San Diego Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Three Robberies

SAN DIEGO – Ryan W. Nelson of San Diego was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 60 months in prison for committing three robberies, including two bank robberies and the armed robbery of a shoe store.

During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant told the defendant: “I just can’t ignore what you did in this case. It was dangerous and it was scary.” Nelson was also ordered to pay $11,572 in restitution to the businesses he robbed.

“These robberies were a terrifying and unforgettable experience for the victims,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “Hopefully this sentence will restore a sense of safety to the victims and the community.” Brewer praised prosecutor Matthew Brehm, FBI agents and officials with the San Diego, National City and La Mesa police departments for their excellent work on this case.

“The FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force is out on the street with our local partners every day working to keep San Diegans safe,” said Suzanne Turner, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego Field Office.  “Violent crime investigations are a priority and our agents are dedicated to bringing justice for the victims and the communities affected by these robberies.”

Nelson entered his guilty plea in October of 2020,  admitting that on July 29, 2019, at approximately 8:45 a.m., he entered the Shoe Palace, located within the Plaza Bonita Mall in National City, dressed as a construction worker with a safety vest, safety glasses, and a hard hat.

In his plea agreement, Nelson admitted he told a Shoe Palace clerk that he was working on construction in the store above Shoe Palace and needed to inspect an electrical breaker panel in a room in the back of the store.  When Nelson returned to the front of the store, he approached a clerk, who was pregnant at the time, and pointed a black handgun at her. He demanded cash from the cash register, stating, “Give me all the money.” The clerk gave Nelson access to the cash register, and he took approximately $600 from the register and a nearby safe. After he took the cash, Nelson told the clerk, “Don’t call anyone or I will be back in five minutes!” He then fled the store, walked outside the mall, removed his construction worker disguise, retrieved a backpack hidden outside the mall, and changed his shirt.

Nelson also admitted that on August 15, 2019, at approximately 10:10 a.m., he entered the Vons Supermarket at 6155 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, and approached the teller window of the U.S. Bank branch located inside. Nelson pretended to talk on his cell phone but in fact gave the teller step-by-step verbal commands, demanding the teller to give him money by stating something similar to, “Grab a bag.

Start with the hundreds. Put all the money in the bag and give it to me, or I’m gonna shoot.” The teller complied with demands and provided Nelson with money from his teller drawer, totaling approximately $1,372. Prior to fleeing, Nelson told the victim teller, “Wait seven minutes, I’ve got someone in the store.” He then turned and exited the bank area, leaving out the east exit of the Vons Supermarket.

Nelson further admitted on August 23, 2019, at approximately 11:56 a.m., he entered the Vons Supermarket at 8011 University Avenue, La Mesa, California, and approached the teller window of the Wells Fargo branch located inside. Nelson pretended to talk on his cell phone but in fact demanded money from the three victim tellers by giving step-by-step verbal commands, stating something similar to, “Start with your 100s and put them in a bag, or I’ll start shooting.” The tellers complied with the demands and provided Nelson with a bag containing money from each of the teller’s drawers totaling approximately $9,600. He then left out of the Vons Supermarket’s main entrance.

Nelson also admitted that on August 29, 2019, FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at his residence and found a black bomber jacket, dark colored pants with white stripes down the sides, a navy blue-colored backpack, and a large black wristwatch, which were all items he was recorded wearing by surveillance cameras during, or just after, one of the bank robberies. FBI agents found a loaded, black .380 Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun in a drawer in Nelson’s room, which matched the description of the firearm he brandished during the Shoe Palace robbery. Agents also found $2,030 in cash on Nelson’s person, during his arrest.

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

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 19cr3563-BAS                                  

Ryan W. Nelson                                              Age: 38           San Diego, California

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Bank Robbery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2113(a)

Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine

Hobbs Act Robbery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1951

Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine

AGENCY

Federal Bureau of Investigations

San Diego Police Department

National City Police Department

La Mesa Police Department

Corpus Christi bank robber sent to prison

 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 44-year-old felon has been ordered to federal prison for robbing the Kleberg Bank in Corpus Christi and brandishing a firearm during the robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Jesse Lemmons pleaded guilty Dec. 1, 2020.

Today, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton handed Lemmons a 31-month sentence for the bank robbery. He also received a consecutive seven years for the firearms charge which must be served consecutively to the other sentence imposed. The total 117-month term of imprisonment will be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.

On Jan. 10, 2020, Lemmons entered the Kleberg Bank at 3945 Crosstown SH #286 in Corpus Christi. He proceeded directly to the teller stations where he demanded cash while holding bank employees at gunpoint. He yelled repeatedly at bank employees to hurry and threatened to shoot several of them during the robbery.

Authorities apprehended him shortly after attempting to flee the scene with the money.

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

The Corpus Christi Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn prosecuted the case.

Fairbanks Man Indicted on Child Pornography Charges

 Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Jason Patzke, 47, has been indicted on charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography. Patzke was arrested on Feb 22, 2021 and was arraigned on the charges this morning in federal court. 

The indictment alleges that on or about June 3, 2018, Patzke knowingly received and distributed child pornography involving prepubescent minors. Additionally, Patzke has prior State of Alaska felony convictions for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and First Degree Indecent Exposure involving minors.    

If convicted, Patzke could face up to 40 years for the charges listed in the indictment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Doty.

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.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as Sex Offender

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on February 22, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Calvin Spotted Tail, age 40, was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Spotted Tail was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on December 14, 2020.

Spotted Tail was convicted of Sexual Abuse in December 2005. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  In January 2020, Spotted Tail was released from a term of imprisonment and began a period of supervised release.  At that time, he updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing in Rapid City.  In June 2020, Spotted Tail moved from his registered address and absconded from supervised release.  Thereafter he failed to update his sex offender registration.  An arrest warrant was subsequently issued and on September 25, 2020, Spotted Tail was arrested at a residence in St. Francis, South Dakota.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

Spotted Tail was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Nesquehoning Man Indicted For Distributing Child Pornography

 SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kenneth Persise, age 32, of Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 23, 2021, by a federal grand jury for distribution of child pornography.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on February 26, 2020, March 4, 2020 and June 14, 2020, in Carbon County, Persise distributed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

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

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

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

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

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

235 Months In Federal Prison For Nashville Man Following 2019 Stand Off With Police

 NASHVILLE, Tenn. – February 25, 2021 – Justin Jerome Jones, 33, of Nashville, Tennessee, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell Jr., to 235 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.

Jones was charged on February 7, 2018, after residents of the Tony Sudekum public housing neighborhood called police when they saw Jones outside a residence, arguing with his 11-year-old daughter, before firing several gunshots into the ground near the young girl.  When officers from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) arrived, Jones barricaded himself inside an apartment.  MNPD S.W.A.T. officers, as well as federal agents, responded to the scene and Jones then repeatedly fired at the officers.  One round struck an MNPD officer.  After several hours, Jones exited the apartment and was immediately taken into federal custody.

A search warrant was then executed at the apartment and officers recovered several spent shell casings, a cocked .357 caliber revolver; a .38 caliber revolver; and parts from a 9mm pistol.  Additional firearms parts and boxes of ammunition were also recovered from the apartment the following day.  The investigation also determined that Jones had previously brandished the 9mm pistol at another person.

Jones had previously been convicted of aggravated robbery in Davidson County, Tennessee, in 2007, and was also convicted of aggravated robbery in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 2009, relating to armed bank robbery.  Jones was released from custody in Ohio in December 2016 and paroled to the State of Mississippi.

Jones pleaded guilty in November 2019 to three counts of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sunny A.M. Koshy, Joseph Montminy and Ahmed Safeeullah prosecuted the case.

Aiken Resident Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison on Meth Charges

 Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced that Christopher  J. Ford, 49, of Aiken County, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and for violation of his supervised release.  

Evidence presented in court established that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into the narcotics distribution activities of Kenneth Evans and Eddie Brockington, co-defendants in the case.  Through controlled purchases and other investigative techniques, agents learned that members of the conspiracy purchased and distributed large amounts of methamphetamine and heroin for Evans and Brockington.  Some of the individuals charged were responsible for transporting multi-kilogram amounts of methamphetamine and heroin into South Carolina and then distributing the drugs throughout the state.  Ford and others were involved in purchasing and distributing methamphetamine in the Aiken County area for Evans.  

United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia sentenced Ford to ten years in federal prison, followed by eight years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

Ford had been on federal supervised release for a prior conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine when he committed this offense.   Judge Childs sentenced Ford to a consecutive 12 months in prison for violating his previous supervised release.

The case was investigated by agents of the DEA and the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.  Assistant United States Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.

Dominican National Admits Trafficking Fentanyl After Illegally Re-Entering the United States

 PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national deported in August 2016 to his native Dominican Republic after having been arrested twice for drug trafficking, and who later re-entered the United States illegally, pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence on Wednesday to trafficking fentanyl and illegal re-entry into the United States.

Franklin Carlos Soto, 33, admitted to a federal court judge that he sold an individual approximately 50 grams of fentanyl for $2,500 on June 9 and again on June 18, 2020, and that he sold the same individual approximately 25 grams of fentanyl for $1,250 on June 25, 2020.

According to information presented to the court, during the June 9^th  transaction which took place in Soto’s residence, the individual purchasing fentanyl from Soto observed Soto take the fentanyl from a larger bag of suspected fentanyl. Soto told the individual that he had sold 800 grams the prior day.  During the arrangements for the June 25^th  delivery of fentanyl, Soto offered to sell crack cocaine to the individual.

On July 2, 2020, members of the SSTF arrested Soto and executed a federal court-authorized search warrant at Soto’s residence and at a second Providence residence used by Soto as a stash house. Agents and officers seized a total of approximately 136 grams of fentanyl and a loaded 9mm ammo clip.

Fingerprints taken from Soto upon his arrest confirmed his identity as Franklin Carlos Soto.  The investigation revealed that Soto had been living in RI under the name of Luis E. Sanchezsoto.  In a prior encounter with law enforcement in January 2020, Soto falsely identified himself to Rhode Island State Police as Luis Sanchezsoto, producing a Dominican Republic driver’s license in that name.

Appearing on Wednesday before U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith, Franklin Carlos Soto pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of ammunition by an illegal alien, and illegal re-entry, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.

Soto, who has been detained since his arrest on July 2, 2020, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13, 2021. An immigration detainer has been lodged against Soto by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey P. Veroni.

United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta thank the DEA and the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Area Task Force for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.

Federal Officials Close Investigation into February 2017 Arrest of Michael Fesser

 PORTLAND, Ore.—The U.S. Attorney Office for the District of Oregon announced today that the federal criminal investigation into the arrest of Portland resident Michael Fesser on February 25, 2017 has been closed after finding insufficient evidence to support federal criminal prosecution.

In February 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and the FBI opened a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Fesser’s arrest following media reports that the West Linn Police Department had settled a civil lawsuit with Mr. Fesser. This federal investigation sought to determine whether the evidence of events leading to Mr. Fesser’s arrest was sufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any officers’ actions violated federal criminal civil rights or public corruption statutes.

The FBI conducted an independent investigation of the facts surrounding Mr. Fesser's arrest. It interviewed 18 people, including Mr. Fesser, current and former police officers, current and former City of West Linn City employees, and community members. The FBI received approximately 28,000 pages of material in response to 24 subpoenas, including investigative records, training and disciplinary records, phone records, and financial records.

After examining the circumstances surrounding Mr. Fesser’s arrest and the evidence gathered, the FBI and career Justice Department prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Civil Rights Division concluded that they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that officers involved in Mr. Fesser’s arrest willfully violated Mr. Fesser’s civil rights or federal public corruption statutes. In this case, under the applicable federal criminal civil rights laws, the government would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Fesser’s constitutional rights were violated and, if a violation occurred, the actions taken by law enforcement officers were willful.

Willfulness requires proof that an officer acted with the specific intent to do something the law forbids.  It is not enough to show that an officer made a mistake, acted negligently, acted by accident or mistake, or even exercised bad judgment. Here, the government cannot prove that the manner in which Mr. Fesser was arrested violated a federally protected right, or that the actions taken by law enforcement officials were willful as defined above.

To the extent that the criminal investigation into Mr. Fesser’s arrest raised issues concerning the broader policies and practices of the West Linn Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has taken steps to connect West Linn and its police department to national community oriented policing technical assistance.

The Justice Department remains committed to investigating wrongful arrest allegations and will continue to devote the resources required to ensure that all allegations of civil rights violations are thoroughly examined. The department aggressively prosecutes criminal civil rights violations whenever there is sufficient evidence to do so and pursues alternatives when there is not.

Operation X-Nation: New York Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

 BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Keith Blakely, also known as “Bumpy,” 42, of New York, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone, oxymorphone, and hydromorphone.  Blakely was charged as a result of a long-term, multi-state investigation known as Operation X-Nation. 

“Blakely had oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, guns and cash,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “He’s the latest of a number of prescription pill dealers held accountable as a result of Operation X-Nation.”

Blakely admitted that between August 2017 and August 31, 2019, he participated in a drug trafficking organization that was operating in and around Princeton.   He admitted that he had telephone conversations intercepted by law enforcement officers.  During many of these conversations, he was discussing the distribution of controlled substances with other members of the drug trafficking operation, including the pricing and quantities of substances to be distributed.  Blakely also admitted to making several drug distributions to informants that he now knows were cooperating with law enforcement officers.  Lastly, he admitted that officers conducted a search on August 30, 2019 of the apartment he was living in near Bluefield.  During the search officers found large quantities of oxymorphone, oxycodone, and hydromorphone pills that Blakely intended to distribute, along with three firearms, and approximately $69,962 in cash.  As part of his plea agreement, he admitted that the cash was proceeds from his drug trafficking activity and further agreed to forfeit the cash and the firearms to the United States.   

Blakely faces up to twenty years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million when he is sentenced on June 1, 2021.  After serving a term of imprisonment, Blakely will serve at least three years of supervised release.   

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which is composed of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Princeton Police Department, and the Bluefield Police Department conducted the investigation.   

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution.  The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-00307.

Anchorage Man Convicted of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

 Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Federal District Court Judge Sharon L. Gleason has found Eric Larsen, 51, of Anchorage, guilty of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, coercion and enticement.

Larsen faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, and a life term of supervised release.

According to evidence presented at trial, Detectives assigned to the Anchorage Police Department (APD) Crimes against Children Unit (CACU) received a report of that Larsen solicited a 13-year-old girl for oral sex and had exposed himself to her.

APD Detectives assumed the identity of the girl and continued to communicate with Larsen. Larsen used text messages and phone calls to negotiate a time and place to meet with the girl, for the purpose of engaging in sexual intercourse. On Feb 14, 2019, Larsen arrived at a prearranged location. Instead of meeting the girl however, Larsen was met by APD officers and was arrested. At the time of his arrest, Larsen was found to be in possession of condoms, personal lubricant, a vibrator, methamphetamine, a glass pipe, and a loaded handgun.

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 and Assistant U.S. Attorney James Klugman.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.

Mason County Man Sentenced to 135 Months for Methamphetamine Trafficking

 COVINGTON, Ky. - A Maysville, Kentucky man, Harry Elza Gilbert, 60, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison on Tuesday, by U.S. District Chief Judge Danny C. Reeves, for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to his plea agreement, between August and December 2019, Gilbert possessed approximately 125 grams of methamphetamine that was seized by local law enforcement in both Mason and Lewis Counties.  Gilbert admitted that intended to distribute the drugs. 

Gilbert pled guilty in July 2020.           

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

Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Johnny W. Bivens, Lewis County Sheriff and Jared Muse, Chief of the Maysville Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maysville Police Department.  The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wade Napier.

Coffee County man pleads guilty to methamphetamine distribution

 Federal charge could bring up to 20 years in prison

BRUNSWICK, GA:  A Coffee County man faces up to 20 years in federal prison after admitting to distribution of methamphetamine.

Demetrius Brown, a/k/a “Jersey,” 42, of Douglas, Ga., pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Brunswick before Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to one count of Distribution of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Brown’s admission to the charge carries a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison, followed by at least three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Our law enforcement partners did outstanding work in uncovering and shutting down Demetrius Brown’s poison pill factory,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “We applaud their work in eradicating the illegal drug trade in our community.”  

Brown previously has been convicted of multiple felonies, including assault on a law enforcement officer and drug distribution on school property – all occurring in New Jersey prior to his relocation to south Georgia.

The investigation of Brown began in 2019 when the Coffee County Drug Unit determined Brown was selling pills purportedly containing ecstasy. Law enforcement conducted two controlled purchases before executing a search warrant at Brown’s home, discovering a pill press, other materials used for manufacturing methamphetamine pills, and four firearms.

“We hope the conviction of Demetrius Brown will serve as a major wake-up call to those attempting to manufacture and distribute illegal drugs in Coffee County,” Sheriff Doyle Wooten stated. “We are actively partnering with state and federal officials and law enforcement agencies to aggressively target the sources of drug distribution in our area, and we will prosecute these cases to the fullest extent the law allows.”

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Coffee County Drug Unit, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Harper III.

Franklin County Man Sentenced To Five Years’ Imprisonment For Receiving And Distributing Child Pornography

 HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Craig Killmeyer, age 56, of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to five years’ imprisonment to be followed by ten years of supervised release, by Chief U.S District Court Judge John E. Jones III, for receiving and distributing child pornography.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Killmeyer previously admitted to receiving and distributing images of child pornography between December 2017 and December 2018.  Killmeyer used Kik Messenger to send and receive the images.   

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli and former Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy prosecuted the case.

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

Former Hershey Man Sentenced To 11 Years’ Imprisonment For Numerous Fraud Offenses

 HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Jay Jackson, age 61, formerly of Hershey, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to eleven years’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, on bankruptcy fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering charges.  Jackson was also ordered to pay $1,567,275 in restitution.  Jackson was previously sentenced in March 2019.  In May 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit vacated that sentence and remanded for resentencing.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Jackson pled guilty in November 2017 to an indictment charging him with twelve counts of wire fraud, five counts of bankruptcy fraud, nine counts of false bankruptcy declarations, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.  Jackson defrauded his creditors, the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and his wife by filing seven Chapter 13 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy petitions, five of which were under Jackson’s name, and two of which were under his wife’s name without her knowledge or consent.  The petitions contained false information regarding Jackson’s income, assets, and employment, and were filed in order to postpone multiple Sheriff’s sales of his Hershey residence.  Jackson filed the last two petitions under his wife’s name after the Bankruptcy Court barred Jackson from filing any further petitions for two years in May 2015.

Jackson also pled guilty in March 2018, to a two-count criminal information charging him with wire fraud and money laundering.  Jackson perpetrated a loan-fraud scheme involving a bogus business venture between 2007 and 2017 that defrauded 22 victims out of approximately $1.7 million.  Jackson registered a corporation by the name of INTEX Building Materials Group, Inc. (INTEX BMG) with the Pennsylvania Department of State in 2007, listing himself as the sole shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of the company.  Jackson defrauded his victims by convincing them he had the backing of Brookstone Partners, a New York City capital investment company, to lend him millions of dollars to acquire companies that manufactured building products.  Jackson induced his victims into giving him loans to pay for his personal expenses, including his children’s college tuition, while the victims awaited consummation of the deal with Brookstone.  Jackson promised his victims huge returns on what were supposed to be short-term loans.  Jackson also provided copies of what he claimed to be e-mails from Brookstone principals that falsely represented the INTEX BMG deal was real.

In reality, INTEX BMG was a “paper” company that did not hold any significant assets, did not have any paid employees, and never generated any income.  Jackson provided his victims a variety of explanations as to why INTEX BMG did not go “live” in order to lull them into not taking action against him.  Jackson would repeatedly blame the protracted delays upon the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), various state regulators, and the Canadian government.  Many of the victims of Jackson’s loan-fraud scheme were from central Pennsylvania.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel prosecuted the case.

Deputy charged with two federal child pornography crimes

 COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Franklin County corrections officer has been charged federally with advertising for and receiving child pornography.

Daniel P. Heintz, 38, of Columbus, turned himself in this morning and will appear in federal court for an initial appearance at 2:15pm.

According to court documents, authorities were alerted to messages sent by Heintz on Kik Messenger in mid-August 2020. In the conversations, Heintz allegedly discusses with an Illinois man their mutual sexual interest for children, and exchanged images of themselves and of pornography, including child pornography. It is alleged Heintz received sexually explicit videos from the man of a girl 13 to 15 years old.

An affidavit details that Heintz allegedly discussed sexually abusing a minor to whom he had access. It is alleged he discussed photographing the minor in the victim’s sleep and also talked about sexual conduct he would commit as well as sexual abuse the Illinois man could commit to the minor victim.

On Feb. 11, law enforcement officials executed search warrants at Heintz’s residence and of his person at his place of employment, the Franklin County Correctional Center on S. Front Street.

A forensic examination of his electronics revealed what is alleged to be several hundred images of prepubescent minors, some as young as toddler age, engaged in explicit sexual conduct and being sexually abused.

Heintz is charged with advertising for and receiving child pornography. Advertising for child pornography is a federal crime punishable by a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years in prison. Receiving child pornography includes a sentencing range of five to 20 years in prison. If convicted, the crimes also carry a mandatory of at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and registration as a sex offender.

David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler and other members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Heather A. Hill and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Georgia couple sentenced for importing and distributing male enhancement products and counterfeit goods from China as well as naturalization fraud

 ROME, Ga. - Irfanali Momin and Shiba I. Momin a/k/a Saguftabanu Momin, husband and wife, have been sentenced to prison for naturalization fraud and conspiring to illegally import and distribute misbranded drug products from China and traffic counterfeit goods. The Momins have also been criminally denaturalized as result of their convictions for naturalization fraud.

“The defendants built their business and earned their citizenship through fraud,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. “And, by illegally importing and distributing products containing drugs that can only be obtained in the United States with a prescription written by a licensed medical professional, the Momins put profit over public safety.”

“This announcement demonstrates that those who subvert the regulatory functions of the FDA by distributing misbranded drugs containing undeclared prescription drug ingredients and counterfeit tobacco products will be held accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office. “We will continue to bring to justice those who place American consumers at risk by selling these illegal and potentially dangerous products.”

“The Momins lived a life of lies in this country from their fraudulent citizenship to their business of selling illegal products to customers whose health was threatened by the use of those products,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Now they will pay for their deception in prison time and loss of their citizenship. The FBI is committed to working with our federal partners to protect our citizens against anyone who would choose to do them harm.”  

“The Momins will now face the consequences of their lies and schemes to illegally gain citizenship and import and sell misbranded pharmaceuticals. Their actions not only placed unsuspecting purchasers at risk, they also threatened the integrity of the US immigration system,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Homeland Security Investigations and its law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue those that seek to profit from these fraudulent and dangerous activities.”

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Erskine, the charges and other information presented in court: Between August 2014 and November 2018, the Momins ordered and sold male enhancement products from China marketed under various names.  These products contained sildenafil, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Viagra, and/or tadalafil, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Cialis. Both Viagra and Cialis can be obtained in the U.S. only with a prescription from a doctor.

The Momins had in fact received more than a dozen notices from the FDA advising them to not sell these products. The FDA has also warned consumers for more than half-a-decade to not purchase or use such “all natural” sexual products because they could have serious side effects, especially in men who are taking nitrates and suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease.

In order to evade import restrictions, the Momins’ China-based suppliers mislabeled the boxes containing the illegal pills to make it appear that the boxes contained items that can be legally imported into the U.S., such as beauty products, health products, and health supplies. The Momins admitted to selling between $550,000 and $1.5 million in illegal drug products over the course of the conspiracy. They also sold various counterfeit goods from their warehouse in Dalton, Georgia, including counterfeit designer watches, headphones, e-cigarette devices, and tobacco rolling papers.

Earlier, in October 2013, the Momins both applied to become naturalized U.S. citizens. On his application form, Irfanali Momin falsely stated that he had never been married before and did not disclose that he had in fact been married to two women at the same time. During an interview with USCIS in June 2014, Irfanali Momin made the same false declarations. Based upon his false statements, Irfanali Momin became a naturalized U.S. citizen on August 16, 2014. On her application form, Shiba I. Momin a/k/a Saguftabanu Momin, falsely stated that she did not go by any other names when in fact she knew that her actual name was Shiba I. Momin, but she was only passing as Saguftabanu Momin. The investigation had revealed that Shiba I. Momin had originally obtained a Georgia’s driver’s license in her real name only to later obtain a fraudulent license in the name Saguftabanu Momin—the name she used to apply for and fraudulently receive U.S. citizenship on August 1, 2014. If USCIS had been aware of these facts, it would have denied her citizenship

On February 12, 2021, Irfanali Momin, 48, and Shiba I. Momin a/k/a Saguftabanu Momin, 42, both of Dahlonega, Georgia, were each sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones to one year, six months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a special assessment of $200. They were both convicted on September 23, 2020 after pleading guilty to a criminal information. On February 23, 2021, Judge Jones issued orders revoking their U.S. citizenship.         

This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla prosecuted the case.

Morris County Pharmacy Employee Charged with $1.9 Million Kickback and Bribery Scheme

 NEWARK, N.J. – A pharmacy employee was charged for conspiring to offer and pay bribes and kickbacks in exchange for having prescriptions steered to the Morris County, New Jersey, pharmacy where he worked, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Srinivasa Raju, 49, of Haskell, New Jersey, was arrested today and charged by complaint with conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute. He had his initial appearance by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer and was released on $250,000 unsecured bond.

Magdalena Jimenez, 56, of Newark, New Jersey, was previously charged with a parallel bribery and kickback scheme involving the same pharmacy. Those charges remain pending.

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

Raju had various responsibilities at the Morris County pharmacy, including coordinating prescription deliveries and soliciting business. From at least January 2019, Raju worked with other pharmacy personnel to pay kickbacks and bribes to a doctor’s employee in exchange for receiving numerous prescriptions from that doctor’s Jersey City office.

Raju first paid the kickbacks and bribes using gift cards, but soon switched to cash and checks. He typically handed the kickbacks and bribes to coworkers inside the pharmacy and directed them to deliver the payments to the doctor’s employee. To conceal the true nature of some of the illicit payments, Raju had approximately $8,000 worth of checks made out to the employee’s relative, under the guise of paying for IT services. In truth, Raju never met or communicated with the relative, and no actual services were performed.

In November 2020, Raju was recorded inside the pharmacy directing an employee to deliver a kickback and bribe of “200 bucks for Thanksgiving.” Raju asked, “What do you think, I should give $300? What do you think?” Raju then counted out more cash, which he put in a sealed envelope to have hand delivered. In December 2020, he had a $250 cash kickback and bribe, which was stashed inside a Christmas card, hand delivered to the doctor’s employee, inside the doctor’s office.

The conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the offense, whichever is greater.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, and Special Agents with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Supervisory Special Agent Thomas Mahoney, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Haber of the Health Care Fraud Unit.

The charges and allegations in the complaints against Raju and Jimenez are merely accusations, and they are both presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Three Mercer County Men Indicted in Pittsburgh for Violating Federal Laws

 PITTSBURGH – Three Mercer County men have been charged in separate indictments with violating federal firearms and/or drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The first indictment charges Diquan Crowder, 27, of Farrell, PA, with one count of violating federal firearms laws. According to the indictment, on Nov. 20, 2020, Crowder possessed a Zastava pistol after having been convicted of two drug-trafficking and gun felony crimes.

The second indictment charges Raymond Briskey, 35, of Sharon, PA, with violating federal drug and firearms laws. According to the indictment, on Oct. 21, 2020, Briskey possessed with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, and possessed a firearm after a prior felony conviction and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on that date.

The third indictment, returned on Sept. 22, 2020 and unsealed yesterday, charges Dimetrius Morris, 36, of Farrell, PA, with violating federal drug and gun laws. According to the indictment, on Feb. 20, 2020, Morris possessed with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as possessed a firearm after several felony convictions and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on that date.

Dimetrius Morris is a fugitive from justice. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts should contact the FBI at 412-432-4000.

"Prosecuting drug dealers and those who illegally possess firearms has been a successful strategy for reducing crime in every western Pennsylvania county," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "District Attorney Peter Acker has been a valued partner in these efforts to remove violent offenders from our neighborhoods and make Mercer County a safer place."

"The Mercer County District Attorney’s Office and state and local law enforcement officials are extremely grateful for the assistance of U.S. Attorney Scott Brady and the Department of Justice in adopting these three cases and indicting these three individuals who were deeply involved in drug trafficking and related drug crimes. Raymond Briskey had been a fugitive from justice for over three years after failing to appear for sentencing for his earlier drug

dealing conviction," said Mercer County District Attorney Peter C. Acker. "We work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI along with our Mercer County Drug Task Force and the PA Attorney General’s Narcotics Agents. That working relationship has been very beneficial to Mercer County and the federal penalties for convictions in these types of cases are far greater than the corresponding state penalties."

For Crowder, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. For Briskey, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $1,500,000. For Morris, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $2,500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant(s).

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the United States.

The Mercer County Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the return of the Indictments naming Crowder and Briskey.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sharon Police Department, the Farrell Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the return of the Indictment naming Morris.

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

Former Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy Charges

 BOSTON – A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today on drug conspiracy charges.

Ines Lugo, a/k/a “Queen China,” 42, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served (approximately 47 days in prison) and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. In November 2020, Lugo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base.

Lugo admitted that she conspired with other Latin Kings members and leaders to possess cocaine base (also known as “crack cocaine”) with the intent to distribute it. Specifically, in August 2019, she conspired with others to obtain cocaine base from members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford for resale. On Aug. 24, 2019, Lugo was captured on video delivering cocaine base to another Latin Kings member in a trap house.

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

In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Ines Lugo is the 16^th defendant to be sentenced in the case.

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

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

Stroud Township Man Charged With Drug Trafficking And Firearms Offenses

 SCRANTON: The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that James Williams III, also known as “Dilly,” age 40, of Stroud Township, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 23, 2021, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on March 29, 2018 and April 18, 2018, Williams distributed and possessed with intent to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of Stroudsburg High School, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.  The indictment further charges Williams with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of cocaine on May 3, 2018.  The indictment also alleges that Williams, a convicted felon, illegally possessed two firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and one of the firearms was stolen.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Stroud Regional Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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

Pennsylvania man sentenced for role in a drug distribution operation

 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Albert Lee Brooks, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 33 months of incarceration for his role in a drug trafficking operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Brooks, also known as “B,” pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location” in May 2020. Brooks, age 49, admitted to selling “crack” cocaine near Luau Manor in Ohio County in March 2019.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

Former Pilot Charged Again for Internet Stalking

 In San Antonio today, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against 66-year-old Mark Joseph Uhlenbrock of Chesterfield, Missouri, for internet stalking yet again, announced U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs.

On September 28, 2016, Uhlenbrock was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to an internet stalking charge. Uhlenbrock admitted that from January 2006 to August 2015, he caused substantial emotional distress by posting nude photographs of his victim on the internet without the victim’s consent and despite three Bexar County civil district court lawsuits.

After completing his prison term, court records reflect that in April 2019 a federal judge sentenced Uhlenbrock to six months imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release.

Today’s indictment charges Uhlenbrock with one count of internet stalking the same victim again.  The indictment alleges that from May 2020 to September 2020, Uhlenbrock used the internet to cause substantial emotional distress to a person.  The conduct in this indictment occurred while Uhlenbrock was still on supervised release for his first conviction of internet stalking.

Uhlenbrock has remained in federal custody since his arrest in Missouri on December 10, 2020, for allegedly violating conditions of his supervised release.

The FBI in San Antonio investigated this case with assistance from the FBI in St. Louis.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wannarka is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. 

An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

KC Woman Indicted for Two Armed Bank Robberies Following High-Speed Police Chase

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, woman who led police officers on a high-speed chase down Grand Avenue was indicted by a federal grand jury today for two armed bank robberies.

Sarah Theresa Watkins, 41, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Watkins on Feb. 5, 2021.

Today’s indictment charges Watkins with the armed robbery of Central Bank in Claycomo, Mo., on Feb. 1, 2021, and the armed robbery of Capitol Federal Savings in Liberty, Mo., on Feb. 2, 2021.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaints, Watkins entered Central Bank at 11:24 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2021, and approached a teller window. Watkins handed the teller a note that stated "HAND OVER ALL THE MONEY AND I WON'T SHOOT." She allegedly pulled a gun out of her purse and pointed it at the teller. When the teller pulled the money out of the drawers and placed it on the counter, the affidavit says, Watkins took the money and ran out of the bank. The bank reported a loss of $1,819.

Surveillance video footage from an exterior ATM of the bank captured video footage of a white Hyundai, four-door sedan. This vehicle appears to be the same vehicle that was involved in a bank robbery that occurred the next day, on Feb. 2, 2021.

According to the affidavit, Watkins entered Capitol Federal Savings in Liberty at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, 2021. Watkins took a note out of her bag and placed it on the counter, the affidavit says. The note stated: "HAND ME ALL THE MONEY OR I WILL SHOOT." While the teller was reading the note, Watkins allegedly stated: "All of it, hurry up, all of it!" The teller began opening her cash drawer, the affidavit says, when she heard the noise of a heavy object hitting the counter. The teller saw that Watkins had a black semi-automatic handgun in her hand, resting on the counter and pointed at the teller. When the teller took money out of the drawer and placed
it on the counter, Watkins allegedly took the money, put it in her bag, and left through the main door of the lobby. The bank reported a loss of $971.

Surveillance video cameras captured footage of the white Hyundai four-door sedan (and license plate number) allegedly driven by Watkins when she arrived at the bank, and when she left the bank.

Law enforcement officers located the vehicle on Feb. 4, 2021. Kansas City police officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop in the area of 27th Street and Brooklyn Avenue. Watkins, however, drove around the officers in an attempt to flee. A vehicle pursuit ensued, during which officers attempted to immobilize Watkins’ vehicle on three occasions, but she continued to drive around the officers and flee. The pursuit continued at high rates of speed, up to 70 miles per hour while going northbound on Grand Avenue. During the pursuit, traffic was congested at different points along Grand Avenue. The pursuit ended when Watkins lost control of the vehicle in the area E. 21st Street and Walnut Street. Watkins attempted to flee on foot, but was apprehended by police officers. As she exited the vehicle, the affidavit says, Watkins reached into her waistband, then pointed at officers with her index finger extended forward, and her thumb extended upward, possibly attempting to imitate a handgun.   

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

Iowa City Woman Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine Charges

 DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Monday, February 22, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Stefani Amber Goodwin, age 38, of Iowa City, to 96 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Following her prison term, Goodwin was ordered to serve five years of supervised release, as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation of Goodwin and her co-defendant, Shaun Michael Farrington, began in late-September 2019 when they were observed driving a vehicle that was identified as being involved in a different methamphetamine trafficking investigation. GPS records showed the vehicle traveling to various locations throughout Southeast Iowa, making numerous stops at known drug trafficking locations. On October 2, 2019, the decision was made to stop the vehicle as officers believed it was beginning another drug run, and Farrington was driving with a suspended license. A positive K-9 alert prompted a search of their vehicle resulting in the uncovering of approximately 350 grams of ice methamphetamine. Goodwin admitted to conspiring with Farrington to sell significant quantities of actual methamphetamine throughout Southeast Iowa.

This matter was investigated by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Coralville Man Sentenced to Prison for Heroin and Firearm Offenses

 DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Bryant Richard Smith, age 32, of Coralville, to 225 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin as well as 120 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Those sentences were ordered to be served concurrently. Following his prison term, Smith was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release well as pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Smith was previously convicted of federal drug-related charges in 2013. He was serving a term of supervised release for the prior offense when he resumed methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin trafficking. Chief Judge Jarvey ordered the term of release revoked and imposed a consecutive 36-month prison sentence for the violation. The total sentence is 261 months in prison.

This investigation began in approximately 2018 after Smith was released from custody for his prior federal conviction. Upon release, Smith manufactured and distributed “ice” methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. By 2019, a co-conspirator began to provide Smith money for investment into the illicit drug business. Smith’s co-conspirators took over part of the drug activities when Smith was arrested with drugs in July of 2019, and his term of supervised release from the 2013 case was revoked. Upon release from custody in October, Smith continued selling drugs. Then, in January of 2020, Smith purchased a Kel Tec Sub 2000, 9-millimeter caliber firearm in Iowa City. As a convicted felon, Smith is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

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

Lincoln Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy Charge

 BANGOR, Maine:  A Lincoln man pleaded guilty today in federal court to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.

According to court records, between approximately May 2018 and July 2018, Brandon Tolman, 32, was part of a drug distribution operation based out of Florida and operating in northern Maine. A co-conspirator obtained large quantities of methamphetamine from Florida and had it transported to Maine. Tolman sold the drug in the Lincoln area while other members of the conspiracy sold it in Bangor, Howland and Houlton.

Tolman faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case.

DEA Rolls Out Operation Engage

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration launched a comprehensive law enforcement and prevention support initiative aimed at reducing drug use, abuse, and overdose deaths. “Operation Engage” allows participating field divisions to focus on the biggest drug threat in their respective geographic areas. The initiative builds on and replaces DEA’s 360 Strategy, which aimed its resources specifically at opioids, and allows field divisions to customize plans and direct resources to target the drug that presents the greatest threat to public health and safety in their jurisdictions. The following 11 field divisions submitted proposals that were approved for the initial round of funding: Detroit, El Paso, Los Angeles, Miami, New England, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Washington, Seattle, and St. Louis.

“Working alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, as well as specialists in prevention, treatment, and education, we are raising awareness to make our communities safer,” said DEA Acting Administrator D. Christopher Evans. “We will help empower individuals, families, and communities to do their part to help reduce the demand for drugs and get help for those who need it.”

The goals of Operation Engage are to:

- Identify the drugs that affect individuals and families in the designated areas

- Identify evidence-informed strategies that best fit community needs

- Identify and eliminate local drug threats in every field division

- Support and contribute to local drug use prevention efforts

- Bridge local public safety and public health efforts

- Build on the success of DEA 360 and expand Operation Engage nationwide in 2022

Recent statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show an alarming rise in drug overdose deaths, with synthetic opioids driving record-high fatalities. The vast majority of deaths involve illicitly manufactured fentanyl, including fentanyl analogs. There has also been an increase in availability of methamphetamine, which is linked to violent crime. DEA works every day to target and take down the drug trafficking organizations flooding American communities with these illegal drugs. But confronting this public health crisis requires a strategy to reduce demand in those communities.

The Operation Engage initiative encourages partnerships with healthcare professionals, as well as engagement with community and social service organizations best positioned to provide long-term assistance and support for building drug-free communities.

Hear more about Operation Engage from Acting Administrator Evans in this short video.

For more information, visit the Operation Engage webpage (https://www.dea.gov/operation-engage).

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Beltsville Pimp Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking

 Trafficked Three Victims, Including a 17-year-old Girl

Baltimore, Maryland – Kamal Dorchy, age 46, of Beltsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to the federal charge of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Chief Lisa D. Myers of the Howard County Police Department; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Interim Chief Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Howard County State’s Attorney Rich Gibson.

According to Dorchy’s plea agreement, from September 2016 to July 2017, Dorchy conspired with others to commit sex trafficking.  Dorchy posted prostitution advertisements on Internet websites.  Dorchy also recruited sex workers for his prostitution business through advertisements on Internet websites for massage work or prostitution.

As detailed in his plea agreement, on July 27, 2017 a Howard County Police Department detective met with an adult sex worker (Victim 1) at a hotel in Laurel, Maryland.  Victim 1 advised the detective about Dorchy’s conduct.  The victim also told the detective she went by a name in prostitution ads that Dorchy had given her.

Further, Dorchy agrees that he met a 17-year-old minor at a strip club in July of 2017 and recruited the minor victim to work for him.  Dorchy claims that he was not aware of her true age at the time, and believed she was 18 years of age due to her employment at the strip club.  The minor victim informed law enforcement that she told Dorchy her true age before she was trafficked.  Dorchy arranged prostitution dates for the minor victim by posting ads on Internet websites, including for dates in Maryland.  When Dorchy could not be there for the minor victim’s prostitution dates, he employed his cousin to act as “security.”  The minor victim was 17 years old during the entire time that she was trafficked.

A third sex trafficking victim, an adult female, advised law enforcement that she met Dorchy in 2016 during a job interview for a massage business at a hotel in Baltimore, Maryland,  where she was told that she would be walking clients to appointments.  The victim advised that later, she did prostitution dates at Dorchy’s direction at the massage business.

As part of his plea agreement, Dorchy will be required to register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

Dorchy and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Dorchy will be sentenced to between six years and 10 years in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge George L. Russell has scheduled sentencing for May 27, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

This case was investigated by law enforcement agencies that are members of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, formed in 2007 to discover and rescue victims of human trafficking while identifying and prosecuting offenders.  Members include federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as victim service providers and local community members.  For more information about the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit http://www.mdhumantrafficking.org/.

Report suspected instances of human trafficking to HSI's tip line at 866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or by completing its online tip form.  Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner praised HSI, the Howard County, Baltimore County, and Prince George’s County Police Departments, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution.  Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ayn B. Ducao, Adam K. Ake, and Jeffrey J. Izant, who are prosecuting the case.

Arkansas Couple Sentenced To A Combined Four Years In Federal Prison For Aggravated Identity Theft And Mail Fraud

 El Dorado, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Patrick Wayne Watson, age 24, now of Conway, Arkansas, and Kennan Dane O’Bier, age 24, now of Nash, Texas, were sentenced in Federal Court for their roles in a Mail Fraud and Identity Theft scheme in Magnolia, Arkansas.  O’Bier was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and Watson was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release, both on one count of Mail Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.  They were each ordered to pay $200 in special assessments and to pay restitution in the amount of $42,113.12.  The Honorable Susan O. Hickey, Chief United States District Judge, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in El Dorado, Arkansas.

According to court records, between August of 2018 through January 31^st of 2019, Watson, who was employed at a local bank, used his position at the bank to review personally identifiable information and banking information of customers.  While doing so, Watson took photographs of the personally identifying information of over one hundred bank customers on his cellular phone.  Watson and O’Bier together then used at least six (6) of those customer’s information to open PayPal, Amazon, and Wayfair accounts in the names of the unsuspecting bank customers.

Over the six months of the scheme, Watson and O’Bier then used those accounts to order thousands of dollars in products from Amazon and Wayfair and had them delivered to multiple addresses, to include their home in Magnolia, Arkansas.  On April 23, 2019, a federal search warrant was obtained by the FBI and executed on their Magnolia home.  Many of the shipped items were found as well as additional evidence of the Mail Fraud and Identity Theft scheme.  Subsequent to this search warrant, a search of Watson’s cell phone resulted in law enforcement discovering the photographs of additional bank customers’ information which were not, to date, used in the scheme.   

Watson and O’Bier were indicted on the scheme in August of 2019.  Watson entered a plea to Mail Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft charges on June 22, 2020.  O’Bier entered his plea to Mail Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft on July 20, 2020.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Office, the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office and the Miller County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Wulff prosecuted the case for the United States.

Fairport Man Faces Up To 20 Years In Prison After Pleading Guilty To Multiple Drug Charges

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Adam J. Cole, 32, of Fairport, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possessing with intent to distribute MDA, marijuana, and cocaine. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.     

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that on November 27, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant's residence on Pannell Circle in Fairport. During the search, they recovered approximately 58 pounds of marijuana, 322 pills containing MDA, approximately 23 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, approximately $4,300 in United States currency, which represented proceeds from drug trafficking activities. Investigators also recovered two firearms and ammunition. As part of his drug trafficking activities, Cole used his Pannell Circle residence for the purposes of storing, processing, and distributing controlled substances.

In addition, on November 22, 2019, in the Town of Victor, NY, the defendant sold approximately 116 grams of marijuana to another person in exchange for cash. On November 27, 2019, in the area of High Street in Victor, Cole possessed approximately 223 grams of marijuana in his vehicle.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Kevin Henderson; and the Canandaigua Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mathew Nielsen.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 18, 2021, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.

Cattaraugus Woman Pleads Guilty To Distribution Of Child Pornography

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Melanie Thompson, 46, of Cattaraugus, NY, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey T. Fiut, who is handling the case, stated that between January 9, 2017, and March 6, 2020, the defendant took sexually explicit photographs of Victim 1, a minor, in furtherance of her plan to impersonate Victim 1. Thereafter, defendant, while impersonating Victim 1, engaged in conversations of a sexual nature with two minor male victims (Victims 2 and 3) and one adult. During those conversations, defendant: solicited a sexually explicit picture from Victim 2; sent, via social media, the sexually explicit photograph she had taken of Victim 1 to Victim 3, receiving two sexually explicit images in return from Victim 3; and while impersonating Victim 1 and engaging in sexual conversations with an adult male over social media, sent such male the sexually explicit photographs she had taken of Victim 1.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Timothy S. Whitcomb.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.

Ohio Man Sentenced for Role in Akron to Huntington Meth Conspiracy

 HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Robert Von Wilson, 24, of Ohio, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Wilson participated in a conspiracy that saw large quantities of methamphetamine shipped from Akron, Ohio, and sold in Huntington. 

“Wilson had 1.7 kilos of 100% pure meth,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “I commend the FBI and their law enforcement partners for shutting down this meth pipeline coming into Huntington from Akron.”

Wilson previously pled guilty and admitted that he and others involved in the conspiracy utilized a residence at 1235 25^th Street in Huntington to store methamphetamine after it was shipped from Akron. Wilson also admitted that he was present at 1235 25^th Street on June 6, 2019, when investigators executed a search warrant at the residence. During the search, investigators seized over 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine.  Wilson admitted that he possessed the methamphetamine and intended to distribute it in the Huntington area.  The methamphetamine was later examined by a chemist and determined to be 100% pure.   

This joint investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Other agencies which participated and assisted in the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, the United States Marshals Service, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Akron, Ohio Police Department, and the Brecksville, Ohio Police Department.  United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-00245.

West Virginia Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug Crime and Violation of Supervised Release

 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Jay James Fields, 38, was sentenced to a total of 57 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and violating his supervised release.  

“Fields was still on supervised release from a previous conviction when he was found with 37 grams of meth and 3.5 grams of heroin in his car,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “He will now be headed back to prison for nearly five more years.”

Fields previously pled guilty and admitted that on June 12, 2020, officers searched his vehicle and found approximately 37 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 grams of heroin.  He admitted he intended to sell these substances. Fields was on supervised release when he committed the drug offense.  Fields was sentenced to 33 months for the drug offense, and in a separate proceeding, he was sentenced to 24 months in prison for violating his supervised release.  The sentences were ordered to run consecutively to one another for a total of 57 months in prison.

The Logan County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation.   Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentences.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00149.

Baltimore Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Distributing More Than 400 Grams of Fentanyl—Enough to Kill 20,000 People

 Defendant Also Possessed Three Firearms Which He Admitted He Used to Facilitate Drug Trafficking

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher today sentenced Joseph Speed, age 28, of Baltimore, Maryland, to seven years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, after Speed pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.  Speed admitted that between 400 grams and 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl were reasonably foreseeable to him and in furtherance of the conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.  As little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be a lethal dose. 

This case is part of an initiative implemented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to combat the growing fentanyl overdose crisis in Maryland.  Under this initiative, every arrest involving distribution of fentanyl made by law enforcement in Baltimore is reviewed jointly by the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine whether the case will be handled in the state or federal system.  The use of federal resources and statutes, which carry significant terms of imprisonment, will allow the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute those individuals who pose the greatest threat to public safety in distributing lethal doses of fentanyl. 

The guilty plea and sentencing were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Baltimore City Sheriff John W. Anderson; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner stated, “Joseph Speed was an armed narcotics dealer operating in Baltimore.  He sold fentanyl to people in our community and he carried firearms to further his drug business.  Speed will now serve more than seven years in federal prison, where there is no parole—ever.  Armed drug traffickers are on notice that dealing in fentanyl increases their odds of federal prosecution.”   

According to his guilty plea, Speed was part of a drug organization that sold fentanyl in the Baltimore area.  On May 20, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Speed’s apartment in Baltimore and recovered approximately 458 grams of fentanyl, a 9mm handgun, $666 in cash, and drug paraphernalia, including cutting agents and gel capsules.  Speed admitted that he used these items to facilitate his drug trafficking, including preparing drugs for resale to customers of the drug organization.

On July 23, 2019, law enforcement performed a traffic stop on Speed’s vehicle in Baltimore County.  A subsequent search of Speed and his vehicle recovered another 9mm handgun, numerous fentanyl gel caps, and $5,345 in cash.

Finally, on May 15, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Speed’s apartment in Pikesville, Maryland, and recovered a third firearm, a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, as well as a small amount of suspected fentanyl.  

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the DEA, the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution.  Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason D. Medinger, who is prosecuting the case.

Two Huntington Men Sentenced to Federal Prison

 HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that two Huntington men were sentenced to federal prison by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

“Great work by the Huntington Police Department,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Two more drug dealers are off of city streets.”

Desean Briscoe, 30, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Briscoe previously pled guilty and admitted that on January 23, 2020, officers executed a search warrant at his residence at 850 Bronson Court in Huntington.  Officers found two firearms.  After he was arrested and taken to the Huntington Police Department, Briscoe told officers he had heroin hidden on his person.  Officers retrieved approximately 16 grams of heroin from Briscoe.  Briscoe was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2015 felony conviction out of Wayne County for attempt to deliver a controlled substance.

In a separate case, Matthew Thomas, also known as “Rico Dolla,” and “PJ,” 29, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for distributing heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base.  Thomas previously pled guilty and admitted that in May and June 2019 he sold heroin on three occasions to a confidential informant in Huntington.  Thomas also admitted that on June 19, 2019, officers with the Huntington Police Department searched his residence and found approximately 30 grams of heroin and 8 grams of cocaine base.  Officers also found a drug press.  Thomas admitted he intended to sell the heroin and cocaine base.

The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecutions.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 3:20-cr-00040 (Briscoe) and 3:20-cr-00137 (Thomas).

Perkinston Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography

 Gulfport, Miss. – Edward Lee Thomas, 48, of Perkinston, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve the statutory maximum of 600 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for producing images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.  Assessments were also imposed on Thomas in the amount of $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Tracking Act of 2015, and $20,000 under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

In March, 2020, HSI Gulfport received 95 images and 2 videos of child sexual abuse from The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The investigation led agents to a residence in Forrest County, Mississippi, where sexual abuse images of two minors had been taken.  Agents executed a federal search warrant at the residence of Edward Lee Thomas in Perkinston.  The seizure and forensic examination of electronic devices taken from Thomas’ residence revealed over 4,000 images and 700 videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

A superseding indictment charging the production and possession of images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct was returned by a federal grand jury on June 10, 2020. Thomas pled guilty to the production count on October 22, 2020.  He faced a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in prison. However, Thomas’s 2004 Mississippi state conviction for sexual battery of a child was determined to be a qualifying prior conviction for an enhanced statutory penalty, and as such he faced a maximum penalty of not less than 25 years nor more than 50 years, and a $250,000 fine.  

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.           

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