ATF, NSSF Offers Up to $10,000 Reward on Top Dog Gun Range Burglary

 Dallas — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Denton County Sheriff’s Department, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), have announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the identification and/or arrest of the suspect responsible for the theft of twenty- one (21) firearms from Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), Top Dog Gun Range, located at 1880 FM 156, Krum, Texas.

On Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at approximately 2:09 a.m., the suspect entered the business by circumventing the locking mechanism on the rear door. Once inside the property, the suspect proceeded to steal twenty-one (21) firearms. Surveillance video shows the suspect entering the business through the rear door and continuing to the front of the building to remove firearms from the display case.

The unidentified suspect was wearing a baseball-type cap, eyeglasses, and a gaiter that covered his face. The suspect had on a long sleeve shirt with a logo depicting the letters “LTR” underscored by a lightning bolt and distinctive tennis shoes. Investigative research shows this logo is registered to a defunct business named Lighting Tower Rental.

See following link for surveillance video.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GyBGidLsZ_MmT86BO3dkCWuBEizfweVs...

“Recovering these firearms quickly before additional crimes are committed remains a top priority for ATF. We are asking the public to please let authorities know if you recognize this individual,” said ATF Dallas Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C Boshek II.

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

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

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

ATF, Firearms Industry Offer up to $10,000 Reward for Information About Firearms Stolen From R+L Carriers in South Windsor, CT

 Hartford – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Boston Field Division and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, have announced a combined reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for the theft of fifty firearms from a from R + L Carriers in South Windsor, CT. ATF Special Agents and Industry Operations Investigators are working with detectives from South Windsor Police Department on this investigation.

On Friday, August 13th at 12:50 a.m. a shipment of fifty (50) firearms was delivered to R + L Carriers in South Windsor, CT. The pallet was scanned by a manager and loaded into “trap trailer” or waiting compartment. The pallet was discovered missing on August 16th.

“A person who uses criminal means to obtain a firearm is someone who needs to be brought to justice and firearms obtained illegally are almost certainly destined to be used for criminal purposes,” said ATF Boston Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson. “It is ATF’s top priority to make sure our communities stay safe and that businesses can operate without fear of incidents like this occurring. We are asking that members of the public who may know something about this incident or the whereabouts of these firearms to come forward.”

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact investigators immediately at 860-935-8080 or call 888- ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477) or send an email to ATFTips@atf.gov.

Tips can also be sent anonymously via the reportit® app using ATF Boston Field Division as the location. It is available through the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and at www.reportit.com.

ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $10,000. This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF rewards in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers.

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

Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Delmar Bank Robbery

 ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jesse Clarence Odum, age 35, of Pensacola, Florida, pled guilty today to an indictment charging him with robbing a Pioneer Bank branch.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Chief Gina F. Cocchiara of the Bethlehem Police Department (BPD).

As part of his guilty plea, Odum admitted that on May 2, 2015, he entered the Pioneer Bank branch located at 184 Delaware Avenue in Delmar, New York, stopped at a counter, wrote a note, and approached a teller.  Odum then passed the teller the note, which instructed her to be silent and give him $10,000.  The teller partially complied, and Odum fled the bank with $5,000 in cash.

Odum was subsequently arrested on May 26, 2015, by BPD officers, in the vicinity of the same Pioneer Bank branch. 

Odum faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on February 4, 2022.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bethlehem Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.

Columbus Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Heroin Conspiracy

 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Columbus, Ohio man was sentenced to prison today after being convicted earlier this year of conspiracy to distribute heroin.  Lewis Von Burks, Jr., 52, was sentenced to nine years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about October 2018 until November 2019, Lewis Von Burks, Jr. was selling black tar heroin to several individuals in Jackson County, West Virginia, and elsewhere.  These individuals were regularly travelling to Columbus in order to meet Burks and complete the transactions.  Burks had knowledge at the time that several of the individuals were taking the heroin back to Jackson County, and that at least one of the individuals was re-selling the heroin in Jackson County.  During the period of the conspiracy, at least 100 grams of black tar heroin were re-sold within Jackson County. 

Burks admitted to law enforcement officers during the investigation that he had been selling heroin to Jackson County residents since at least 2015, and estimated that he sold hundreds of ounces of heroin to Jackson County residents during that time.     

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.  

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution.

Lockport Man Pleads Guilty To Drug Charge

BUFFALO, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Brian Grant, 22, of Lockport, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that the Niagara County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the defendant's residence on Elmwood Avenue in Lockport and on his vehicle. During the search, officers recovered cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and $215.00 in cash.

The plea is result of an investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 3, 2021, before Judge Sinatra.

Dracut Man Indicted for Armed Robbery

 Defendant allegedly robbed three convenience stores on Christmas Eve

BOSTON – A Dracut man was indicted today in federal court in Boston in connection with the armed robbery of three convenience stores in Lowell and Tewksbury on Dec. 24, 2020.

Michael Vangpa, 32, was indicted on one count of interfering with commerce by robbery and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Vangpa was previously charged by criminal complaint on Aug. 12, 2021 and has remained in federal custody since.

According to the charging documents, on Dec. 24, 2020, Vangpa robbed three nearby convenience stores—two in Lowell and one in Tewksbury—within an hour. In each of the robberies, Vangpa allegedly brandished a firearm and demanded money from the store clerks. It is also alleged that Vangpa discharged the firearm during one of the robberies.

The charge of interference with commerce by robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence provides for a mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed and up to life in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. The Lowell, Tewksbury, Dracut and Nashua (N.H.) Police Departments provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

Four Men Charged in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy, Including Two Charged with Possession of Machine Gun and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery

 Investigation Followed Armed Robbery of Pharmaceuticals

            WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today charging four men with taking part in a drug trafficking conspiracy, including two who were charged with conspiring to rob pharmacies and unlawful possession of a machine gun.

            The indictment was announced today by Acting U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            All four defendants were arrested yesterday. They include Juwuan Champion, 22, of Bowie, Md., also known as “Big Money;” Fitzgerald Hunt, 24, of Washington, D.C., also known as “GMoney;” Joshua Johnson, 18, of Capitol Heights, Md., also known as “Lil Josh,” and Keyshawn Lavender, 20, of Washington, D.C., also known as “Key.” They made their initial appearances this afternoon in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and all remain detained pending further proceedings.

            The indictment follows an investigation by ATF and MPD into a crew operating from approximately January 2021 through October 2021 in the Potomac Gardens area of Southeast Washington. As described in the indictment, members of the crew are alleged to traffic in Oxycodone, Alprazolam, and other illegal narcotics. Champion and Hunt are accused of conspiring to rob pharmacies and the driver of a truck delivering narcotics to a pharmacy, and of unlawful possession of a machine gun. Champion and Hunt also are alleged to have possessed a “converter switch” device designed and intended to convert a semiautomatic Glock-style handgun into a machine gun capable of fully automatic fire, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

            “Drug trafficking and the prevalence of guns on our streets continue to plaque our community at alarming and unacceptable rates,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillips. “Working together with our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals who are terrorizing and making our neighborhoods unsafe with their armed drug trafficking activities, such as those alleged in this indictment.”

            “This investigation is focused on armed robberies, possession of machine guns, illegal possession of firearms, distribution of narcotics and other acts of violence within our community. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the men and women of ATF and our valued law enforcement partners; we are making every effort to collaborate and work collectively to take violent criminals off our streets,” said Special Agent in Charge Patterson. “We will continue to do as such until people feel safe to live and enjoy life. We will not tolerate violent crime, especially gun violence on our streets.”

            The ongoing investigation has focused on violent crimes, including a series of pharmacy robbery-related incidents in the District of Columbia and Maryland, culminating in the March 30, 2021 robbery of a pharmaceutical delivery van driver outside a pharmacy in Waldorf, Md.

            ATF and other law enforcement partners yesterday executed search warrants for four residences in the District of Columbia, two residences in Maryland, and one vehicle.   Agents recovered three firearms, including one with an obliterated serial number, ammunition, multiple bags of apparent marijuana, and cash currency totaling approximately $75,000. 

            Champion and Hunt are charged with a number of offenses related to these crimes, including conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery. All told, Champion was indicted on 12 felony counts, including conspiracy, narcotics, and weapons offenses. Hunt was indicted on 11 similar charges. Lavender faces three felony counts, and Johnson, one. The indictment also includes a forfeiture count seeking all proceeds from the crimes.

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

            This case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Critical support was provided by the Charles County, Md. Sheriff’s Office, and additional assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Prince George’s County, Md. Police Department, and Anne Arundel County, Md. Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Candice Wong of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Assistance was provided by former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Jacobs.

Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Wide-Ranging Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

 Defendant trafficked fentanyl, heroin and cocaine throughout Southeastern Massachusetts

BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty today to his role in a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy reaching from Boston to Brockton to Lawrence to Cape Cod.

Djuna Goncalves, 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana; two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Under the terms of the plea agreement the government will recommend a sentence of 308 months in prison. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Feb. 9, 2022.

According to court documents, in the fall of 2018, federal and state law enforcement agents began investigating a violent Brockton drug crew headed by Djuna Goncalves. The investigation revealed that Djuna Goncalves worked with others, including his brothers Cody and Anthony Goncalves, to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base and marijuana throughout southeastern Massachusetts from a base of operations in Brockton. The neighborhood surrounding the crew’s Brockton base has been the scene of numerous murders, shootings and other crimes of violence for several years.

During the investigation, large quantities of heroin and fentanyl were seized from Djuna Goncalves, who had previously been convicted of state drug distribution charges and who distributed fentanyl while on pre-trial release for state drug charges. A search of the Brockton base resulted in the seizure of a Glock .45 caliber pistol, a large number of ammunition clips to various types of firearms, accompanying ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, suboxone strips, a hydraulic press, packaging materials, digital scales, approximately $12,000 in cash and an AK-47 assault rifle:

In all, 17 defendants, including Djuna, Cody and Anthony Goncalves, were indicted as part of a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy reaching from Boston to Brockton to Lawrence to Cape Cod. Of the 17 defendants named in the indictment, nine have been sentenced. Djuna Goncalves is the 15^th defendant to plead guilty in the case. On Sept. 12, 2021, Cody Goncalves pleaded guilty to similar charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 2, 2022. The remaining defendants are scheduled to plead guilty. Anthony Goncalves is scheduled to plead guilty on Oct. 12, 2021.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense provide for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, from and after the sentence imposed on the applicable drug trafficking counts, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; and Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Alathea E. Porter of Mendell’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

The detailed 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.

Parkersburg Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Offense

 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg woman was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for using the United States Mail to facilitate fentanyl distribution. Audrey Mae Thompson, 40, previously admitted allowing Robert Lamar Bates-Porter to use her residence as a receiving address for shipments of drugs to be distributed in and around Parkersburg.

According to court documents and statements made in court, drug task force officers executed a search warrant at Thompson’s residence on Roselyn Avenue in Parkersburg on September 13, 2019, where they seized a kilogram of fentanyl and more than 50 grams of heroin.  The search warrant was the culmination of a long-term investigation conducted by the Major Crimes Task Force in Washington County, Ohio and the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force.  Along with the Roselyn Avenue search warrant, police executed warrants at several locations in Ohio where they recovered more than 200 grams of heroin, additional quantities of fentanyl and several firearms.  Bates-Porter was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 400g or more of fentanyl and sentenced to 130 months in federal prison. 

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the excellent investigative work of the Major Crimes Task Force, the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Senior United States District Judge John. T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks handled the prosecution.

Claremore Man who Illegally Possessed Firearms and Child Pornography Sentenced

 A Claremore man who possessed over a thousand images of child pornography was sentenced today in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Jeffrey Rahn Reetz, 67, to four years in federal prison followed by 25 years of supervised release.

Reetz pleaded guilty in April to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and to possession of child pornography.

“Child predator Jeffrey Reetz collected more than 1,000 images and videos of children being sexually abused, illegally possessed nine firearms, then attempted to flee to Cuba to avoid prosecution. Thankfully, law enforcement stopped him, and he will now spend time in federal prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This office and our law enforcement partners will use every tool available to hold accountable individuals who possess, distribute or manufacture child pornography.”

Reetz stated in a plea agreement that between March 2019, and January 23, 2020, he knowingly possessed three rifles, two shotguns, four handguns, and 1,421 rounds of ammunition after being convicted of a felony. Reetz further admitted that between January 2017 and January 23, 2020, he knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view more than 1,000 graphic image files and video files of child pornography, including images of adult males raping toddlers.

On Jan. 23, 2020, agents and officers executed a federal search and seizure warrant at Reetz’s residence and located the firearms. Reetz was subsequently taken into custody at the Tulsa International Airport while he was trying to flee the country to Cuba to avoid arrest and prosecution.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department and Oklahoma Department of Corrections conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matilda M. Villalobos, Vani Singhal, Chris Nassar, and Edward Snow are prosecuting the case.

Former police officer sentenced for using hidden camera to obtain child pornography

 BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 32-year-old former officer with the Primera Police Department (PPD) has been ordered to federal prison for possessing child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Joel Alex Sandate pleaded guilty April 15.

Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered him to serve a 120-month sentence. At the hearing, the court also heard additional information today including the victim impact statement from the victim and her mother. Sandate was further ordered to pay $4,320 in restitution to the known victim and ordered an additional $10,000 special assessment. Sandate will also serve 20 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. 

The investigation revealed that from September 2019 to March 2020, Sandate had installed hidden cameras to capture recordings of a minor female. He saved the recorded videos onto various computer media devices such as his cellphone, a sim card and a USB drive.

Another PPD officer had discovered the images and reported it to authorities.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of PPD, Texas Rangers and the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ana C. Cano and Jose A. Esquivel Jr. prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.

Pittsburgh Man Charged in Death of U.S. Postal Service Worker

 PITTSBURGH – Eric M. Kortz, 53, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged today with the murder of a United States Postal Service mail carrier, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The criminal complaint was filed just minutes ago in federal court in Pittsburgh. Kortz is expected to make an initial appearance before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Cynthia R. Eddy today at 5 p.m. at which time the government will request he be held without bond pending further criminal proceedings.

The complaint alleges that on October 7, 2021 United States Postal Inspectors and local law enforcement were informed that a shooting had occurred in Collier Township, located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Investigators arrived on scene and observed the victim of the shooting, Louis Vignone (“Vignone”). Vignone, who was a United States letter carrier, was in his marked United States Postal Services (USPS) vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head. At the time of the shooting, Vignone was wearing his USPS uniform and working his shift as a letter carrier. Investigators located a firearm and seven spent shell casings in a yard near the USPS vehicle.

Shortly after the shooting, Kortz arrived at the Carnegie Borough Police Department, where he stated that he shot someone and wanted to turn himself in. Kortz subsequently was transported to the Allegheny County Police Department Headquarters.

At the Allegheny County Police Headquarters, U.S. Postal Inspector Erik J. Bohin and Allegheny County Police Detective Patrick Kinavey interviewed Kortz. Prior to the start of the interview, Kortz agreed to be interviewed and signed the USPIS agency-issued Miranda Warnings and Waiver Form.

The interview was audio and video recorded. During the interview, Kortz informed Investigators that he shot Vignone. Kortz claimed that he shot Vignone because Kortz believed that Vignone and Vignone’s family had poisoned Kortz and Kortz’s family with cyanide when Vignone and Kortz were previously neighbors.

Kortz informed Investigators that Kortz was aware of where Vignone worked. Kortz stated that he located Vignone on his mail route, drove his vehicle toward Vignone’s USPS vehicle, and stopped in front of the vehicle to stop Vignone. Kortz then stated that he “went to put some bullets in him”, referring to shooting Vignone. Kortz stated that he then dropped the firearm at the scene, got into his van, and drove to the Carnegie Borough Police Department.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment or death.

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Collier Township Police Department.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Involvement in Fentanyl Conspiracy

 BOSTON – A Rhode Island man was sentenced yesterday for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.

Daniel Barbosa, 26, of Pawtucket, R.I., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to one year in prison and three years of supervised release. On May 12, 2021, Barbosa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine.

The charge arises from Barbosa’s delivery of a substance containing fentanyl in October 2017. Barbosa was charged as part of an investigation into a drug trafficking organization distributing large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and other controlled substances in the greater Boston area.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corey Steinberg and John Mulcahy of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

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

New York Man Sentenced for Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking

 BOSTON – A New York man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for heroin and fentanyl possession and distribution charges.

James De La Cruz, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release. On May 7, 2021, De La Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

In September and October 2019, De La Cruz spoke with a cooperating witness several times and met with the cooperating witness to arrange a large drug shipment from New York to the Boston area. On Oct. 21, 2019, De La Cruz and his co-defendant Juan Santos Roque drove from New York to Peabody, Mass. with approximately 10 kilograms of fentanyl and six kilograms of heroin in a hidden compartment in Santos Roque’s vehicle. After meeting with the cooperating witness, law enforcement agents arrested both men.

Santos Roque pleaded guilty in October 2020 and was sentenced on May 12, 2021 to 63 months in prison and two years of supervised release.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Peabody Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

Clinton County Man Pleads Guilty in Meth Distribution Conspiracy

 JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Clinton County, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Jared Nyman, 24, of Lock Haven, PA, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Nyman conspired to distribute 500 grams of more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 9, 2022.  The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to a maximum of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program led the prosecution of Nyman.

Clearfield County Man Admits Participation in Drug Conspiracy

 JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Hyde, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

John McKinney, 53, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, McKinney conspired to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 9, 2022. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program led the prosecution of McKinney.

Dual United States-Colombian Citizen Indicted For Producing And Possessing Child Sex Abuse Materials And Engaging In Child Sex Tourism

 Tampa, Florida – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Hugo Espinosa Chavez (58, Tampa) with the production and possession of child sex abuse materials as well as foreign travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor child. If convicted on all counts, Espinosa faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. On October 5, 2021, Espinosa made his initial appearance in Tampa and was ordered detained pending trial.

According to the indictment, from May until December 2020, Espinosa employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor victim to produce depictions of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Moreover, on December 12, 2020, Espinosa traveled from the United States to the Republic of Colombia for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with this minor.

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

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa, with substantial assistance from HSI Bogota, the Colombian National Police, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.

This is another case 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.justice.gov/psc.

Red Lake Man Indicted for First Degree Murder, Assault with Intent to Murder in the Shooting Death of a Red Lake Tribal Police Officer

 MINNEAPOLIS – A federal grand jury returned an 11-count indictment against a Red Lake man for fatally shooting a Red Lake tribal police officer, assaulting with intent to murder four other officers, and firearms violations, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.

According to court documents, on July 27, 2021, officers with the Red Lake Tribal Police Department (“RLTPD”) responded to a call to conduct a welfare check on an armed man, David Brian Donnell, Jr., 28, at his residence in Redby, Minnesota. Five RLTPD officers responded to Donnell’s residence. Upon arrival, the officers found Donnell standing outside on the porch and attempted to have him walk towards the officers, but Donnell instead went inside the residence. Because Donnell had an active tribal warrant and was refusing to comply, the officers made the decision to breach the door. As soon as the door was breached, Donnell opened fire on the officers. Officer Ryan Bialke was immediately struck by gunfire through the front door and fell. Donnell continued shooting, firing several rounds from an Izhmash Saiga 7.62 caliber rifle at the four other officers on the scene. One RLTPD officer returned fire to allow the officers to escape into the woods. Donnell continued firing at the officers as they fled into the woods. Officer Bialke succumbed to his injuries and died on the scene. Donnell then fled the scene, taking the rifle with him. Shortly thereafter, officers arrested Donnell at a nearby residence.

Donnell is charged with one count of first-degree murder, four counts of assault with intent to commit murder, four counts of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of discharging, carrying, and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possessing firearms as an unlawful controlled substance user.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force, the Red Lake Tribal Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melinda A. Williams and Joseph S. Teirab are prosecuting the case.

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

Former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dispatcher Indicted For Producing And Distributing Materials Depicting Children Being Sexually Abused

 Jacksonville, Florida – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Scott Matthew Yotka (47, Jacksonville) with producing and distributing materials depicting young children being sexually abused. Yotka faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, and up to 80 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. Yotka was arrested at his residence by FBI agents on September 17, 2021, and is currently detained awaiting trial.

According to court documents, on September 15, 2021, Yotka, using the name “Scottnjax44,” utilized a particular social media application (app) to engage in online private conversations with an undercover FBI task force officer in Washington, D.C., who was posing as the parent of a child. Yotka and the undercover officer discussed, in detail, the sexual exploitation of children. Yotka stated that he was sexually active with two young children, both of whom were unable to talk. Yotka sent the undercover officer several photos and a video that depicted two children being sexually abused. Yotka also stated that he was employed as an “emergency dispatcher” and worked “12 hour shifts.”

The FBI’s investigation traced the online messaging activity to Yotka’s residence in Jacksonville and determined that the same “Scottnjax44” user account was also accessed from the City of Jacksonville facility at the Ed Ball Building located in downtown Jacksonville. FBI agents coordinated with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and confirmed that Yotka was employed by JSO as a Police Emergency Communications Officer and that he routinely worked a 12-hour night shift.

On the morning of September 17, 2021, the FBI, assisted by JSO, executed a federal search warrant at Yotka’s residence and arrested Yotka. Following his arrest, Yotka resigned his position with JSO.

An indictment is merely an allegation and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Washington, D.C., and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

This is another case 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.justice.gov/psc.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact the FBI Jacksonville office at 904-248-7000.

Clay County Man Pleads Guilty to Meth and Gun Charges

 Currier had prior convictions for Forgery and Domestic Abuse Assault

A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessed a firearm pled guilty October 5, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.

Joshua Currier, 31 from Spencer, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm.  Currier was previously convicted of Forgery, in the Iowa District Court for Dickinson County, on or about June 13, 2011, and Domestic Abuse Assault Impeding Flow of Air/Blood in the Iowa District Court for Clay County, on or about August 9, 2017.  Both convictions prohibit Currier from possessing any firearm.

At the plea hearing, Currier admitted that between January 2020 and continuing to on or about February 2021, he and others conspired to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine.  Further evidence showed that, in December 2020, Currier possessed a Canik 9mm pistol as a prohibited person.

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Currier remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing.  For the conspiracy offense, Currier faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.  For the firearm offense, Currier faces a possibly maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and not more than 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.

Elkridge Felon Facing Federal Indictment for Federal Drug Distribution and Firearms Charges Allegedly Committed While on Federal Supervised Release

 Allegedly Distributed Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Marijuana and Posted Photos of Himself with Large Amounts of Cash on Social Media, as a Symbol of His Success

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging Delmarcus Branford, a/k/a “Baydo,” age 31, of Elkridge, Maryland, for the federal charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances—specifically, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to court documents, Branford allegedly committed these crimes while on federal supervised release.

The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Chief Amal E. Awad of the Anne Arundel County Police Department; Chief Edward Jackson of the Annapolis Police Department; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and State’s Attorney for Baltimore City Marilyn Mosby.

The three-count indictment and other court documents allege that during 2020 Branford conducted drug transactions, including selling crack cocaine to undercover law enforcement officers on several occasions.  Branford was subsequently indicted under seal in Baltimore City Circuit Court and a federal arrest warrant was issued base on a notice of violation of supervised release.  Court documents further allege that Branford continued selling drugs, posting several photos of himself with large amounts of cash, luxury vehicles and high-end clothing and other items on social media, as a symbol of his success in his illicit business.

As detailed in court documents, Branford was arrested on August 19, 2021 on the federal warrant for violation of his supervised release.  Simultaneously, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Branford’s residence, seizing approximately $38,854 in cash, cell phones, and other electronic devices.  A search warrant was also obtained for the Maserati that law enforcement had observed Branford driving, after a trained controlled substance-detecting K-9 positively alerted to the presence of drugs.  Court documents alleges that during the search of the Maserati, law enforcement recovered a semi-automatic firearm; a black trash bag and a gray bag both containing controlled substances; and a digital scale with drug residue.  From the vehicle, law enforcement allegedly recovered a total of approximately 499.46 grams of cocaine; 25.66 grams of fentanyl; and a large quantity of marijuana.

Search warrants were subsequently obtained for cell phones used by Branford that were seized during the August 19, 2021 search.  The phones allegedly contain evidence of drug trafficking, including videos and photos of drugs, and shrink-wrapped bundles of cash.

If convicted, Branford faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to life in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  Branford is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, at a later date.  Branford has been detained since his arrest on the federal warrant for violating his supervised release and a federal criminal complaint filed on September 28, 2021.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

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

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI, the DEA, the Anne Arundel County, Annapolis, and Baltimore Police Departments, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas P. Windom and LaRai Everett, who are prosecuting the case.

Two Men Indicted for Fentanyl Trafficking on the Red Lake Reservation

 MINNEAPOLIS – Two men have been charged by a federal grand jury for their roles in distributing fentanyl onto the Red Lake Indian Reservation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.

According to court documents, in March 2021, Christopher Douglas Richard, 40, of Detroit, Michigan, conspired with others to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl on and around the Red Lake Indian Reservation. In a separate indictment, on April 30, 2021, Leroy Varney, 52, of Bemidji, Minnesota, allegedly possessed more than 40 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it on and around the Red Lake Indian Reservation. 

Richard is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and other controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and other controlled substances. Varney is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. 

These cases are the result of investigations conducted by the Red Lake Department of Public Safety, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force, and the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deidre Y. Aanstad and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Angelica Ramirez.

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

Idaho Prison Inmate Sentenced to 20 Years for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Child

 BOISE – An inmate in the Idaho Department of Correction, serving prison sentences for rape and lewd conduct with a minor under sixteen, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a child.

According to court records, Cole Alexander Pipkin, 30, originally of Kellogg, used a prison e-mail account to send messages to an adult woman living in Idaho between February and May 2019. In the messages, Pipkin attempted to persuade, induce, and entice three children, ages 8, 7, and 5, to engage in sexual activity with him upon his release from prison. In the e-mails, Pipkin promised the adult money and other incentives to persuade the adult to permit him to have sexual contact with the children. Pipkin’s e-mails graphically described the sexual acts he wanted to commit with the children, requested that the adult send him sexually explicit images of children, and included messages intended for the children referencing sexual acts.

Pipkin is a repeat sex offender, currently serving state prison terms for a 2009 conviction for rape from Shoshone County, and a 2010 conviction for lewd conduct with a minor under sixteen from Kootenai County. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye ordered Pipkin’s federal sentence to run consecutively to the state sentences. Judge Nye also ordered that Pipkin be placed on lifetime supervised release upon completion of his federal term of imprisonment. Pipkin will be required to register as a sex offender upon release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Idaho Department of Correction, which led to charges. “We have aggressively pursued those who thrive on exploiting and victimizing the innocent. Together with our local, state, and federal partners throughout Idaho, we will continue to do everything in our power to protect our nation’s greatest asset - our children!”

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

Navajo man in federal court for murder in Indian Country

             ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Quinten Smith, 21, of Mexican Springs, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was charged in federal court on Oct. 4 with murder in Indian Country. Smith will remain in custody pending trial.

​            According to a criminal complaint, on Sept. 24, Smith and others allegedly went to the home of the victim, identified as John Doe, to confront him. When they arrived at the home, a physical altercation allegedly ensued. During the fight, Smith allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times in the back with a pocketknife. Smith and the others allegedly fled the home immediately.

            John Doe, who was also an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was found deceased in his home later that day. The killing occurred on the Navajo Nation.

            A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Smith faces life in prison.

            The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Navajo Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

Owings Mills Man Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced to Over Six Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

 Baltimore, Maryland – Douglas Vines, age 50, of Owings Mills, Maryland pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Vines to 78 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release.

The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Division; and Postal Inspector in Charge Daniel A. Adame of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division (USPIS).

According to his guilty plea, as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the Baltimore area, the USPIS and DEA linked Vines with Baltimore-area properties that received mail parcels believed to contain controlled substances.

On February 10, 2021, investigators recovered a USPS parcel sent by Vines to an associate. Approximately 2.8 grams of fentanyl were retrieved from the box along with Vines’ fingerprints from the interior of the parcel. On March 19, 2021, Vines mailed 83.5 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $5,000.

In addition, on April 28, 2021, law enforcement observed Vines mailing a parcel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvaniaand executed a search warrant on Vines’ parcel, recovering 90 grams of cocaine and 30 grams of fentanyl.

As stated in his plea agreement, on June 16, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Vines’ residence and at a relative’s residence. As a result of the search warrants, officers recovered 101.58 grams of fentanyl, 0.76 grams of heroin, 27.62 grams of cocaine, $20,000 in U.S. currency, as well as various packaging and weighing materials.

On June 21, 2021, Vines asked an associate to help him acquire new identity documents in order for Vines to “set up shop” elsewhere. During the week of July 17, 2021, Vines “ordered” a false photo ID, social security card, passport, and sent a picture of himself to an associate to acquire the false identification papers.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the USPIS and DEA for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Lenzner thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason X. Hamilton and Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Warwick who prosecuted the case.

Arrest Made in Armed Robbery of South Burlington Pharmacy

 The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Johny Bixby, 35, of Addison, Vermont, was charged by criminal complaint in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, with one count of obstruction of commerce by robbery and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  Bixby, who is currently detained, will make his initial appearance to answer the complaint in federal court on October 7, 2021.  At that hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle will also hear the government’s motion for pretrial detention.   

According to court records, on October 4, 2021, Bixby entered the Kinney Drugs on Williston Road in South Burlington, Vermont.  He went to the pharmacy section of the store and, while pointing a handgun at the two employees, demanded that they give him hydromorphone tablets.  After receiving the tablets, Bixby put them in his pocket and fled the store.  The following day, after members of the public identified Bixby as the robber in response to the South Burlington Police Department’s request for assistance, Bixby was arrested in Hinesburg, Vermont.  At the time of his arrest, Bixby was in possession of a handgun.  When questioned by law enforcement, Bixby admitted to robbing the Kinney Drugs and using a gun to do so.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt emphasized that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  As charged, Bixby faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.  If convicted, Bixby’s sentence will be determined by the Court based upon the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the application of any mandatory minimum prison terms associated with the count of conviction.  

Acting U.S. Attorney Ophardt commended the coordinated and swift investigatory efforts of the South Burlington Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as well as the crucial assistance of the Hinesburg Police Department, the Colchester Police Department, the Burlington Police Department, and the Vermont State Police.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara A. Masterson is handling the prosecution of Bixby.  Bixby will be represented by the Federal Public Defender’s Office.

Former Police Department Employee Sentenced in Bribery and Insurance Fraud Schemes

 Defendant Took Payments for Providing Personal Identifying Information About Traffic Crash Victims

            WASHINGTON – A former employee of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was sentenced today to 78 days in jail, to be spent on weekends, for accepting more than $40,000 in bribes in exchange for providing personal identifying information of traffic crash victims and for carrying out a separate scheme involving insurance fraud.

            Kendra Coles, 46, of Beltsville, Md., pleaded guilty in March 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count each of bribery of a public official and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud. She was sentenced by the Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan.  The judge also placed her on three years of probation. She is also required to pay more than $6,000 in restitution to an insurance carrier as well as a $40,0001 forfeiture money judgment.

            The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            According to the government’s evidence, Coles began work for the Metropolitan Police Department in 2006 as a customer service representative. In late 2012, she became a staff assistant and was assigned to the Patrol Services and School Safety Bureau. Coles was in that position when, in approximately 2015, she conspired with two individuals who were “runners.”  These “runners” were in the business of connecting lawyers and accident victims.

            These “runners” were able to identify potential clients by obtaining police reports of recent traffic accidents, referred to as Traffic Crash Reports.  Before 2015, these reports were publicly available and could be obtained from a clerical office at MPD.  In January 2015, however, MPD issued a general order restricting the distribution of Traffic Crash Reports to persons involved in a crash and certain family members and representatives.  The order aimed to protect crash victim confidentiality and limit solicitations by “runners.”

            To circumvent the general order, the “runners” began paying Coles cash in exchange for her providing Traffic Crash Reports, to which she had access by virtue of her employment at MPD.  Specifically, one “runner” paid Coles approximately $400 to $500 per week and another “runner” paid her approximately $350 per week.  Over the two years she engaged in the scheme, Coles received more than $40,000 from at least two “runners.”

            In exchange, Coles accessed the reports and created handwritten ledgers.  These ledgers contained the reports’ essential information, including crash victims’ identity and contact information.  Coles would also provide information regarding the nature of the crash, including whether it included an injury, property damage, or was a hit and run.  Coles would then take a picture of the ledger and send them to “runners” via email or text.

            An audit conducted by MPD revealed that between June 1, 2017 and October 6, 2017, alone, Coles had accessed Traffic Crash Reports 3,367 times.

            The investigation is continuing. One of the "runners," Marvin Parker, 62, of Silver Spring, Md., pleaded guilty to a bribery charge and was sentenced in January 2020 to 18 months in prison.

            In a separate scheme, Coles committed insurance fraud.  In late June 2017, her car required between $1,000 and $2,400 for parts and an additional $700 for labor.  In addition, Coles owed $1,505 to the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles for unpaid parking tickets and fees.  Rather than incur these costs, Coles conspired with a family friend to have the car “disappear” so she could file an insurance claim.  In furtherance of her scheme, on July 31, 2017, Coles abandoned her car and her co-conspirator set it on fire.  After filing a false theft report, Coles collected more than $1,000 from her insurance carrier.

            In announcing the sentence, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillips, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, and Chief Contee commended the work of those who assisted the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and MPD’s Internal Affairs Division. They also acknowledged the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Angeline Thekkumthala, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Rothstein, Katherine Rakoczy, and Veronica Sanchez, who investigated and prosecuted this matter.

Waianae Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

 HONOLULU – In federal court today, District Judge Jill A. Otake sentenced Samuel K. Kapoi, 35, of Waianae, Hawaii, to 18 years’ imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release for leading a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. Kapoi pled guilty on May 25, 2021, to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Judge Otake ordered Kapoi, who remains on pretrial release, to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons on January 4, 2022 to begin serving his sentence.

Judith A. Philips, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, stated that according to information presented in court, Kapoi was responsible for distributing over 26 pounds of methamphetamine over approximately nine months, and possessed an unregistered AR-15 rifle, with no serial number, in connection with the offense. Judge Otake described Kapoi’s conduct as “injecting poison” into communities that lack the resources to deal with methamphetamine addictions, and emphasized his conduct was “not a victimless crime.”

“Methamphetamine remains the dominant drug of abuse in Hawaii, and this conviction and sentence demonstrate the price methamphetamine traffickers can pay for continuing to pursue this path to profit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Philips.

“This significant sentence is the result of many hours of difficult and dangerous work carried out by brave law enforcement officers for the benefit of our society,” said John F. Tobon, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Honolulu. “HSI will continue to identify and investigate those who endanger our communities.”

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hawaii County Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Nammar and Wayne Myers.

Portland Area Heroin Dispatcher Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

 PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man with several prior drug trafficking convictions was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of heroin in Oregon and Washington State.

Christian Zepeda-Quezada aka Miguel Agredano, 32, was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, Zepeda-Quezada was a heroin dispatcher who used multiple drug dealers to distribute large quantities of heroin in Portland and Vancouver, Washington. In his role as dispatcher for the trafficking network, Zepeda-Quezada took heroin orders from customers by phone and arranged for dealers to hand-deliver the orders directly to the customers. As such, Zepeda-Quezada was insulated from direct exposure and faced less risk of harm than his co-conspirators.

Between January and August 2019, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Clark Vancouver Regional Drug Task Force (CVRDTF) made multiple controlled purchases of heroin from Zepeda-Quezada’s network before obtaining a warrant to search Zepeda-Quezada’s Vancouver residence and other locations. On August 7, 2019, agents seized distribution quantities of heroin and cocaine from Zepeda-Quezada’s residence. Zepeda-Quezada was arrested during the search and ordered detained pending trial.

On August 6, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a five-count indictment charging Zepeda-Quezada and two co-conspirators—Javier Perez-Alejandre, 22, a California resident, and Angel Umanzor-Ardon, 21, of Portland—with conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin.

On June 2, 2021, Zepeda-Quezada pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.

On October 20, 2020, Umanzor-Ardon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and, on April 28, 2021, he was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

Perez-Alejandre remains in custody pending a four-day jury trial scheduled to begin October 18, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by DEA with assistance from CVRDTF. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Heroin is a leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 8am and 11pm Pacific Time daily.

Giovanni Joseph Indicted for Bank Fraud Scheme Using Stolen Mail

 The Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Giovanni Joseph, 34, formerly of Dix Hills, New York, pleaded not guilty today to bank fraud and mail theft charges.  U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered Joseph detained pending further proceedings.

On February 25, 2021, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned a 10-count indictment alleging that Joseph stole checks from the mail, which Joseph allegedly cashed or attempted to cash at various banks around Vermont.  The indictment’s forfeiture notice further alleges that Joseph obtained at least $2,590 in cash through this bank fraud scheme.

Joseph faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine if convicted of bank fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344, and a maximum sentence of five years if convicted of possessing stolen mail matter in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1708.  His actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines.  

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Joseph is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defenders David L. McColgin and Sara M. Puls.  The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Spencer Willig.

Former Treasurer of Volunteer Fire Department Charged with Bank Fraud

 A Kaufman County man who allegedly took out fraudulent loans in the name of his volunteer fire department has been charged with making a false statement to a bank, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham. 

Denny C. Mackey, the 68-year-old former treasurer of the Crandall Volunteer Fire Department, was arrested at his residence in Richardson on Monday. He made his initial appearance in federal court this morning. 

According to the indictment, between May 2011 and September 2013, Mr. Mackey allegedly obtained tens of thousands of dollars from financial institutions by applying for unauthorized loans purportedly to be used for fire department purposes, unbeknownst to the fire department's leadership. 

For example, as alleged in the indictment, Mr. Mackey fraudulently applied for a $75,000 loan purportedly for fire department expenses in August 2013. He falsely represented to the bank that the money would be used to fund the salary of a full-time fire department employee – knowing full well that the volunteer force didn’t employ any full-time staff.

Shortly after the bank issued the loan, which he concealed from the fire department, Mr. Mackey allegedly withdrew more than $50,000 – some out in cash and the rest by writing fire department checks to a company he controlled.

The following year, as reported by local media, the fire chief appeared before the Crandall City Council to report that the fire department had been forced to sell some of its trucks and equipment in order to pay off the fraudulent loan.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Mackey is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marcus Busch and Fabio Leonardi are prosecuting the case. 

Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco Announces National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team

 Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco announced today the creation of a National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), to tackle complex investigations and prosecutions of criminal misuses of cryptocurrency, particularly crimes committed by virtual currency exchanges, mixing and tumbling services, and money laundering infrastructure actors. Under the supervision of Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr., the NCET will combine s the expertise of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and other sections in the division, with experts detailed from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The team will also assist in tracing and recovery of assets lost to fraud and extortion, including cryptocurrency payments to ransomware groups.

“Today we are launching the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team to draw on the Department’s cyber and money laundering expertise to strengthen our capacity to dismantle the financial entities that enable criminal actors to flourish — and quite frankly to profit — from abusing cryptocurrency platforms” said Deputy Attorney General Monaco. “As the technology advances, so too must the Department evolve with it so that we’re poised to root out abuse on these platforms and ensure user confidence in these systems.”

“The Criminal Division is already an established leader in investigating and prosecuting the criminal misuse of cryptocurrency,” said Assistant Attorney General Polite. “The creation of this team will build on this leadership by combining and coordinating expertise across the Division in this continuously evolving field to investigate and prosecute the fraudulent misuse, illegal laundering, and other criminal activities involving cryptocurrencies.”

The head of the NCET will report to the Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division and will be selected after an application process seeking an individual with experience with complex criminal investigations and prosecutions, as well as the technology underpinning cryptocurrencies and the blockchain. Once selected, the Team Leader will lead the team of attorneys from MLARS, CCIPS, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) detailed from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country to identify, investigate, support, and pursue cases against cryptocurrency exchanges, infrastructure providers, and other entities that are enabling the misuse of cryptocurrency and related products to commit or facilitate criminal activity.

Importantly, the NCET will draw and build upon the established expertise across the Criminal Division to deter, disrupt, investigate, and prosecute criminal misuse of cryptocurrency, as well as to recover the illicit proceeds of those crimes whenever possible. Because cryptocurrency is used in a wide variety of criminal activity, from being the primary demand mechanism for ransomware payments, to money laundering and the operation of illegal or unregistered money services businesses, to being the preferred means of exchange of value on “dark markets” for illegal drugs, weapons, malware and other hacking tools, the NCET will foster the development of expertise in cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies across all aspects of the Department’s work. The NCET will also play a critical support role for international, federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement authorities grappling with these new technologies and new forms of criminal tradecraft.

National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team Details

The NCET builds upon MLARS’s Digital Currency Initiative and will be informed by the Department’s Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework, released in October 2020. Because crimes involving cryptocurrency can take many forms, the NCET will not only pursue its own cases, but also support existing and future cases brought across the Criminal Division and in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country.

NCET team members will be drawn from three initial sources: MLARS, CCIPS, and detailees to the Criminal Division from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. Team members will draw upon the expertise of their home offices while working collaboratively under the Team Leader to combine their expertise in financial systems, blockchain technology, tracing transactions, and applicable criminal statutes to address illegal activity involving cryptocurrency in a structured way. The NCET will:

• Investigate and prosecute cryptocurrency cases, comprising a central part of a nationwide enforcement effort to combat the use of cryptocurrency as an illicit tool.
• Develop strategic priorities for investigations and prosecutions involving cryptocurrency, in consultation with the USAOs, Department components, and investigative agencies involved in cryptocurrency investigations.
• Identify areas for increased investigative and prosecutorial focus, including professional money launderers, ransomware schemes, human traffickers, narcotics traffickers, and financial institutions working with cryptocurrency.
• Build and enhance relationships with cryptocurrency focused AUSAs and prosecutors with other Department litigating components and offices to pursue cryptocurrency investigations and prosecutions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies that investigate and prosecute cryptocurrency cases.
• Train and advise federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in developing investigative and prosecutorial strategies. Such training and advice will include providing guidance concerning search and seizure warrants, restraining orders, criminal and civil forfeiture allegations, indictments, and other pleadings.
• Support the coordination and sharing of information and evidence among law enforcement offices to maximize the effectiveness of the Department’s investigations, prosecutions, and forfeitures involving cryptocurrency.
• Collaborate and build relationships with private sector actors with expertise in cryptocurrency matters to further the criminal enforcement mission.

The NCET will work closely with other federal agencies, subject matter experts, and its law enforcement partners throughout the government.

Local man sentenced after shop owner shot in violent armed robbery attempt

 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 41-year-old Corpus Christi has been ordered to prison for role in an attempted armed robbery of local clock shop, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

A federal jury convicted Eric Richard Garza June of attempting to effect commerce by robbery and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. They deliberated for only approximately one hour following a two-day trial.

Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos handed Garza a 78-month-term of imprisonment for the attempted robbery and an additional 120 months for the discharge of a firearm which must be served consecutively. The total 198-month prison term will be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard from the victim who explained how he suffered severe physical and psychological injuries as a result of being shot twice as well as financial losses from lost wages and hospital bills. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the severity of the offense, the harm caused to the victim and his financial losses as a result of Garza’s crime.

On Dec. 14, 2018, Garza drove to Central Watch and Clock Repair in Corpus Christi with Christopher Rangel-Musial. They put on masks and entered the store. Once inside, Rangel-Musial brandished the 9mm semi-automatic pistol Garza had given him and pointed it at the owner as Garza had instructed. Garza then demanded the victim to get on the ground, but he refused. Garza subsequently told Rangel-Musial twice to shoot the victim. Once again, Rangel-Musial did as told and fired three shots, hitting the victim in the stomach and back.

The shop owner managed to get to his revolver and chase Garza and Rangel-Musial out of the store. The victim shot Rangel-Musial as he fled.

At trial, the victim testified about the injuries he sustained when the would-be robbers shot him. The victim required two surgeries, lost eight inches of his colon as well as his spleen and suffered an injured kidney. He was in the ICU for four days. He now has an 11-inch scar as a constant reminder of that day and suffers from persistent insomnia.

At trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury that Rangel-Musial’s girlfriend was the accomplice. However, the victim was steadfast in his testimony that the voice he heard tell Rangel-Musial to “shoot him” belonged to a man. The jury did not believe the defense theory and found Garza guilty as charged.

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

Rangel-Musial, 26, Corpus Christi, previously pleaded guilty, accepted responsibility and testified against Garza at trial. He later received a 108-month prison sentence.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Dunn and Christopher Marin prosecuted the case.

Oneida Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Distributing and Possessing Child Pornography

 Gauthier Will Serve His Federal Sentence After Completing a State Sentence for Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Greg Gauthier, age 55, of Oneida, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison for distributing and possessing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Gauthier admitted that he used a social media messaging application to distribute images of child pornography over the internet, and that he possessed child pornography on his cellular telephone.  A forensic review of Gauthier’s cellular telephone revealed that it contained 71 image files and 98 video files depicting child pornography. 

Gauthier is currently serving 18 years to life for his 2017 state conviction in Oneida County for Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child.  Senior United States District Judge Hon. Thomas J. McAvoy ordered that the 15 year federal sentence be served consecutively to that state sentence.

Judge McAvoy also imposed a 15 year term of supervised release, which will start after Gauthier is released from federal prison, ordered Gauthier to pay restitution in the amount of $9,000, and to pay a $200 special assessment.

Gauthier also has a prior final conviction under New York State law relating to the possession of child pornography, in that in 2014, he was convicted in Oneida County Court of Possessing A Sexual Performance By A Child Less Than 16 Years of Age in violation of New York State Penal Law and was sentenced to 10 years’ probation.

Gauthier’s case was investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI),  and Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) with assistance from the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

Aryan Circle Gang Leader Sentenced for Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering

 BEAUMONT, Texas – A Santa Fe, Texas, man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a violent gang-related beating in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei and Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division today.

Michael Martin, a/k/a Aryan Prodigy and AP, 38, pleaded guilty on March 4, 2021 to committing assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield on Oct. 5, 2021.

“The defendant’s violent actions demonstrate his commitment to a hateful and dangerous ideology,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  “Today’s sentence shows that no gang is above the law.”

According to court documents, the Aryan Circle (AC) is a violent, race-based, prison-based gang with hundreds of members operating inside and outside of state and federal prisons in states throughout the country. The AC enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects, and associates through threats, intimidation, and acts of violence including, but not limited to, acts involving murder and assault. Members are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members without question.

Martin joined the AC in the early 2000s and held the rank of upper board member at the time of the offense, meaning that he was one of the five highest-ranking AC members in the country. In this role, Martin made decisions and directed the actions of other gang members regarding a range of issues including who to recruit and admit as members of the gang, who should be disciplined or removed for violating the AC rules, and which rival gangs the AC would fight. 

According to court documents, Martin learned that another AC member wanted to switch his gang affiliation, or “patch over,” from the AC to a different gang. Martin ordered AC members to attack the former member to “X” him, or remove him from the gang, because it violated the AC’s rules to join a different organization. On Martin’s orders, two AC members violently beat the victim, including by kicking him in the head while he was on the ground. The attack resulted in the victim obtaining medical care and suffering long-term injury.

The case was investigated by the following agencies: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Prisons; Texas Department of Public Safety; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Montgomery County (TX) Precinct One Constable’s Office; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; New Jersey Department of Corrections-Special Investigations Division; Indiana State Police; Fort Smith (AR) Police Department; Arkansas Department of Corrections; Arnold (MO) Police Department; Jefferson County (MO) Sheriff’s Department; St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department; St. Louis County (MO) Police Department; Indiana Department of Corrections; Carrollton (TX) Police Department; Montgomery County (TX) Sheriff’s Office; Travis County (TX) Sheriff’s Office; Tarrant County (TX) Sheriff’s Office; Evangeline Parish (LA) Sheriff’s Office; Smith County (TX) Sheriff’s Office; McCurtain County (OK) Sheriff’s Office; Montgomery County (TX) District Attorney’s Office; Liberty County (TX) District Attorney’s Office; Harris County (TX) District Attorney’s Office; Mercer County (NJ) Prosecutor’s Office; Evangeline Parish (LA) District Attorney’s Office; and the Sebastian County (AR) District Attorney’s Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.

Trial Attorneys Beth Lipman and Rebecca Dunnan of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Rapp of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

Mobile Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison on Drug Charges

 Gulfport, Miss. – A Mobile, Alabama man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and interstate travel in aid of racketeering, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby  of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.   

According to court documents, Gerald Wayne Jones, 66, was the co-owner and operator of a trucking company that transported marijuana and other controlled substances from California to Harrison County, Mississippi for distribution. 

Jones pled guilty on July 9, 2021.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Annette Williams and Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.

Narcotics Dealing Couple Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Charges and Assault on of a Federal Officer

 A 9-month-old Child, and Several Adult Victims Overdosed on Fentanyl and Heroin Distributed by the Couple.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Alicia Marie Walls, age 28, of Bowie, Maryland; and Andrew Joseph Trimmer, age 32, of Bowie, Maryland pleaded guilty on October 4, 2021 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Trimmer also pled guilty to assault on a federal officer.   

The guilty pleas were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Division (DEA); and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

According to their guilty pleas, between May 2018 to September 2020, Walls and Trimmer conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

Specifically, on May 28, 2018, in Bowie, Maryland, Trimmer sold fentanyl to Victim A. During the narcotics transaction, Victim A and Victim A’s friends ingested the heroin that Trimmer distributed. Shortly after ingestion, Victim A overdosed and lost consciousness. After receiving life support treatment, Victim A survived the overdose, which constituted a serious bodily injury.

Prior to the overdose on May 28, 2018, Trimmer distributed at least one gram of heroin and fentanyl to Victim A approximately two times per week for two years. Trimmer and Walls had numerous narcotics customers in the Bowie area, including two other victims, Victim B and Victim C. In partnership, Walls and Trimmer distributed at least 240 grams of heroin/fentanyl to Victims B and Victim C.

Occasionally, Trimmer and Walls sold narcotics in the presence of their minor child who was under the age of three years old.

On July 16, 2019, while caring for a minor child, Walls ingested narcotics and fell asleep. While asleep, the nine-month-old child obtained narcotics from Wall’s belongings, ingested the narcotics, and subsequently overdosed. Walls and Trimmer transported the child to a nearby hospital where healthcare workers revived the child. After receiving additional lifesaving measures, the child survived.

Following the child’s overdose, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Walls and Trimmer’s hotel room on September 25, 2020. As agents announced themselves, Trimmer yelled “Alicia! I’m not going back!” and attempted to flee on foot. After disregarding law enforcement’s commands to stop, Officer A attempted to physically stop Trimmer from fleeing. Trimmer then proceeded to grab the officers body armor and began to physically assault Officer A. Eventually, Trimmer was apprehended. Officer A sustained a torn meniscus as a result of the assault.

After searching Trimmer’s person, law enforcement recovered approximately 30 grams of fentanyl, two cell phones and $1,143 from Trimmer’s jacket. Trimmer and Walls agreed that the $1,143 recovered were proceeds of narcotics sales. Subsequent lab results confirmed that the narcotics in Trimmer’s jacket was fentanyl mixed with diphenhydramine and etizolam. From Trimmer’s car, officers seized four digital scales, plastic sandwich bags, and razor blades. Officers also seized numerous luxurious items including a Louis Vuitton Josh backpack, a men’s diamond 14kt yellow gold cross pendant and chain, a woman’s diamond 14kt rose gold cross pendant, a Louis Vuitton flower hobo purse, a Louis Vuitton NeoNoe Azur handbag, and a 2015 Audi A-4 sedan.

As stated in their plea agreements, after Trimmer was taken into custody on September 25, 2020, Walls continued to sell heroin and fentanyl in the southern Maryland area. In October 2020, two narcotics customers, Victim B and Victim C obtained fentanyl and heroin from Walls and then subsequently overdosed from the narcotics. Both Victims were treated for advanced life support and ultimately survived.

Walls was arrested on February 4, 2021. During her arrest officers recovered approximately $16,024 of drug proceeds. The drug proceeds were funds that had been previously buried in the woods. In total, Walls and Trimmer agreed that it is reasonably foreseeable that the conspiracy distributed at least 240 grams of heroin/fentanyl.

Walls and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Walls will be sentenced to between 71 months and 87 months in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for January 20, 2022 at 1 p.m.

Trimmer and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Trimmer will be sentenced to between 114 months and 132 months in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for Trimmer for November 22, 2021 at 1 p.m.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the DEA and PGPD for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin B. Pulice, who is prosecuting the case.