Ruidoso police officer charged with sending child pornography by email

             ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Christopher Bryant, 46, of Ruidoso, New Mexico made an initial appearance in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico yesterday on charges of transportation of child pornography.

            According to a criminal complaint, Bryant committed these offenses between Aug. 13 and Aug. 17 in Lincoln County, New Mexico.  He alleged found child pornography on the internet and took screenshots of three images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Bryant, who is a detective for the Ruidoso Police Department, allegedly sent the images to himself by email.      

Bryant is currently in custody and will return to court Tuesday, Sept. 1 for preliminary and detention hearings.  A criminal complaint is only an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

            The FBI investigated this case with the support of the Ruidoso Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Dustin Segovia are prosecuting the case.

U.S. Marshals searching for 6 Ohio residents in a drug conspiracy involving heroin, fentanyl, “crack” cocaine, and meth in Wheeling

 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – The U.S. Marshals are searching for six individuals who are wanted in a drug conspiracy operation that spanned Ohio and West Virginia, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

The Marshals are asking for information leading to the arrests of:

•    Dominique Revell Dungey, also known as “Murda,” 28, of Martins Ferry, Ohio
•    Tyrone Majette, also known as “Rullo” and “Marlo,” 24, of Martins Ferry, Ohio
•    Sihrahn Major, II, also known as “Black,” 24, of Columbus, Ohio
•    Antonio Mario Hall, 28, of Cleveland, Ohio
•    Damion Jontaz Pippens, also known as “Dolla” and “DJ,” 36, of Euclid, Ohio
•    Joseph Garth, also known as “Nephew,” 23, of Bellaire, Ohio

The six men are facing charges in a drug distribution operation that sold cocaine base, also known as “crack,” heroin, methamphetamine, including “ice,” and fentanyl in Ohio County and elsewhere from February 2019 to August 2020. In some instances, the sale of the drugs took place near protected locations such as North Park Apartments, Riverview Towers, Luau Manor, Madison Elementary School, Jensen Playground, Belle Isle Playground, Elks Playground, Bridge Park Playground, West Virginia Northern Community College, Wheeling Central Catholic High School, and Wheeling University. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the U.S. Marshal Service at 304-232-2980.

There are 20 others charged in this case. See the release issued on August 6, 2020: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling

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

Driving Park man charged with dealing fentanyl that resulted in overdose death

 Defendant faces 20 years up to life in prison

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged Diamondo Valdez Butler, 39, of Columbus, with dealing fentanyl that resulted in an overdose death. Butler was arrested last night by authorities with the DEA and Gahanna Division of Police.

According to the indictment, on April 1, 2020, Butler distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of a Gahanna man.

Butler, also known as “Yellow,” allegedly sold $70 worth of fentanyl to a friend of the deceased at a gas station on Cleveland Ave. The friend and the deceased traveled to the gas station together and each contributed $35 towards the purchase. The fentanyl was divided half to the deceased and half to the friend. The deceased used the fentanyl at his home in Gahanna and was discovered unresponsive the next morning. The coroner’s report indicates the cause of death was fentanyl intoxication.

Butler allegedly distributed fentanyl multiple other times in April and August.

He is charged in a nine-count indictment that was returned on Aug. 25. 

“Fentanyl trafficking is like playing Russian Roulette,” said U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers. Any given dose can kill someone, and if it does, that trafficker will face a minimum of 20 years in prison.”   

Distributing narcotics that result in death or serious bodily injury is a federal crime punishable by 20 years up to life in prison.

“These charges are a reminder of the lethality of fentanyl,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. “The DEA continues to prioritize investigating drug dealing that results in death.”

David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Keith Martin, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Gahanna Division of Police Chief Jeffrey Spence announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Prichard is representing the United States in this case.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

ATF, NSSF Offers Up to $10,000 Reward on El Paso Firearm Burglaries

 El PASO — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), have announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the identification and/or arrest of the suspects responsible for the burglaries and theft of 23 firearms from two El Paso federal firearms licensees (FFLs), located at 215 50^th Street, Lubbock, Texas.

On Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at approximately 1:45 a.m., unidentified suspects forced entry into Drakes Fine Sporting Arms, located at 4000 N. Mesa St. El Paso, TX, and attacked the firearms display cabinet, stealing eight firearms.

On Sunday, August 16, 2020, at approximately 3:20 a.m., two unidentified suspects forced entry into Sportsman’s Elite, located at 4520 Doniphan Dr. El Paso, TX, and attacked the gun display case, stealing fifteen firearms. Both suspects are described as males of medium build with their faces covered. Suspect 1 wore a dark colored t-shirt, jeans, red colored face covering and dark colored hat with a white emblem. Suspect 2 wore jeans, and a grey long sleeve shirt (possibly a hoodie). Both suspects wore tennis shoes.

“We at ATF ask the public to help us solve these serial burglaries. Every day that these stolen firearms remain on the streets of Lubbock increases the chances of them being used in a violent crime. If you know something, please say something” said ATF Dallas Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C Boshek II.

Anyone with any information about this crime should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS. Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov, through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips.

The reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF, in which NSSF matches ATF rewards in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers. ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes, and regulates the firearm industry. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

ATF Offers $5K Reward for Information on Retail Arsons in Santa Monica

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Santa Monica Police Department announced a reward today of up to $5,000 for information related to the arrest of the person responsible for starting fires at several businesses in Santa Monica.

A fire was started at Santa Monica Tobacco, located at 1434 4th St., around 3:20 p.m., May 31. Another fire was also started the same evening at REI, 402 Santa Monica Blvd. around 3:40 p.m., by what appears to be the same female, during civil unrest. The suspect is a black female who has a tattoo of Africa on her left shoulder.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Santa Monica Police Department Detective D. Chabot at 310-458-2201 Ext. 6679, Sergeant C. Green at 310-458-8414, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-2249. This investigation is being conducted jointly by the ATF Los Angeles Field Division and Santa Monica Police Department.

 

ATF’s National Response Team Arrives in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Assist Investigating Arson Cases

 Milwaukee, WI. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Milwaukee Field Office, the Kenosha Police Department, the Kenosha Fire Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin are seeking to speak to persons of interest who could advance the arson investigations of over 20 businesses and approximately 12 government owned vehicles that were set ablaze between August 24 and 25 in Kenosha.

Members of the specialized National Response Team (NRT) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with Special Agents from the Chicago Field Division of ATF, arrived in Kenosha Tuesday at the request of local authorities to work alongside various local, state and federal law enforcement partners to assist in the investigation of many of the fires set during the recent civil unrest in the Kenosha downtown area.

“We welcome the additional resources of ATF’s National Response Team, as they work in coordination with our officers to review surveillance video and follow leads to identify persons of interest," said Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis. "We now need the public's help to identify and hold these individuals accountable for the victimization of the business owners and members of our community who were affected by these arsons.”

“Partnership is key in investigating these arsons,” said Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo, of the ATF Chicago Field Division, which oversees the Milwaukee Field Office. “The members of ATF’s National Response Team bring specialized talent and resources to assist the local police and fire departments in determining who is responsible for setting these fires. The expertise of the local departments, with assistance not only from the NRT but also the community, will bring resolution to these investigations.  We need the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible, so we can bring them to justice.”

The NRT was developed to bring its expertise to local, state and federal investigators in meeting the challenges faced at the scenes of significant explosions and fire incidents at no cost to the state or locals. The NRT consists of three teams organized geographically to cover the United States and can respond within 24 hours to assist law enforcement/fire service personnel in on-site arson investigations. The NRT has been activated to scenes such as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the Oklahoma City federal building bombing and the Sept. 11, 2001, Pentagon crash site, as well as blasts at explosives and ammunition manufacturing plants, legal fireworks factories and illegal explosive device manufacturing operations. There have been 863 activations since the inception of the NRT in 1978, including assisting law enforcement in investigating the arsons set during the recent civil unrest in Minneapolis and Chicago earlier this summer.

The teams are each composed 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. The teams work alongside local officers in reconstructing the scene, identifying the origin of the fire, conducting interviews, and sifting through debris to obtain evidence related to the fire. Additional resources include technical, legal, and intelligence advisers and a fleet of fully equipped response vehicles strategically located throughout the U.S. to provide logistical support.

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, Kenosha CrimeStoppers at 262-656-7333, or ATF at 1-800-ATF-TIPS (1-800) 283-8477. You may also email information to ATFTips@atf.gov.  In addition, you may also submit information anonymously via www.ReportIt.com on the Report It mobile app, available on Google Play or Apple Apps Store. When using Report It, select “ATF – Chicago Field Division” as the reporting agency. Provide as much information as you can relating to the identities and whereabouts of these individuals or upload any videos or photos that may aid in an investigation.

Anderson County Husband and Wife Among Five Indicted on Child Sex Trafficking and Production of Child Pornography Charges

 Greenville, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Gary Garland, Shannon Garland, Johnnie Wells, Michael Skelton, and Duwone Allen, all of Anderson, were arrested on a multi-count federal indictment charging violations of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and production of child pornography.   

“Child sex trafficking is one of the most offensive and reprehensible crimes possible,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Sadly, many of the victims and offenders are hidden in plain sight. With support from our federal, state, and local partners, this office will find those who engage in all forms of human trafficking and bring them to justice. This includes those who patronize these victims. We will also continue to work with support groups here in our community to ensure these victims receive the services they need.”

“Sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, and these cases are a top priority for HSI investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Charlotte Ronnie Martinez. “HSI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to find and prosecute criminal traffickers while ensuring the victims of these terrible crimes are rescued and get the care they need.”

“These are heinous allegations, and this case would not have been possible without the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement departments,” said U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Griffin, Jr. “Any crime against a child is horrific and the United States Marshals Service will utilize any and all available resources so we can bring these offenders to justice.”

The ten-count indictment alleges human trafficking and child pornography violations against the Defendants beginning last year in South Carolina.  According to the indictment, the Defendants would advertise and transport at least two minors for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts, and the Garlands would produce visual depictions of the minors.

This case is being investigated by HSI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carrie Fisher Sherard and Winston Marosek of the Greenville office. The United States Marshals Service assisted in the arrest of the offenders.

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

Last remaining member of drug trafficking organization sentenced to federal prison

 Prosecution shut down ring supplying south Georgia, north Florida

BRUNSWICK, GA – The final remaining defendant among two dozen people indicted for operating a drug distribution ring in south Georgia and northern Florida has been sentenced to federal prison.

Jose Salguero, 32, of Brunswick, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to 121 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Methamphetamine, MDMA, and Marijuana, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. After completion of his prison term, Salguero will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Along with his now-convicted and sentenced co-defendants, Jose Salguero was responsible for distributing significant amounts of recreational poison throughout a large area of south Georgia and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Christine.  “We are committed to coordinating with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to make our neighborhoods safer by eradicating these criminal drug dealers.”

According to court documents and in information shared in court proceedings, the federal, state and local investigation into violent gang and drug trafficking activities in the greater Glynn County area determined that Robert Johnson, 54, of Jacksonville, Fla., supplied Salguero and other members of the conspiracy with illegal narcotics that they in turn distributed throughout the area. Johnson, who has a prior federal conviction in federal court for drug trafficking, is serving a 78-month sentence in federal prison.  

All of the defendants in the conspiracy have now been sentenced in U.S. District Court. Together they have more than 60 previous felony convictions in state court.

“Salguero is the last of more than 20 defendants, part of a major drug trafficking organization, to be sentenced for inflicting a scourge of drugs and crime in our communities,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Forces, comprised of federal, state and local law enforcement officers, remain committed to dismantling these types of criminal organizations.”

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force, along with the Glynn County Police Department and the Brunswick Police Department, and was prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kirkland. 

Fairfax Man Charged With Possession Of Child Pornography

 Defendant Arrested After Sending Undercover Agent Sexually Explicit Videos Involving Minors

SAN FRANCISCO – Ryan Michael Kannett appeared in federal court today on a criminal complaint alleging that he possessed child pornography, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. 

An affidavit filed by an HSI agent in connection with the criminal complaint alleged that Kannett, 36, of Fairfax, used the handle “Sir Sicko,” among others, to engage online with an individual whom he believed to be interested in child pornography, but who in fact was an undercover agent.  Kannett allegedly provided the agent with several videos and images depicting sexual acts with minors.  Agents then traced the IP addresses from which those files were sent and found the IP addresses were linked to Kannett’s residence in Fairfax.  Agents executed a search warrant at that residence and recovered a tablet device that allegedly contained approximately 454 videos depicting child pornography, including videos depicting minors forced to engage in bestiality and bondage.  One video in particular was approximately 8 minutes long, and showed an adult female sexually and physically abusing a girl who appeared to be approximately 2 to 5 years old. 

Kannett was arrested on December 17, 2019 in Fairfax, Calif., and made his initial appearance in federal court in San Francisco this morning before the Honorable U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson.  Kannett is currently detained pending further proceedings.   His next scheduled appearance is at 10:30 a.m. on October 12, 2020, for status before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson.      

A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution for each violation of Title 18 United States Code § 2252.  However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly A. Smolen is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Senna Milstead.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.

Rochester Man Pleads Guilty To Drug And Gun Charges

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Freedom Lee, 26, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie M. Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that at approximately 2:50 a.m. on April 22, 2019, Rochester Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in the area of 1210 North Clinton Avenue in Rochester. The defendant was identified as the passenger in the vehicle. During the stop, police officers recovered from Lee approximately 54 vials of cocaine; approximately 192 yellow glassine bags containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl; approximately 15 white glassine bags containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl; a plastic bag containing a mixture of heroin and cocaine; five yellow glassine bags containing fentanyl; a 9mm semiautomatic pistol loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition; and $1,632 in United States currency, which represented proceeds from his drug sales.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.

The case was brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.

New London Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Cocaine, Violating Supervised Release

 John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUAN HERNANDEZ, 37, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine, and for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release that followed a previous conviction for trafficking cocaine.

This matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton and Stonington Police Departments, into the distribution of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms in southeastern Connecticut.  The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, and firearms.  The investigation revealed that Hernandez received cocaine from an identified leader of a drug trafficking organization and distributed the drug to his own customers and other street-level dealers.

On January 17, 2019, New London Police arrested Hernandez after they conducted a traffic stop of Hernandez’s vehicle and found him in possession of approximately 100 grams of cocaine. 

At the time of his arrest, and during his criminal conduct in this case, Hernandez was on federal supervised release.  On February 26, 2016, Judge Bryant sentenced Hernandez to 48 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for his participation in another southeastern Connecticut cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

On March 5, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Hernandez and 23 other individuals with various offenses.  On December 9, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

Judge Bryant sentenced Hernandez to 30 months of imprisonment for the cocaine distribution offense, and an additional 18 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Hernandez has been detained since January 17, 2019.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton, Stonington, Norwich, Old Saybrook and UConn Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.

Akron Man Sentenced to Prison for Transporting Methamphetamine into West Virginia

 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Akron man was sentenced to prison today for a federal drug offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Sharief Rayshaun El-Amin, 25, was sentenced to 36 months in prison on a conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Following his release from prison, El-Amin will serve five years of supervised release.

“Five pounds of meth and heroin, not to mention a gun. Too many poison peddlers have destroyed the lives of too many good West Virginians,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are working closely with and building unprecedented cooperation among all federal, state and local law enforcement teams to aggressively protect our citizens from the peddlers of these deadly drugs. Our citizens are our focus. We have their backs. The results are unprecedented in the history of West Virginia.”

El-Amin previously admitted that on May 27, 2019, he was driving a vehicle when it was pulled over along Interstate 77 in Jackson County. During the traffic stop, officers smelled the odor of marijuana and El-Amin gave conflicting stories as to where he was heading. A police K-9 was deployed on the vehicle and provided a positive indication for the presence of controlled substances. Officers located more than five pounds of methamphetamine, approximately one ounce of heroin and a loaded semi-automatic pistol in the trunk of the vehicle. El-Amin admitted that he was being paid $400 to drive the vehicle to Charleston from Akron. Although El-Amin did not load the vehicle or otherwise know the precise nature of what he was transporting, he admitted that he knew it to be some quantity of controlled substances. The methamphetamine was sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory and found to be 96% pure.    

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe and former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders 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. 2:19-cr-00210.

New Haven Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Crack

 John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONNIE GORDON, also known as “Pop,” 39, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2017, the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force initiated an investigation into a New Haven drug trafficking organization headed by Jermayne Butler.  The investigation, which included physical surveillance, 13 controlled purchases of narcotics, and court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, revealed that members of the organization were distributing crack cocaine and oxycodone in the New Haven area.

Between August and November 2017, investigators made six controlled purchases of crack from Butler.  A subsequent wiretap investigation revealed that Butler was obtaining bulk quantities of crack from others and distributing the drug through a network of street-level dealers, including Gordon.  Butler also conspired with others to distribute oxycodone.

Gordon has been detained since his arrest on February 6, 2018.

On February 8, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 30-count indictment charging Butler, Gordon and 17 other individuals with various offenses.  All have been convicted.

On August 26, 2019, Gordon guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine base (“crack”).

Gordon’s criminal history includes multiple state convictions for drug, assault and firearms offenses.

On August 10, 2020, Butler was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, which includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, West Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and David C. Nelson.

West Saint Paul Man Sentenced To More Than Eight Years For Armed Robberies Of Several Twin Cities Restaurants And Gas Stations

 United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of DELFONZO DENELL WALLACE, 30, to 97 months in prison. WALLACE, who pleaded guilty on February 27, 2020, to eight counts of interference with commerce by robbery, known as the Hobbs Act, was sentenced yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge Ann Montgomery in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As part of the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, WALLACE agreed, under the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act, to make restitution to these businesses, as well as to three other business that were robbed between April and September 2019.

“The defendant was responsible for a string of robberies throughout the metro that terrorized employees, business owners, and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “This case is another example of Minnesota's strong law enforcement partnerships and our commitment to the fight against violent crime.”  

"Solving crime like this violent robbery spree is and always will be a top priority for the FBI," said Michael Paul, acting special agent in charge of the FBI's Minneapolis field office. "The lengthy sentence for this defendant should remind those who violently prey on our communities that the FBI and law enforcement partners will not tolerate dangerous behavior and violent perpetrators will be brought to justice."

"Our thoughts are with the victims today as this sentencing is made," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson, of the St. Paul Field Division. "Armed robbery is a terrifying experience that no one should ever have to go through. Our hope is that this sentencing can bring some healing to those affected by these criminal acts. We're lucky to work with great law enforcement partners who did a tremendous job in investigating these violent crimes."

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, between June 14, 2019, and October 10, 2019, WALLACE, while armed with a dangerous weapon that appeared to be a firearm, robbed, in violation of the Hobbs Act, eight separate Twin Cities businesses that were engaged in interstate commerce, including Starbucks, Speedway, Wendy’s, Shuang Hur Supermarket, McDonald’s, and Spitz restaurant. During the robberies, WALLACE used actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury against victim employees to steal over $20,000 cash belonging to the businesses and employees.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, ATF, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Saint Paul Police Department, the Saint Louis Park Police Department, and the West Saint Paul Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:

DELFONZO DENELL WALLACE, 30

West St. Paul, Minn.

Convicted:

• Interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), 8 counts

Sentenced:

• 97 months in prison
• Restitution of $20,868.23 to businesses for 11 robberies
• 3 years of supervised release

 

Jury Finds Little Rock Felon Guilty of Possessing Ammunition

 Defendant Shot At Moving Vehicle With Four Occupants Inside

LITTLE ROCK—After a two-day trial, a federal jury has found Anthony Obi, Jr., 29, guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The jury returned their verdict Tuesday evening after trial began on Monday and continued with testimony on Tuesday. United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr., presided over the trial, and Judge Moody will sentence Obi, of Little Rock, at a later date. 

“Felons with guns are a threat to the safety of our communities,” said Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “This defendant fired a gun into a car full of people. We will not tolerate this reckless, dangerous behavior. This guilty verdict should signify to felons with firearms that we will investigate and prosecute them for the havoc they attempt to wreak in our society.”

Testimony during the trial established that in June 2019, police responded to a call in Southwest Little Rock. Officers made contact with four victims who stated that Anthony Obi had shot at their vehicle four or five times, striking the vehicle at least once and causing slight injuries when the glass from the driver’s side window broke. Obi was arrested shortly thereafter, wearing clothing that matched the description from the victims. He did not have a gun at the time of arrest, so he was charged with possessing the spent .45 caliber ammunition casings that were found at the scene.

Because Obi is a felon, having been convicted of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute in 2008, it is illegal for him to possess ammunition. A grand jury indicted Obi on one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition in November 2019.

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, in this joint effort, will continue to focus on repeat offenders like Anthony Obi, Jr., who is prohibited from possessing firearms,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “Reducing firearm related crimes and keeping our neighborhoods and communities safe is the top priority for ATF.”

The statutory penalty for being a felon in possession of ammunition is not more than 10 years imprisonment, not more than three years of supervised release, and not more than a $250,000 fine. The investigation was conducted by the Little Rock Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bart Dickinson and Amanda Fields.

Houstonian on state bond ordered into federal custody

 HOUSTON – A 20-year-old man has made an appearance in federal court and ordered detained on charges relating to sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.

A federal grand jury returned the indictment against Javon Opoku Aug. 19. Authorities took him into custody Aug. 24.

Today, he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew M. Edison who found Opoku was a danger to the community and ordered him detained pending further criminal proceedings.

The court heard that Opoku had been pulled over for a traffic violation in February. According to testimony, Opoku was on a bond for capital murder, evading arrest and unlawful carrying of a weapon charges at the time of the stop. Law enforcement seized his cellphone and took him into custody. He was later released again on bond.

According to testimony today, Opoku had been on bond for eight different charges that stemmed from alleged activities on four different dates.

At the hearing, the court also heard that law enforcement conducted a search of his seized phone and discovered three videos that appeared to be child pornography. The videos all allegedly depict Opoku vaginally penetrating a 16-year-old female.

Common conditions of bond generally include that individuals not possess weapons, refrain from narcotics and not commit new offenses, according to testimony. The court heard Opoku had done some or all of this while out on his previous bond.

If convicted, Opoku faces a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine as well as restitution.  

The FBI and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo is prosecuting the case, which 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."

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

Takedown Dismantles Poly-Drug Network Operating in Kanawha and Fayette Counties

 CHARLESTON, W.Va. - United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced the takedown of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing meth, heroin and marijuana in Kanawha and Fayette Counties. The takedown is the result of a long-term investigation, dubbed “Second Wave,” led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force (CWVDTF). A federal grand jury returned two indictments charging 12 individuals in connection with their roles in the DTO.  

“Meth. Heroin. Marijuana. The takedown of this network of drug dealers is another major victory for the people of West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Long-term targets. Long-term problems. A drug trafficking organization that was fueling terrible addiction, pain, chaos and despair is now shut down. The people of Kanawha and Fayette counties are certainly safer as a result of today’s arrests. I commend our many federal, state and local law enforcement partners for their remarkable work in this long-term investigation. I am proud of our law enforcement leadership at every level throughout West Virginia but I want to specifically thank the men and women that serve on the front lines of law enforcement across this great state. Taking down a major drug trafficking organization is difficult and dangerous work. My hat is off to each of you. I pray for your safety each night. Thank you for your commitment to the people of West Virginia and the Rule of Law. This is another great day for the people of West Virginia.”

“The group of people arrested today have been a menace in our communities for too long,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. “Today’s takedown sends a strong message to not only this community, but other drug organizations who think they can do business here. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate this activity. Operations like this are made more difficult without strong partnerships, and I commend the joint efforts by the ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Central WV Drug Task Force and MDENT."

Charged in a six count indictment are Jason Michael Terrell, 36, of Mount Carbon; Larry Terrence Martin, 31, of Charleston; Carol Belton, 61, of Montgomery; Steven Matthew Bumpus, 31, of Charleston; Jimmy Lee Coleman, 34, of Gauley Bridge; Roger Jarea Drake, 31, of Charleston; Rashawn Akmed Miller, 36, of Columbus, Ohio; William Lee Patton, 62, of Montgomery; Craig Edward Redman, 41, of Kimberly; Tonya Nichole Simerly, 35, of Montgomery; and Ronald Lee Thomas, III, 28, of Charleston. The indictment charges Terrell, Martin, Belton, Coleman, Drake, Miller, Patton and Redman with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from July 2019 to August 2020. The indictment further charges Bumpus, Simerly and Thomas with various drug trafficking crimes carried out in connection with the DTO.

Earlier this week, defendant Larry Martin’s sister, Brandi Martin, was sentenced in federal court to 188 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

In a separate indictment, Gregory Eugene Woods, 43, of St. Albans, was charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine. Two additional defendants, Sammy Joe Fragale, Sr., also known as Joe, and Sammy Joe Fragale, Jr., also known as Bubby, were arrested on a federal criminal complaint for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. 

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force (CWVDTF) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), with assistance from the CSX Transportation Police Department.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation of the Fragales. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is handling the prosecution.

The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s 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.

Please note: An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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. 2:20-cr-00154, 2:20-cr-00153 and 2:20-mj-00119.

Leader of local cocaine distribution cell headed to prison

 HOUSTON – A 37-year-old Houston man has been handed a significant sentence following his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Ernesto Martinez pleaded guilty Sept. 25, 2019.

Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal imposed a 200-month sentence to be followed by five years of supervised release.

In handing down the sentence, the court found Martinez ran a large-scale cocaine distribution network that spanned more than four years. During that time, Martinez and his associates distributed more than 50 kilograms of cocaine to a large number of cocaine distributors based throughout the country to include cities in Texas, Ohio, Florida and Arkansas.

The judge found Martinez to be a leader and organizer in the drug operation who dealt directly with cartel members in Mexico.

Martinez also possessed a firearm when trafficking cocaine on one occasion and maintained a residence in Houston used to stash cocaine and drug proceeds.

To date, seven others have been convicted for their respective roles in the drug trafficking organization.  

Martinez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.  

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Harris County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey N. MacDonald is prosecuting the case.

Fourth Person Admits Trafficking High-Dosage Oxycodone Pills Related to Gloucester City Drug Ring

 CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man today admitted buying and reselling high-dosage oxycodone pills in Gloucester City, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Kenneth Rushworth, 59, of Gloucester City, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to an information charging him with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of oxycodone. He is the fourth individual to plead guilty for his role in drug trafficking operations based in Gloucester City and Camden.

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

In communications that were intercepted during a wiretap investigation led by the FBI, Rushworth asked Rocco DePoder to provide Rushworth with $1,100 for high-dosage oxycodone pills on Jan. 25, 2020. Rushworth and DePoder then met in Gloucester City and, in exchange for the $1,100, Rushworth sold DePoder a quantity of 60 mg. oxycodone pills, which Rushworth had purchased from another individual for $900.  Rushworth was aware that DePoder intended to re-distribute those high-dose pills. 

On July 7, 2020, Wayne Muse pleaded guilty to his involvement in the drug trafficking operations with DePoder and Erick Bell. DePoder, Bell, and others were charged in criminal complaints in March 2020. On Aug. 11, 2020, Robert Pratt, 57, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, formerly of Blackwood, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before Judge Bumb to an information charging him with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of oxycodone.  On Aug. 12, 2020, Steven Walker, 47, of Camden, pleaded guilty before Judge Bumb to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of oxycodone and one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of oxycodone. The individuals who have pleaded guilty await sentencing.

The count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of oxycodone carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Rushworth’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2021.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, Philadelphia Division, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert; the Camden County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Gilbert L. Wilson; New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, under the direction of Director Jared M. Maples; the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Wysocki; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the FBI Newark Division, New Jersey State Police, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel J. Vidoni of the Office’s Camden branch and Sara F. Merin of the Newark Office.

The charges against DePoder and Bell remain pending, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Drug-trafficking gang member sentenced to prison for leading narcotics distribution conspiracy

 Traffickers distributed kilos of methamphetamine in coastal Georgia area

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Liberty County man who brought kilos of methamphetamine to the community for redistribution has been sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison.

Stacey White, 33, of Hinesville, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to 246 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. White also must serve five years of supervised release after completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Methamphetamine is a dangerous, highly addictive drug that destroys lives and damages communities, and Stacey White is responsible for distributing it throughout the Southern District,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Thanks to the dedicated work of our law enforcement partners, his days of spreading poison are over.”

According to court documents and testimony, starting as early as July 2016 through December 2018, White made multiple trips each month to the Atlanta area to obtain up to two kilograms at a time of methamphetamine from a supplier. He then would return to the Southern District where he recruited other defendants to assist him in selling the drugs.

White, a certified member of the violent Bloods criminal street gang, was arrested along with another conspirator in December 2018 while retrieving stolen methamphetamine in Florida. Of the other five members of the conspiracy who were indicted with White in February 2019, three are serving prison terms after entering guilty pleas, while two are in custody and awaiting trial.

White’s criminal record includes multiple arrests over the past decade, with three prior felony convictions in state court. He was on probation on state charges at the time of his arrest.

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division stated, “The successful results of this investigation should let criminals who flood our communities with methamphetamine know that DEA and its law enforcement partners will not hesitate to use all its resources to destroy their drug distribution networks. These defendants will no longer be able to feed the addicts who struggle with this toxic substance.”

“Illegal drugs and gangs have no place in Georgia,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds. “We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of our communities.”

This drug-trafficking conspiracy was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenna Solari.

Capital Region Gang Member Sentenced to Over 16 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun Offenses

 ALBANY, NEW YORK – Darrell Chapman, also known as “Bishop” and “Sly Foxx,” age 40, was sentenced today to 198 months in prison for narcotics and gun offenses.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, New York State Police Superintendent Keith Corlett, and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Chapman is a self-described founder of the East Bishop Family, a set of the Bloods operating in the Capital Region.  In pleading guilty, Chapman admitted to regularly obtaining distribution-size quantities of cocaine and heroin in New York City, which he and others sold in the Albany area.  In addition to Albany, Chapman’s drug-distribution operations reached as far as Rochester, New York, and to Pennsylvania. 

In the early-morning hours of October 18, 2017, Chapman was stopped returning to Albany from New York City with 250 grams of heroin.  Later in the day, law enforcement seized over 100 grams of cocaine from Chapman’s jewelry store, “The Freezer,” on South Pearl Street in Albany, and seized digital scales, a money counter, and $3,910 in cash from Chapman’s home in Rensselaer.  In searching a Chevy Malibu parked behind Chapman’s home, law enforcement seized approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, cutting agent, and additional digital scales.  Law enforcement also seized four handguns and two rifles, some of which were loaded, and over 100 rounds of ammunition.  Chapman admitted he used the guns to protect his drugs and drug proceeds. 

In 1997 and 1998, Chapman was convicted in state court of robbery, attempted robbery, and criminal sale of a controlled substance, and was on parole at the time of his arrest on October 18, 2017. 

Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release, to begin after Chapman is released from prison.  The terms of Chapman’s supervise release prohibit him from associating with any member, associate, or prospect of the Bloods, or any other criminal gang, club, or organization. 

This case was investigated by the New York State Police and FBI, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck. 

Allen Woman Charged in Murder

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Allen, South Dakota, woman was charged in federal district court with First Degree Murder.  

Jonnie Fineran, age 18, was charged on August 4, 2020.  Fineran appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to the charge.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is mandatory life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Fineran killing a man by stabbing him on July 24, 2020, at Manderson.  The charge is merely an accusation and Fineran is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.

Fineran was detained pending trial.  A trial date has not been set. 

COVID-19 Put Domestic Violence Victims at Greater Risk; Coalitions Nationwide Stepped Up

 August 27, 2020

Courtesy of Laura L. Rogers, Principal Deputy Director, Office on Violence Against Women

COVID-19 poses a different type of threat for victims of domestic violence. While the nation has been following public health instructions to stay home to stay safe, a “stay-at-home order” can be terrifying for many victims of domestic violence and sometimes a death sentence.

While each community works to create the best safety net for their residents who are victims of domestic violence, OVW supports the coalitions of domestic violence service providers nationwide to stitch together the resources in what becomes a patchwork quilt providing both safety and comfort to victims of domestic violence.  

The coalitions routinely join work together to share ideas about how to better serve victims and keep survivors safe. During the pandemic, these front-line domestic violence advocates had to be even more creative than usual to help survivors while keeping themselves and their own families safe from COVID.

In this week’s episode of OVW’s podcast, called Patchwork which honors the diversity that is bound together through deep caring for people in need, we talk to one of the “chief comforters,” Deborah DeBare.

DeBare is the Senior Deputy Director of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), a national membership organization that represents state domestic violence coalitions.  Deb began her journey to comfort others as a volunteer at a battered women's shelter when she was in college. Now she ensures that NNEDV keeps good communication channels open across the field so that there’s a two-way flow of information within the community of practice which includes government, volunteers, tribes, rural areas, major metropolitan areas and more.

The challenges are diverse and complex. In Alaska, transportation is challenging when flights that provide a lifeline to remote communities have been cancelled due to COVID. In big cities, densely populated shelters have required new approaches to keeping families safely distanced to prevent the spread of disease while cleaning the facilities has to be done differently. As some courts have closed, protective orders have had to be issued without the typical requirement that a victim appear in person. Counselors accustomed to helping survivors face-to-face have had to learn to provide virtual support when their client often was in the same home as the abuser.

As DeBare says in this week’s episode, many lessons have been learned from the COVID-19 experience and she says that the community of comforters and helpers is as resilient as the survivors they assist in finding safety.

All of us at OVW are tremendously proud to help DeBare and her colleagues do their vital work.

As you listen, please know there are things you can do to help in your community.

If you know someone who's in an abusive relationship, the most important thing to do is to reach out to them and let them know that you're supportive and that help is available. And there may be ways you can help raise awareness about domestic violence and to be part of the solution in your community. You can find your local coalition on our webpage. Feel free to tell them that OVW sent you.

Mission Man Indicted on Meth and Ammunition Charges

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.

Kevin Bordeaux, age 21, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 20, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on March 3, 2020, Bordeaux did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. On March 4, 2020, a search warrant was executed on Bordeaux’s residence wherein several rounds of ammunition were seized.

The charges are merely accusations and Bordeaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity.  Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers.  It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.

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 its 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 local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Bordeaux was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

Rapid City Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Joseph Blue Bird, age 33, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 20, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Blue Bird was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in February 2014.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  It is alleged that between March 7, 2020, and May 6, 2020, Blue Bird, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.

The charge is merely an accusation and Blue Bird is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Mobridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

Blue Bird was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

Bosnian National Charged with Robbery and Firearms Offenses in Connection With Attack on New York City Police Officers

 Defendant Allegedly Stabbed One NYPD Officer, Robbed the Officer of His Service Weapon and Fired the Weapon at Several NYPD Officers

An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Dzenan Camovic with robbery and firearms offenses for his June 3, 2020, knife and firearm attack on multiple New York City Police Department (NYPD) police officers in Brooklyn.  As set forth in the court filings, the defendant, a Bosnian national in the United States illegally, was motivated to attack the officers because of his interest in and support for violent Islamist extremism.  The defendant is currently in state custody and is scheduled to be arraigned at a later date.    

The indictment charges Camovic with Hobbs Act robbery, using and discharging a firearm during that robbery, theft of a firearm that moved in interstate commerce and unlawful possession of a firearm as an illegal alien. 

William P. Barr, Attorney General; Seth D. DuCharme, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Christopher A. Wray, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, FBI, New York Field Office, and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.

“Dzenan Camovic, an illegal alien and Bosnian national, is alleged to have used the cover of chaos during recent civil unrest in New York City to launch a premeditated and cowardly ambush against two New York City Police officers, brutally slashing one with a knife, stealing his weapon and opening fire, and injuring several responding officers,” said William P. Barr, U.S. Attorney General.  “We know that Camovic repeatedly yelled, ‘Allahu Akbar’ during his attack.  We know that he possessed a significant volume of materials that demonstrates his interest in and support for violent Islamist extremism, including materials related to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).  But the defendant’s access to the dark web and his use of encrypted communication platforms have created evidentiary roadblocks to fully learning his plans and potential co-conspirators.  This is the second violent Islamist extremist attack on our land in the last nine months where the attacker used encrypted technology that can help cover his tracks and mask his communications.   If not for the heroism and bravery of the responding NYPD officers who returned fire and took the assailant down early in the attack, untold additional officers and innocents could have been killed or injured.”

 “As we have alleged in the indictment and set forth in related filings, just before midnight on June 3, 2020, the defendant launched a surprise attack on police officers standing post on the streets of Brooklyn, nearly ending their lives.  After stabbing a police officer in the neck, the defendant ripped a 9mm service pistol away from an officer and shot at the officers while perversely invoking religion,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney DuCharme.  “Despite engaging in technical tradecraft that covered some of his tracks, this defendant cannot escape the reach of the investigators and prosecutors who are committed to making sure that he faces justice for his extremely serious crimes.”  Mr. DuCharme expressed his grateful appreciation to the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force as well as the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work.

“Two New York City police officers, who swore an oath to protect and serve, were heinously ambushed in the line of duty at the hands of Dzenan Camovic as alleged in today’s indictment,” stated FBI Director Wray.  “As fellow Americans were exercising their rights to demonstrate, these brave law enforcement officers were brutally attacked to further a violent agenda associated with ISIS and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.  This case demonstrates that the FBI remains steadfast in our fight to protect the U.S. from extremists who wish to harm our citizens and fellow law enforcement officers.”

“Several days into protests that erupted in New York City and throughout the country, we allege Dzenan Camovic, motivated by ISIS-inspired ideology, ambushed three NYPD officers on the streets of Brooklyn and caused serious injury to those officers.  As he commenced his attack, the NYPD officers were doing what the citizens of our city ask them to do every day - to stand watch and protect their fellow New Yorkers.  Mr. Camovic's alleged behavior has no place in our community. His assault on the officers was an attack against the entire New York City community.  Our society has never tolerated this type of behavior, and today's federal charges will ensure Mr. Camovic isn't a threat to society again,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. 

“Dzenan Camovic, as outlined in the indictment, was a consumer of terrorist propaganda and calls for violence by groups like al-Qaida and ISIS.  His premeditated ambush of two New York City police officers can never be accepted.  As the investigation continues into his motives, these significant federal charges reinforce the notion that an attack against police officers is an attack against society,” stated NYPD Commissioner Shea.   

On the evening of June 3, 2020, in the midst of a public health emergency and while New York City was under a nightly curfew order, the defendant allegedly carried out his attack on NYPD police officers who were assigned to an anti-looting post near the intersection of Flatbush and Church Avenues in Brooklyn, New York.  At approximately 11:30 p.m., Camovic walked past two uniformed police officers on foot patrol and appeared to crouch for several minutes watching them.  Security footage shows that Camovic then moved around the block in an apparent effort to approach the two police officers from behind. 

At approximately 11:50 p.m., Camovic rounded the corner from Flatbush Avenue onto Church Avenue and stabbed one of the officers (Officer 1) in the neck with a knife.  After stabbing the first officer (Officer 1), Camovic chased the second officer (Officer 2), lunging at him and attempting to stab him.  Camovic then ran back to Officer 1, attacked him, forcibly took control of Officer 1’s firearm and fired multiple shots at Officer 2 and other officers who had responded to the scene.  Responding officers ultimately shot Camovic and took him into custody.  Several officers were wounded during Camovic’s attack and robbery, including Officer 2 who was shot in the hand.

During his attack on the police officers, Camovic repeatedly shouted “Allahu Akbar,” a common Arabic phrase meaning “God is the greatest,” that has been used by perpetrators of violent jihadist terror attacks during the commission of violent attacks.  The government’s investigation has revealed that, prior to the attack, Camovic possessed a significant volume of radical jihadist propaganda. 

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

If convicted, Camovic faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig R. Heeren, Artie McConnell and Josh Hafetz are in charge of the prosecution.

Eufaula Man Sentenced To 78 Months, $3,000 Restitution For Possession Of Material Involving Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor

 MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jacob Quinlan Navarrette, age 28, of Eufaula, Oklahoma was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment, 10 years of supervised release, and pay $3,000.00 in restitution for Possession Of Certain Material Involving The Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and 2252(b)(2). Once released from incarceration, the Defendant must register as a sex offender, complete sex offender treatment and comply with conditions of that treatment including polygraphs to determine compliance, the Defendant may not possess any type of pornography, and he must submit to examinations of his computers.  The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about January 2018, and continuing until on or about May 2, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly possessed and accessed with the intent to view, and attempted to possess and access with the intent to view, a visual depiction of a prepubescent minor under the age of twelve engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and said visual depiction was of such sexually explicit conduct and had been transported in interstate commerce by computer. 

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The horrific acts committed against children by the criminals who produce child pornography is made profitable by the criminals that purchase, possess, and share it. I commend the FBI for its diligent efforts to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who are involved in despicable acts against children.”            

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.

Memphis, Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty To Methamphetamine Distribution

 MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Juan Carlos Cervantes-Ramirez, age 36, of Memphis, Tennessee entered a guilty plea to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both. Mr. Cervantes-Ramirez is in the United States on a resident alien card and is subject to deportation as a result of this offense.

The Indictment alleged that on or about July 3, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine a Schedule II controlled substance. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States at the change of plea hearing.

Muskogee Man Sentenced To 33 Months For Failure To Register As Sex Offender

 MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that David William Wilcox, age 48, of Muskogee, Oklahoma was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment, and 5 years of supervised release for Failure To Register As Sex Offender, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2250(a)(1), 2250(a)(2)(B) and 2250(a)(3). While on supervised release, the defendant cannot reside with anyone under 18 years of age without prior approval and he must undergo sex offender treatment and comply with any requirements to monitor his progress, including polygraphs.  The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the United States Marshals Service.

The Indictment alleged that from on or about October 21, 2018, until on or about September 16, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and elsewhere, the defendant, an individual required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, after having received a felony conviction from the State of North Dakota on or about January 27, 2014, for Felony Sexual Assault, traveled in interstate commerce and knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Sex offender registration statutes protect the public by requiring sex offenders to properly notify the appropriate law enforcement agencies where they are residing. The United States Marshals Service and its local law enforcement partners play a vital role in public safety by enforcing these laws.”

“As part of our efforts to keep our communities safe, it is with great pride that the United States Marshals Service works alongside state, local and tribal law enforcement to ensure that convicted sex offenders comply with the requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act” said, United States Marshal Kerry Pettingill.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.

Marrero Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty To Cocaine Conspiracy

 NEW ORLEANS –U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that, on August 20, 2020, U.S. District Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced DERRIS HELTON, age 37, of Marrero, Louisiana, to seventy-two (72) months’ imprisonment and (4) four years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to a one-count superseding bill of information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute (500) five hundred grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride and twenty-eight grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”). 

According to court documents, in 2016, agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans identified HELTON as a cocaine trafficker in the New Orleans area.  Using a confidential source, agents made two controlled purchases of crack from HELTON totaling more than one hundred grams.  Through telephone wiretaps, agents identified HELTON’S co-conspirators, including HELTON’S brother, Phillip, and Robert Gaines.  During a monitored telephone call in July 2017, HELTON and his brother Phillip discussed having Gaines supply an individual with a quantity of drugs.

On August 1, 2017, agents learned through monitored telephone calls between HELTON and Gaines that HELTON was travelling from Houston, Texas to New Orleans via bus with a large quantity of cocaine.  DEA agents and Louisiana State Police troopers stationed themselves at the Greyhound terminal in New Orleans awaiting HELTON’S arrival.  When HELTON arrived at the terminal and exited the bus, agents and troopers approached HELTON.  After HELTON consented to a search of his bag, agents found approximately 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride in his bag. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney André Jones in was charge of the prosecution.

Inmate's Mother Admits to Participating in Son's Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

 PROVIDENCE – A mother today admitted to a federal court judge that she participated in a drug trafficking conspiracy run by her son while he was incarcerated in the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI). The son, with the mother’s assistance, directed drug dealers to sell crack cocaine to people outside of the prison.

According to court documents, on January 22, 2018, during an investigation of the drug trafficking activities of Pawtucket residents James Gomes, 33, and his mother, Lisa Ellis, 52, police executed a court-authorized search of Ellis’ residence and arrested both Ellis and Gomes. Ellis at the time told police she knew her son was dealing crack cocaine and admitted that she assisted on at least one occasion. Ellis and Gomes were charged with drug trafficking offenses in Rhode Island state court. Gomes was detained at the ACI, while Ellis was released on bail. According to court documents, Gomes continued dealing crack cocaine from inside the prison, with his mother’s assistance.

Appearing today in federal court, Ellis admitted that she acted as point-of-contact for her son as he executed a scheme from inside the prison to have crack cocaine delivered to prospective buyers outside of prison. Ellis admitted that on her receiving her son’s calls from the ACI, she conferenced in his associates on her cell phone, who were then directed by Gomes to make crack cocaine sales, specifying customer, quantity, and price. She also admitted that those associates would bring her the proceeds of the sales, a portion of which she kept and the remainder of which she deposited in Gomes’ prison account.

Joshua Moore, 19, formerly of Pawtucket, and Gerald Price, 34, of Cranston, were among the associates who sold drugs for Gomes.

Appearing today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Ellis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Kelly D. Brady.

Ellis is scheduled to be sentenced on November 10, 2020. Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base are each punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of incarceration of 5 years; a life term of supervised release; and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

In this matter, Gomes pleaded guilty on October 15, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, one count of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and three counts of distribution of cocaine base. He was sentenced on July 8, 2020, to 77 months in federal prison, to be served concurrently with his present term of incarceration at the ACI on state charges. His term of incarceration in federal prison is to be followed by 4 years’ federal supervised release.

Joshua Moore pleaded guilty on September 4, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and three counts of distribution of cocaine base. He was sentenced on November 21, 2019, to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by 4 years of supervised release.

Gerald Price pleaded guilty on November 8, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and three counts of distribution of cocaine base. He was sentenced on February 24, 2020, to 60 months incarceration to be followed by 4 years of supervised release.

The cases in federal court are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.

Four Indicted In Minneapolis Police Third Precinct Arson

 United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging DYLAN SHAKESPEARE ROBINSON, 22, DAVON DE-ANDRE TURNER, 24, BYRCE MICHAEL WILLIAMS, 26, and BRANDEN MICHAEL WOLFE, 23, with one count each of conspiracy to commit arson at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct. ROBINSON and WOLFE, were previously charged via federal criminal complaint with aiding and abetting arson. WILLIAMS was previously charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit arson. Formal detention and arraignment hearings will be scheduled at a later date.

According to the allegations in the indictment, on May 28, 2020, ROBINSON, TURNER, WILLIAMS, and WOLFE each went to the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct where a crowd of hundreds had gathered. At one point, the crowd began shouting, “Burn it down, burn it down.” Soon after, a fence that was designed to keep trespassers out of the Third Precinct building was torn down. ROBINSON, TURNER, WILLIAMS, and WOLFE, along with unidentified other co-conspirators, breached the fence and entered the Third Precinct building.

According to the allegations in the indictment, ROBINSON, assisted by an unidentified co-conspirator, lit an incendiary device held by the unidentified co-conspirator who threw it toward the Third Precinct building with the intent that it would start a fire or fuel an existing fire. WILLIAMS and TURNER, assisted by an unidentified co-conspirator, lit a Molotov cocktail, which was taken into the Third Precinct building by TURNER and used to start a fire. WOLFE pushed a barrel into a fire at the entrance of the Third Precinct building to accelerate an existing fire.

The ATF and FBI continue to urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to the Third Precinct fire or other business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at FBI.gov/violence.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the ATF, the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Defendant Information:

DYLAN SHAKESPEARE ROBINSON, 22

Brainerd, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

 

DAVON DE-ANDRE TURNER, 24

St. Paul, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

 

BRYCE MICHAEL WILLIAMS, 26

Staples, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

 

BRANDEN MICHAEL WOLFE, 23

St. Paul, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

Man Arrested on Federal Criminal Charge for Allegedly Robbing Delivery Truck in Oak Park

 CHICAGO — A man has been arrested on a federal criminal charge for allegedly robbing a United Parcel Service delivery truck in Oak Park last week.

DARIUS D. YOUNG was one of three individuals who robbed the UPS truck on the afternoon of Aug. 21, 2020, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  The driver of the truck had parked in the 1100 block of South Highland Avenue to make a delivery when a vehicle pulled up behind it, the complaint states.  The driver heard a male voice approach him from behind and state words to the effect of, “Get on the ground, stay down,” the complaint states.  The driver laid face down in the street behind the truck, looking up long enough to observe what appeared to be the handle of a handgun in the waistband of one of the offenders, the charges allege.  Young and the two others allegedly removed numerous boxes from the UPS truck and drove off.

Young, 24, of Berwyn, is charged with one count of robbery.  He is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Friday at 11:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheila M. Finnegan.

The arrest and complaint were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and LaDon Reynolds, Chief of the Oak Park Police Department.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Albert Berry III and Charles W. Mulaney.

The federal charge was brought under Operation Legend, a Department of Justice initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement to fight violent crime.  As part of Operation Legend, Attorney General William P. Barr directed ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and DEA to significantly increase resources in the Chicago area to help state and local officials fight violent crime, particularly firearm-related offenses.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  The charge in the complaint is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Registered Sex Offender Detained on Solicitation, Child Pornography Charges

 PROVIDENCE – A registered sex offender previously convicted in Rhode Island state court for indecent solicitation of a child was arraigned today on new federal charges of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual conduct, and possessing and distributing child pornography.

According to court documents, in January 2020, members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual uploaded an image of child pornography from an IP address in Rhode Island. An investigation by members of the ICAC determined that the IP address belonged to an Internet subscriber in West Warwick.

Further investigation by members of the ICAC determined that Robert H. King, 35, of Cranston, who was staying with a friend in West Warwick, allegedly sent several messages on social media platforms, contacting juveniles and sending them sexual messages. Among the alleged online conversations was a sexually explicit conversation King had with a girl who allegedly informed him that she was twelve years old. It is alleged that King solicited the pre-teen to engage in sexual activity.

On March 26, 2020, members of the ICAC Task Force executed a court-authorized search of the West Warwick residence where King was staying and took possession of his cell phone. A forensic audit of King’s cell phone allegedly revealed approximately 135 images of child pornography.

King, charged previously in Rhode Island state court in this matter, appeared today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond and was ordered detained in federal custody on a federal criminal complaint charging him with coercion/enticement of a minor to engage in sexual conduct, possession of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Rhode Island State Police Superintendent Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael S. Shea.

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.

United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman thanks the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General for their assistance in the preparation of this matter for prosecution in federal court.