Baltimore Drug Dealer Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for a 2017 Execution-Style Murder Linked to Drug Turf War

 Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett today sentenced Cortez Weaver, a/k/a Corty and Tez, age 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, resulting in the death of Maurice Finney.  

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.

“Disputes between rival drug gangs lead to many shootings and murders in Baltimore City,” said United States Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “Drug traffickers must know that gun crime will lead to federal time, which has no parole—ever.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to remove those who would commit violence from our community.”

“Turf war gang violence is a serious threat to our communities and we are using the power of partnerships to combat and thwart that threat,” said Jennifer C. Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “The lengthy federal sentence Cortez Weaver received today sends a strong message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate illegal guns, drugs and violence on our streets.”

According to Weaver’s guilty plea, Weaver was a member of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed heroin and crack cocaine in the Abington Avenue area of Baltimore.  Beginning in approximately mid-July 2017, the Abington Avenue DTO became involved in a dispute with a rival DTO over who could sell drugs at a gas station at the intersection of Baltimore Street and Hilton Avenue.  As a result of the dispute, on July 14, 2017, a member of the rival DTO shot and killed a member of the Abington Avenue DTO.

As detailed in his plea agreement, on July 17, 2017, Weaver and another member of the Abington Avenue DTO went to the gas station to retaliate against members of the rival DTO.  There, they encountered Maurice Finney, a/k/a Mitch.  Weaver murdered Finney, shooting him in the head at close range with a .40-caliber handgun.  Weaver also attempted to murder Victim 2, chasing him across Hilton Avenue while firing multiple shots at him.  Meanwhile, Weaver’s co-conspirator attempted to murder Victim 3, shooting him multiple times with a 9mm handgun and causing life-threatening injuries.  The shootings were captured on surveillance cameras at the gas station.  Afterward, Weaver sent his co-conspirator a text message directing him to burn the clothes he had been wearing during the incident.

In November 2018, a confidential informant (CI) met with Weaver and recorded the conversation.  During their recorded conversation, Weaver confessed that he had killed Maurice Finney and described the murder using specific details that were consistent with the surveillance footage and other physical evidence recovered during the investigation.  For instance, Weaver explained that he wore a “scully cap” and “skipped down on” the victim (which was corroborated by the surveillance footage), and that he shot the victim “one time” using a “40” (which was corroborated by the physical evidence from the scene).

During the same recorded conversation, the CI told Weaver about a potential robbery of a drug stash house.  Weaver agreed to carry out the robbery, stating that he had been committing other such robberies with another member of the Abington Avenue DTO.  Weaver showed the CI a .45-caliber firearm and talked about owning other firearms, including a “357” and a “40.”  Unbeknownst to Weaver, the robbery opportunity was a fiction and the drug stash house did not exist. 

In January 2019, Weaver was introduced to an undercover Baltimore Police Officer (the UC) posing as a drug dealer who wanted to rob his source of supply of three kilograms of heroin.  During the meeting, which was recorded, Weaver confirmed his desire to commit the robbery, and described another drug robbery he had committed in the recent past.  Weaver also stated that he intended to kill the individuals who were guarding the stash location.  Weaver told the UC, “Nobody coming out of there alive . . . All I gotta do is get in and waste ‘em.”  Weaver had two additional meetings with the UC to discuss the robbery logistics, including how to break down and distribute the heroin they planned to steal.  Weaver brought co-conspirators to both of these meetings, and they also agreed to assist with the robbery. 

On March 7, 2019, Weaver and three co-conspirators met the UC to commit the robbery.  Weaver and the co-conspirators were arrested.  Law enforcement searched Weaver and his vehicle, recovering a loaded .357 revolver, 11 pink-top vials of suspected cocaine, a mask, and gloves.  From the co-conspirators and their vehicle law enforcement recovered two masks, a 9mm handgun loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, including a round in the chamber, and two pairs of gloves.

Weaver admitted that from at least July 2017 through March 7, 2019, he conspired to distribute heroin and crack cocaine in Baltimore, and that it was foreseeable to Weaver that the members of the conspiracy would distribute between three and eight kilograms of heroin.

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.

This case is also an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christina A. Hoffman and Peter J. Martinez, who prosecuted the case.

Ohio woman admits to role in drug trafficking operation

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Brooklyn Myers, of Bellaire, Ohio, has admitted to her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Myers, also known as “Brooke,” age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl.” Myers admitted to selling a mixture of heroin and fentanyl in December 2019 in Ohio County. 

Myers faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

Original case indictment here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling

 

Federal Grand Jury Charges Rochester Man With Sex Trafficking, Enticement, And Possession Of Child Pornography In Superseding Indictment

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Peter R. Kiwitt, 62, of Rochester, NY, with sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking by coercion, sexual enticement of a minor, and possession of child pornography.  The superseding indictment also alleges that the defendant, as a registered sex offender, faces enhanced penalties in the event he is convicted of certain of the crimes with which he is charged. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment and a previously filed complaint, on December 10, 2018, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle being driven by defendant. Also in the vehicle were two females, Adult Victim 1 (AV1) and Minor Victim 1 (MV1). The three were questioned regarding drug related activity but were released and eventually followed to a room at a motel in Penfield, NY. Officers went to the room and knocked on the door. Kiwitt indicated that he was dating AV1 but knew her to be a prostitute who belonged to another pimp known to law enforcement.  He denied any involvement in prostitution at that time. Officers did not make any arrests at the time.

On January 23, 2019, Rochester Police Department officers responded to a residence in the City of Rochester for the report of a fatal overdose involving MV1. The owner of the apartment found MV1 deceased on his living room floor and called 911. He told officers he met MV1 through AV1, and that the night before, he brought MV1 back to his residence to engage in commercial sex acts with her.

Subsequent cell phone and Facebook searches uncovered conversations between the defendant, AV1, and MV1 regarding prostitution activities. Investigators also uncovered naked photos, some of which depicted child pornography.

In June 2017, Kiwitt was convicted in Monroe County, NY, of Possession of a Sexual Performance by a Child, and sentenced to serve 10 years’ probation, and designated as a Level 1 Sex Offender.

The defendant was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained.

The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Champaign Man Pleads Guilty to Inciting Riot

 URBANA, Ill.– A Champaign, Ill., man, Shamar N. Betts, 20, today pleaded guilty to inciting a riot in Champaign, Ill., that began on May 31 and continued overnight to June 1, 2020. Sentencing has been scheduled on June 14, 2021.

In court today, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long, Betts admitted to his role in inciting the riot that began at Market Place Mall and spread to area businesses and moved to the commercial area of North Prospect Ave.:

On May 31, 2020, at 10:31 a.m., Betts posted a statement to Facebook and attached a flyer of a stock image of a burning vehicle overlaid with a date and time: “RIOT @ MarketPlace Mall, Time: 3.” The flyer listed items to bring including “friends, family, posters, bricks, bookbags, etc.” In a post accompanying the flyer, Betts wrote, in part, “We gotta put Champaign/Urbana on the map -  expletive – gone hear and fear us too. SLIDE let’s get busy.”

Before 3:00 p.m., Champaign Police Department officers went to Market Place Mall to attempt to prevent a riot. When officers arrived, approximately 50 to 75 people had gathered. The group continued to grow in number, and at approximately 3:12 p.m., the group began breaking out windows at businesses located in the mall, including Old Navy and Macy’s, and looting merchandise from within. Betts is pictured in video footage of the riot exiting the Old Navy store with a handful of clothing items.

During the riot, Betts also used his cell phone to make and post a Facebook Live video. The video depicts Betts carrying multiple items, including numerous pairs of khaki pants with Old Navy tags attached. Betts is heard in the video repeatedly stating, “We out here…” In another video, taken by a bystander, Betts is seen carrying multiple items, including khaki pants, and walking from Old Navy. As Betts walked by the bystander, he stated, “I started this s---.”  Betts also used his cell phone during the riot to instigate others to join or to brag about starting the riot including statements such as “I started this,” and “Are you sliding to my riot?”

Dozens of off-duty officers were called to the riot where there were multiple assaults of officers and intense confrontations with the police by the group. This activity continued throughout the night and into the early morning hours of June 1, 2020. By the end of the night, approximately 50 businesses in the area had been vandalized and / or looted, including multiple small businesses that were set to reopen on June 1, after being shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further, Betts admitted that after the riot, he fled to Mississippi where he used his cell phone to conduct internet searches such as, “can police find your location by logging in messenger,” “can police track your facebook,” and “what are charges for starting a riot.”

Betts was arrested in Mississippi on June 5, 2020, by the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force.  

The Champaign Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Division, conducted the investigation in coordination with the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller is representing the government in the prosecution.

For the offense of inciting a riot, the statutory penalty is up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release following imprisonment.

Following today’s hearing, Betts was remanded to the custody of Champaign County, where he is being held on related burglary charges.  

Incarcerated Southside Locos Member Sentenced to More Than 20 Additional Years in Federal Prison for a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Orchestrated from Prison

 OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, KEVIN VIGIL JR., 29, of Oklahoma City, and a member of the Southside Locos gang currently incarcerated in state prison, was sentenced to serve an additional 250 months in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing. 

On December 4, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an 81-count Indictment charging Vigil and dozens of co-defendants with crimes related to a large-scale drug trafficking operation orchestrated from state prison.  According to the Indictment, the operation primarily focused on distributing methamphetamine and heroin, using contraband cell phones from prison. 

On July 29, 2020, Vigil pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment, alleging a drug conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  The remaining counts of the Indictment pertaining to Vigil were dismissed pursuant to his guilty plea.

According to court documents and public records, Vigil is a member of the Southside Locos prison gang serving an 18-year sentence with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for several offenses, including assault and battery with a deadly weapon, following his shooting of a man in Oklahoma City in 2010.  From 2018 to 2019, Vigil and other incarcerated Southside Locos gang members used non-incarcerated gang members and associates to facilitate the distribution of drugs, to collect drug-related proceeds, and to traffic firearms throughout Oklahoma.

On January 26, 2021, Senior U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Vigil to serve 250 months in federal prison beginning after the completion of his time in state prison, which is currently scheduled to end in March 2026.  Judge Friot also ordered 25 years of supervised release to follow the completion of Vigil's federal prison term.  At the sentencing hearing, Judge Friot noted Vigil’s role in the gang organization and his continued propensity to engage in criminal activity despite incarceration.  Vigil is the first defendant to be sentenced from this Indictment.

This case resulted from a nearly two-year investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Division, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections—Security Threats Intelligence.  The investigation ultimately led to the federal indictments of more than 40 defendants related to this drug trafficking enterprise.  Thirty-five defendants have already pleaded guilty, and five defendants are still awaiting trial or plea hearings due to this investigation.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Harley and David McCrary prosecuted the case.

Michigan Man Sentenced To Over A Year In Federal Prison For Failing To Register As A Sex Offender

 Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton today sentenced Layce Owens (43, Michigan) to 12 months and a day in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender in Florida. Owens had pleaded guilty on October 28, 2020. 

According to court documents, Owens was convicted of sodomizing a 13-year-old child in Michigan in 2001. As a result, he was required to register as a sex offender when he moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida in 2019, but he failed to do so.

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office (Michigan). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs Jr.

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.

Five Charged in El Paso for Smuggling Drugs and Illegal Aliens

 Today in El Paso, federal authorities filed two criminal complaints charging five individuals for smuggling an estimated $5.4 million worth of marijuana and methamphetamine and 77 illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Erik P. Breitzke, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Kyle W. Williamson, U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez and Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin.

One criminal complaint charges four Mexican nationals – 40-year-old Jose Jesus Cardenas-Gonzalez, 21-year-old Cristian Armando Lucero-Gonzalez, 27-year-old Damian Arturo Izaguirre-Velasquez and 36-year-old Luis Francisco Galaz-Baldenegro – with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. The other criminal complaint charges 25-year-old Mexican national Manuel Uriel Pinuelas Salas with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. 

According to court documents, on January 28, 2021, U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped five pick-up trucks travelling in a caravan approximately 10 miles north of the border on Lopez Road near the base of the Quitman Mountain range in Brewster County.  Agents discovered a total of 77 illegal aliens inside four vehicles.  The fifth vehicle, driven by Pinuelas, contained over 450 pounds of marijuana and more than 157 pounds of methamphetamine.

Upon conviction, Pinuelas faces between 10 years and life in federal prison.  The other four defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison upon conviction.  All five remain in federal custody pending detention hearings anticipated to take place later this week.

The HSI, DEA and U.S. Border Patrol continue to investigate this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Spencer Kiggins is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. 

A criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Former United States Air Force Officer Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

 SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Julio M. Gomez, 53, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, was sentenced today by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 37 months (3 years, 1 day) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for sexual abuse of a minor. Gomez was also ordered to pay $29,900 in restitution to the victim and a fine of $10,000.

Julio M. Gomez pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual abuse of a minor on October 3, 2019. According to information presented to the court, an investigation was conducted by the United States Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations after receiving a complaint alleging sexual misconduct in 1997 with a 13-year old female while he was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. The investigation revealed that between January 1997 and December 1998, Gomez did sexually abuse a 13-year old minor victim while living at his base residence. Gomez was a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force at the time of the incident.

The United States Air Force, Office of Special Investigations, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

All Open NIJ Solicitation Deadlines Have Been Extended by Four Weeks

 

Research and Evaluation of Services for Victims of Crime, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: March 16, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: March 30, 2021   National Juvenile Court Data Archive, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: March 17, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: March 30, 2021   Longitudinal Research on Delinquency and Crime, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: March 22, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: April 5, 2021   Research and Evaluation of Trafficking in Persons, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: March 22, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: April 5, 2021   Research and Evaluation on School Safety, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: March 22, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: April 5, 2021   Research on Juvenile Reoffending, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: March 22, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: April 5, 2021   Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: March 25, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: April 8, 2021   Research on Juvenile Justice Topics, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: March 25, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: April 8, 2021   Research and Evaluation on Policing, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: March 31, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: April 14, 2021   Research and Evaluation on Crime Laboratory Systems and Processes, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: April 5, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: April 19, 2021   Tribal-Researcher Capacity-Building Grants Solicitation, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: April 12, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: April 26, 2021   Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: April 13, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: April 27, 2021   Research and Evaluation on the Police Response to Homelessness, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: April 19, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: May 3, 2021   NIJ Research and Evaluation on the Administration of Justice, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: April 26, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: May 10, 2021   Research and Evaluation on Policing Strategies for Civil Disturbances, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: April 26, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: May 10, 2021   Research and Evaluation on Domestic Terrorism Prevention, Fiscal Year 2021 Grants.gov Deadline: April 28, 2021 Application JustGrants Deadline: May 12, 2021 VIEW ALL

North Texas Child Predator Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison

 An Arlington, Texas man was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for the exploitation of children and related child pornography crimes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.

Terry Ray Carter, 34, pleaded guilty in September to sexual exploitation of children and transportation of child pornography.  He was sentenced Friday before U.S. District Judge Reed C. O'Connor.

“This sentence sends a clear message to those who seek to victimize children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah.  “The Department of Justice will use every tool available to remove predators from the street or internet, and put them behind bars.”

“The FBI will continue working with our partners to apprehend and hold child predators accountable for their actions,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno. “We ask the public to alert us and local law enforcement if they suspect anyone is a victim of child exploitation.”

In June 2020, the FBI Kansas Field Office served a federal search warrant in Kansas City, Kansas for an individual who was allegedly involved in child pornography crimes. The subject of the investigation identified another individual he was chatting with on social media who was believed to be engaged in the production of child pornography.

Based on this tip, authorities began investigating Mr. Carter and established an undercover social media profile, according to court documents.  Using the screenname “alucard83,” Mr. Carter exchanged messages with an undercover officer.  During communications, Mr. Carter acknowledged committing sexual acts with a minor and sent the undercover officer images and videos of child pornography.

A federal search warrant for Mr. Carter’s residence in Arlington, Texas, was executed in July 2020. When agents arrived, Mr. Carter agreed to be interviewed.  During the interview, Mr. Carter confirmed that he sent and received child pornography through a social media application. He also confessed to producing multiple child pornography images and videos using his cell phone at his Arlington, Texas home.

The FBI Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Saleem prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Justice Department initiative designed to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The initiative brings together 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.

Greene County Man Indicted for Cyberstalking and Interstate Threats

 PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Greene County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of cyberstalking and interstate threats, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The ten-count Indictment named Kaleb Levicky, 23, formerly of Carmichaels, PA 15230, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Levicky is charged with cyberstalking from in around November 3, 2020, to in and around November 30, 2020. Levicky is also charged with the interstate communications of threats to injure on November 24, 2020, November 30, 2020, December 13, 2020 and December 14, 2020.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both, at each count. 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. Levicky is currently detained pursuant to this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Freeland Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police, Cumberland Township Police Department, and Arizona State University Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

Colorado Springs Man Sentenced To More Than 13 Years In Federal Prison For Role In Two Robberies

 DENVER – United States Attorney Jason Dunn announces that Dustin Alan Wall, age 31, of  Colorado Springs, was sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison for his role in two robberies in Colorado Springs.

According to the facts contained in the plea agreement, Wall aided and abetted robberies of both a Days Inn and an ENT Federal Credit Union in Colorado Springs.  Specifically, on February 16, 2018, Wall drove two co-defendants to a Days Inn in Colorado Springs.  Wall told one of the co-defendants that, as part of a gang initiation, the co-defendant would get money and respect from the robbery.  Inside the motel, the robbers assaulted a victim, hitting him over the head, causing injuries.  The men stole less than $200.

A month later, on March 14, 2018, Wall drove with two other co-defendants to the ENT Federal Credit Union.  One of the co-defendants was provided with a gun and a note to use in the robbery.  Inside the ENT Federal Credit Union, the co-defendant demanded a teller provide cash or he would “blow [his] brains out.”  The co-defendant stole less than $6,000, which was later divided up among the group.

“Taking violent gang members off the street is what we do best, said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.  “Colorado Springs is safer as a result of the good work of this office and our colleagues at the FBI, the Colorado Springs Police Department, and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.”

“Dustin Wall, a ranking Rolling 60s Crips gang member, recruited and organized young gang members to commit violent armed robberies of banks and businesses in the Colorado Springs area, terrorizing innocent employees and witnesses at gunpoint and stealing cash, all to further the insidious needs of his gang,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “The Colorado Springs community is safer with him behind bars. We thank our partners at the Colorado Springs Police Department Robbery Unit, Task Force Officers at El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for helping us hold this dangerous criminal accountable.”

United States District Court Judge William J. Martinez sentenced Wall on January 29, 2021.

This matter was investigated by the FBI, the Colorado Springs Police Department, and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Kurt Bohn is prosecuting the case.

CASE NUMBER:  18-cr-000360

Wilmington Daycare Owner Federally Indicted On Financial Charges

 WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment on January 26, 2021, charging the owner and operator of a Wilmington daycare center with one count of wire fraud, one count of theft of government money, and three counts of tax evasion.

According to the indictment, Brenda Mathis, 56, inflated attendance records for her daycare center, L.J.’s Playpen Academy, Inc., to increase subsidies and payments she received from two federally-funded programs: Purchase of Care and Delaware Stars for Early Success.  The Purchase of Care Program helps eligible, low-income families pay for childcare by providing subsidies to a daycare provider of the families’ choice.  The Delaware Stars for Early Success Program disperses payments to daycare providers based on the quality of service. 

According to the indictment, Ms. Mathis also under-reported the income from the daycare center, including the income received from these programs, on corporate tax returns for tax years 2015 through 2017.

Ms. Mathis is charged with one count of Wire Fraud, one count of Theft of Government Money, and three Counts of Tax Evasion.  If convicted on the Wire Fraud count, Ms. Mathis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  If convicted on the Theft of Government Money count, Ms. Mathis faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  The Tax Evasion counts each carry a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, made the announcement and gave the following comment, “The defendant is charged with defrauding and stealing from federally-funded programs designed to ensure that families in Delaware receive affordable and high quality care for their children.  She further increased her ill-gotten gains by failing to pay taxes on the stolen money.  My office is committed to prosecuting those who illegally collect government funds for their own benefit, especially when those funds are stolen from programs meant to help Delaware’s children.”

"Tax violations have been erroneously referred to as victimless crimes, but it's the honest law-abiding citizen who is harmed when people try to shirk their tax liability," said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso. “Today, Brenda Mathis stands accused of doing just that; attempting to evade her tax liabilities. Those Americans who file accurate tax returns and pay their fair share can be assured that the government will hold accountable those who don't."

"The Department of Health and Human Services provides federal funding for daycare services to help children and their families," said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of these important federal grant programs.”

USDA Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins stated, “Those who are involved in fraud and abuse of USDA feeding programs will be investigated by our office to the fullest extent.  Our joint investigation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, OIG, IRS Criminal Investigation, and FBI identified those who sought to profit through illegal schemes.  The USDA Office of Inspector General will continue to dedicate investigative resources, working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, to protect the integrity of these programs and bring to justice those who commit fraud.”

“When people steal from programs like these, social service programs suffer across the state of Delaware and tax payers’ funds are illegally diverted to those seeking to enrich themselves personally,” said Jennifer C. Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI is grateful for the cooperation and hard work of the many agencies in this case and we will continue to work together to aggressively target fraud in public programs.”

This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General and the FBI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lesley F. Wolf and Ruth E. Mandelbaum.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.