Central Falls Resident on Probation for Robbery Ordered Detained in Federal Custody for Allegedly Trafficking Crack Cocaine

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A joint investigation by ATF agents and Central Falls Police has resulted in the arrest and detention of a Central Falls resident for allegedly trafficking crack cocaine and the seizure of more than 128 grams of crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of ATF, and Central Falls Police Chief Colonel James J. Mendonca.

Richard Palmisano, 39, was ordered detained by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on Thursday on charges of possession of 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and possession of 28 grams or more of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. According to information presented to the court, at the time of his arrest Palmisano was serving a term of probation on sentences imposed previously in Rhode Island state court on convictions of first and second degree robbery.

According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed with the court, an investigation by ATF agents and Central Falls Police into Palmisano’s alleged drug trafficking activities allegedly included five separate purchases of crack cocaine between April 24 and July 18, 2014, from Palmisano of between 7.45 grams and more than 31grams of crack cocaine for between $400 and $1,700.

According to the affidavit, it is alleged that the undercover ATF agent continued to communicate with Palmisano, and on July 22, 2014, the agent received a text message allegedly from Palmisano which stated, “Yo let me know if u need something?” The agent subsequently arranged a purchase of 31 grams of crack cocaine, which was to have occurred yesterday.

According to information presented to the court, ATF agents and Central Falls Police arrested Palmisano on Thursday as he arrived for a scheduled appointment in Pawtucket. A court authorized search of Palmisano’s Central Falls residence on Thursday by ATF agents and Central Falls Police, with the assistance of Rhode Island State Police and Providence Police, resulted in the seizure of the 31 grams of crack cocaine that was to have allegedly been sold to the undercover agent.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah

Ashley Hall Defendant Committed to Federal Psychiatric Institution in Texas

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Alice Boland, age 30, of Beaufort, South Carolina, was recently ordered to be civilly committed to the custody of the Attorney General pending further court order as explained below.

After the incident at Ashley Hall on February 4, 2013, and her subsequent arrest on state charges, a federal grand jury charged Boland in a four (4) count Indictment with

    making a false statement in order to purchase a firearm,

    illegally possessing a firearm given her status as a person who had been previously committed to a mental institution or who had been adjudicated as mentally incompetent,

    possession of a firearm in a school zone, and

    attempted discharge of a firearm in a school zone.

Boland was then taken into Federal custody. Because of her history and condition, the Court ordered that a psychiatric examination be conducted. This evaluation has been completed and a number of other motions were filed and orders issued. These motions and orders were sealed by the Court. The United States Attorney’s Office made a motion under seal to obtain permission to disclose limited information regarding developments in the case and the outcome of the hearing. By a sealed order, permission was granted. The information that may be disclosed under the Court’s order is limited to the following:

“By order of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Alice Boland was civilly committed to the custody of the Attorney General pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 4246(d), after the court found by clear and convincing evidence that she is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect as a result of which her release would create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another.”

As a result of this Order, Boland continues to be housed in the Bureau of Prisons at FMC Carswell, a federal medical center which also houses females in a psychiatric unit. Because of the operation of the statute by which she was committed, Boland will remain there, in custody and detained, and for an indefinite duration.

The charges are still pending and will remain pending unless and until a court finds that she is no longer suffering from a mental disease or defect as a result of which her release would create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another.

The United States Attorney further stated that all charges in the Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law

The case was investigated by agents of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Charleston Police Department and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Sean Kittrell of the Charleston office for prosecution.

Albany Cocaine Dealer Sentenced

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Montravis Luke, age 30, of Albany, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge W. Louis Sands to serve 12 years (144 months) in federal prison for conspiracy with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. The sentence was pronounced on August 7, 2014, in Albany, Georgia.

Mr. Luke entered a guilty plea on May 24, 2014. As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. Luke admitted that from September 2012 to September 2013, he, Timothy Lemonica Johnson, a/k/a as “Big Timmy”; Joseph Lewis Guest, III, a/k/a “Big Joe”; and Darion Jay Gillison purchased cocaine from Toney Ricardo Mosely, a/k/a “Toney Montana” and then resold it. Mr. Luke was arrested after selling cocaine to a confidential informant in the parking lot of the Village Green Shopping Center, in Albany, Georgia, on May 9, 2013.

Mr. Johnson, Mr. Guest and Mr. Gillison have all pled guilty and been sentenced. Mr. Mosley entered a guilty plea on May 29, 2014 and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 28, 2014.

“Every time we shut down a group of drug suppliers, it is a victory for the local community. We were able to do that in this case thanks to the cooperation of our state and local partners,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.

“This sentence is a direct message to criminals that ATF agents and our law enforcement partners will not allow flagrant violations of our laws to go unpunished,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ray Brown. “ATF remains on the frontline of preventing violent crime and will work to ensure criminals are prosecuted and removed from our streets.”

“The Albany Police Department is pleased to have partnered with other law enforcement agencies in working on this case. These individuals have long been involved in criminal activity in the Albany-Dougherty area and we are satisfied with the results of this lengthy and deeply involved investigation. We hope these arrests and lengthy sentences will send a strong message to those who may be considering making gang and drug activity a career choice here in Southwest Georgia, we will not tolerate it,” stated Albany Police Chief John Proctor.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Albany Police Department Gang Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is representing the Government in the prosecution of the case.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

National Night Out: Raising crime, drug prevention awareness base-wide

by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2014 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Fairchild Airmen came out in full force for the 31st Annual National Night Out celebration here Aug. 5.

The event is held across the country to help prevent crime and drugs from entering "our" neighborhoods.

"In the spirit of integrated defense, every Airman is a sensor, and that goes for their families as well," said Staff Sgt. Denine Deal, the 92nd Security Forces Squadron police services NCO in charge. "The information available to Airmen and their families during National Night Out has been extremely beneficial in the past and continues today, making our base a safer and friendlier installation for all of Team Fairchild."

During the "block party" in Miller Park, Balfour Beatty provided hamburgers and hot dogs, free of charge, asking families bring a dish to share with their neighbors. Installation helping agencies made a showing with booths, flyers, goodies and Airmen explaining their importance in the base community. The event was also host to many games, play areas and bounce houses for children, as well as a water play station and a special military working dogs demonstration.

"The kids and I learned a lot about the services offered by the base and the incredible support for Airmen, especially for their families," said Kati Rumsey, wife of Capt. Joshua Rumsey, a 336th Training Group chaplain.

The national event is designed to heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention, strengthen neighborhood spirit and build partnerships with the police force. Rumsey said it was a great way to get to know their neighbors as well as meet directly with community advisors from Balfour Beatty and wing leadership.

"Events like these are great for newcomers like us to get out, meet our neighbors and learn more about our new base," she said. "The kids had a great time, and we look forward to more events like National Night Out."

National Night Out was organized by the 92nd Security Forces Squadron in cooperation with Spokane County Neighborhood Watch, Spokane County Sheriff's Office, Spokane County Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort and Balfour Beatty Communities. Fairchild's participation in NNO dates back for more than a decade and according to Deal, the base's involvement won't be changing any time soon.

"We're really trying to put an emphasis on community awareness," Deal said. "This awareness has a lasting impact on our community, both on and off base. One person can make a huge impact and save a life today."

Armed Career Criminal From Albuquerque Pleads Guilty To Firearms Charges Arising Out of Armed Robbery in Santa Fe

Defendant Prosecuted Under “Worst of the Worst” Anti-Violence Initiative Plea Agreement Requires 22 Year Prison Sentence

ALBUQUERQUE – Elias Atencio, 37, of Albuquerque, N.M., pleaded guilty this morning to federal firearms charges under a plea agreement that requires the imposition of a 22 year prison sentence. The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, 1st Judicial District Attorney Angela R. “Spence” Pacheco, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Murray of the Phoenix Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez said that Atencio was being prosecuted as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.

“Firearms in the hands of convicted felons are a serious threat to public safety,” said 1st Judicial District Attorney Angela R. “Spence” Pacheco. “The District Attorneys’ partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office is integral to reducing violence throughout New Mexico by removing armed felons from our communities.”

Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Murray stated, “The reduction of firearms violence is a priority for ATF. Anytime we can take a prohibited possessor and crime guns off the streets, our communities are safer places.”

Atencio was charged in March 2013, in a three-count indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; committing commercial robbery in violation of the Hobbs Act; and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. According to the indictment, Atencio committed the three offenses on Feb. 23, 2012, in Santa Fe County, N.M. At the time, Atencio was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of numerous felony offenses, including armed robbery, forgery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and burglary.

During today’s proceedings, Atencio entered guilty pleas to the two firearms offenses charged in Counts 1 and 3 of the indictment. In his plea agreement, Atencio admitted that on Feb. 23, 2012, he unlawfully possessed a .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol. Atencio admitted brandishing the firearm when he robbed the Walgreens store located at 1096 St. Francis Drive in Santa Fe, N.M.

Atencio was arrested in this case in April 2013, after he was transferred to federal custody from state custody. Atencio remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Santa Fe Police Department with assistance from the 1st Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lynn W.Y. Wang and Linda Mott are prosecuting the case.

Elma Man Sentenced on Gun Charge

BUFFALO, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Bernard T. Grucza, 38, of Elma, N.Y., who was convicted of possession of a firearm by a person subject to as domestic violence order of protection, was sentenced to 18 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Court Judge William M. Skretny. The defendant was also ordered to pay $223,000 in restitution to his former employer Toys R Us.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that the defendant made false written statements to Big Daddy Guns in order to obtain a Ruger .380 caliber pistol. Between July 13, 2013 and October 16, 2013, the defendant possessed the pistol despite being the subject of a restraining order issued by Elma Town Court. In addition, Grucza made false statements to Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that he had destroyed the pistol and thrown out the parts when in fact he had not.       

The defendant stole over $200,000 worth of merchandise and cash from Toys R Us and sold the merchandise on eBay.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge James S. Higgins, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard, and the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Michael Williams.