this firearm was recovered by law enforcement in Chicago, Illinois.  On May 22, 2020, Jackson made another false statement about his residence address in purchasing three additional firearms from this firearms dealer, and law enforcement made contact with Jackson directly after he purchased these firearms.     

“My office is working closely with the ATF to identify individuals making false statements when buying firearms to prevent these illegal purchases,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch.  “We will continue to use all tools and charges available to us to prevent firearms from ending up in the wrong hands.”

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.           

Union County Man Admits Distributing over One Kilogram of Fentanyl

TRENTON, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man today admitted distributing and conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Jhon Rodriguez-Acosta, 34, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of knowingly and intentionally distributing of 400 grams or more of fentanyl. 

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

From April 2018 through Feb. 13, 2019, Rodriguez-Acosta conspired with others to distribute narcotics. On Feb. 12, 2019, Rodriguez-Acosta provided a conspirator with over one kilogram of fentanyl. On or about Feb. 13, 2019, Rodriguez-Acosta and a second conspirator traveled to the parking lot of a 7-Eleven in Elizabeth to collect payment for the fentanyl he distributed.

The counts to which Rodriguez-Acosta pleaded guilty each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 28, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force/Narcotics Unit in Newark.

San Antonio Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution, Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography

In San Antonio this morning, a federal judge sentenced 53–year-old Elton Vallare of San Antonio to 20 years in federal prison for distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered Vallare to pay a total of $29,000 in restitution to seven identified victims and to be placed on supervised release for a period of ten years after completing his prison term.

“For the second day in a row, our office obtained a significant sentence in a child-pornography case. I’m grateful for the amazing work the FBI’s San Antonio field office in this case and so many others.  We will stop at nothing to protect kids,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.

On January 30, 2020, jurors convicted Vallare of two counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography.  On June 14, 2017, FBI agents arrested Vallare following the execution of a search warrant at his residence.  During the search warrant, investigators recovered two laptop computers and various computer related equipment.  A forensics review of the seized items revealed the presence of numerous video and image files depicting child pornography which the defendant downloaded and distributed via the internet.

“Today's sentencing sends a strong message that there are serious consequences for those who would harm children by distributing and trading images of child pornography,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Combs. “It is impossible to measure the suffering these victims have endured. In this case, the defendant will have to pay restitution to the victims - and hopefully this will help them on their long road to recovery. The FBI is committed to finding perpetrators of this terrible crime and seeking justice for all who have been victimized.”

International Gun-Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Role in Straw Purchase Scheme

NORFOLK, Va. – A New Jersey resident and citizen of the Dominican Republic pleaded guilty today to helping arrange the straw purchase of multiple handguns.

“Straw purchasers are often literally arming criminals,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We will continue to aggressively pursue these cases, seek to obtain felony convictions, and work with local federally licensed firearms dealers and our partners at the ATF to stop the flow of illegally purchased firearms from hitting the street.”

According to information before the court, Greilin Eurinio Santana-Munoz, 31, a carnival worker and convicted felon, used several straw purchasers to obtain at least 25 handguns from federally licensed gun stores in Virginia and Georgia, which he then shipped out of the country to the Dominican Republic. He had an associate straw purchase 10 handguns from Virginia gun stores in Chantilly, Manassas, and Virginia Beach. He was arrested in Georgia after ATF agents watched another straw purchaser buy four handguns at yet another gun store and deliver them to him while he was waiting outside the store in his vehicle.

Santana-Munoz pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a co-conspirator causing a federally licensed gun store to maintain false records. He faces a maximum of five years in prison when sentenced on Sept. 18, 2020. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“The intent of straw purchasing firearms is clear - to provide weapons to individuals who cannot possess them legally, generally for the commission of crimes,” said Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Washington Field Division. “This defendant’s plea concludes a multi-state and international investigation into his illegal activities, and we are grateful to the U.S. Attorney and our law enforcement partners for this successful outcome.”

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leonard accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-029.

Two Brothers Plead Guilty For Their Roles In A Contraband Tobacco Scheme Which Produced Nearly 30 Million Unlicensed Cigarettes

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Joseph Thompson, 39, and his brother, Jonathan Thompson, 41, both of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa, to wire fraud. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that the defendants worked with others to acquire “cut rag tobacco” which would be used to manufacture contraband cigarettes. Monies to purchase the cut rag tobacco were wired from Rochester, NY to CanStar International Inc., a tobacco broker, in the state of Florida. Once purchased, the cut rag tobacco was delivered to buildings and warehouses controlled by the defendants in Awkwasasne, NY. The defendants then used the cut rag tobacco to manufacture unlicensed cigarettes and distribute the cigarettes to various Indian Reservations in the United States.

Between June 2016 and December 2018, the defendants ordered approximately 72,500 pounds of cut rag tobacco from CanStar, which was used to manufacture approximately 27,923,077 unlicensed cigarettes. This resulted in a loss to the United States of approximately $1,405,368.46 in federal taxes.  

The pleas are the culmination of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent-in-Charge; Homeland Security Investigations - Border Enforcement Security Team, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Director Brian Manaher; the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau – Office of Field Operations, under the direction of Assistant Administrator Nicholas Colucci; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 27, 2020, before Judge Siragusa.

Red Lake Felon Indicted On Methamphetamine And Firearm Charges

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the unsealing of a federal indictment charging ARLIN MAURICE THUNDER, 46, with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. THUNDER made his initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Jon T. Huseby in U.S. District Court in Bemidji, Minnesota. THUNDER was ordered to remain in custody pending a formal detention hearing, which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2020.

According to the allegations in the indictment, on May 13, 2019, THUNDER was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a firearm, specifically a Star Bonifacio Echeverria Firestar M43 9 mm caliber pistol. Because THUNDER has a prior felony conviction, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms at any time.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Tribal Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea A. Walcker is prosecuting the case.