Carroll County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Maryland for Sexually Exploiting a Young Girl to Produce Child Pornography and for Receipt of Child Pornography

 Expected to be Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

Baltimore, Maryland – Shon Brian Beck, age 56, of Eldersburg, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to federal charges of production and receipt of child pornography. 

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

According to his guilty plea, in September 2001, Beck and his family traveled to Bethany Beach, Delaware, where they shared a condominium with two other families, including the victim’s family.  Jane Doe, the victim, was six years old at the time.  Beck admitted that he sneaked into the victim’s room and used a digital camera to produce eleven sexually explicit images of the victim.

As detailed in the plea agreement, in 2018, another victim reported that Beck had sexually abused her.  The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at Beck’s residence on March 22, 2019.  Law enforcement seized Beck’s computer equipment and digital cameras.  Beck’s digital devices were forensically examined.  Investigators found the eleven sexually explicit images of Jane Doe, as well as more than 450 images and videos documenting the sexual abuse of minor victims, including prepubescent minors, many of which Beck had downloaded from the Internet. 

Beck and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Beck will be sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for January 28, 2021, at 3:00 p.m.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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.justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.       

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation and thanked the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office for its assistance.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who is prosecuting the federal case

Georgia man sentenced to four life sentences plus 10 years for drug distribution resulting in death

 CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terrick Robinson, of Cartersville, Georgia, was sentenced today to life incarceration plus 10 years for drug distribution resulting in death and a myriad of other charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

“This was a horrible series of events.  The facts placed a powerful spotlight on the depravity of the drug trade and the extent that those involved will go to conduct their activities.  Nothing can bring back Ms. Dubois to her family, but the prosecution and the sentencing sent the only message we can send:  these types of crimes will be severely punished.  The prosecution is the result of excellent work by law enforcement in multiple jurisdictions and a dedicated prosecution team intent on rendering justice.  I once again offer my condolences to the family of Ms. Dubois,” said Powell.

After a nine-day trial in January 2020, a federal jury found Robinson, age 35, guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Use of a Firearm During and in relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Use and Carry a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime,” and one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Death.”  

During the trial, the jury heard testimony that Robinson trafficked and distributed more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as cocaine hydrochloride and fentanyl, in Marion County and elsewhere from May 2018 to September 2018. He would travel from Georgia to West Virginia, trafficking the drugs from different motel and hotel rooms and other locations. Robinson and his conspirators carried at least three firearms during the drug trafficking crimes. 

At one of the motels in Lewis County on August 9, 2019, Robinson distributed fentanyl to Courtney Dubois of Fairmont, West Virginia. That drug, according to a forensic pathologist, was an independent sufficient cause of Courtney Dubois’ death. The jury heard testimony and saw evidence that Robinson took the body of the victim to Georgia, where he dismembered the body and disposed of it at the Bartow County Landfill.

“All too often, drug dealers use guns to further their violent criminal activities and threaten the safety of our communities” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow, of the Louisville Field Division which includes most of West Virginia. “ATF provides investigative resources that assist in the arrest and successful prosecution of violent criminals like Terrick Robinson.  We remain committed to working with our task force partners in arresting these offenders and pursing sentences that are commensurate with their criminal activity.”

“Today, our hearts are with Ms. Dubois’ family,” said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division.  “As a father, I can’t even begin to fathom what they must feel, after losing their daughter in such a violent and horrific manner.  Those responsible for this heinous crime should expect the full weight of the justice system.”

Robinson was sentenced to life incarceration for each of the following counts: “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances,” “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting,” and “Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Death.”  

He also was sentenced to 480 months for “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride – Aiding and Abetting,” 240 months for “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl – Aiding and Abetting,” and 60 months each for “Use of a Firearm During and in relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime – Aiding and Abetting,” and “Use and Carry a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime.” The life sentences will run concurrently, along with the sentences for 480 months and 240 months. Each of the 60-month sentences will run consecutive to one another to total another 10 years of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Three Rivers Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the West Virginia State Police; The Bartow County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office; the FBI in Rome, Georgia; and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigated.

U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
 

Man sentenced to ten years in prison for attempted sexual enticement of a 13-year-old girl

 HONOLULU, Hawaii – the Honorable District Judge Helen Gillmor sentenced Zachariah Fredrickson, 32, of Kapolei, Hawaii, to ten years in prison, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, for attempting to entice a 13 year-old minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. He will also pay a $5000 special assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.

U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii stated that according to court documents and information presented in court, on March 25, 2019, Fredrickson engaged in a series of online chats with an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl. During their conversations, Fredrickson arranged to meet the girl in person with the intent to engage in sexual activity, and agreed to pay $100 per hour for sex with the girl. Fredrickson then traveled to an agreed-upon location, and was later arrested.

“My office will continue to protect children in our communities from those who lurk in the corners of cyberspace seeking opportunities to exploit them. These kinds of prosecutions put child sex predators on notice that the Department of Justice will not sit by idly by while they try to take advantage of children. The federal law enforcement community and its partners will proactively bring these perpetrators to justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Price.

“In today's world the internet allows our children to connect globally. Unfortunately many parents, do not know who their children are connecting with online” stated Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda. “Predators like Fredrickson use technology to sexually exploit our children. But the FBI remains vigilant and committed to catching these criminals and ensuring that justice is served.”

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Hawaii Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Early.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Recently Released Federal Felon Indicted On Drug Charges

 Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging David Levon Massey (31, Cape Coral) with possession with the intent to distribute heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. If convicted, Massey faces a minimum mandatory term of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Massey has two prior convictions for federal drug offenses.

According to court documents, in February 2020 Massey was released from federal prison and told his probation officer that he would be living at a house in northwest Cape Coral. However, law enforcement determined that Massey was secretly living in an apartment off Pine Island Road in Cape Coral, and he was dealing drugs again. On October 7, 2020, law enforcement officers arrested Massey as he was leaving his apartment. A subsequent search of the residence revealed approximately 50 grams of fentanyl, 36 grams of heroin, a cutting agent, scales, and nearly $8,000 in cash.        

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cape Coral Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michel V. Leeman.

Drug Ring Leader Darnell “Bam Bam” Seagers Sentenced to Twenty Years in Federal Prison on Drug and Gun Charges

 Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that Darnell Seagers, also known as “Bam Bam,” 30, of Charleston, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of multiple counts of being a felon in possession of firearms, conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.

“With this lengthy sentence, a violent criminal is off the streets, a drug trafficking organization has been hobbled, and the local community is safer,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “The Defendant’s conduct here was especially egregious. He continued his violence well after his arrest by using bribery, threats, and violence to try and derail his case. He was thwarted in these efforts and ultimately convicted thanks to the steadfast work of our federal, state, and local partners.”

“The successful results of this investigation highlight not only the criminal acts violent offenders like Darnell Seagers are willing to commit in furtherance of their drug trafficking organizations, but the relentless commitment of law enforcement to ensure these bad actors are brought to justice,” said Vincent C. Pallozzi, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) Charlotte Field Division. “ATF values its partnership with the Charleston Police Department and will continue to work vigorously with all of our law enforcement partners to protect the citizens of South Carolina.”

“We will continue the all-important work of strategic partnering with our law enforcement partners to better serve the citizens of Charleston,” said Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds. “Cooperation must be the focal point of our effort and cooperative investigation resources must be pooled in more and more cases. Through combined efforts, such as this, career criminals that prey upon our citizens are removed from society making our city safer.”

Evidence presented at the trial showed that Seagers was the leader of a drug trafficking organization operating out of multiple apartments in the Gadsden Green public housing facility in downtown Charleston. Over the course of six months beginning in May of 2018, agents from ATF and officers from the Charleston Police Department used a confidential informant to make and record drug transactions with Seagers and other members of the drug trafficking organization.

During this time, Seagers was arrested on an outstanding warrant for armed robbery by the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force. When deputy marshals arrested Seagers at his wife’s home in Goose Creek, they discovered a loaded stolen handgun and thousands of dollars of cash. Evidence presented at trial showed that shortly after obtaining a bond from the state court on the armed robbery charge, Seagers went right back to selling drugs in Gadsden Green.

In October of 2018, ATF and the Charleston Police Department concluded their investigation and took down the drug trafficking organization. Agents and officers accompanied by a Charleston Police Department SWAT team arrested Seagers and executed a search warrant on the apartment where he was dealing drugs. Law enforcement officers discovered four firearms, a large quantity of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, and pills containing methamphetamine. Four other members of the drug trafficking organization were also arrested and have plead guilty to various federal drug charges.

In the months leading up to his trial, Seagers attempted to interfere with the Government’s case in several ways. Evidence presented to the Court showed that Seagers attempted to bribe one of the Government’s key witnesses not to appear at trial, and Seagers threatened a member of the witness’s family. Additional testimony also showed that Seagers offered to pay a fellow inmate who was scheduled to be released on bond to kill a witness and a codefendant in the case. Despite these efforts, Seagers was convicted on all counts.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Seagers to 240 months in federal prison each, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the ATF, Charleston Police Department, and United States Marshals. Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Schoen and Charlie Bourne of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.

Nurse Admits Illegally Writing Prescriptions for Oxycodone and Xanax

 John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that LISA M. ALEXANDER, 54, of Cheshire, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to a charge stemming from her writing prescriptions for controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Alexander was a licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (“APRN”) and held a DEA controlled substance registration that allowed her to prescribe Schedule II through V controlled substances.  Between approximately April 2017 and February 2020, Alexander wrote illicit prescriptions to distribute and dispense more than 3,600 oxycodone pills, a Schedule II controlled substance, and nearly 3,000 alprazolam pills (which is sold and marketed under the trade name Xanax), a Schedule IV controlled substance, to multiple individuals.  Alexander did not have a legitimate practitioner-patient relationship with these individuals, did not conduct medical examinations with these individuals, and did not confirm conditions that would medically require treatment using these controlled substances.  Alexander also knew that at least some of these individuals were selling the pills instead of taking them.

In addition, Alexander knew that some of the individuals who received prescriptions from Alexander were on Medicare or Medicaid.  Most of the illicit prescriptions that Alexander wrote were paid for by Medicaid or Medicare.

Alexander pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful distribution and dispensing of controlled substances by a practitioner, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2021.

Alexander is released pending sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by HHS-OIG’s Office of Investigations and the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – Drug Control Division and the Manchester, Meriden and Cheshire Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

ATF Offers $5K Reward for Information on Amazon Warehouse Arson in Redlands

 REDLANDS, Calif. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Redlands Fire Department announced a reward today of up to $5,000 for information related to the arrest of those responsible for starting a fire that destroyed the Amazon distribution center in Redlands, California.

A fire erupted around 5:30 a.m., June 2, at the 600,000-square-foot warehouse, located at 2255 W. Lugonia Ave., Redlands, California. After the fire broke out about 100 employees evacuated and no one was injured. The fire caused total destruction of the warehouse with an estimated loss of more than $200 million.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Redlands Fire Department Tip Hotline at (909) 245-6587 or email Fire Investigator Chris Randolph at crandolph@confire.org and/or Police Detective Matt Friesen at mfriesen@redlandspolice.org.  

 This investigation is being conducted jointly by the ATF Los Angeles Field Division and Redlands Fire Department

ATF Offering $5,000 Reward for Information Regarding Shooting of 8 Year Old Girl in East Chicago, Indiana

 CHICAGO— The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Merrillville Field Office and the East Chicago, Indiana Police Department are seeking the public’s help in identifying individuals responsible for a shooting in the 4500 block of Magoun Avenue. An 8-year old girl was shot in the head by a stray bullet Thursday night at approximately 10:00pm. It is not believed she was the intended target. ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible. ATF is working collaboratively on the investigation with the East Chicago Police Department.

People with information regarding the identity and/or whereabouts of these individuals are urged to contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (283-8477), ATFTips@atf.gov, or submit an anonymous tip through the “ReportIt” app, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. When reporting, be sure to include as many details as possible and contact information for potential follow up if a reward is sought. Persons with information may also contact the East Chicago Police Department Detectives at (219) 391-8318 or the anonymous tip line at (219) 291-8500.

“The public’s assistance is imperative in identifying those responsible for this heinous crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo of the Chicago Field Division. “We are dedicated to working closely with the East Chicago Police Department and the community and will follow every lead until justice is served.”

ATF protects the public from crimes involving firearms, explosives, arson, and the diversion of alcohol and tobacco products; regulates lawful commerce in firearms and explosives; and provides worldwide support to law enforcement, public safety, and industry partners. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

Philadelphia Man Admits Role in Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

 CAMDEN, N.J. – A Philadelphia man today admitted his role in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. 

Jonathan Rivera Pagan, 37, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman to an information charging him with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. 

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

In early 2020, Rivera Pagan and his conspirator, Ronal Alberto Hernandez Pinales, met and communicated about fentanyl trafficking and firearms. On March 2, 2020, Rivera Pagan and Hernandez Pinales arranged to deliver fentanyl to another individual.

On March 2, 2020, Rivera Pagan and Hernandez Pinales drove separately to the parking lot of a building in Gloucester County to conduct the planned fentanyl transaction. Shortly thereafter, Rivera Pagan and Hernandez Pinales fled from the parking lot, after seeing what they believed to be law enforcement presence in the area. Rivera Pagan was later arrested in the parking lot of a nearby bar, and Hernandez Pinales was arrested near a highway. Law enforcement officers recovered approximate 900 grams of fentanyl from Hernandez Pinales’ car, as well as cellphones from Rivera Pagan and Hernandez Pinales that contained drug-related communications.

The charge to which Pagan pleaded guilty carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2021.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s plea. He also thanked the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office, the East Greenwich Police Department, and the N.J. State Police Canine Tactical Applications Group for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara A. Aliabadi of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.

The count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl against Hernandez Pinales remains pending, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Fayette County Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Crime

 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Trina Tellez-Mullins, 36, of Oak Hill, pled guilty to a single count indictment charging her with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

“433 grams of meth,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Drug dealers utilize planes, trains, automobiles and the U.S. mail to bring dangerous and deadly drugs into our communities.  Regardless of the method of transportation, our law enforcement partners are highly successful at interdicting these drug shipments before they ever hit our streets.”

Tellez-Mullins admitted that on September 28, 2017, she possessed approximately 433.1 grams of methamphetamine at the Greyhound station in Beckley which she intended to distribute.  Law enforcement had interdicted the drug package that was en route from California via Greyhound bus to Tellez-Mullins in Beckley. Federal agents arranged a controlled delivery and arrested Tellez-Mullins at the Beckley bus station when she accepted the package of methamphetamine.

Tellez-Mullins faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison when she is sentenced on February 18, 2021.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation.   United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Nick Miller is handling the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00119.

Vista Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Pornography

SAN DIEGO – Jeffrey John Lenhof was sentenced in federal court today to 7 years in federal prison for receipt of child pornography.

Lenhof first came to the attention of law enforcement when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Agents discovered that files of child pornography had been made available from Lenhof’s residence, from as early as March 2017, via a peer-to-peer file sharing program that is easily accessible on the internet.

A federal search warrant was executed at Lenhof’s residence on April 30, 2019. Agents found that three computers, as well as an iPhone and an SD card seized from Lenhof’s residence, contained child pornography, or had been used to download or view child pornography.

Lenhof was charged with federal child pornography offenses, and pleaded guilty in December 2019 to having received child pornography. During the course of the investigation, Agents also discovered on

devices seized from Lenhof’s residence multiple videos which appeared to have been taken with hidden cameras, both in Lenhof’s residence and in other locations. One of those videos showed an adult man setting up a camera in a small bathroom. After the man exited the bathroom, what appeared to be a young teenaged girl entered the bathroom, undressed, and showered. After the girl exited the bathroom, the man could be seen returning to the bathroom to retrieve the camera.

Witnesses later confirmed that the video was taken in approximately 2009 in Lenhof’s home, that Lenhof is the man seen in the video setting up and retrieving the camera, that the girl in the video was 13 or 14 years old at the time the video was taken, and that the girl did not know she was being recorded. Agents seized a hidden camera from the residence at the time of the April 30, 2019, search warrant. After discovering this video, HSI agents executed a second search warrant at Lenhof’s residence on May 14, 2019, at which time agents seized three additional hidden cameras.

At the sentencing hearing, the U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Miller noted that child pornography offenses represent "one of the most serious and egregious forms of crimes" and that Lenhof’s non-consensual videorecording of women, including of the girl in his home, "speak to a pattern of conduct that became very troubling."

"Sexual crimes against children are heinous and tragic, and we will protect vulnerable victims whenever possible," said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. "We are focused on disrupting and dismantling these vile networks of predators who exploit children and share images online. Today is one more productive step in that direction." Brewer commended the excellent work of prosecutor Janet Cabral and HSI agents on this case.

"Today’s sentencing highlights the hard work of our agents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to take a child predator offline, and should serve as a warning to others who perpetuate the exploitation of children," said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). "Every one of the images and movies Lenhof produced and possessed was created at the expense of an innocent child, and sending criminals like Lenhof to jail will continue to be a top priority for HSI."

Following his release from federal prison, Lenhof will be on federal supervised release for a period of 10 years. During that time, Lenhof will be required to comply with special conditions, including conditions prohibiting him from having contact with minors and accessing the internet.

This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Formed in 2019, by U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Childhood, Project Safe Neighborhoods, and Human Trafficking.

DEFENDANT Criminal Case No. 19cr2128-JM

Jeffrey John Lenhof Age: 41 Vista, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGE

Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2), Receipt of Images of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct

Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison

INVESTIGATING AGENCY

Homeland Security Investigations

Rapid City Man Indicted for Failure to Register as Sex Offender

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Jose Padilla, age 52, was indicted on September 9, 2020.  Padilla appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 27, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Padilla was convicted of Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Child in January 2000.  As a result of the conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for life.  The Indictment alleges between November 23, 2014, and continuing through the date of Indictment, Padilla failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.  The charge is merely an accusation and Padilla is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.

Padilla was released on bond.  A trial date has not been set. 

Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison

 John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN HANNA, also known as “Zo,” 52, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury and Naugatuck Police Departments into a heroin and cocaine trafficking operation headed by Keith Jordan of Waterbury.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Jordan was receiving large quantities of heroin from various suppliers, including Hanna, and selling to drug to other distributors and street-level customers.  Jordan also purchased and distributed cocaine.

On March 13, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Hanna, Jordan, and 27 other individuals with various offenses related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine.

On March 21, 2019, in association with the arrest of several of Hanna’s codefendants, investigators seized approximately 3,000 bags of heroin, 400 grams of cocaine, 350 grams of fentanyl/heroin mixed, 400 grams of heroin, 10 grams of crack, 20 pounds of marijuana, fentanyl patches, a one-kilogram press, four handguns, approximately $120,000 in cash and four vehicles.

Hanna was arrested in Texas on April 19, 2019.  On November 7, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin. 

Hanna, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 16, 2020.

Jordan pleaded guilty to related charges and awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, Waterbury Police Department and Naugatuck Police Department, with the critical assistance of the U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office.  The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Nathaniel J. Gentile.

Tewksbury Man Charged with Bank Robbery

 BOSTON – A Tewksbury man was charged today in federal court in Boston with bank robbery.

Nicholas O’Neil, 37, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of bank robbery.  O’Neil was arrested in Tewksbury on Sept. 22, 2020, has been in custody since. O’Neil was detained following his initial appearance in federal court in Boston today.

According to charging documents, on Sept. 22, 2020, O’Neil, entered a branch of the Santander Bank in Tewksbury, handed the teller a demand note and a red cloth bag. The teller placed $5,689 into the red bag back and handed it to the robber, who exited the bank. The robber allegedly sped away from the bank in a white pickup truck, which was reported to police. A short time later, the pickup truck was located and “boxed-in” in heavy traffic. Police officers removed and arrested the passenger, later determined to be O’Neil, without incident. Inside the vehicle, officers located the red bag with the bank’s money and the demand note. 

The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan M. Columbus made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

Two Individuals Charged with Trafficking Large Amounts of Meth in Eastern Oregon

 MEDFORD, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that an Ontario, Oregon resident, and a Weiser, Idaho resident have been charged with interstate trafficking of methamphetamines and other drugs.

Alma Lorena Pacheco Ortiz, 52, and Victor Gomez Casa 26, have been charged by criminal complaint with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and Pacheco was also charged with possession of a firearm by a person unlawfully in the United States.

“Rural communities across Oregon have been ravaged by the effects of methamphetamine addiction” said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams “We cannot succeed in breaking the cycle of addiction and affliction in these communities when individuals like the defendants, motivated by greed, continue to provide a steady supply of poison. We are proud of the collaborative efforts to disrupt this long term drug trafficking enterprise”

“Communities are struggling to reduce or eliminate the physical and mental damage caused to individuals and communities by illicit drug addiction,” said Steven Romero, Ontario, Oregon Chief of Police.  “Area law enforcement continue to use a ‘force multiplier’ approach for disrupting or dismantling international, multi-state and local drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.  We’re proud work together with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer.”

“I applaud the work of Federal, state, and local law enforcement in this effort,” said Malheur County, Oregon Sheriff Brian Wolfe.  “People are being held accountable for serious illegal activity which in turn makes our communities safer.”

“Oregon State Police Troopers work diligently to observe signs of criminal activity during every traffic stop,” said Captain Tim Fox. “As part of this coordinated effort, our OSP Troopers engaged these observation skills which proved fruitful in pulling a significant amount of drugs off the streets.”

According to court documents, on October 25, 2020, law enforcement conducted a coordinated traffic stop on a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe with Idaho plates. The driver of the car was Pacheco, and the passenger was the registered owner Victor Gomez Casa.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a mechanically actuated trap located under the rear seat of the vehicle. Law enforcement was able to activate the trap, opening the storage compartment which revealed approximately 40 pounds of methamphetamine and a kilo of heroin. (PHOTO)

Pacheco admitted traveling to California to obtain drugs, which she had been transporting and distributing in Eastern Oregon for several years.

On the same day, law enforcement served a federal search warrant at Pacheco’s residence located in Ontario, Oregon. During the search, law enforcement located approximately $75,000 in United States currency, a firearm and additional suspected methamphetamines.

Law enforcement records indicate Pacheco was deported in 2013 to Mexico, Pacheco’s country of origin.

Pacheco and Casa are expected to make initial appearance in federal court in the near future.

The Oregon State Police, ATF, Malheur County Sheriff’s office, and Ontario Police Department investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Marco Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Stacked packages of Methamphetamine

 

Taylor County Woman Sentenced to 42 Months for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

 MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Ashley Speicher, 33, Lublin, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 42 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.   This prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release. 

On February 6 and 20, 2020, Speicher’s boyfriend, Travis Hanson, sold heroin to a confidential informant.  On February 25, 2020, law enforcement officers conducted surveillance on Hanson and observed him driving with Speicher from their hotel in Menomonie, Wisconsin to meet his drug source, Jermaine Stapleton, in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Hanson and Speicher returned to Menomonie with Stapleton following in a separate vehicle.  They were all taken into custody upon arrival back in Menomonie.  In Stapleton’s car, officers located 236 grams of methamphetamine, 11.5 grams of heroin, small amounts of crack cocaine and marijuana, as well as a digital scale and baggies.  Officers located a drug ledger in Speicher’s purse.

In an interview with law enforcement, Hanson admitted to being involved in drug trafficking and selling large quantities of methamphetamine.  He further admitted to travelling to St. Paul on February 25, 2020 to meet Stapleton to pick up methamphetamine and heroin.  He was supposed to help Stapleton sell the methamphetamine and heroin in Wisconsin.  Hanson said Speicher was with him for almost all of his drug dealings and she helped him find lower-level drug customers.  In a separate interview, Speicher admitted to travelling with Hanson to pick up methamphetamine. 

Hanson pleaded guilty to his role in this methamphetamine conspiracy and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison by Judge Conley on September 25, 2020.  Stapleton pleaded guilty on September 3 to possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and is scheduled for a sentencing hearing before Judge Conley on November 24, 2020.  Stapleton faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of 40 years.

The charge against Speicher was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force; Chippewa County, Dunn County, and Eau Claire County Sheriffs’ Departments; Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, and Menomonie Police Departments; Drug Enforcement Administration; and Dunn County District Attorney’s Office.  The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson. 

Philadelphia Man Convicted On Drug Trafficking Charges

 WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Raymond Howard, age 45, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was convicted on October 26, 2020, after a five-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann, on drug trafficking charges. 

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the jury deliberated approximately one hour and found that from October 2016 to July 2017, in Lycoming County, Howard engaged in a conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and a mixture of heroin and carfentanil.

During a three-day period in June 2017, there was a rash of drug overdoses in Williamsport.  At the time, UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport and Wellsboro reported treating 51 such cases within a 48-hour period.  

The trial team offered evidence that Howard and his coconspirators Wayne Davidson, Markeese Askew, and Nathan Crowder used cell phones to arrange for the distribution of heroin and, specifically, a mixture of heroin and carfentanil that resulted in number of overdoses from June 28 through July 7, 2020.  According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl.  Howard’s three coconspirators Davidson, Askew, and Crowder all pleaded guilty earlier in October and face minimum sentences of 11 years’ imprisonment.  In total, Howard and the three coconspirators were charged with delivering a mixture of heroin and carfentanil that resulted in serious bodily injury to eight individuals.

The case was investigated by the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Unit, Montoursville Police Department, Old Lycoming Township Police Department, South Williamsport Police Department, Williamsport Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin and Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program 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 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 enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. 

This case was also 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.

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

Howard faces 30 years to life imprisonment, a term of supervised release and a fine.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

Boston Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery

 BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday for the October 2019 robberies of the TD Bank in Worcester and the East Boston Savings Bank in Revere.   

Samuel Jose Baptista, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 30 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Judge Hillman also ordered Baptista to forfeit the money found on him after the second robbery and ordered restitution for the remaining amount stolen from the banks. 

In February 2020, Baptista pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery.

On Oct. 20, 2019, Baptista entered a branch of TD Bank in Worcester and informed the tellers, “this is a robbery” and demanded $10,000 in cash. Baptista told the tellers that he had a bomb in his backpack and that they had five minutes to get the cash before Baptista would detonate the bomb. 

On Oct. 26, 2019, Baptista entered a branch of the East Boston Savings Bank in Revere and passed to the teller a withdrawal slip, on which he wrote“10/21/19” and “$10,000.” Baptista then told the teller “this is a robbery,” that he wanted $20,000, and that he had a bomb in his backpack. After receiving money, Baptista fled the bank in a lime green taxicab. 

Witnesses from the bank reported to police the license plate and color of the taxicab. Shortly thereafter, local law enforcement found the taxicab parked in the Northgate Shopping Center, and the taxi driver informed police that Baptista had entered a store in the shopping center. Police found and arrested Baptista with the money from the East Boston Savings Bank on him. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Revere Police Chief David Callahan made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.

Former University of Michigan Professor Indicted on Charges of Child Exploitation of a Minor

 DETROIT – An indictment was unsealed today charging a former University of Michigan professor with two counts of transporting a minor girl across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual conduct, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. 

Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Vance Callender, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Charged was Stephen Shipps, 67, of Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Shipps was arrested this morning and will be appearing in federal court for his arraignment via Zoom at 1pm today.

From 1989 to 2019, Shipps was employed by the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance as a violin professor. Shipps was also the director of the Strings Preparatory Program, which offered instruction to young musicians ranging from elementary school through high school-age. Shipps retired from the University of Michigan in February 2019.  In addition, Shipps served on the faculties of Indiana University, the North Carolina School of the Arts, the University of Nebraska – Omaha, and the Banff Centre in Canada.  He also taught students at summer music programs in the Czech Republic, Germany, and the United Kingdom. 

The indictment alleges that in February and March of 2002, as well as in June and July of 2002, Shipps knowingly transported a young girl, who was under 18 years old, across state lines, and Shipps intended to engage in sexual activity with her.

“We are committed to the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our society – our children,” stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.  “For over 20 years, Stephen Shipps had close interactions with many young girls who were gifted musicians.  Shipps met with these young girls both inside and outside of the State of Michigan. Our determination and commitment to seeking justice for victims has no time limit.”

“Thanks to the bravery of Shipps’ alleged victims and painstaking investigative work by HSI, this disgraced professor is being held accountable for coercing vulnerable young women into sex, in some cases in the distant past,” said Vance Callender, HSI Special Agent in Charge of Michigan and Ohio.  “This case underscores HSI’s commitment to pursue sexual predators and bring some measure of justice to the victims.”

If convicted of both counts, Shipps faces a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant in this case is presumed innocent.  The burden is on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

This case is being investigated by agents of HSI with the assistance of the University of Michigan Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Woodward is prosecuting this case.

The investigation into this case is ongoing.  We are asking for the public’s help to fully investigate this case.  Anyone with any additional information about alleged crimes committed by Stephen Shipps is asked to call the Tip Line that has been set up by the Department of Homeland Security.  That number is 866-DHS-TIPS.(866-347-2423).  Tips can also be emailed to HSI-Shipps-Investigation@ice.dhs.gov

Wood County Woman Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl

 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Brooke Alexandria Kimble, 22, of Parkersburg, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl.  The five-year sentence was a significant upward departure from the U.S. Sentencing Guideline Range. 

“We’re pleased with the upward departure from the sentencing guidelines,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Fentanyl kills – it’s the leading cause of overdose deaths in West Virginia.  Too many families and too many kids have paid too high a price for making a terrible mistake. Excellent work by the Parkersburg Police Department and the Parkersburg Task Force.”

Kimble previously pled guilty and admitted that on January 7 and 8, 2019, while at her apartment on Avery Street in Parkersburg, Kimble sold what she believed to be heroin to a police informant.  Laboratory analysis later determined the substance was fentanyl.

In imposing the sentence, United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin found that Kimble also had sold fentanyl on January 5, 2019 resulting in the fatal overdose of a Parkersburg man residing on Myrtle Street.  Goodwin said that by continuing to sell fentanyl even after learning of the man’s death, Kimble lacked empathy for those suffering from addiction and acted in reckless disregard for human life.

The Parkersburg Police Department and the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Josh Hanks 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-00178.

Boston Man Charged with Distributing Crack Cocaine

 BOSTON – A Boston man who is allegedly a member of the St. James/Marcella gang was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston with distributing crack cocaine.

Anthony Jackson, a/k/a “Hollywood,” 29, was charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. Jackson made an initial appearance in federal court via videoconference this afternoon, and was detained pending a detention hearing on Nov. 5, 2020.

According to court documents, between Sept. 1, 2020 and Oct. 3, 2020, Jackson distributed crack cocaine to a cooperating witness on five occasions in Cambridge and Boston.

As alleged in the charging documents, Jackson has state convictions for unlawfully carrying a dangerous weapon, carrying a loaded firearm and possession of illegal substances.

The charge of distributing or possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.

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

Beltsville Condo Owner Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Federal Prison for Managing a Drug-Involved Premises

 Drug Trafficking Funded and Fueled Sex Trafficking Within the Premises and Elsewhere; Collected Rent and Purchased Drugs from the Tenants, Visiting the Drug-Involved Premises at Least Weekly

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel today sentenced Wayne Deo Ramsaran, age 46, of Jessup, Maryland, to time served of 29 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for managing a drug-involved premises.  Ramsaran must also forfeit all rights and interests to the condominium.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Interim Chief Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According to Ramsaran’s plea agreement, from October 2016 through at least February 2018, Ramsaran owned a condominium in the 11000 block of Cherry Hill Road in Beltsville, Maryland.  Ramsaran did not reside at the residence but rented rooms and charged daily and/or monthly rent to other individuals, including Kenneth Wayne Hart, whom Ramsaran knew manufactured and sold narcotics at the location.  The narcotics trafficking funded and fueled Hart’s sex trafficking operations within the drug-involved premises and at other locations in Maryland and elsewhere.

Ramsaran admitted that during this time, he visited the drug-involved premises several times a week, and sometimes daily, to obtain rent from tenants either in cash or quantities of narcotics—usually crack cocaine.  Ramsaran also visited the drug-involved premises to use narcotics—at first heroin and then later crack cocaine—with other residents.  When he went inside the drug-involved premises, Ramsaran admitted that he knew that the tenants used, sold, and manufactured narcotics, including powder and crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and prescription pills, in his condominium.  Narcotics customers visited the premises every day, at all hours of the day.

Search warrants executed by law enforcement on April 21, 2017 and February 28, 2018, revealed and confirmed the ongoing manufacturing, storing, distribution, and use of controlled substances at the drug-involved premises, with law enforcement recovering quantities of heroin, crack cocaine, Xanax, amphetamine, and drug paraphernalia, including two water bongs, digital scales, cellular telephones, crack pipes and stems, and hypodermic needles.

It was foreseeable to Ramsaran that the tenants of the drug-involved premises distributed at least 525 grams of cocaine and 700 grams of heroin to their customers.

On October 7, 2020, Kenneth Wayne Hart, a/k/a Redds, Wayne Hawkins, Hawk, Big Daddy, Billy Reds, and Bill Red Hart, age 59, of Beltsville, Maryland, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison on federal charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; a sex trafficking conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; and witness tampering.  Hart was convicted of those charges on March 12, 2020, after a seven-day jury trial.                    

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the ATF and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Sykes and Daniel C. Gardner, who prosecuted the case.

Bergen County Man Charged with Money Laundering Conspiracy After Seizure of More Than $5 Million in Narcotics Proceeds

 NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man made his initial court appearance today on charges of conspiring to commit money laundering, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Ramfis Minaya, 23, of Englewood, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He appeared by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre.

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

Since 2019, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been investigating a drug trafficking and money laundering organization (“DTO/MLO”) operating in Mexico, New York, New Jersey, and elsewhere. During the course of this investigation, law enforcement learned that the organization conducts money laundering transactions through the use of couriers with the objective of repatriating narcotics proceeds to narcotics source countries.

In August 2020, law enforcement identified Minaya as a member of the organization, responsible for the transportation and delivery of significant quantities of narcotics proceeds. Since August 2020, law enforcement has seized more than $5 million from money laundering transactions and stashes of narcotics proceeds in which Minaya was directly involved.

For example, on Oct. 27, 2020, law enforcement officers observed Minaya exit his residence and provide another individual (Individual-2) a bag that was eventually determined to contain approximately $100,000 in narcotics proceeds. Officers later saw Minaya exit his home with a bag that was determined to contain another $100,000 in narcotics proceeds.

The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering, carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $500,000 fine, or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents and Task Force Officers with the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, with the investigation leading to these charges.

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

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Union County Man Charged with Additional Counts of Coercing and Enticing Victims for Purpose of Prostitution

 NEWARK, N.J. – A federal grand jury today indicted a Union County, New Jersey, man for allegedly persuading, inducing and enticing numerous female victims, usually commercial sex workers, to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution and other sexual acts, often by use of force, violence and threats, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Jose Torres, 43, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was charged in a second superseding indictment with his fifth and sixth counts of coercing and enticing commercial sex workers, and will be arraigned on those counts on a date to be determined. Torres was originally charged by complaint in February 2020 with two counts of coercing and enticing commercial sex workers. On May 29, 2020, he was indicted on three counts, including a third count involving another victim. On July 31, 2020, he was indicted on a fourth count involving another victim.

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

From May 2015 to October 2019, Torres persuaded, induced and enticed female victims, often commercial sex workers, to travel from various out of state locations, including Canada, New York, and Pennsylvania, in order to engage in prostitution with him. In each instance, Torres lured a female victim to New Jersey with promises of large payments. In three of the previously charged instances, when the victim asked for payment, Torres became aggressive, often assaulting and raping victim. Torres never paid the women. The two recently charged counts involve allegations that in December and November of 2015, Torres lured Victim-5 and Victim-6, respectively, to travel from New York to New Jersey to engage in prostitution.

The coercion and enticement charge carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 fine for each count.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, and special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma Spiro of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations against Torres are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Notorious Human Trafficker Who Forced Victims into Prostitution Sentenced to 30 Years

 PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Kashamba John, 32, of Atlanta, GA, was sentenced to 30 years in prison, 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $23,299 by United States District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno for running a national sex trafficking ring, in which he and others forced vulnerable women and girls to travel and prostitute themselves in multiple states. As part of his sentence, the defendant must also register as a sex offender.

In May 2019, the defendant was convicted after trial of conspiring to commit sex trafficking; sex trafficking by fraud, force, or coercion; and transporting individuals in interstate commerce with the intent that the individuals engage in prostitution. Between July 2011 and October 2016, John ran a national sex trafficking ring, selling the bodies of women and girls in Pennsylvania, Florida, California, Georgia, North Carolina, and elsewhere. Conspiring with others, John targeted under-aged runaways, homeless women, and women battling substance abuse in order to manipulate them into prostitution for his benefit. One of John’s victims was rescued by the Pennsylvania State Police when an Uber driver, trained in recognizing sex trafficking victims through her church, flagged down a state trooper when she suspected that the passenger in her vehicle was likely a victim. Two other victims of the defendant were teenagers at the time John trafficked them by force.

“The defendant’s actions in this case were thoroughly vile and disgusting,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Kashamba John preyed upon people he knew would be the most vulnerable, and therefore the easiest for him to control and manipulate into doing his bidding. Now he will spend decades in prison, where he will no longer be able to do harm to anyone else.”

“Sadly, sex trafficking is a scourge that still plagues communities all across the United States, including right here in Philadelphia. Today’s sentencing of Mr. John sends a strong message that this form of violent modern day sex slavery will not be tolerated,” said Brian A. Michael, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Philadelphia. “HSI Philadelphia and our law enforcement partners will continue to be at the forefront of fighting all forms of human trafficking; not only ensuring these traffickers are held responsible for their vile criminal acts, but also helping the victims reclaim their lives.”

“We won’t tolerate this type of treatment of our fellow human beings,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. “My office will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these cases and keep communities safe from predators like John.”

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Melanie Babb Wilmoth and Sarah Damiani.

Richmond Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Acetylfentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking

 LEXINGTON, KY. - A Richmond, Ky., man, Terry Smith, 44, was sentenced in federal court on Monday, to 72 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of acetylfentanyl and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  

According to Smith’s plea agreement, on September 4, 2018, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Smith’s vehicle and located a chip can with a false bottom that contained 17.43 grams of acetylfentanyl and 27.99 grams of methamphetamine. Smith admitted to possession of the narcotics for further distribution.

Smith pleaded guilty in July 2019.

Under federal law, Smith must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and James Ebert, Chief of Police, Richmond Police Department, jointly made the announcement.

The investigation was directed by the ATF, Madison County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, and Richmond Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker.

Leader of Worcester Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced on Drug Distribution Charges

 BOSTON – A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today on drug distribution charges.

Alvin Mojica, a/k/a “King Humble,” 32, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served (approximately seven months) and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. In July 2020, Mojica pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine.

Mojica admitted that in May 2019 he distributed just under 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in an audio/video recorded transaction. At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. 

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury in Boston returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Mojica is the second defendant to be sentenced in this case.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

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

The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

Ohio man admits to selling cocaine

 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shuntaze Harvey, of Garfield Heights, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Harvey, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Harvey admitted to selling cocaine near Wheeling Center Catholic High School in Wheeling in February 2020.

Harvey faces at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

Former Harrison County Constable and Paris Firefighter Sentenced to 420 Months for Using a Minor to Produce Sexually Explicit Images and Videos

 LEXINGTON, KY- A Cynthiana, Kentucky, man, William Michael Fields, Jr., 37, was sentenced to 420 months on Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for the production of child pornography.

According to court documents and trial testimony, Fields, then 36, exercised his positions as a Harrison County Constable and Paris Fire Department firefighter to form a relationship with a 17-year-old victim, who was interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or emergency medicine.  The victim became acquainted with Fields in early 2019 while visiting a fire station in Harrison County, and began communicating with the victim through the social media platform Snapchat.

On March 17, 2019, Fields sent the victim a text message asking her to meet him. Fields met with the victim that night and provided her with alcohol. Fields then had sexual intercourse with the victim in the back of an ambulance in Paris. Fields used the victim’s cellphone to video record the encounter, and then sent the video to himself. A thumbnail image from the video was later found on Fields’ cellphone. 

The evidence at trial also revealed that Fields again had sexual intercourse with the underage victim at the Emergency Medical Training Facility in Bourbon County on March 23, 2019.  Fields again used the victim’s cellphone to record the encounter.

Law enforcement performed a forensic examination of Fields’ cellphone and discovered screen shots from the videos of Fields’ sexual encounters with the victim.          

Fields was convicted in June 2020 by a jury in Lexington after a two-day trial.           

Under federal law, Fields must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years.

“This conduct is simply inexcusable – the defendant abused his positions of trust and authority, as a firefighter and constable, and used them to sexually exploit a minor victim,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  “He further victimized her by knowingly using her to create images of child pornography.  This despicable conduct warrants significant punishment, both to hold him accountable and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct.”

United States Attorney Duncan; Jerry C. Templet Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations; Daniel Cameron, Attorney General of Kentucky, and Chief E. Douglas Robinson, Cynthiana Police Department, jointly announce the sentence..

The investigation was conducted by HIS, the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, and the Cynthiana Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Roth and Mary Melton.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Van Zandt County Man Sentenced for Federal Drug Trafficking Violations

 TYLER, Texas – A 41-year-old Wills Point, Texas man has been sentenced for federal drug trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.

Rickey James Howard pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2020, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 142 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on Oct. 27, 2020.  Judge Kernodle also ordered an $8,000 money judgment against Howard.           

            According to information presented in court, on August 2, 2018, in Van Zandt County, Texas, a co-conspirator sold approximately 10.4 grams of methamphetamine during a controlled purchase, using methamphetamine that was stored in a residence Howard shared with the co-conspirator and that Howard knew was stored in the residence.  On August 28, 2018, Howard possessed, at his residence in Van Zandt County, Texas, approximately 135 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.  He possessed the methamphetamine for the purpose of distribution to others. 

Howard admitted that between January 2018 and September 2019, he was engaged in a conspiracy with others to obtain and distribute methamphetamine.  He also admitted that he was directly responsible for the possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine.  Howard also agreed to a money judgment forfeiture of $8,000, representing proceeds received by Howard from his offense.

            This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.

Ashland Couple Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

 ASHLAND, Ky. – A couple from Ashland, Ky., Franklin Certain, 38, and Rikki Wurts, 24, were sentenced in federal court on Friday, to 120 months and 70 months in prison respectively, before U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to Certain and Wurts’ plea agreements, on April 21, 2019, law enforcement responded to an animal complaint at a residence shared by Certain and Wurts. There, law enforcement found Certain and Wurts in possession of 1,189.3 grams of methamphetamine inside the residence. While in custody, Wurts spoke to a relative about the incident and confirmed that she and Certain were selling the methamphetamine.

Certain and Wurts pleaded guilty in March 2020.           

Under federal law, Certain and Wurts must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.  Upon his release, Certain will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years, and Wurts will be under supervision for five years.  

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J.T. Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; Chief W. Todd Kelley, Ashland Police Department; and Chief Scott Gillum, Flatwoods Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by DEA, Ashland Police Department, and Flatwoods Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield.

Justice Department Releases Information on Election Day Efforts to Protect the Right to Vote and Prosecute Ballot Fraud

 Continuing a longstanding Justice Department tradition, Attorney General William P. Barr today issued the following statement: “Americans have the opportunity once again to help shape the future of this nation by exercising their right to vote.  It is a right that forms the foundation of our democratic system of government, and is precious to all Americans.  The Department of Justice will work tirelessly alongside other federal, state, and local agencies to protect that right as it is administered by state and local jurisdictions across the nation.”

In anticipation of the upcoming general elections, the Department of Justice today provided information about its particular efforts, through the Criminal Division, Civil Rights Division, and National Security Division, to ensure that all qualified voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted free of discrimination, intimidation, or fraud in the election process.

Criminal Division and the Department’s 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices:

The department’s Criminal Division oversees the enforcement of federal laws that criminalize certain forms of election fraud and vindicate the integrity of the federal election process.

The Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and the department’s 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices are responsible for enforcing the federal criminal laws that prohibit various forms of election fraud, such as destruction of ballots, vote-buying, multiple voting, submission of fraudulent ballots or registrations, and alteration of votes, and malfeasance by postal or election officials and employees.  The Criminal Division is also responsible for enforcing federal criminal law prohibiting voter intimidation for reasons other than race, color, national origin, or religion (as noted below, voter intimidation that has a basis in race, color, national origin, or religion is addressed by the Civil Rights Division).

The U.S. Attorney’s Offices around the country designate Assistant U.S. Attorneys who serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) in the respective Districts.  DEOs are responsible for overseeing potential election-crime matters in their Districts, and for coordinating with the department’s election-crime experts in Washington, D.C.

From now through Nov. 3, 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices will work with specially trained FBI personnel in each district to ensure that complaints from the public involving possible election fraud are handled appropriately.  Specifically:

• In consultation with federal prosecutors at the Public Integrity Section in Washington, D.C., the District Election Officers in U.S. Attorney’s Offices, FBI officials at headquarters in Washington, D.C., and FBI special agents serving as Election Crime Coordinators in the FBI’s 56 field offices will be on duty while polls are open to receive complaints from the public.

• Election-crime complaints should be directed to the local U.S. Attorney’s Offices or the local FBI office.  A list of U.S. Attorney’s Offices and their telephone numbers can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/districts/.  A list of FBI offices and accompanying telephone numbers can be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us.
• Public Integrity Section prosecutors are available to consult and coordinate with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the FBI regarding the handling of election-crime allegations.

All complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should be reported first to local police authorities by calling 911; after alerting local law enforcement to such emergencies by calling 911, the public should contact the department.

Civil Rights Division:

The department's Civil Rights Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, and with the criminal provisions of federal statutes prohibiting discriminatory interference with that right.

The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of a wide range of federal statutes that protect the right to vote including:  the Voting Rights Act; the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act; the National Voter Registration Act; the Help America Vote Act; and the Civil Rights Acts.  Among other things, collectively, these laws:

• Prohibit election practices that have either a discriminatory purpose or a discriminatory result on account of race, color, or language minority status;
• Prohibit intimidation of voters;
• Provide that voters who need assistance in voting because of disability or illiteracy can obtain assistance from a person of their choice (other than agents of their employer or union);
• Provide for accessible voting systems for voters with disabilities;
• Provide for provisional ballots for voters who assert they are registered and eligible, but whose names do not appear on poll books;
• Provide for absentee voting for absent uniformed service members, their family members, and U.S. citizens living abroad; and
• Provide for covered States to offer citizens the opportunity to register to vote through offices that provide driver licenses, public assistance, and disability services, as well as through the mail; and to take steps regarding maintaining voter registration lists.

The Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that prohibits discrimination in voting based on disability. 

The Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and vote suppression based on race, color, national origin, or religion.

On Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020, the Civil Rights Division will implement a comprehensive program to help ensure the right to vote that will include the following:

• The Civil Rights Division will conduct monitoring in the field under the federal voting rights statutes.
• Civil Rights Division attorneys in the Voting, Disability Rights, and Criminal Sections in Washington, D.C., will be ready to receive complaints of potential violations relating to any of the statutes the Civil Rights Division enforces.  Attorneys in the division will coordinate within the Department of Justice and will take appropriate action concerning these complaints before, during, and after Election Day.
• Individuals with complaints related to possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can call the department’s toll-free telephone line at 800-253-3931, and also can submit complaints through a link on the department’s website, at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
• Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website, at ada.gov.
• Once again, complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local authorities by calling 911.  They should also be reported to the department after local authorities are contacted.

National Security Division:

The department's National Security Division supervises the investigation and prosecution of cases affecting or relating to national security, including any cases involving foreign interference in elections or violent extremist threats to elections.  In this context:

• The National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section oversees matters involving a range of malign influence activities that foreign governments may attempt, including computer hacking of election or campaign infrastructure; covert information operations (e.g., to promulgate disinformation through social media); covert efforts to support or denigrate political candidates or organizations; and other covert influence operations that might violate various criminal statutes.
• The National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section oversees matters involving international and domestic terrorism and supports law enforcement in preventing any acts of terrorism that impact Americans, including any violent extremism that might threaten election security.

As in past elections, on Nov. 3, 2020, the National Security Division will work closely with counterparts at the FBI and our U.S. Attorney’s Offices to protect our nation’s elections from any national security threats.  In particular, attorneys from both sections will be partnered with FBI Headquarters components to provide support to U.S. Attorney’s Offices and FBI Field Offices to counter any such threats.  Again, complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local authorities by calling 911 and, after local authorities are contacted, then should also be reported to the department.

Both protecting the right to vote and combating election fraud are essential to maintaining the confidence of all Americans in our democratic system of government.  The department encourages anyone with information suggesting voting rights concerns or ballot fraud to contact the appropriate authorities, and notes in particular that the Department of Homeland Security plays its own important role in safeguarding critical election infrastructure from cyber and other threats.

Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to Register

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 23, 2020, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Albert Charles Kills Right, Jr., age 46, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stemmed from Kills Right, who is a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, knowingly failing to register and update his registration between May 30, 2018, and November 11, 2019.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

Kills Right was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Texas Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Role in Heroin and Fentanyl Conspiracy

 TRENTON, N.J. – A Texas man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for conspiring to distribute heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Juan Macias Prieto, 53, of El Paso, Texas, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson in Trenton federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and five grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and five grams or more of methamphetamine. Judge Thompson imposed the sentence by videoconference today.

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

On Sept. 17, 2019, Macias Prieto conspired with others to distribute narcotics. Macias Prieto, a commercial truck driver, transported approximately 21 kilograms of narcotics into New Jersey with the intent to distribute the narcotics to conspirators. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson sentenced Macias Prieto to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan in New York, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.