Hamza Sharifshoble Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison Following Conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

 The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on February 8, 2021, United States District Judge Christina Reiss sentenced Hamza Sharifshoble to 60 months in prison plus 5 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. 

“We are seeing the disturbing trend of increasing amounts of pure methamphetamine in Vermont,” said United States Attorney Christina Nolan. “This case reflects our determination and ongoing efforts to keep this highly addictive and potentially deadly substance out of Vermont and to punish those who profit from dealing it. Meth is mentally and physically destructive, and it tears families and communities apart.  We will continue to aggressively prosecute methamphetamine traffickers in coordination with our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and in federal, state and local law enforcement.”

“The prevalence of methamphetamine in our communities is something HSI is committed to reducing,” said William S. Walker, acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI Boston. “HSI will continue to work with our partners at the Vermont Drug Task Force and the United States Attorney’s Office to stop subjects like Sharifshoble from distributing these dangerous narcotics in Vermont.”

In April 2019, the Vermont Drug Task Force (VDTF) began an investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in the Chittenden County area. During April and May 2019, the VDTF arranged purchases of methamphetamine from Sharifshoble’s co-defendants, Shane Casey and Kimberly Jones. Eventually, a joint Homeland Security Investigation and VDTF investigation showed that Sharifshoble was distributing methamphetamine himself and also supplying Casey and Jones with methamphetamine. Homeland Security Investigations and VDTF, working together, then arranged four purchases of methamphetamine directly from Sharifshoble. Sharifshoble conspired to distribute over 90 grams of high-purity methamphetamine, a highly addictive and dangerous stimulant.

The 60-month sentence imposed by Judge Reiss considered the large quantity of methamphetamine distributed by Sharifshoble and his co-conspirators, as well as the danger posed to the Vermont community by methamphetamine. 

Homeland Security Investigations and Vermont State Police’s Drug Task Force conducted the investigation in this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest. Sharifshoble was represented by Karen Shingler, Esq.

Kansas City Woman Charged with Armed Bank Robbery

 KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tim Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., woman was charged in federal court today with the armed robbery of a Capitol Federal Savings Bank located in Liberty, Missouri.

Sarah Theresa Watkins, 41, of Kansas City, was charged with one count of armed bank robbery in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo.

Today’s criminal complaint alleges that Watkins stole approximately $971 from the Capitol Federal Savings Bank., located at 1911 Star Drive, Liberty, Missouri 64068, on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Watkins approached a teller at about 3:20 p.m. and handed her a demand note. The note read, “HAND ME ALL THE MONEY OR I WILL SHOOT.” The teller reported to investigators that while she was opening the cash drawer, she heard the noise of a heavy object hitting the top of the counter.  When the teller looked up, she saw the bank robber with what appeared to be a black, semi-automatic handgun, resting on the counter.  The teller took the money from the cash drawer and placed it on the counter. Watkins allegedly took the money and left the bank.

On February 4, 2021, the FBI Violent Crime Task Force located a Hyundai four-door sedan that had been linked to the robbery.  The vehicle was located on Benton Blvd., in Kansas City, Missouri.  While observing the vehicle, law enforcement officials observed Watkins enter the vehicle.  Law enforcement officials attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Watkins allegedly fled from law enforcement at a high rate of speed.  According to the affidavit, the pursuit ended when Watkins lost control of the vehicle near E. 21st Street and Walnut Street.  When Watkins exited the vehicle, she reportedly reached into her waistband and then pointed her hand out toward a police officer with her index finger extended forward with her thumb extended upward, possibly imitating a handgun.

Garrison cautioned that the charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt.

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

Wisconsin Man Sentenced To 25 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

 A man who sexually exploited a child was sentenced today to 25 years in federal prison.

Caleb Durr, age 20, from Hazel Green, Wisconsin, received the sentence after an August 19, 2020 guilty plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a child.  Evidence presented at the plea hearing and the detention hearing established that, in 2019, Durr used an iPhone to produce sexually explicit images of an eight-year-old girl in Dubuque.  Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing established that defendant sexually exploited a second child and possessed child pornography.

Durr was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Durr was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment.  A special assessment of $100 was imposed and Durr must also serve a five-year term of supervised release.  He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements. 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, the Waterloo Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. 

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

Former Baltimore Police Officer Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison for Making False Statements to Federal Agents

 During an Interview with FBI Agents He Concealed that Fact that He and Two Other Officers Had Split the Proceeds from the Sale of Three Kilograms of Cocaine Seized by BPD

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake today sentenced former Baltimore Police detective Ivo Louvado, age 47, of Bel Air, Maryland, to 14 months in federal prison, followed by three  years of supervised release, for making false statements to federal agents in connection with a scheme to sell three kilograms of cocaine seized during a Baltimore Police Department investigation.  In addition, Judge Blake ordered Louvado to perform 100 hours of community service.

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

According to his guilty plea, Louvado joined the Baltimore Police Department on November 21, 1999, and was promoted to Detective in 2008.  In February 2009, one of Louvado’s co-workers advised that they had received information from a confidential informant about a large-scale narcotics trafficker operating out of a residence in the 1400 block of Ellamont Street in Baltimore.  On February 19, 2009, Louvado and other members of his squad were conducting surveillance in the 1400 block of Ellamont Street, targeting an individual, T.M.  In February 2009, Louvado served on a squad with Victor Rivera, W.J., C.J., P.G., and K.G., that was supervised by W.K. 

As detailed in the plea agreement, other officers participating in the law enforcement action followed a car from that residence.  Those officers claimed to have recovered trash that contained cocaine residue that had been thrown from the car they had followed.  Louvado and other officers then entered the residence that the man was allegedly observed leaving.  Louvado and other officers remained in the house until two members of the squad obtained a search warrant from a Baltimore City District Court judge.   Louvado ultimately participated in the search of the residence, specifically, taking photographs of items that BPD seized.  At some point, Louvado was alerted to the presence of a jacket hanging behind a door that contained a large amount of cash in it, which Louvado photographed. 

While in the house, officers found car keys and a BPD officer activated the remote alarm on one of the keys.  Officers heard the alarm sound in a pickup truck that was parked nearby.  Louvado and other officers went to the pickup and opened an opaque cover that was over the back of the pickup truck. Under construction debris, a significant quantity of cocaine was found.  Louvado and other officers waited with the cocaine until a SWAT team arrived.  The SWAT team was called to provide protection during the transportation of the cocaine to BPD headquarters because it was such a large quantity.  In order to transport the cocaine from the scene to BPD headquarters, it was loaded into a BPD surveillance van driven by K.G.  After the cocaine was loaded into the surveillance van, Louvado followed the SWAT team to BPD headquarters to maintain chain-of-custody over the cocaine.  Forty-one kilograms of cocaine was turned into the BPD’s Evidence Control Unit on February 20, 2009.  Later that day, federal drug charges were filed against T.M.

Louvado admitted that he, Rivera, and K.G. later discovered three additional kilograms of cocaine in the surveillance van that had been used to transport the cocaine to BPD.  These kilograms of cocaine had come from the seizure from T.M.’s pickup truck on February 19 and 20, 2009, but had not been turned in to the BPD on February 20, 2009.  Louvado, Rivera, and K.G. agreed that rather than turn this cocaine into BPD, they would sell it and split the proceeds.  According to the plea agreement, a confidential informant of Rivera’s, who was a drug trafficker, purchased the cocaine, which the trafficker then sold in Baltimore.  Rivera received the proceeds of the sale from his source and shared them with Louvado and K.G.  Louvado acknowledged that he received $10,000 in drug proceeds from the sale of the three kilograms of cocaine.

On March 1, 2017, seven members of the BPD’s Gun Trace Task Force were arrested on federal racketeering charges, including W.J.  Following the filing of charges, the FBI continued to investigate misconduct by members of the BPD.  On May 30, 2018, Louvado agreed to participate in a voluntary interview with an FBI special agent and an FBI task force officer, who questioned him about the seizure of cocaine on February 19 and 20, 2009.  In that interview, Louvado knowingly falsified, concealed, and covered up material facts, namely, that he and the two other officers had split the proceeds from the sale of the three kilograms of cocaine that had been seized by BPD that day.  As a former federal task force officer himself, Louvado knew that it was a crime to provide false information during interviews with federal law enforcement.  Louvado also knew that the FBI was investigating police corruption and was questioning him about the seizures that day in order to determine if police misconduct had occurred. 

Former Baltimore Police officer Victor Rivera, age 48, of Nottingham, Maryland, pleaded guilty to making false statements to federal agents and was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for its work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Leo J. Wise, who prosecuted the case.

Man Arrested for Allegedly Robbing Chicago Bank at Gunpoint

 CHICAGO — A man has been arrested for allegedly robbing a Chicago bank and holding a customer at gunpoint.

CHRISTOPHER PORTER, 49, of Chicago, is charged with one count of bank robbery for allegedly robbing a Fifth Third Bank branch, 3957 W. 26th St. in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, on Feb. 4, 2021.  Porter made an initial court appearance Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez.  He waived his right to a detention hearing and was ordered to remain in federal custody.

According to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Porter entered the bank shortly after 5:00 p.m. and demanded that a teller place cash in a bag.  Porter then put a customer in a headlock, pointed a gun at the customer’s head, and repeatedly said he would shoot the customer if the teller did not comply with his demand, the complaint states.  The teller put cash in a bag and handed it to Porter, who fled the bank, the complaint states.  The FBI arrested Porter later that evening in the parking lot of a Chicago apartment complex about four miles from the bank.

The arrest and complaint were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige A. Nutini.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  The robbery charge is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Meth Dealer Who Went “Off the Rails” Sentenced to Over a Decade in Federal Prison

 A man who distributed methamphetamine and was in possession of multiple firearms was sentenced today to more than ten years in federal prison.

Brandon Kirstein, age 33, from Cedar County, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 22, 2020 guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

At the guilty plea, Kirstein admitted he possessed at least 5 grams of pure ice methamphetamine with the intent to distribute some or all of it.  Kirstein possessed multiple guns including a pistol, a handgun, and two shotguns.  At the sentencing hearing, Kirstein also admitted to obstructing justice for attempting to hire an individual to murder a witness in the case against him.  During the sentencing hearing, the judge described Kirstein as going “off the rails.”

Kirstein was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Kirstein was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment and fined $100.  He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Kirstein is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich  and investigated by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force, Cedar County Sherriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

Brevard County Man Sentenced To Over 15 Years For Trafficking Fentanyl

 Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Jesse Bernard Robinson, Jr. (34, Brevard County) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Robinson had pleaded guilty on November 9, 2020.

According to court documents, during a three-month period in 2020, Robinson sold approximately 115 grams of fentanyl to a law enforcement confidential source. In addition, at the time of his arrest, Robinson had the following drugs in his possession: 7 grams of fentanyl, 14 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, 15 grams of cocaine, and 23 grams of crack cocaine. Each of these narcotics were packaged for distribution.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Palm Bay Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.

Seminole County Man Charged With COVID Relief Fraud

 Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Don V. Cisternino (45, Chuluota) with two counts of wire fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft, and three counts of illegal monetary transactions. If convicted, Cisternino faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each illegal monetary transaction count, and a mandatory consecutive term of two years for the aggravated identity theft counts.

According to the indictment, in or about May 2020, Cisternino fraudulently secured more than $7.2 million in emergency funds through a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted March 2020. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in potentially forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.

The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if the business spends the proceeds on these expenses within a set time-period and uses at least a certain percentage of the loan towards qualifying business expenses.

Cisternino’s PPP loan application falsely claimed that Cisternino’s New York business, MagnifiCo, had 441 employees and monthly payroll expenses in 2019 of more than $2.8 million. In truth, MagnifiCo, had few, if any, employees other than Cisternino and his girlfriend, and MagnifiCo did not report any wages to the IRS for 2019. In support of his PPP loan application, Cisternino submitted false W-2s for MagnifiCo’s purported employees, many of which listed the names and Social Security numbers of actual persons who were not MagnifiCo employees and who had not authorized Cisternino to use their identities.

Once Cisternino obtained the emergency loan of $7.2 million, he did not use these funds for qualifying expenses. Instead, he spent the funds for unauthorized purposes and for his own personal enrichment, including the purchase of Lincoln Navigator, Maserati, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and an approximately 12,579 sq. ft. residence in Seminole County.

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 is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Tampa Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.

Mission Man Sentenced on Firearm Charge

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on February 1, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Robert James Riley, age 40, was sentenced to 11 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Riley was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020.  He pled guilty on November 5, 2020. 

The conviction stemmed from Riley possessing a handgun in March 2019 near the South Antelope Community on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation while he was a user of, and addicted to, methamphetamine.  Riley admitted to law enforcement he possessed the handgun before he sold it to a methamphetamine trafficker.  The handgun was seized by law enforcement during a traffic stop, which also uncovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a large amount of U.S. currency.  

Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity.  Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers.  It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.

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

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

The investigation was conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.   

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

$25,000 Reward Still Offered in Church Fire

 

ATF Releases Additional Images from Arson Fire set in St. John’s Episcopal Church during May Demonstrations in D.C.

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives today released additional images taken in and around St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 1525 H Street NW during demonstrations this past May. ATF continues to offer a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of person(s) responsible for the fire at St. John’s.

Investigators from the ATF/DC Arson & Explosives Task Force, which includes the Metropolitan Police Department, DC Fire & EMS, and ATF continue their investigation and would like to identify an individual with a Yellow Hoodie, multi-colored jacket. One sleeve is blue, another is reddish. He is pictured in the surveillance photos.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the ATF tip line 1-888-ATF-Fire / (888) 283-3473 or the MPD Command Information Center at (202) 727-9099.  Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov, through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips.

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

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving violent crime investigations involving arson and arson-for-profit and conducting fire scene examinations. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

 

ATF Offers Reward in Gun Store Burglary

 ATF, Rainbow City Police Department and the firearms industry seek public’s help in firearms theft from Jareds Tactical and Firearms FFL

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the Rainbow City Police Department and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction for those responsible for the theft of firearms from Jareds Tactical and Firearms, a federal firearm licensee (FFL). 

On January 22, 2021, Jareds Tactical and Firearms FFL, 55 Whorton Bend Road, Rainbow City, Alabama, was burglarized where approximately 15 firearms were reported stolen to the Rainbow City Police Department.  ATF Industry Operations Investigators responded to the FFL and are in the process of conducting an inventory to determine the exact number of firearms stolen.  

ATF is offering the reward for the amount of up to $2,500, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $ 5,000. This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF’s reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers. 

ATF Special Agent in Charge, Mickey French said, “ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms. ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence will leverage investigative resources combined with community partnerships to recover the stolen firearms.”

Anyone with information about this crime should contact ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), or the Rainbow City Police Department (256) 413-1279.

Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov, through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips. Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

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.

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ATF Offering Reward for Information about Fire at Albemarle Law Offices

 CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives today announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for setting fire to the Parnell Law Office in Albemarle.

On Feb. 2, 2020, a large fire caused extensive damage to the law office located at 200 S. Second St. Several nearby law offices were also damaged in the fire. Investigators have determined that the fire at the Parnell Law Office was intentionally set.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. Anyone with information about this crime should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-TIPS (800-283-8477). Tips can also be submitted through email at ATFTips@atf.gov or through the ReportIt ® app. All calls and tips will be kept confidential.

For more information about ATF go to www.atf.gov.

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Charlotte Field Division

Reno Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Offense

 SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Saybyn Borges, 30, of Reno, Nevada, was sentenced Thursday to 10 years and one month in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

Borges pleaded guilty on Aug. 6, 2020. According to court documents on May 21, 2018, in Placer County, Borges sold a confidential source 493 counterfeit oxycodone 30 milligram pills. The pills weighed 52.6 net grams and contained 1.6% fentanyl. Borges thereafter arranged to sell an additional 7,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills to the confidential source. On June 7, 2018, Borges arrived at the agreed-upon location in possession of the 7,000 fentanyl pills. Agents surrounded Borges’ vehicle and attempted to arrest him. Borges used his car to break containment by ramming an unmarked law enforcement vehicle. The car struck a CHP officer, injuring his hand. Borges then drove up to 100 miles-per-hour on a two-lane road, throwing tablets out the window as he fled. He was eventually apprehended. Agents located 3,440 counterfeit oxycodone pills scattered along the road and inside Borges’ vehicle. The pills weighed 367 net grams and contained 1% fentanyl.

This case was the product of investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron L. Desmond prosecuted the case.

Kern County Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Prison for Check and Credit Card Fraud, Identity Theft, and Firearms Offenses

 FRESNO, Calif. — Rogelio Benavides, 35, of Arvin, was sentenced Thursday to five years and five months in prison for bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

Benavides was also ordered to pay over $20,000 in restitution and forfeit another $20,000 as part of his sentence.

Benavides pleaded guilty on Nov. 12, 2020. According to court documents, between November 2018 and September 2019, Benavides obtained hundreds of pieces of stolen mail that included checks, checkbooks, and personally identifiable information belonging to other individuals and businesses. He then altered and forged checks and either cashed or deposited the checks into his own bank accounts. He used personally identifiable information to apply for credit cards, which he used to make purchases and cash advances. He accessed bank accounts belonging to the other individuals and businesses and made payments for credit cards, loans, and insurance policies in his own name and the names of his associates. Benavides’ scheme caused more than $95,000 in fraudulent charges to be made to other individuals’ bank accounts and credit cards.

During the scheme, Benavides was found to have possessed a Glock Model 19, 9 mm pistol, which was illegal given his prior felony convictions.

This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincente Tennerelli and Joseph Barton are prosecuting the case.

Cuyahoga Falls man sentenced to six and a half years for receipt and distribution of child pornography

 Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced today that Matthew Passalaqua, age 52, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher A. Boyko to 80 months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to receipt and distribution of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

“Any person using the ‘anonymity’ of the internet to prey upon our children is a danger to the entire community,” said Acting United States Attorney Bridget M. Brennan.  “Every instance in which we identify and bring a child predator to justice should serve as a message to any other potential offender - our work continues and we will ensure that those who commit crimes against children are held accountable.”

"Possessing and distributing the sexually explicit photos of minors is incomprehensible,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Unfortunately, the peddlers and producers of these horrific images persist.  Those who participate in this illegal trade should know the FBI and our law enforcement partners will never cease in our efforts to identify online child predators and ensure they are brought to justice for their unfathomable crimes against children."

According to court records, in September of 2019, Passalaqua began an online conversation with an undercover FBI agent on a mobile communication application. Passalaqua, using an online alias, expressed interest in talking about sexually explicit pictures of children and the undercover agent’s purported ten-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter.

Throughout the course of several days, Passalaqua sent the undercover agent multiple videos and images depicting real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and a picture of himself. FBI agents identified Passalaqua through a series of subpoenas that produced the IP address and home address associated with his online username.  On November 15, 2019, FBI agents contacted Passalaqua at his place of business and executed a search warrant for his person. Passalaqua agreed to an interview with the agents and confirmed that he had communicated with the undercover officer and sent the picture of himself.

Passalaqua pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct in October of 2020.

This matter was investigated by the Cleveland Division of the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.

Four Seattle-area men indicted for seeking to sexually assault children during FBI online sting operation

 In each case defendants allegedly communicated with undercover agents about their interest in sexually molesting children or young teens

Seattle – A federal grand jury has indicted four Seattle-area men who were arrested and charged following an FBI sting operation focused on adults seeking to sexually assault children, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran.  The investigation revealed that some of the defendants had molested other children or collected images of child sexual abuse before they were identified by law enforcement.

“Law enforcement reports increasing concern about online sexual exploitation of children during the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Moran.  “Tragically, we saw this week that in service to the safety and innocence of children, two FBI agents lost their lives in Florida, and three others were wounded.  I commend our local agents for their work on this matter, and indeed, all of law enforcement who risk much in pursuit of those who prey on our most vulnerable.”

According to records filed in the case, in September and October 2020, defendants allegedly communicated with undercover agents and officers via internet platforms with the intent to sexually abuse children, some as young as 6 years old.  When the defendants were arrested, their electronic devices were seized, as well as items which were to be used in the planned sexual assaults.

The defendants indicted in this operation include:

• ERIC HOGAN, 33, Seattle – Attempted enticement of a minor – allegedly communicated with undercover agent about sexually assaulting the agent’s fictitious 6- and 12-year-old daughters.
• JUSTICE GALLOWAY, 26, Everett, Washington – Attempted enticement of a minor – allegedly communicated with undercover agent about sexually assaulting the agent’s fictitious 6- and 11-year-old daughters.
• CHRISTOPHER SINFIELD, 28, Woodinville, Washington – Attempted enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography – allegedly communicated with undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl and possessed images of child sex abuse on an electronic device at the time of his arrest.
• MARCUS WILLIAM LOWE, 33, Kirkland, Washington – Attempted enticement of a minor, possession of child pornography, and assault on a federal officer – allegedly communicated with undercover agent about sex assault of fictitious 10-year-old daughter.  LOWE attempted to flee from agents at the arrest location, pinning and injuring an agent between his car and another vehicle.  Further investigation revealed possession of images of child sexual abuse and molestation of a child under the age of 12.

“During this time of social distancing, we are relying on the Internet more than ever,” said Donald M. Voiret, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Office.  “Although electronic resources are so pervasive in our daily lives, we must remain ever vigilant and remember how powerful and far-reaching they can be, both for good and for harm.  This case demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the FBI to protect our most vulnerable citizens: our children.”

Attempted enticement of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison and up to life in prison.  Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.  Assault on a federal officer is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

The charges contained in the indictments are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The cases are being investigated by the FBI. The operation was conducted in cooperation with the Seattle Police Department, and the Kirkland Police Department.  The cases are being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon and Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Hampton.  Ms. Harmon is a King County Deputy Prosecutor specially designated to pursue child sexual exploitation cases in federal court.

United States Attorney Announces Joint Efforts To Prevent And Combat Human Trafficking In The Middle District Of Florida

 Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces efforts, in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, to prevent and combat human trafficking in the Middle District of Florida during National Slavery and Human Trafficking month and in preparation for Super Bowl LV in Tampa. The United States Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force stands at the forefront of law enforcement’s combined efforts to inform and protect communities across the district every day, and it is especially vigilant in preparation for large interstate events.

“Here in the Middle District of Florida, we are committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens from becoming human trafficking victims,” said United States Attorney Chapa Lopez. “Human trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industry. It is our responsibility to aggressively prosecute those who endeavor to exploit it for their financial gain and to educate our community to be on the lookout for the signs of human trafficking.”

During the 31 days of National Slavery and Human Trafficking month (January), the Human Trafficking Task Force, headed by AUSA Lisa Thelwell and with the support of the USAO-MDFL community outreach coordinators, assisted in the coordination and safe delivery of various virtual events to enable broader participation in joint human trafficking efforts, while preventing the spread of COVID-19. These presentations included:

• The Threat of Human Trafficking presentation to more than 500 Brevard County law enforcement partners during the Space Coast Human Trafficking Task Force Symposium

 

• A collaborative workshop with the Department of Juvenile Justice, the St. Petersburg College, and the City of St. Petersburg involving more than 200 community members from Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Polk, and Pinellas counties concerning human trafficking and its effects on communities 

 

• A partnership with the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force training law enforcement officers from 35 different agencies and prosecutors from 8 different prosecutorial offices regarding the detection, victim assistance, and prosecution of human trafficking crimes

 

• Trained the Freedom 7 Human Trafficking Task Force consisting of more than 200 members from Volusia, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas counties on how to deter and pursue human traffickers 

 

• Trained the Gateway to Freedom Human Trafficking Task Force, including over 400 law enforcement officers, public safety officials, educators, and social service providers in Columbia, Suwannee, and Hamilton counties on a multidisciplinary approach to eliminate human trafficking

 

• Panel discussion facilitated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including over 400 law enforcement and community members, concerning the priority of human trafficking detection and prosecution

 

• Distributed emergency supply kits and resources to at-risk trafficking individuals

 

These efforts follow the USAO-MDFL Human Trafficking Task Force’s preparations throughout the last year to maintain vigilance and further reduce the opportunities for human trafficking in preparation for Super Bowl LV, including a focused training in August 2020, hosted by the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators, regarding combating human trafficking during large-scale events. The United States Attorney also has assigned a team that stands ready to respond to human trafficking threats during the national event.

In addition to providing education, prevention, and technical and training assistance, the USAO-MDFL also vigorously prosecutes human trafficking crimes. Some of the most recent cases include:

United States v. Christopher John Streeter – In January 2021, Streeter was sentenced to life in federal prison for sex trafficking minors. Streeter participated in a scheme that sexually exploited children in the Philippines in order to produce child sex-abuse videos of children as young as 12 and 13 years old, who were particularly vulnerable due to poverty and illness. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (Tampa and Manila), with assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.

United States v. David Alan Quarles – In January 2021, Quarles was indicted and charged with conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; importation of an alien for the purpose of prostitution; transportation of an individual in interstate commerce for the purpose of prostitution, and using a facility of interstate commerce in aid of prostitution. If convicted on all counts, Quarles faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Colin McDonell.

United States v. Gregory Thomas Garcia – In October 2020, Garcia was charged with sex trafficking a minor. If convicted, Garcia faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

United States v. Luis Berrios-Trinidad – In July 2020, Berrios-Trinidad was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for sex trafficking minors. Berrios-Trinidad arranged to bring female children to a hotel for a “sex party” with adult men. Berrios-Trinidad was arrested and the victims he had brought, ages 14 and 17, were rescued. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.

United States v. Edward Alan Hardin – In July 2020, Hardin was charged with two counts of sex trafficking minors and four counts of using a cellular phone to entice children to engage in unlawful sex acts. Hardin faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

Chicopee Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution

 BOSTON – A Chicopee man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield to drug distribution charges.

Brett Garcia, 33, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for May 21, 2021. Garcia was indicted in May 2020.

Garcia possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin on Feb. 28, 2020 in Hampden County. The indictment was the result of an investigation into heroin trafficking in Chicopee.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of $2 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; 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; and Chicopee Police Chief William R. Jebb made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

Dominical National Sentenced, Facing Deportation for Trafficking Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine, Cocaine

 PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national previously convicted in Massachusetts on drug trafficking charges and for illegally entering the United States was sentenced on Thursday in U.S. District Court in Providence to eight years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cocaine.

In May 2018, Rhode Island State Police developed information that Cristian Alberto Germosen Reynoso, 42, of Providence, who had been arrested and convicted multiple times in Massachusetts on drug charges, was allegedly dealing heroin in Rhode Island. Law enforcement surveillance of Reynoso’s residence revealed activity consistent with drug trafficking.

Around that same time, a state arrest warrant was issued for Germosen after it was determined that he provided law enforcement a driver’s license in the name of another individual during a motor vehicle stop for a traffic violation. It was also determined that Germosen was wanted by the U.S. Marshal Service in Boston for violating the terms of his supervised release in relation to a sentence imposed for conspiracy to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine.

On June 27, 2019 Rhode Island State Police executed a federal court-authorized search of Germosen’s Providence residence and seized nearly 660 grams of fentanyl, 602 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, 78.42 grams of cocaine, 1.38 grams of cocaine salts, a kilo press, $6,216.00 in cash, and various items used in the sale, packaging, and distribution of narcotics.

According to information presented to the court, following his arrest, Germosen admitted to law enforcement that he obtained and had been using a stolen identity he obtained several years earlier.

Germosen pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on September 21, 2020, to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy sentenced Germosen to 96 months in federal prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.

Germosen faces deportation proceedings upon completion of his term of incarceration in federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.

Baldwinsville Man Charged with Receiving Child Pornography

 SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Richard Curtis, age 21, of Baldwinsville, New York, appeared today in federal court on charges that he received child pornography.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

According to a criminal complaint, Curtis solicited and received numerous images and videos of child pornography using the Instagram application on his cellular phone. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted, Curtis faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life, and a fine of up to $250,000.  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.

Curtis appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Andrew T. Baxter and was detained pending further proceedings.

This case is being 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).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

 

Waterbury Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking Ring

 John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JEFFREY TAVAREZ, 22, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin and fentanyl trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department revealed that Nestor Sosa-Ortiz operated a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization that received large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics throughout New Haven County.  The organization used an apartment located at 330 Bishop Street in Waterbury to store kilogram-quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and to process and package the drugs for street sale.

On May 18, 2019, Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge.  On that date, law enforcement intercepted a planned drug transaction and seized approximately two kilograms of fentanyl and two kilograms of heroin.  Sosa-Ortiz continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators.

During the investigation, Tavarez was intercepted on calls coordinating the purchase of narcotics from both the Sosa-Ortiz organization and from other individuals who sometimes supplied the Sosa-Ortiz organization with narcotics.  Tavarez then sold the drugs to his own customers.

Tavarez and several co-defendants were arrested on October 29, 2019.  On that date, investigators executed five search warrants and seized approximately six kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl, approximately 100,000 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl packaged for street distribution, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Percocet pills, one firearm and approximately $50,000 in cash.  Tavarez possessed nearly 40 grams of fentanyl packaged for distribution at the time of his arrest.

On October 20, 2020, Tavarez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin and fentanyl.

Tavarez, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 17, 2021.

Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.  Sosa-Ortiz pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department.  The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Council Bluffs Man Pleads Guilty to Coercion and Enticement of Foreign Exchange Students

 COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA—On February 3, 2021, Thomas Donald Boatright, age 52, of Council Bluffs pleaded guilty in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa to four counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal.

Boatright worked as a foreign exchange coordinator and host for a program in which students from other countries enrolled in a year of high school in the United States. The students were assigned a host family to live with while they attended high school. In February 2020, a student reported that a hidden camera was discovered in Boatright’s bathroom where two minor foreign students were assigned to live as part of this program.

An investigation unveiled that Boatright used his cellular phone and computer to engage in conversations with the students prior to and after arriving in the United States that were sexual in nature. Boatright used his position as a foreign exchange coordinator and host parent to coerce and entice the students to engage in sexual activity.

Boatright is scheduled to be sentenced in Council Bluffs on June 4, 2021.

This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Iowa.

Mercer County Man Pleads Guilty in Two Bank Robberies on Pittsburgh’s South Side

 PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Hadley, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to two bank robberies that occurred in the Southside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Daryle Devlin, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on October 20, 2018, and October 26, 2018, Devlin robbed the Farmers National Bank, located at 1812 East Carson Street, of a total of $4,554.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for May 25, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Devlin.

Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery

            CONCORD - Philip Leo Campanirio, 54, of Westport, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 17, 2018, Campanirio entered a branch of Provident Bank in Hampton, New Hampshire, approached a teller and asked for $8,000.  He told the teller to “stay calm and no one gets hurt” and not to “make any sudden movements.”  He then put his hands in his pockets, making the teller believe he had a gun.  The teller gave Campanirio some money and he fled. 

           The robbery was captured by the bank’s video security system.  Shortly after the robbery, Hampton police officers located the grey baseball cap and blue hoodie Campanirio wore during the robbery.  A forensics lab confirmed Campanirio’s DNA was found on the sweatshirt. 

           Campanirio is scheduled to be sentenced on May 10, 2021.

           “I am grateful to the Hampton Police Department and the FBI for their work in bringing this defendant to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Bank robberies can cause great distress to victims and subject everyone involved to potential physical harm. These crimes directly undermine public safety. Would-be bank robbers should expect to be arrested and brought before the U.S District Court to face judgment.”     

           “Any time an individual threatens a gun inside a financial institution with the intent to rob it, victims are traumatized and there is a potential for tragic consequences. As a result of today's guilty plea, Paul Campanirio faces significant prison time, thanks to the combined efforts of our local and federal law enforcement partners," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.           

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Hampton Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen Fitzgibbons.

Waco Convicted Felon Sentenced to Maximum 10 Years in Federal Prison

 A federal judge in Waco yesterday sentenced 32-year-old Brayshon Negale Cummings to the statutory maximum of 10 years in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer.

On May 4, 2020, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, Waco Police officers and McLennan County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Cummings in Waco on a Falls County arrest warrant for an aggravated assault stemming from a shooting incident the day before.  At the time of his arrest, Cummings was in possession of a Century Arms AK-47 pistol.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Alan Albright ordered Cummings to pay a $500 fine and to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.  Cummings pleaded guilty to the felon-in-possession charge on September 15, 2020.  His criminal history reveals prior felony convictions for aggravated assault, unlawfully carrying a firearm, assault-bodily injury and evading arrest/detention.

This case is part of Operation Undaunted representing federal, state and local law enforcement’s commitment to combat violence and restore peace to central and west Texas communities.  “Taking violent actors off the streets is a priority,” stated U.S. Attorney Sofer.  “We simply cannot, and will not, stand idly by and watch as violent criminals take over the streets of our communities and harm innocent victims.”

The U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, Waco Police Department and McLennan County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Frazier prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Omaha Man Sentenced to Prison for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

 COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal announced that Brian Keith Messer, age 39, of Omaha, Neb., was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose on February 3, 2021, to 24 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for failure to register as a sex offender. Messer pleaded guilty to the charge on October 16, 2020.

Messer was convicted in Nebraska in 2016 of attempted sexual assault on a child in the third degree. As a result of this conviction, Messer is a sex offender and is required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”). In October 2018, Messer moved from Nebraska to Iowa and did not register in the State of Iowa as required.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Cleveland man sentenced to 10 years for cocaine distribution

 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Clarence Maceo Carter, Jr., of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Carter, also known as “Moe,” age 34, pleaded guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base” in July 2020. Admitted to having cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in Ohio County in February 2020.

Later testing of drugs found in Carter’s possession indicated 26 grams of fentanyl, enough to kill 8,000 people 

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

Connecticut Man Facing Federal Charges for Selling Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of Huntington Elementary School

 The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that a federal grand jury, sitting in Burlington, returned an indictment charging Dorian Johnson (a.k.a. “Jon”), 27, of Bloomfield, Connecticut with distributing cocaine base within 1,000 feet of the Brewster Pierce Memorial School in Huntington, Vermont on November 5, 2020. The indictment also charges Johnson with possession with intent to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base on January 1, 2021, related to a traffic stop in Richmond, Vermont.  

According to court records, the government alleges that on November 5, 2020, the defendant distributed approximately 28 grams (with packaging) of cocaine base at a residence on Main Road in Huntington, which was within 1,000 feet of the Brewster Pierce Memorial School. In addition, court records indicate the government alleges that as a result of a traffic stop in Richmond, Vermont on January 1, 2021, law enforcement seized approximately 98 grams of cocaine base and 50 grams of cocaine powder. The defendant was a passenger in this vehicle which, the government alleges, had just made a trip back-and-forth from Vermont to Connecticut on New Year’s Day. The street name for cocaine base is crack.

Johnson has pled not guilty to the charges and is currently detained pending trial and being held in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. The penalties for the charged drug offenses are as follows: (1) drug distribution within 1,000 feet of a school: 40 years of imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of one year imprisonment, and a $2,000,000 fine; and, (2) possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a controlled substance: 40 years imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment, and a $5,000,0000 fine. 

The actual sentence, however, is informed by the advisory Sentencing Guidelines. The Indictment is an accusation only and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Vermont State Police (Narcotics Investigation Unit), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Perella. The defendant is represented by Steven Barth, Esq., of the Federal Public Defenders Office in Burlington.

Biddeford Woman Sentenced to Two Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking Charges

 PORTLAND, Maine: A Biddeford woman was sentenced today in federal court on methamphetamine trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.

U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby sentenced Kailey Prejean, 25, to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. Prejean pleaded guilty on October 14, 2020, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and two counts of distribution of a controlled substance.

According to court records, on July 12, 2019, Prejean sold $250 worth of methamphetamine to an undercover officer in a parking lot in Biddeford. On July 17, 2019, Prejean sold a half-ounce of methamphetamine to the same undercover officer in the same parking lot. On July 24, 2019, the undercover officer arranged to buy one ounce of methamphetamine from Prejean at the same location. On that date, she was accompanied by her co-defendant, Antonio Morrissey. When the two were arrested, Morrissey was found to be armed with a loaded firearm and had approximately one ounce of methamphetamine on his person.

Morrissey pleaded guilty on November 12, 2020, and is awaiting sentencing.

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the Biddeford Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the FBI investigated the case.

Marshall County man sentenced to more than 10 years for drug and firearms charges

 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin L. White, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 130 months of incarceration for drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

White, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking” in October 2020. White admitted to distributing methamphetamine in March 2019 in Marshall County. White also admitted to possessing two pistols, a revolver, and a shotgun during drug trafficking crimes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided

Wetzel County man sentenced for drug charge

 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nicholas D. Klem, of Proctor, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 70 months of incarceration for his role in a drug trafficking operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Klem, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine” in October 2020. Klem admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2019 to August 2020 in Marshall County and elsewhere.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

Wheeling man sentenced for child pornography charge

 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremy Crinkey, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for having child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Crinkey, 44, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction” in August 2020. Crinkey, having previously been convicted of possession of child pornography in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in 2012, admitted to having images of child pornography in his possession in March 2020 in Ohio County. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Probation Office and the FBI investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

Independence Business Owner Sentenced for Arson of Rival Business, Residence, and Illegally Possessing a Firearm

 KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Missouri, business owner has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to commit arson against a rival business as well as a residence, and for illegally possessing a firearm.

William “Bill” Joseph Reneau, 44, of Overland Park, Kansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark on Tuesday, Feb. 2, to six years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Reneau to pay $167,085 in restitution to his victims.

On Aug. 5, 2020, Reneau pleaded guilty to one count of arson and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Reneau was the owner of Gold Rush Exchange, with locations on 40 Highway and 24 Highway in Independence.

Reneau admitted that he hired others to destroy an Independence residence and a business, Bobby Jackson’s Trading, a gold-buying business operated by a former employee of Reneau’s at 302 E. 23rd Street in Independence. Reneau hired others to damage Bobby Jackson’s Trading in July and August of 2017, then to burn the business as well as a residence owned by his wife’s ex-husband in August 2018.

Reneau also admitted that he kept a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun underneath a computer at The Gold Rush Exchange. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Reneau has prior felony convictions for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, and for aiding and abetting money laundering.

Reneau paid co-defendant Randell Eugene Yeager Jr., 47, of Independence, $800 to damage the Bobby Jackson’s Trading building. On July 17, 2017, Yeager drove a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee into the front of the business, backing into the building and colliding with the front door and the front business windows. The stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee was located later by the Independence Police Department, unoccupied and still running with evidence from the damaged building still attached to the vehicle. The damage was approximately $10,000.

On Aug. 4, 2017, Yeager set fire to Bobby Jackson’s Trading. During the investigation, investigators located what appeared to be containers that were used to bring gasoline to the business and set the fire near the front doors and windows. The fire caused approximately $5,000 dollars in damage to the exterior and interior of the business. Reneau paid Yeager $800 for setting the fire.

Yeager was sentenced on June 1, 2020, to five years and three months in federal prison without parole.

Reneau also paid $500 to another co-defendant to have an Independence residence, which was unoccupied, burned down on Aug. 13, 2018.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, and the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Receiving, distributing child pornography sends Great Falls man to prison

 Almost 2,700 image files found on cell phone

GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted downloading and sharing child pornography with his cell phone was sentenced today to eight years and six months in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Derek Wallace Johnson, 41, pleaded guilty on Sept. 23, 2020 to distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris ordered Johnson to pay $12,000 restitution and continued Johnson’s detention.

The prosecution said in court documents that in October 2019, Homeland Security Investigations in Great Falls received information that a suspect had uploaded possible child pornography in April 2019. An investigation determined that the uploaded image depicted a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct and led to Johnson as the suspect. Investigators served a search warrant on Johnson's residence. Johnson, who was present for the search, told officers he had lost his cell phone a few days earlier, but an agent found it hidden between the box spring and mattress in Johnson's bedroom.

After initially being untruthful, Johnson admitted he had participated in online activity involving child pornography and admitted to hiding his phone. He also said he had about 1,000 videos and images of child pornography in an encrypted app on his phone. Johnson told officers he downloaded child pornography in Kik chat rooms and shared files with others seeking images in chat rooms.

Agents searched Johnson's phone and determined it contained almost 2,700 image files and more than 500 video files of child pornography. Johnson distributed child pornography in April 2019 and had downloaded or received child pornography from December 2016 to November 2019.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the Great Falls Police Department.

This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.

White Supremacist Leader Pleads Guilty in Racketeering Case

 Defendant Also Admits Role in Drug Conspiracy

      LITTLE ROCK-A Russellville man pleaded guilty today to his involvement in a racketeering and narcotics conspiracy based on his role as president of a white supremacist organization. Wesley Gullett, 31, was president of New Aryan Empire (NAE), a white supremacist group founded by inmates in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Gullett entered a guilty plea today before United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.

      Prosecutors alleged that from 2014 to 2016, Gullett and NAE associate Marcus Millsap repeatedly offered money to other NAE associates to kill Bruce Wayne Hurley, an individual who had purchased methamphetamine from Millsap. According to the charging document, NAE members believed Hurley had provided information about Millsap to law enforcement, and NAE members allegedly carried out other retaliatory acts against those who they believed had provided information to law enforcement.

      In addition to the violent acts, law enforcement officials investigated the NAE’s methamphetamine trafficking organization. During the coordinated federal and state investigation, law enforcement agents made 59 controlled purchases of methamphetamine, seizing more than 25 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as 69 firearms and more than $70,000 in drug proceeds.

      Gullett was originally charged in October 2017, and a federal grand jury charged him along with 51 other defendants in a Second Superseding Indictment in September 2019. Gullett pleaded guilty today to two counts of the Second Superseding Indictment: conspiracy to commit racketeering and conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. 

      After Gullett’s plea, six remaining defendants are awaiting trial, which is currently set for September 7, 2021. All other defendants have pleaded guilty. As part of Gullett’s plea, he and prosecutors agree to jointly request a sentence of 35 years in the Bureau of Prisons. Judge Miller will determine whether to accept the plea agreement and sentence Gullett at a later date. There is no parole in the federal system.

      Jonathan D. Ross, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, together with Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Thomas M. Fisher and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Acting Resident Agent in Charge Clayton Merrell, announced today’s guilty plea.

      The investigation was conducted by FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, Fifth Judicial District Drug Task Force, Russellville Police Department, Arkansas State Police, Conway Police Department, and United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys in the Eastern District of Arkansas with assistance from the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.

Orlando Man Sentenced To Nine Years In Federal Prison And Lifetime Supervision For Receiving Images Depicting The Sexual Abuse Of Children

 Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Willie Humes (65, Orlando) to nine years in federal prison for receiving images over the internet depicting children being sexually abused. Humes was also ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. Humes had pleaded guilty on August 17, 2020.   

According to court documents, Humes was identified during an undercover investigation when FBI agents discovered that he was using peer-to-peer networks to download child sex abuse materials. During an interview with law enforcement, Humes admitted to viewing child exploitation materials for many years. Humes was arrested after a search warrant was executed at his residence and a subsequent search of his electronic devices revealed multiple images of child exploitation materials.

According to evidence and testimony presented at sentencing, Humes had sexually abused a family member when the individual was a child. After learning about the current investigation and Humes’s arrest, the victim provided a statement during the sentencing hearing describing Humes’s prior sexual abuse.    

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Gardella.  

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.

Oklahoma City Resident Pleads Guilty To Drug And Money Laundering Conspiracy

 MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lilliana Alvarez Soto, age 22, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Drug Conspiracy in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both; and to  Money Laundering Conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(a)(2)(A), punishable by not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $500,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleged that beginning on November 4, 2016 and continuing until on or about the date of Indictment, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, LILLIANA ALVAREZ SOTO did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with others known and unknown, including Enrique Pacheco, to violate federal drug laws by acquiring kilograms of heroin and distributing it for money.

The Indictment further alleged that from on or about July 15, 2019 through on or about the date of Indictment, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, did knowingly combine, conspire, and agree with others, persons known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit offenses against the United States in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956, to wit:  to transport, transmit and transfer and attempt to transport, transmit and transfer a monetary instrument and funds from a place in the United States to and through a place outside the United States with the intent to promote the carrying on of specified unlawful activity. 

The charges arose from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Muskogee Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, many prominent agencies which are members of the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (“HIDTA”), contributed to this investigation, including: the Tulsa Police Department, the Broken Arrow Police Department, the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Miami Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the El Reno Police Department,  the Yukon Police Department, the Duncan Police Department, the Norman Police Department, the Choctaw Police Department, the Edmond Police Department, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office, the Rogers County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation was coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace and Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.

U.S. Attorney Muldrow’s Statement On The Murder Of Two FBI Special Agents In The Line Of Duty

 United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow released the following statement regarding the fatal shootings of FBI Special Agent Daniel Alfin and FBI Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger, and the wounding of three other agents, as they executed a federal court-ordered search warrant in Sunrise, Florida:

“On behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, I join Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and countless others in expressing our deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of these two fallen FBI special agents. We also pray for a swift and complete recovery for the wounded agents. Today’s senseless shooting is a stark and tragic reminder of the dangers faced by our brave men and women in the FBI and throughout law enforcement who dedicate themselves to making our communities safer. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. May their memories be eternal.”

Columbus man indicted on methamphetamine charge

 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Devante Crutez Taylor, of Columbus, Ohio, was indicted today on a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Taylor, 28, was indicted today on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Taylor is accused of having 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in August 2019 in Ohio County.

The government is also seeking the forfeiture of $3,638 in cash found with Taylor that is believed to be proceeds from drug sales.

Taylor is facing at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. 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. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Wheeling Police Department investigated.

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

Monongalia County man indicted on child pornography charges

 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Steven Kokinda, of Westover, West Virginia, was indicted today on a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Kokinda, 42, was indicted today on one count of “Second Offense Possession of Child Pornography” and one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registry.” Kokinda, who was previously convicted of sex offenses against children and child pornography charges, is accused of having a cell phone with child pornography images in Randolph County in September 2019. He is also accused of failing to update his sex offender registration after traveling from Vermont and New Jersey to West Virginia in August 2019.

Kokinda is facing at least 10 years and up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the child pornography charge. He is facing up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the registration charge. 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. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department and the U.S. Marshal Service investigated.

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

White River Man Sentenced for Assault With Dangerous Weapon

 United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a White River, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on February 1, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Anthony Black Wolf, age 33, was sentenced to 43 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. 

Black Wolf was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020.  He pled guilty on November 6, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in the Lower Swift Bear Community, near White River, on January 11, 2020.  On that date, Black Wolf was at his home drinking alcoholic beverages and socializing with a group of individuals that included the victim.  At some point, Black Wolf became angry and picked up an axe.  Black Wolf repeatedly swung the axe at the victim, striking the victim once on each arm and causing severe lacerations.

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

Black Wolf was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Sedalia Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Drug Trafficking

 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Sedalia, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for distributing crack cocaine.

Jeffery Wayne Taylor, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 20 years in federal prison without parole.

On July 6, 2020, Taylor was convicted at a bench trial of two count of distributing crack cocaine and one count of possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.

Taylor sold a total of 32.8 grams of crack cocaine to a confidential informant, working with law enforcement, on 10 separate occasions from March 2 to June 8, 2018. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Taylor’s residence on June 8, 2018, and seized crack cocaine packaged for sale, which was hidden under the lowest piece of vinyl siding attached to the house.

Taylor’s initial sale of crack cocaine to the confidential informant on March 2, 2018, was approximately six months after his release on probation following his third drug-trafficking conviction in state court. Taylor had been sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment under Missouri’s shock incarceration program and was released to a term of five years of probation on Aug. 9, 2017. In addition to manufacturing crack cocaine, Taylor was also found in possession of several firearms. Although he knew he faced a 15-year prison sentence, Taylor began selling crack cocaine to the confidential informant about six months later.

Taylor’s extensive criminal history began in 1990 when he started a fight in which the victim was punched and kicked in the head, face, and chest, and suffered a broken nose, abrasion to the left cornea, laceration to the upper lip, and a number of bruises and abrasions which required hospitalization for several days. The next year, Taylor was convicted of driving while intoxicated, an offense for which he was also convicted six years later in 1997. While on probation from his 1991 felony assault conviction, Taylor was charged in four different cases with felony distribution of a controlled substance, twice in 1993, and twice again in 1996. Just a year after completing his term of probation for his felony assault conviction, in 1997, Taylor was arrested and charged with felony statutory rape, two driving while intoxicated offenses, and three counts of felony distribution of a controlled substance. That same year, in a separate case, he was convicted of three counts of distributing cocaine and one count of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in November 1997 (the maximum sentence the state court could impose). Taylor served about seven years of his term and was granted parole in June 2004. He was also convicted in 1998 of two additional counts of distributing cocaine and sentenced to the maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment. Taylor was paroled in 2004 and, while on parole, arrested for stalking his ex-wife in 2010.

This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Jolly. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sedalia, Mo., Police Department.