Thursday, December 31, 2020

Porcupine Man Indicted on Carjacking and Firearm Charges

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Carjacking, Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

Curtis Horse, age 29, was indicted on December 8, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on December 16, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. 

The penalty upon conviction is 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, followed by three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Horse stealing a motor vehicle and firearm at gunpoint at Rapid City, South Dakota, in November 2020.  The charges are merely an accusation and Horse is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.

Horse was detained pending trial.  A trial has been set for February 23, 2021. 

Kearney Man Sentenced to 35 Years Imprisonment for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possessing a Firearm

 United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on December 18, 2020, Marcus Navejar, age 39 of Kearney Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Connection with a Drug Trafficking Crime. Senior United States District Court Judge Richard G. Kopf sentenced Marcus Navejar to 35 years imprisonment. Navejar’s sentence included a consecutive 25 year term of imprisonment as the firearm conviction was his second for possession a firearm while distributing drugs. After completing his term of imprisonment, Navejar will be required to serve a 5 year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.

            On June 5, 2019, the Omaha Police Department was conducting an investigation where a cooperating witness was collecting money owed from drug debts at an Omaha hotel. Navejar delivered $8,280 he owed for a drug debt to the cooperator on that date.

            On June 7, 2019, the cooperating witness informed police that Navejar was staying at an Omaha hotel and in possession of methamphetamine and a gun. While police were obtaining a search warrant for his room, surveillance officers encountered Navejar outside and took him into custody. A search of his person revealed approximately 16 grams of methamphetamine and a handgun. During a post arrest interview, Navejar admitted to dealing five pounds of methamphetamine with others during the previous few weeks.

This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.  

Four Omaha Men Indicted for Sex Trafficking Minors

 United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging Thomas Holbert (aka “T”), Lance Harper, Dalonte Foard, and Glenn Whitney (aka “G” or “G-Lo”) with conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor and individual counts of sex trafficking of minors. Holbert, Harper, Foard, and Whitney face up to life imprisonment if convicted.

The conspiracy involved recruiting and transporting minors and placing online advertisements for commercial sex acts with minors at various locations in and around Omaha and Norfolk, Nebraska. The conspiracy also involved the use of threats of violence and controlled substances to control the minors and young women being trafficked.

United States Attorney Kelly recognized the efforts and cooperation of Homeland Security Investigations, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, and Omaha Police Department in investigating this and other cases involving the sex trafficking of minors, stating “There is no higher priority than the prosecution of people who commit these evil acts. Human trafficking prosecutions require the excellent federal, state, and local cooperation that was involved in this case.”

An indictment is a formal accusation returned by a grand jury upon establishing probable cause. The indictment is not evidence of guilt and defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence.

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

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, and the Omaha Police Department.

Minnesota Man Sentenced for Attempted Possession of Child Pornography

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rushford Village, Minnesota, man convicted of Attempted Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on December 18, 2020, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.

Josef Pettit, age 24, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Pettit will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The conviction stemmed from an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators.  Pettit was arrested and federally indicted following multiple text messages he exchanged with a person Pettit believed to be a 15-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent.  Pettit requested sexually explicit images from the 15-year-old undercover persona and proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor.  When Pettit went to the pre-determined location, he was met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.

The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.

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

Summerset Man Sentenced to One Year for Meth Trafficking Conspiracy

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on December 17, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.  

Richard Nowell, age 59, was sentenced to one year, plus one day, in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

From approximately April 2019 to late August 2019, Nowell brought methamphetamine to South Dakota while working as an over the road truck driver. Nowell then dispersed the methamphetamine to others for use or additional distribution.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.    

Nowell was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Albuquerque woman charged with armed robbery and mail theft

               ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Cecilia Ann Gillespie, 31, of Albuquerque, was charged in federal court on Dec. 30 with robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, mail theft and conspiracy to defraud the United States. A detention hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4.

              On Oct. 13, a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier was robbed at gunpoint at an apartment complex in Albuquerque. The suspects took mail keys and several pieces of U.S. Mail. On Nov. 23, a USPS letter carrier was robbed at gunpoint of two trays of mail in Albuquerque. The suspects allegedly fled both times in a white Dodge Avenger. A criminal complaint alleges that the vehicle used in the crimes belongs to Gillespie and that Gillespie was the driver in both armed robberies.

               According to the complaint, on Dec. 11, U.S. Postal Inspectors located the white Dodge Avenger and allegedly observed Gillespie getting into the car. On Dec. 11, Postal Inspectors, Homeland Security Investigations and the New Mexico State Police conducted a search of the residence where the vehicle had been located. Inspectors found stolen mail, including stolen checks, both opened and unopened. Gillespie was one of the occupants on the lease.

               If convicted, Gillespie faces a minimum of seven and up to 25 years in prison. A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

              The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.

Burlington Woman Sentenced to Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

 DAVENPORT, Iowa — On December 30, 2020, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Pamela Sue Hester, age 59, of Burlington, to 130 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Following her prison term, Hester was ordered to serve five years of supervised release as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation began in 2018 when law enforcement learned of Hester being a distributer of methamphetamine in the Burlington area. In February 2019, Hester was arrested on a warrant and officers located 58 grams of methamphetamine and $764.00 that was comingled with proceeds for drug trafficking in her possession. At a search warrant of Hester’s residence that same day, law enforcement located 217 grams of methamphetamine, $2,000 cash, drug packaging material, and a digital scale. Hester admitted to knowingly possessing the materials and drugs with the intent to distribute and deliver it to others.

This matter was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Bristol Man Charged with Federal Firearm Offenses

 John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging XAVIER CRUZ, 26, of Bristol with firearm offenses.

The indictment was returned on December 21.  Cruz appeared yesterday via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and is released on a $100,000 bond.

It is alleged that, on September 5, 2020, law enforcement found a backpack containing a loaded Smith and Wesson semiautomatic handgun in a parking lot in a residential area of Bristol.  The handgun’s serial number had been removed.  Investigators subsequently determined that Cruz had possessed the firearm before discarding it. 

Prior to September 2020, Cruz sustained felony convictions in state court for controlled substance offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

The indictment charges Cruz with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Bristol Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Levens and Margaret Donovan.

This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Appellate Chief appointed United States Attorney for Eastern District of Missouri

 Sayler A. Fleming was appointed by Attorney General William P. Barr on December 11, 2020, to replace U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen. She assumed office on December 31, 2020.

“Having spent the bulk of my legal career as an Assistant United States Attorney, I am deeply humbled and honored to serve the office and federal judicial district in this capacity,” said Fleming. “I have immense respect for my colleagues, who work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and fulfill the mission of the Department of Justice. I look forward to continuing this important and necessary work with our federal, state, and local partners.”

Fleming, as United States Attorney, is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Eastern District of Missouri.  The district serves 49 counties within three divisions – Northern, Eastern and Southern. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

In her time with the office, Fleming gained extensive legal experience prosecuting and supervising violent crime cases. Fleming most recently served as the office’s Appellate Chief. 

Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Fleming was an associate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Fleming, who grew up in Charleston, Missouri, also clerked for the Honorable Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. Fleming received her Bachelor’s of Accountancy from Mississippi State University and her law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law.

Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug and Firearm Offenses

 DAVENPORT, Iowa — On December 29, 2020, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Dawone Darnell Henderson, age 34, of Davenport, to 151 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Felon in Possession of a Firearm announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Following his prison term, Henderson was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation began in 2019 during routine patrol of a privately-owned park. Officers found two males loitering under a pavilion. As officers approached the men, one of the men— Henderson—fled. As he ran, Henderson threw a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun over a fence into a residential yard. After arresting Henderson, officers located crack cocaine in his pocket. Henderson is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Justice Department Seeks Forfeiture of Third Commercial Property Purchased with Funds Misappropriated from PrivatBank in Ukraine

Today, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida alleging that commercial real estate in Cleveland, Ohio, was acquired using funds misappropriated from PrivatBank in Ukraine as part of a multi-billion-dollar loan scheme. 

Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kevin Driscoll of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan for the Southern District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office made the announcement.

In August 2020, two other civil forfeiture complaints were filed in the Southern District of Florida involving properties in Louisville, Kentucky and Dallas, Texas, in which it was alleged that those properties were also acquired using funds misappropriated from PrivatBank in Ukraine.  All three properties are alleged to be subject to forfeiture based on violations of federal money laundering statutes.

The three complaints allege that Ihor Kolomoisky and Gennadiy Boholiubov, who owned PrivatBank, one of the largest banks in Ukraine, embezzled and defrauded the bank of billions of dollars.  The two obtained fraudulent loans and lines of credit from approximately 2008 through 2016, when the scheme was uncovered, and the bank was nationalized by the National Bank of Ukraine.  The complaints allege that they laundered a portion of the criminal proceeds using an array of shell companies’ bank accounts, primarily at PrivatBank’s Cyprus branch, before they transferred the funds to the United States.  As alleged in the complaint, the loans were rarely repaid except with more fraudulently obtained loan proceeds.

As alleged in the complaints, in the United States, associates of Kolomoisky and Boholiubov, Mordechai Korf and Uriel Laber, operating out of offices in Miami, created a web of entities, usually under some variation of the name “Optima,” to further launder the misappropriated funds and invest them.  They purchased hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate and businesses across the country, including the properties subject to forfeiture: the office tower known as 55 Public Square in Cleveland, Ohio, the Louisville office tower known as PNC Plaza, and the Dallas office park known as the former CompuCom Headquarters.  The buildings have a combined value of more than $60 million.

A complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

FBI’s Cleveland Division is investigating the case with support from FBI’s International Corruption Unit, IRS Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  International Unit Chief Mary K. Butler, Senior Trial Attorney Michael C. Olmsted, Trial Attorneys Shai D. Bronshtein and Peter Steciuk, and Law Clerk Robert Blaney of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrienne Rosen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida are handling these cases.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs has provided substantial assistance in the investigation.

The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative is led by a team of dedicated prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, and often with U.S. Attorney’s Offices, to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption and, where appropriate, to use those recovered assets to benefit the people harmed by these acts of corruption and abuse of office.  In 2015, the FBI formed International Corruption Squads across the country to address national and international implications of foreign corruption.  Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to kleptocracy@usdoj.gov (link sends e-mail) or https://tips.fbi.gov/.

Jennings Woman Sentenced for Mail Theft by USPS Employee

 A woman was sentenced in federal court today after stealing cash and hydrocodone tablets from packages while working for the U.S. Postal Service, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Jennifer Louise Bruce, 44, of Jennings, received a sentence of three years of probation from Chief U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell. Bruce was convicted of mail theft after stealing hydrocodone tablets from packages mailed by a VA Medical Center and Outpatient Clinics on several different occasions and stealing cash from cards that had been mailed through the Postal Service.

“Abusing a position of trust within the U.S. Postal Service for the purpose of stealing drugs and money undermines the public’s trust in an essential government service. Jennifer Bruce violated the sanctity of the mail by corruptly acting for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

In her plea agreement, Bruce admitted to stealing money from cards and controlled substances from packages that had been mailed. She stated that during this time, she was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a Sales and Services Associate. Over a four-month period, Bruce admitted that she stole a total of 240 hydrocodone tablets.

The Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph F. Wilson, now retired, and Kevin C. Leitch prosecuted the case.

Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 12 1/2 Years for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Weapons, Including 'Ghost Guns,' Near Schools

 PHILADELPHIA – First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Matthew Stephens, 52, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to 151 months in prison and ten years of supervised release by United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III for his role in a scheme to traffic pounds of methamphetamine, several dozen firearms, machine gun conversion devices, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition between 2017 and 2019.

The defendant pleaded guilty in November 2019 to seven counts of drug trafficking and firearms charges, and then pleaded guilty again in August 2020 to nine additional firearms offenses charged in two Superseding Indictments. The specific charges included conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of a machine gun, possession of a non-registered machine gun, possession of a firearm by a felon, and dealing in firearms without a license.

The charges against Stephens stemmed from a long-term investigation conducted by the ATF into methamphetamine and firearms trafficking in the area of two public schools in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. In 2018 and 2019, during the course of this investigation, the defendant sold dozens of firearms to the ATF through a confidential informant. Many of these firearms had serial numbers that were obliterated, and still others were homemade, un-serialized, AR-15 style assault rifles, commonly referred to as “ghost guns” or “PMFs” (Privately Made Firearms) due to the complete absence of traceable manufacturer markings. Stephens also sold to the ATF during dozens of transactions parts designed to convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm (“auto sears”), Glock machine gun conversion “kits,” two rifles and more than one hundred rounds of ammunition.

On March 27, 2019, Stephens was arrested during an ATF sting operation in the parking lot of a Wawa convenience store on Bustleton Avenue in North Philadelphia. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was in possession of over three kilograms of methamphetamine. For his criminal conduct, which included his role in three different conspiracies between 2017 and 2019, Stephens was later charged in three separate Indictments.

In total, Stephens sold 52 firearms, 44 machinegun conversion devices, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, as well as more than $50,000 worth of methamphetamine. Many of the transactions occurred within one block of a public elementary school in Philadelphia. Two of the transactions involving methamphetamine occurred at a rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike.

“This defendant personally threatened the safety of our communities,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Williams. “He sold drugs and firearms, including homemade untraceable firearms, immediately adjacent to two public schools, directly endangering the lives of children. Thanks to the steady, determined efforts of investigators at the ATF, Stephens’ revolving door of criminal contraband has been cut off.”

“Trafficked firearms represent a danger to our community, because they can end up in the hands of convicted felons, violent criminals, and many other kinds of people who are prohibited from having firearms,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “This successful investigation and prosecution is a testament to our terrific partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and a reflection of our commitment to aggressively pursuing firearms traffickers in our communities.”

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Ashenfelter and Priya T. De Souza.

Convicted Felon, Arrested In Possession Of 105 Bags Of Illegal Drugs, Pleads Guilty To Possession With Intent To Distribute Meth

 MACON, Ga. – A convicted felon, arrested with multiple firearms and 105 bags of illegal drugs, has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, said Peter D. Leary, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.

Alexander Brock Ray, 30, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on December 22, before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell. The defendant faces a maximum 40 years imprisonment and a minimum five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $5,000,000. Sentencing is scheduled for March 3, 2021.

U.S. Marshals, FBI agents and Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies served Ray with an arrest warrant at his residence on August 16, 2018, for a Superior Court probation violation. In 2013, Ray was convicted of theft by receiving (firearm), carrying a concealed weapon and felony obstruction. Ray was arrested, and officers found a shotgun, along with many pills and bags of suspected ecstasy. A search warrant was issued, and officers found two semi-automatic pistols, drug paraphernalia and 4.6 pounds of suspected ecstasy, which was later found to contain methamphetamine. Eleven stamps were found in the residence which were being used to compress multicolored powder into heart and “Hello Kitty” shaped pills.

“Methamphetamine is a pervasive threat to communities across the Middle District of Georgia. We will hold drug dealers accountable for profiting from the destruction caused by methamphetamine,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leary. “I want to thank the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI for their combined efforts investigating this matter.”

“If drug dealers think they can continue to get away with plaguing our communities even after being arrested and convicted of crimes, they better think again,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the persistence of the Bibb County Sheriff Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and our FBI Macon resident agency, Ray will have plenty of time to think in prison.”

The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Officer (Contractor), U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Canton man with history of violence sentenced to 27 months imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a person with a domestic violence conviction

 U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced today that Matthew Paul Slatzer, age 36, of Canton, Ohio, was sentenced by Judge Donald C. Nugent to 27 months imprisonment, the maximum possible sentence allowable within the federal sentencing guidelines. Slatzer previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a person with domestic violence conviction. 

"This defendant is well known within the community as an individual with a hateful ideology prone to threaten violence towards law enforcement and others based on race, religion or sexual orientation," said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. "These hateful beliefs, combined with a history of actual violence, make the defendant a threat to the community and the entirety of the Northern District. We are grateful for the maximum possible sentence in this matter that will keep the defendant in federal prison where he can no longer threaten or harm others."  

"Possession of a firearm by someone with a violent criminal history, who continues to espouse hate and threaten law enforcement is reprehensible," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. "Hate towards any group must not and will not be tolerated. Today's sentencing is another example that shows the FBI is committed to investigating and holding accountable those like Mr. Slatzer, who engage in these types of acts. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served."

According to court documents, on February 2, 2020, Canton Police responded to a report of an intoxicated man with a firearm at a bar on Harrison Avenue NW in Canton, Ohio. Police arrived on the scene, contacted Slatzer, who was intoxicated, and collected the firearm. Slatzer was then arrested for possession of a firearm in a liquor permit establishment. Slatzer also possessed a weapon holster, knife, OC spray and ammunition. 

Slatzer is prohibited from possession of a firearm due to a previous conviction of domestic violence on October 20, 2010, in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas.

According to a sentencing memorandum filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office in this case, on May 3, 2020, Slatzer was involved in an incident in Stow, Ohio, at a Dollar General while on a pretrial release in a state case. The memorandum states that Slatzer entered the store with a hatchet and a sword and asked a store employee for directions to Kent State University. Slatzer remarked to the employee that he was told there were "a lot of Jews at Kent State." Slatzer then stated he was an Aryan brother and that he was going to Kent State University to find some Jews.

The memorandum further states that during a previous arrest, Slatzer threatened to kill the arresting officers, remarking that "he would kill each pig one by one" after making racist and homophobic statements. Later, while incarcerated at Northeast Ohio Correctional Center, Slatzer made several phone calls stating that he wanted to "figure out how to smuggle a gun in here" and that when he gets out, if he has contact with officers again, he will "have to kill 'em."

The sentencing memorandum asked the Court not to consider Slatzer's political views or beliefs in a sentencing determination, but rather the danger posed to the community due to these views and beliefs.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canton Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.

Hancock Man Sentenced for Possessing Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute

 BANGOR, Maine: A Hancock man was sentenced today in federal court in Bangor for possessing with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.

U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced William Smeal, 34, to 54 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Smeal pleaded guilty on January 21, 2020.

According to court records, on February 13, 2019, law enforcement officers encountered Smeal in Ellsworth, Maine. A bag containing over 100 grams of a substance containing fentanyl was seized from his car. Smeal admitted to purchasing drugs in Massachusetts that day. A search of Smeal’s home and an additional search of his car resulted in the seizure of more than 100 additional grams of a substance containing fentanyl. 

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the FBI investigated the case. 

The prosecution is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.  

Tulsa Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud

 A Tulsa man was sentenced in federal court this afternoon for a wire fraud scheme in which he conned a coworker out of more than $90,000, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Christopher Jeremy McConnell, 35, was sentenced to five years of probation with eight months home confinement by Chief U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell. Further, McConnell will be required to pay $90,440.49 to the victim, which is equivalent to the monetary loss the victim incurred due to McConnell’s criminal activity.

“Christopher McConnell made shimmering promises about silver and gold. His promises were empty, but his fraudulent intent was all too real. He defrauded his victim out of more than $90,000 of her hard earned money,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “McConnell must now pay back that which he stole and make the victim whole again. I commend the FBI for their investigation into this deceitful scheme.”

In his plea agreement, McConnell admitted that from November 2016 to July 2017 he befriended the victim, who was a coworker. He stated that he learned of an investment account that the victim held and he fraudulently persuaded her to transfer her investment funds to his account, promising her that he could manage her funds and invest them in “Euro-Dollars” and silver and gold for her benefit.  However, McConnell stated that instead of investing the funds the victim transferred to him, he spent the money almost entirely on personal expenditures, including food, retail items, travel, and personal investment, all without the victim’s knowledge.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella prosecuted the case.

Additional Charges Filed Against Suburban Chicago Couple in Federal Child Labor Trafficking Investigation

 CHICAGO — A federal investigation into child labor trafficking has resulted in additional criminal charges against a couple residing in a Chicago suburb who allegedly forced two undocumented Guatemalan children to provide labor and services for the couple’s private financial gain.

SANTOS TEODORO AC-SALAZAR, 24, and OLGA CHOC LAJ, 31, both of whom resided in Aurora, are charged with conspiracy to conceal, harbor, and shield from detection the two children, who were 15 years old and approximately ten years old when they entered the United States in 2019, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  The indictment also charges the defendants with individual harboring counts in connection with both victims, a forced labor charge relating to the younger victim, and a forced labor charge that was previously filed earlier this year in relation to the older victim.

The defendants are in law enforcement custody.  Arraignments are scheduled for Dec. 30, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman.

The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; James M. Gibbons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General in Chicago.  Substantial assistance in the investigation has been provided by the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Aurora Police Department, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Prashant Kolluri.

According to the indictment, Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj are Guatemalan citizens who agreed to separately enter the United States unlawfully.  The pair used smugglers and third parties to locate the victims in Guatemala as the children with whom the pair would unlawfully enter into the U.S., the indictment states.  Once in the U.S., Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj allegedly harbored the victims in a residence in Aurora by, among other things, failing to enroll the victims in school, prohibiting them from leaving the residence except in limited circumstances, and instructing them to provide false information to third parties, including law enforcement authorities.  Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj also are alleged to have forced the victims to provide labor and services for the couple’s private financial gain.

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

Bronx Man Indicted for Alleged Role in Car Theft Ring

 John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that on December 22, 2020, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a five-count indictment charging JOSEPHER Y. CARTAGENA, 24, of the Bronx, New York, with offenses stemming from his alleged role in a car theft ring operating in Connecticut and New York.

Cartagena has been detained since his arrest on December 23.  He appeared yesterday via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, Connecticut State Police and police departments in Connecticut and New York have been investigating a car theft ring that, for at least the past six months, has been conducting coordinated burglaries of car dealerships in Connecticut and elsewhere, often hitting multiple locations in one night.  The group’s members drive from New York to Connecticut, force entry into car dealerships, steal vehicle key fobs, and use them to identify and steal vehicles.  Group members also have burglarized mobile phone stores.  Cartagena is a member of this group, which is believed to be responsible for the theft of more than 40 vehicles in Connecticut, New York and elsewhere.  The value of the stolen property is estimated to be in the millions of dollars.

The indictment specifically alleges that, on July 28, 2020, Cartagena stole a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon from a residence in Danbury and transported the vehicle to New York.  On July 29, Cartagena and others broke into an auto dealership in Milford and stole multiple key fobs and a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which they drove to New York.  On July 31, group members returned to the Milford dealership and used one of the stolen key fobs to steal a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland.

The indictment charges Cartagena with one count of conspiracy to possess and transport stolen vehicles, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; two counts of transportation of a stolen vehicle, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count; and two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

It is alleged that Cartagena has fled from law enforcement in high-speed car chases on multiple occasions.  When law enforcement first attempted to arrest Cartagena on a federal arrest warrant, Cartagena dropped a firearm and was able to escape by ramming multiple FBI vehicles with his vehicle, which was stolen.  Investigators apprehended Cartagena late at night on December 23 after an all-day search.

A court-authorized search of Cartagena’s residence revealed hundreds of thousands of dollars of suspected stolen merchandise and approximately $89,000 in cash.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, Danbury Police Department, Trumbull Police Department, Guilford Police Department, and Putnam County (N.Y.) Sheriff’s Department.  The investigation is being assisted by several additional police departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.

Justice Department Announces Closing of Investigation into 2014 Officer Involved Shooting in Cleveland, Ohio

 The Justice Department announced today that the career prosecutors reviewing the independent federal investigation into the fatal shooting of Tamir Rice on Nov. 22, 2014, in Cleveland, Ohio, found insufficient evidence to support federal criminal charges against Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) Officers Timothy Loehmann and Frank Garmback.  Yesterday the department notified counsel for Mr. Rice’s family of the decision and today sent a letter to Mr. Rice’s family explaining the findings of the investigation and reasons for the decision.

Applicable Law

The department examined the facts in this case under relevant federal criminal statutes.  The federal criminal statute applicable to these facts is Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 242, Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law.  In order to proceed with a prosecution under Section 242, prosecutors must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that a law enforcement officer acted willfully to deprive an individual of a federally protected right.  The right implicated in this matter is the Fourth Amendment right to be free from an unreasonable seizure.  This right includes the right to be free from unreasonable physical force by police.  To prove that a police shooting violated the Fourth Amendment, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the use of force was objectively unreasonable based on all of the surrounding circumstances.  The law requires that the reasonableness of an officer’s use of force on an arrestee be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with added perspective of hindsight.  The law set forth by the Supreme Court requires that allowances must be made for the fact that law enforcement officers are often forced to make split-second judgments in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving.  Finally, caselaw establishes that an officer is permitted to use deadly force where he reasonably believes that the suspect posed an imminent threat of serious physical harm, either to the officer or to others.

Additionally, to prove that a shooting violated section 242, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers acted willfully.  This high legal standard – one of the highest standards of intent imposed by law – requires proof that the officer acted with the specific intent to do something the law forbids.  It is not enough to show that the officer made a mistake, acted negligently, acted by accident or mistake, or even exercised bad judgment.

Although Tamir Rice’s death is tragic, the evidence does not meet these substantial evidentiary requirements.  In light of this, and for the reasons explained below, career federal prosecutors with both the Civil Rights Division and the U.S.  Attorney’s Office concluded that this matter is not a prosecutable violation of the federal statutes.

Factual Overview

This summary is based on, and consistent with, all facts known to the government after a thorough examination, most of which are undisputed. 

On Nov. 22, 2014, Tamir spent the majority of the day at the Cudell Park Recreation Center (CPRC).  Throughout the day, Tamir was frequently seen playing with a toy black airsoft pistol with a removable magazine that was visually virtually indistinguishable from a real .45 Colt semi-automatic pistol. Tamir would periodically point the toy gun at individuals at the CPRC and at the adjoining playground. 

At approximately 3:11 p.m., an individual made a “911” call to report that a “guy with a pistol” was pointing a gun at multiple people on the playground at the CPRC.  The caller gave a detailed description of the individual, stated that he was “probably a juvenile,” and that the gun was “probably fake,” but he also described the scene as very frightening.  On the date of the incident, Tamir was 12-years-old and stood 5’7” and 195 lbs.

A 911 dispatcher subsequently broadcast the call as a “Code 1” (the highest priority call) and Officers Garmback and Loehmann radioed that they would respond.  The information the dispatcher relayed to Officers Garmback and Loehmann was “there’s a black male sitting on the swing.  He’s wearing a camouflage hat, a gray jacket with black sleeves.  He keeps pulling a gun out of his pants and pointing it at people.”  The dispatcher did not relay that the individual might be a juvenile or that the gun might be fake.  Thus, the officers believed that they were responding to a playground where a grown man was brandishing a real gun at individuals, presumably including children.

Video from the CPRC captured the subsequent events.  It is important to note that the video footage is grainy, shot from a distance, does not show detail or perspective, and portions of the incident are not visible because of the location of the patrol car.  Further, the time lapse footage captures approximately two frames per second at a variable rate, which is incapable of capturing continuous action.

Officers Garmback and Loehmann approached the CPRC’s playground area with a swing set, Tamir’s reported location.  Tamir was not in the swing set area when the patrol car entered the park, but was sitting alone at a picnic table under the gazebo located west of the swing set. He matched the description of the suspect provided by the dispatcher.  No other people were in the immediate area. 

It is not clear from the video evidence when Tamir became aware of the patrol car driving toward the gazebo.  Tamir stood up at the picnic table approximately 10 seconds before the shooting and over the course of the next three seconds, he walked around the end of the table in a semi-circle, so that he was facing in the general direction of the oncoming patrol car but not yet moving toward it.  Meanwhile, the patrol car continued to approach the gazebo. 

Tamir began walking forward toward the passenger side of the approaching patrol.  Meanwhile, Officer Garmback applied the brakes in an attempt to stop the patrol car, but due to the wet conditions on the ground the car did not stop where he intended and instead slid forward approximately 40 feet.  As the patrol car came to a stop a short distance from Tamir, who by that point had stopped moving forward and was stationary, Officer Loehmann exited the still moving patrol car.  At that moment, it appears that Tamir made movements of some sort with both his left and right arms.  The positioning of the moving arms suggests that Tamir’s hands were in the vicinity of his waist, but his hands are not visible in the video.  Officer Loehmann fired two shots within less than two seconds of opening the passenger door, striking Tamir once in the abdomen. 

As soon as Officer Loehmann exited the patrol car, he fell to his right and to the ground, toward the rear of the patrol car, resulting in an ankle injury.  When Officer Loehmann got to his feet, he quickly moved to the rear driver’s side of the patrol car for cover while continuing to aim his drawn weapon in Tamir’s direction.  Meanwhile, Officer Garmback exited the patrol car and began moving to the front of the vehicle, where he stood for approximately 15 seconds with his gun drawn and pointing in Tamir’s direction.  Enhanced video stills show a dark object (the toy gun) appear on the floor of the gazebo within a few feet of Tamir approximately 7 seconds after the shooting, just as Officer Garmback reached the front of the patrol car and just after Tamir’s upper body moved to the ground (and out of view of the surveillance camera).  Officer Garmback stood at the front of the patrol car for approximately 15 seconds with his gun drawn and pointed in the direction of Tamir, then moved into the gazebo and kicked the toy gun and magazine further away from Tamir. 

After Officer Garmback kicked the toy gun and magazine into the grass, he reported the shots fired and requested emergency medical assistance. 

Video Evidence

The CPRC has a number of surveillance cameras, and the incident is captured on video.  Unfortunately, as previously discussed, this video is a time lapse video, has no audio, is grainy, shot from a significant distance, does not show detail or perspective, and portions of the incident are not visible because the incident occurred on the passenger side of the patrol car, and the camera is shooting from the driver’s side of the patrol car; thus, the patrol car blocks the camera’s view of parts of the activity during the relevant time.  Tamir’s hands are not visible in the video during the relevant time. 

The video generally shows that the patrol car came to a stop a short distance from Tamir, and that Officer Loehmann exited the still moving patrol car.  At that moment, Tamir made movements of some sort with both his left and right arms.  The positioning of the moving arms suggests that Tamir’s hands were in the vicinity of his waist, but his hands are not visible in the video and it cannot be determined from the video what he was doing.  Officer Loehmann fired two shots within seconds of opening the passenger door, striking Tamir once in the abdomen.

Officer Statements

In on-scene statements to three responding law enforcement officers, starting approximately one minute after the shooting, Officer Loehmann repeatedly and consistently stated that Tamir was reaching for his gun just before Officer Loehmann shot.  Officers Loehmann and Garmback gave several additional statements to other responding officers in the minutes and hours after the shooting.  In those statements, both officers repeatedly and consistently stated that Officer Loehmann gave Tamir multiple commands to show his hands before shooting, and both officers repeatedly and consistently said that they saw Tamir reaching for his gun.  Both officers submitted written statements concerning the incident approximately a year later, and repeated these seminal points. Officers Loehmann and Garmback are the only two witnesses in the near vicinity of the shooting.

Civilian Witnesses

Only one civilian witness reported seeing any part of the fatal encounter; an additional witness said that she heard shots and heard commands after the shots.  However, the eyewitness’s two statements are inconsistent; the earwitness reported hearing three shots; both witnesses were approximately 315 feet away; and neither of them stated that they saw Tamir’s movements immediately preceding the shooting

Expert Witnesses

  1. Video Expert

An expert forensic video analyst analyzed the video evidence, which consists of compressed time lapse footage. He identified numerous technical variables that can result in the misinterpretation of the images by an untrained observer of compressed video images.  He noted that the time lapse footage consists of a series of stills, with approximately two stills captured per second.  In analyzing the relevant video footage in this case, the expert found that, throughout the two camera recordings, the refresh rate in which the video captures a new still image varies from approximately one image per second to up to eight images per second.[1]  He further stated that there is no foundation to establish the precise timing from image to image. As a result, the video in this system is referred to as a ‘variable refresh rate recording.”

Thus, even when the video was enhanced to the still frames, there are unknown time gaps of up to a full second between each frame. The video and the corresponding still frames are incapable of capturing the nuances of continuous action.

  1. Use of Force Experts

Seven experts reviewed this case and opined on whether Officer Loehmann’s use of force was objectively reasonable or unreasonable: four of whom were hired by the CCPO and agreed that the shooting was objectively reasonable; three of whom were retained by the Rice family and agreed that the shooting was objectively unreasonable.  Because the experts relied heavily on the poor-quality video of the incident and reached different conclusions about what it showed, their conflicting opinions added little to the case, other than to solidify the conclusion that the video evidence is not dispositive and is insufficient to establish beyond a reasonable doubt what Tamir was doing in seconds before he was shot.

Analysis Regarding a Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law

In order to establish a federal civil rights violation, the government would have to prove that Officer Loehmann’s actions were unreasonable under the circumstances, and that his actions were willful.  As noted above, caselaw establishes that an officer is permitted to use deadly force where he reasonably believes that the suspect posed an imminent threat of serious physical harm, either to the officer or to others.  Here, in light of the officers’ explanations that Officer Loehmann shot because it appeared to him that Tamir was reaching for his gun, the government would necessarily have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that 1) Tamir was not reaching for his gun; and 2) that Officer Loehmann did not perceive that Tamir was reaching for his gun, despite his consistent statements to the contrary.  The evidence is insufficient for the government to prove this.

To fully assess whether this shooting constituted an unreasonable use of force, career prosecutors closely examined, among other things, the evidence concerning the movement of Tamir’s arms and hands just prior to the shots.  As mentioned, the video footage is of extremely poor quality and has gaps in time of up to one second.  The footage does not establish that Tamir was drawing a weapon from his waistband; however, the footage also does not establish that Tamir was not reaching for a gun when Officers Loehmann and Garmback state that he was doing so. 

The evidence in this case fails to definitively establish what happened at the time of the shooting. Both officers have consistently and repeatedly maintained that they saw Tamir reach for his gun.  The toy gun was found on the ground near where Tamir fell, suggesting that it was on his person and that he handled it after standing up beside the picnic table.  The video evidence is simply not definitive on Tamir’s movements at the relevant time. Multiple experts examined the grainy, non-continuous, indistinct video in which the patrol car blocks part of the view at the relevant time.  Those experts differed in their opinion of what Tamir was “likely” doing with his arms and hands, but all agreed that his arms were moving and that his hands, though not visible, would have been in the general area of his waist.  The experts’ opinions were of little assistance in assessing criminal guilt, because their analysis amounted to a 20/20 hindsight review of still frames from a non-continuous video that could not, and does not, capture all that happened in the relevant time period of approximately two seconds, but nevertheless portrays Tamir’s hands in the vicinity of his waist just prior to the shooting.  Further, the civilian witnesses shed little light on Tamir’s actions just before he was shot.

Based on this evidence and the high burdens of the applicable federal laws, career prosecutors have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Tamir did not reach for his toy gun; thus, there is insufficient evidence to establish that Officer Loehmann acted unreasonably under the circumstances.

As noted above, in analyzing a potential charge under 18 U.S.C. § 242, federal investigators must also consider whether the evidence proves the statutory element of willfulness — meaning, that, in shooting Tamir, Officer Loehmann knew what he was doing was wrong and chose to do it anyway.  As noted above, an accident, a mistake, an officer’s misperception, or even an officer’s poor judgment or negligence does not constitute willful conduct that can be prosecuted under this statute. 

Even if the government were to accept entirely the conclusions of the expert who opined that Tamir had his hands in his jacket pockets as he approached the patrol car, prosecutors would still be unable to disprove Officer Loehmann’s consistent statements regarding his own perceptions of Tamir’s movements.  Within a minute of the shooting and with no opportunity to reflect, view video, or discuss the matter with others, Officer Loehmann said that he fired in self-defense and had no choice.  He has given multiple additional statements, in which he has consistently maintained that he shot because he believed that Tamir was drawing a weapon; there is insufficient evidence to refute that central point. 

Similarly, Officer Garmback has maintained since moments after the shooting that he heard Officer Loehmann give repeated commands to Tamir to show his hands, and that he saw Tamir reaching for a weapon in his waistband.  Both officers sought cover from the patrol car, held Tamir at gunpoint for approximately 15 seconds, and generally responded to the incident in a manner consistent with their stated belief that Tamir was drawing a gun. 

For many of the same reasons the evidence is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the shooting violated the Fourth Amendment, the evidence is also insufficient to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers acted willfully.  Even if federal prosecutors could definitively prove that Tamir did not in fact reach toward his waistband to draw his toy gun, the government could not establish that Officer Loehmann did not perceive that Tamir did so.   

Analysis Regarding Obstruction of Justice

Career federal prosecutors also reviewed the evidence to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to prove that Officers Loehmann and/or Garmback obstructed justice in their statements to law enforcement officers.  These career prosecutors concluded that it did not.

In order to prove obstruction, the government would have to prove the officers knowingly made false statements, and that they did so with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation.  As previously noted, the officers each gave multiple statements to law enforcement officers on the day of the incident, starting within a minute or so of the incident, without time to reflect, discuss, or view video.  They each provided a written statement approximately a year later.  Some of their statements are more detailed than others, and with slightly different verbiage, but all of which were generally consistent, particularly on the seminal facts.  As the experienced career prosecutors who reviewed this matter know, when witnesses give multiple statements, there are almost always inconsistencies due to the fallibility of the human memory. 

Because there is insufficient evidence to establish that the statements by Officers Loehmann and Garmback are in fact untrue, there is also insufficient evidence to establish that they knew them to be untrue or that they made them with the intent to obstruct the investigation.

Conclusion

In sum, after extensive examination of the facts in this tragic event, career Justice Department prosecutors have concluded that the evidence is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Officer Loehmann willfully violated Tamir Rice’s constitutional rights, or that Officers Loehmann or Garmback obstructed justice.  In this case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and the FBI each devoted significant time and resources to examine the circumstances surrounding Tamir Rice’s death and to completing a thorough analysis of the evidence gathered.  The Justice Department remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources required to ensure that all serious allegations of civil rights violations are thoroughly examined.  The department aggressively prosecutes criminal civil rights violations whenever there is sufficient evidence to do so.


[1] For comparison, most modern video captures approximately 60 frames per second.

U.S. Attorney's Office Collects $9,055,193 in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2020

 Indianapolis – Acting United States Attorney John E. Childress announced today that the Southern District of Indiana collected $9,055,193.32 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2020. Of this amount, $2,195,355.91was collected in criminal actions and $6,859,837.41was collected in civil actions.

The Justice Department collected more than $15.9 billion in civil and criminal actions in fiscal year (FY) 2020 ending Sept. 30, 2020. The $15,988,516,670 in collections represents more than five times the approximately $3.2 billion appropriated budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department. The total includes all monies collected as a result of Justice Department-led enforcement actions and negotiated civil settlements. It includes more than $13.5 billion in payments made directly to the Justice Department, and more than $2.4 billion in indirect payments made to other federal agencies, states and other designated recipients.

“The Southern District of Indiana’s Civil Division and Asset Recovery Unit have some of the best federal prosecutors and support staff in the country,” said Childress. “They work tirelessly every day to protect Hoosiers and their resources. Returning over $9 million to the victims of these criminal and civil cases is very satisfying. This office is committed to enforcing federal laws and holding those accountable who choose to do harm to our citizens.”

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.            The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Southern District of Indiana, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $7,879,734 asset forfeiture actions in FY 2020. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

In November of 2020, Acting United States Attorney John E. Childress renewed a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to enforcing the collection of criminal impositions and civil debts owed to the United States to maximize recoveries to the United States Treasury and to victims of crime. (See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 6.3 and 6.4)

Monday, December 28, 2020

Rapid City Woman Indicted on Witness Tampering Charges

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Tampering with a Witness and Retaliation Against a Witness.

Whitney Bagola, age 26, was indicted on December 8, 2020.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 23, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on April 20, 2020, in South Dakota, Bagola physically assaulted a potential witness, by punching and kicking, in order to intimidate and retaliate against the potential witness.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

Owner of Immigration Business Pleads Guilty to Defrauding USCIS and IRS

 West Palm Beach, FL. – On Monday, December 28th, Laura Luz Maria Torres Romero a/k/a Antonieta Mena, a/k/a Antonieta Vinkelried, a/k/a Antonieta Winkelried, of Lake Worth, Florida, the lead defendant in a $4 million scheme to defraud the US immigration and tax systems, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Kenneth Marra, in the Southern District of Florida.  Torres pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration and mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to steal and launder government money, and one count of false statements to the US Department of Agriculture’s food assistance program.  Co-conspirator Melanie Wilhelm, of West Palm Beach, previously pled guilty to the two conspiracy charges. 

According to court documents, from approximately 2012 through March 2020, Torres, with the assistance of Wilhelm and other co-conspirators, operated a multiservice business, which provided immigration and other services to the public. The business operated under different names, including El Latino Multiservices, Inc., M&K Multiservices, Inc., L&L Document Services, Inc., and AYE Services, Inc. from different locations in Lake Worth and West Palm Beach, Florida.  Torres was the true owner and controlled all aspects of the business.  

Torres solicited clients primarily by word of mouth.  Most of the clients who sought her assistance had illegally entered the United States many years earlier and were ineligible for asylum benefits.  Most of her clients were from Guatemala or Honduras, did not speak English, had little formal education, and minimal knowledge of the immigration rules and procedures in the United States.  Torres represented herself as an experienced and knowledgeable immigration document preparer, who could assist them with identifying the proper immigration program to secure legal status.  

Torres would obtain background information from the clients, but never asked them if they had suffered persecution in their native countries.  Although she had no information to support that the clients were eligible for asylum or other immigration benefits, Torres falsely prepared fraudulent asylum applications for her clients.  Torres knowingly made up false and fictitious narratives of persecution the clients had purportedly suffered in their native countries.  Most of the applications contained similar, and at times identical, stories of persecution. 

Torres never showed the false and fraudulent asylum applications to the clients.  Instead, she presented the clients with only the signature page and had them sign the asylum application in blank.  More often, Torres, Wilhelm or another co-conspirator would simply forge the client’s name on the fraudulent asylum application.  Torres never completed or signed the preparer section of the asylum application so that she could conceal from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) her role in preparing the false applications.  Torres, Wilhelm or another co-conspirator sent the false asylum applications to USCIS for processing. 

Torres required the clients to pay up-front cash fees for her services.  Torres’ fees varied from client to client and increased as the scheme went on, but typically ranged from $2,500 to $4,000 for the initial asylum application. 

Torres knew the clients would be eligible to apply for employment authorization cards (“work permits”) if their asylum applicants were pending for more than 150 days.  Torres routinely filed such applications for her clients, claiming that the clients were eligible for work permits based on the pending false asylum applications.  Torres, Wilhelm or another co-conspirator forged the clients’ names on the fraudulent applications for employment authorization.  Torres falsely listed her office address as the mailing address on the employment authorization applications so she would receive the work permits and all USCIS correspondence.  When the work permits arrived, Torres demanded additional fees from the clients.  If a client declined to pay the additional fees, Torres threatened to return the client’s work permit which, she claimed, would result in the client’s arrest and deportation.

Torres or a co-conspirator met with the clients at her office to prepare them for their asylum interviews.  At the meetings, the clients saw the false and fraudulent asylum applications for the first time.  Torres directed the clients to memorize the details of the false asylum claims and repeat them to the asylum officers.  Torres warned the clients they would not be permitted to stay in the United States if they did not tell the asylum officer exactly what was written in their application. 

During the course of the scheme, Torres collected more than $2 million in cash fees from hundreds of clients and filed approximately 1,000 false and fraudulent asylum and employment authorization applications.  The false applications caused USCIS to issue work permits to hundreds of ineligible aliens.  In addition, Torres, Wilhelm and their co-conspirators deceived and misled hundreds of clients by promising to provide them with legitimate immigration services and instead filing false immigration applications in their names and providing them with fraudulently procured work permits. 

Throughout the immigration scheme, Torres and her co-conspirators obtained personal identifying information, including names, dates of birth, and social security numbers, from her immigration clients. Without the knowledge or consent of her clients, Torres used the information to prepare false and fraudulent tax returns, seeking significant refunds. The returns included one or more materially false statements, including false addresses, fake education credits, fictitious dependents, false childcare and earned income credits, and false business income, expenses and deductions.

Torres and the co-conspirators forged the clients' names on the fraudulent tax returns and then submitted the returns to the IRS. In support of the false and fraudulent tax returns, Torres, Wilhelm and the co-­conspirators created and submitted to the IRS false and fictitious documents, including fake leases, fake childcare receipts, and fake business receipts.

During the first few years of the scheme, Torres directed the IRS to direct deposit the fraudulent refunds into a TD bank account, which Torres opened using a stolen identity. Later in the scheme, Torres had the IRS mail the fraudulent refund checks to the "home addresses" listed on the returns. These "home addresses" were in fact properties owned and/or controlled by Torres. Wilhelm and the co-conspirators would retrieve the fraudulent tax refund checks from the home addresses listed on the returns and deliver them to Torres. Torres, Wilhelm and other co-conspirators forged the names of the clients on the back of the refund checks. To conceal her receipt of and control over the refund checks, Torres arranged to have a co-conspirator attorney in California launder the refund checks through her attorney trust account, in return for a 10 percent fee. The co-conspirator attorney issued checks drawn on her attorney trust account for 90 percent of the value of the refund check. At Torres' direction, the co-conspirator attorney made the resulting checks for 90 percent of the proceeds payable to companies owned or controlled by Torres and then mailed the checks to Torres' office. Torres, Wilhelm or another co-conspirator deposited the checks issued by the co-conspirator attorney into business accounts controlled by Torres. The monies from these checks were withdrawn from the Torres company accounts by ATM withdrawals, checks or wire transfers and used by Torres to benefit herself, Wilhelm and the other co-conspirators.

During the course of the tax and money laundering scheme, which ran from approximately 2011 through April 2019, Torres used the names, dates of birth and social security numbers of the immigration clients to file over 200 false tax returns with the IRS, seeking fraudulent refunds totaling approximately $1.8 million.

While Torres was collecting millions of dollars from the immigration and tax fraud schemes, she also applied for benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  She received SNAP benefits from at least as early as 2008 through 2020.  To establish her continued eligibility for SNAP benefits, Torres submitted annual recertification applications to the United States Department of Agriculture, through the Florida Department of Children and Families.  In the recertification forms, Torres knowingly and willfully made numerous materially false statements, including that her name was “Antonieta A. Mena,” that she was a US citizen, that she had received no income other than Social Security benefits, and that her deceased mother was a member of the household.  Based on her false statements, Torres received approximately $67,000 in SNAP benefits for which she was not eligible, during the period 2008 through 2020.  

At sentencing, Torres faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.   Wilhelm faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  Both Torres and Wilhelm also will be sentenced to supervised release, penalties, and restitution. Torres’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2021, in West Palm Beach before the Honorable U.S. District Judge Marra and Wilhelm is scheduled for sentencing on March 5, 2021.

Ariana Fajardo Orshan, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office, and Tyler R. Hatcher, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

HSI Miami and IRS-CI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrienne Rabinowitz and Ellen Cohen prosecuted this case.  

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 20-80072-CR-MARRA/MATTHEWMAN.

Waterloo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Cocaine While on Federal Supervised Release

 Distributed Cocaine Near a College in Dubuque

A man sold cocaine near a college in Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.

Derrick Devale White, age 28, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to distributing a controlled substance near a protected location on May 8, 2020.  At the time he sold cocaine, White was on federal supervised release for distributing a controlled substance near a playground and a middle school in 2017.

White was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  White was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment on the new offense.  White was also sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment to be served consecutively on his supervised release revocation.  He must also serve a nine-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Geocaris and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, the Dubuque Police Department, and the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office.

Two U.S. Army Reservists Plead Guilty For Involvement In $3 Million Fraud And Money Laundering Scheme

 Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Frank Robey, Director of the Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit, announced today that JOSEPH IORHEMBA ASAN JR. and CHARLES IFEANYI OGOZY each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud in connection with a scheme to commit fraud against victims across the United States, defraud banks, and launder over $3 million dollars in fraud proceeds.  Both defendants were arrested on October 31, 2019. OGOZY pled guilty on December 22, 2020 before U.S. District Judge William H. Pauley III.  ASAN pled guilty earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses and his case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood.

Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “U.S. Army reservists Joseph Asan and Charles Ogozy admitted today to their roles in an internet fraud scheme to bilk victims across the country of over $3 million. The defendants and their co-conspirators callously victimized older men and women and even a Marine Corps veterans association in their business email compromises and online romance scams. I thank the FBI and U.S. Army CID for their assistance in holding these reservists accountable for their dishonorable conduct.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr. said:  “Using false identities, email compromises, and fake schemes to scam others out of money are clear federal crimes. But the fact that Mr. Asan, Jr. and Mr. Ogozy, who themselves voluntarily wear our Nation’s uniform and swore an oath to uphold our Constitution, also targeted a veteran’s organization adds insult to the injury endured by some of the victims. Because they chose to break the law, these two Army reservists will now be rolling along to federal prison.”

Director of the Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit, Frank Robey said:  “To think that two Reserve Soldiers would perpetrate such brazen acts of fraud is beyond belief.  However, for these two, greed was more important than being faithful to the trust put in them by our government, and it was their undoing. They will be held fully responsible for the acts of fraud they committed.”

According to allegations in the Complaint, the charging instruments, and other publically filed documents:

From at least in or about February 2018 through at least in or about September 2019, ASAN and OGOZY were members of the U.S. Army Reserves who participated in a scheme to commit fraud against victims across the United States, defraud banks, and launder over $3 million in fraud proceeds in bank accounts that they controlled.  The funds laundered by ASAN and OGOZY were obtained primarily through (a) business email compromises, in which members of the scheme gained unauthorized access to or spoofed email accounts and impersonated employees of a company or third parties engaged in business with the company in order to fraudulently induce the victims to transfer money to bank accounts under the control of members of the scheme; and (b) romance scams, in which members of the scheme deluded unsuspecting older women and men into believing they were in a romantic relationship with a fake identity assumed by members of the scheme and used false pretenses to cause the victims to transfer money to bank accounts under the control of members of the scheme, including ASAN and OGOZY.   Notably, one of the victims of the defendants’ scheme included a U.S. Marine Corps veteran’s organization.

In order to launder over $3 million in proceeds from those fraud schemes, ASAN and OGOZY opened several bank accounts in the names of fake businesses called Uxbridge Capital LLC, Renegade Logistics LLC, and Eldadoc Consulting LLC and received fraud proceeds in those bank accounts.  ASAN and OGOZY then laundered the fraud proceeds to each other and to other co-conspirators based in Nigeria.  In connection with the opening of the business bank accounts, the defendants made multiple false statements to banks about the purported legitimate business of their companies, including misrepresentations that they were involved in shipping, real estate, and public relations.  In addition, a significant portion of the funds laundered by the defendants was deposited and withdrawn in cash that was not able to be traced by law enforcement.   

                                                            *                      *                      *

ASAN, 24, of Daytona Beach, Florida, and OGOZY, 31, of Hackensack, New Jersey, each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

ASAN is scheduled to be sentenced on April 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Wood.  OGOZY is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Pauley. 

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and Army CID.  Ms. Strauss also thanked the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance in the investigation.  

The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Sagar K. Ravi is in charge of the prosecution.

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Iowa City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Heroin Distribution

 DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Robert Rankins Jr., age 50, of Iowa City, to 84 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 1,000 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing heroin announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Following his prison term Rankins Jr. was ordered to serve five years of supervised release as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

This investigation began in 2018 involving narcotics trafficking between Johnson County, Iowa and Chicago, Illinois. Law enforcement determined Rankins Jr. and his co-conspirator were obtaining heroin and selling heroin in Johnson County. Rankins Jr. and his co-conspirator, Eric Rhine, made trips to Chicago to retrieve drugs. Rankins Jr. admitted that the conspiracy was responsible for well over 1,000 grams of heroin and that he was supplying numerous individuals in the Iowa City/Coralville/North Liberty area.

This matter was investigated by the Johnson County Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Texas Resident Arrested for Marijuana in Carry-On Bag Upon Arrival at Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas

 St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. announced that a criminal complaint has been filed against Lequan Jaheem Pemberton, resident of Austin, Texas for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Pemberton made his initial appearance in federal court Tuesday, December 22nd, in St. Thomas.

According to the affidavit filed in this case, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers were conducting baggage inspections on American Airlines Flight #943 from Miami, FL. Passenger, Lequan Jaheem Pemberton was selected for a secondary bag examination. During a preliminary exam of Pemberton’s carry-on bag, officers discovered several plastic wrapped bundles. After their discovery, Pemberton was referred to the secondary CBP inspection area. Further inspection of the bundles revealed a green leafy substance that tested positive for marijuana. The marijuana weighed approximately 4.32 kilograms. Lequan Jaheem Pemberton was read his Miranda Rights and waived his rights. During questioning by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Pemberton stated that the marijuana belonged to him and he claimed that he intended to smoke it.

This case is being investigated by HSI and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Virgin Islands.

A complaint is merely a charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Eagle River Man Sentenced to 15 years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor- Production and Attempted Production of Child Pornography

 Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that on December 18, 2020, U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason sentenced Keon Aspaas, 33, of Eagle River, to 180 months in federal prison for of sexual exploitation of a child - production and attempted production of child pornography.

According to court documents, in early March of 2019, Aspaas entered an Eagle River residence where he knew that minors were having a sleepover. While in the residence, he took explicit photos of a sleeping 16-year-old victim with his cell phone. The victim awoke and Aspaas fled the residence. The victim’s family contacted law enforcement. Law enforcement officers located and arrested Aspaas the same day and he has remained in custody since the initial arrest. In February 2020, Aspaas pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child - production and attempted production of child pornography.  

U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason noted in the imposition of the 180-month sentence, “Such a sentence would afford adequate deterrence to criminal conduct and protect the public from further crimes of Mr. Aspaas.” In addition to the 180-month sentence, Aspaas was ordered to complete 10 years of supervised release, comply with registration requirements as a sex offender, perform 200 hours of community service and pay restitution.     

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood.  In May 2006, DOJ launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Fredonia Man Pleads Guilty To Selling Crack Cocaine

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Nathaniel Gates, Jr, 47, of Fredonia, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possessing with intent to distribute, and distributing, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth T. Molisani and Charles E. Watkins, who are handling the case, stated that in April 2015, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating the drug trafficking activities of the defendant in Chautauqua County, NY. During the investigation, investigators made three controlled purchases of narcotics from Gates. Investigators also executed a search warrant at the defendant’s Brigham Road apartment in Fredonia and recovered illegal narcotics and items commonly used in drug distribution.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 25, 2021, before Judge Sinatra.

Members, Associates of Street Gangs and Others Face Drug Trafficking and Related Charges in Springfield

 SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – More than 20 members and associates of Springfield street gangs and others have been indicted on federal and state drug trafficking and related charges within the past week. The charges allege the individuals have engaged in various capacities to distribute drugs, including cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl in Springfield in 2019 and 2020.

These charges are the result of an ongoing joint effort by federal, state and local law enforcement to address drug trafficking and related violence in Springfield. Participating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration; Springfield Police Department; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and, the Illinois State Police. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office are prosecuting the cases.

To date, 15 individuals charged have been arrested. A listing of the federal and state defendants arrested is attached; the names of those charged but not yet apprehended are not included.

The federal defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute large quantities of deadly drugs, including fentanyl and carry penalties of up to life in prison if convicted. This includes conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, along with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, crack and heroin. The indictment includes special findings for two defendants, Derrick Bailey and Denziel Witherspoon, for prior federal convictions for possession with intent to distribute drugs. Four defendants, including Bailey, D. Witherspoon, and Cooper, have been charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, a charge that carries a statutory penalty of five years to life to be served consecutive to any sentence ordered for the underlying drug offense.

“These charges represent another chapter in the cooperative effort to disrupt drug distribution and violence in Springfield,” stated U.S. Attorney John Milhiser. “This is an ongoing operation and we will continue to identify, prosecute, and take off the streets those who seek to cause harm in our communities.”

“This wave of collaborative enforcement demonstrates the ongoing commitment of our federal, state and local authorities to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in Springfield,” said Sangamon County State’s Attorney Dan Wright. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to remove violent criminals and drug dealers from our community.”

Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow issued the following statement:

First and foremost, I would like to recognize the cooperative effort of law enforcement in Sangamon County for this multi-month, multi-jurisdictional investigation. It is widely known among law enforcement in Springfield that gangs, guns, and illegal sales of narcotics are intermingled with other criminal activity. These individuals and their associates have wreaked havoc on our community for far to long by distributing dangerous drugs to our citizens and others while being involved in other illegal and violent activity.

While this is an ongoing investigation and we anticipate additional arrests, let this be a strong message to those involved in criminal activity that law enforcement in Sangamon County continues to work together to remove and hold responsible parties accountable for such crimes.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.