Jackson, Miss. – Jermaine Lockett, 45, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee to 70 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Dana Nichols, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. Lockett was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,520.

On December 17, 2017, officers with the Jackson Police Department were on patrol in the area of East Frontage Road and Canton Mart Road. An officer observed a vehicle driving erratically in the area and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop and instead increased speed and fled. The vehicle hit another vehicle before coming to a stop. Lockett ran from the vehicle and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl. A firearm was also recovered from the vehicle. Lockett was arrested and charged.

On March 30, 2018, a criminal information was filed charging Lockett on two counts – being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. He had been previously convicted of felony evasion and possession of stolen property on April 7, 2011, in Madison County Circuit Court, and being a felon in possession of a firearm on November 6, 2008, in Hinds County Circuit Court.

Lockett pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl on April 19, 2018.

Project EJECT is an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for"Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Jackson Police Department and their cooperation with ATF agents and Project EJECT task force members. AUSA Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.

Jackson, Miss. – Ance Payton, 42, of Jackson, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Tom S. Lee, to possessing several illegal drugs with the intent to distribute them, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

In 2017, the Jackson Police Department received several complaints from Crime Stoppers and concerned citizens about a home on Plantation Boulevard in Jackson, Mississippi. Law enforcement began an investigation that included physical surveillance. During that time, they saw hand-to-hand transactions and other indicators of drug dealing. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant. When executing that warrant, investigators found hundreds of grams of marijuana, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and hydrocodone pills. They also found a digital scale and other evidence of drug-distribution activities.

In their search, detectives recovered a revolver, which Payton illegally possessed. They also found evidence of illegal dog fighting, including twelve pit bulls.

Payton will be sentenced in Jackson by Judge Tom S. Lee on October 18, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $1,250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jackson Police Department.

A Port St. Lucie resident was sentenced today to more than 12 years in prison for unlawfully exporting firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition from South Florida to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); Diane J. Sabatino, Director, Field Operation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Miami Field Office; Ari C. Shapira, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division; and Ken J. Mascara, Sheriff, St. Lucie County Sherriff’s Office, made the announcement. 

Frederik Barbieri, 47, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and one count of unlicensed exportation of defense articles, in violation of Title 22, United States Code, Section 2778.  Today, U.S. District Court Judge Federico A Moreno sentenced Barbieri to 154 months in prison, to be followed by supervised release  In addition, Judge Moreno entered a forfeiture money judgment against Barbieri in the amount of $9.6 million, which represents proceeds from the offenses, based on 122 shipments of water heaters containing approximately 915 firearms, and 15 shipments of air conditioning units containing approximately 45 firearms, a total of 960 firearms, with a profit of approximately $10,000.00 per firearm.  Furthermore, the firearms and ammunition are subject to forfeiture.

According to stipulated facts filed in court, from May of 2013 through February of 2018, Barbieri conspired with others to: possess firearms with obliterated serial numbers; deliver packages containing those firearms to contract carriers for international shipment without providing notice that the packages contained firearms; and smuggle firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition from the United States to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

During this period, a shipment sent by Barbieri was intercepted in Rio de Janeiro by Brazilian law enforcement and found to contain approximately thirty AR-15 and AK-47 rifles and firearm magazines, all concealed in four 38-gallon Rheem water heaters. The water heaters were hollowed out and loaded with the contraband, and the serial numbers on each of the firearms had been obliterated. The same day that Brazilian authorities intercepted his shipment, Barbieri called and requested that the freight forwarder destroy the related paperwork.

Documentation provided by the freight forwarder revealed Barbieri’s historical shipments. In addition to shipping the four Rheem water heaters in which he concealed approximately thirty rifles, Barbieri also shipped to Brazil an additional 120 Rheem water heaters, as well as 520 electric motors and 15 air conditioning units, from May of 2013 to May of 2017, using that freight forwarder. These items are all consistent with objects used to conceal the illegal international shipment of firearms and ammunition.

In February 2018, federal agents executed a warrant to search a storage unit rented by Barbieri in Vero Beach, Florida.  In the storage unit, law enforcement discovered 52 rifles, 49 of which were wrapped for shipment with obliterated serial numbers.  In addition, law enforcement discovered dozens of high capacity firearm magazines, over 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and packaging materials.  Barbieri was arrested the following day.

It is illegal for civilians to possess firearms in Brazil. According to Brazilian law enforcement, AK and AR rifles have a black market value of approximately $15,000 to $20,000. The retail cost of those firearms in the United States is approximately $700 to $1,000.

Neither Barbeiri, nor any of his coconspirators, obtained a license or written approval from the United States Department of State to export any defense articles. Non-automatic firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition are articles designated as “defense articles,” pursuant to federal regulations.

Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI, ATF, and CBP in connection with this matter.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Shack. 

Related court documents and information can be found on the District Court for the Southern District of Florida’s website at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Bangor, Maine:  United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Donald Cain, 49, of Henderson, Nevada, and formerly of Conroe, Texas, and Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by John A. Woodcock Jr. to five years in prison and three years of supervised release for interstate stalking. He pled guilty on January 11, 2018.

According to the indictment and evidence introduced at the plea hearing, Cain was married in August 2014 to a resident of Aroostook County. When they met, he worked in Calais, Maine, but soon relocated to San Antonio, Texas.  His wife remained in Maine. Between November 2014 and December 2015, the defendant used a telephone to call and send threatening text messages which caused substantial emotional distress to his wife.

In imposing the statutory maximum sentence, Judge Woodcock noted that Cain’s conduct was “utterly reprehensible” and constituted a “psychological assault” and that he had “never before seen a stalking crime of such length, intensity, vulgarity, scope, sophistication and impact.”

The investigation was conducted by the Houlton Police Department, the San Antonio, Texas Police Department, the Maine Computer Crimes Task Force and the FBI in Maine and South Carolina.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LUIS J. COTTO, age 31, a resident of New York, pleaded guilty today to charges stemming from a heroin and cocaine trafficking conspiracy before U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon.

According to court documents, beginning in 2015 through 2016, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted an investigation that revealed the existence of a drug trafficking ring operating in St. Rose and LaPlace, Louisiana.  Agents learned that COTTO was a source of narcotics for members of this conspiracy, driving narcotics into Louisiana from Texas, where he had owned a residence as well. 

Court documents also outline that, on August 7, 2016, COTTO was stopped for a traffic violation while headed southwest on Interstate 44 near Vinita, Oklahoma, by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.  Based on COTTO’S suspicious conduct, the trooper called a trained drug canine to conduct an open-air sniff of COTTO’S vehicle.  The canine alerted to the presence of contraband in the car.  State troopers searched the vehicle and found approximately $225,000.00 in U.S. currency wrapped in plastic in one of the door panels.

COTTO pleaded guilty to the charges pending against him in the Third Superseding Indictment.  As to Count 1, conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and five kilograms or more of cocaine, he faces a mandatory minimum term of ten years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000.00 fine, and at least five years of supervised release.  He also pleaded guilty to Count 12, use of a communications device in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carries up to four years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to one year of supervised release.  Judge Lemmon scheduled sentencing for October 25, 2018.  Four remaining defendants, Andre Staggers, Corey Session, Gregory London, Jr., and Leonard Morrison, are pending for trial on August 6^th before Judge Lemmon.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the conviction as the result of a coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program.  The DEA’s HIDTA Group #11, operating out of the New Orleans Field Division, includes members of the Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and other local agencies.  U.S. Attorney Evans extended his thanks to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for their assistance in this investigation.  Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Payne, Brittany L. Reed, and David Howard Sinkman are in charge of the prosecution. 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit woman caught with pain pills in Huntington in 2015 was sentenced today to 6 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Kieyonda Annette-Marie Toler, 28, previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute oxymorphone in federal court in Huntington.  Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the FBI Drug Task Force.

“A good number of drug carriers have taken the bus from Detroit to Huntington to deliver drugs,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “And for a good number of those people, the next bus they ride will be headed to a federal prison.” 

On December 3, 2015, members of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force were conducting surveillance at the Greyhound Bus Station located in Huntington.  Officers observed Toler exit a bus that had arrived from Detroit, Michigan and approached Toler to speak with her.  Officers subsequently seized marijuana and an oxymorphone tablet Toler had in possession and Toler was placed under arrest.  After Toler was transported to the Western Regional Jail, a correctional officer seized an additional 58 oxymorphone tablets Toler had concealed in her pants.  Toler admitted that she intended to provide some of the tablets to Mark Bush upon her arrival in Huntington.

Bush was previously sentenced in August of 2017 to 17 and 1/2 years in federal prison for his role in operating a heroin trafficking conspiracy between Detroit and Huntington.  

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.  United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over these cases.

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNewsand @USAttyStuart 

 
###
 
 
 

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment today against Fernando Hernandez-Hernandez, 58, a Mexican citizen residing in Fresno, charging him with production and sales of false identification documents, possession of document‑making implements with intent to make false identification documents, fraud and misuse of visas and related documents, and being a previously deported alien found in the United States, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, in March and May 2018, Hernandez-Hernandez manufactured and sold false identification documents to buyers. He is also charged with possessing document-making implements primarily used to manufacture the false identification documents. These documents included social security cards and lawful permanent resident “green” cards. Hernandez‑Hernandez is also charged with being found in the United States following a prior deportation.

This case is the product of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Withers is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Hernandez-Hernandez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 13 years’ imprisonment, followed by 8 years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on George Scott, 33, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2016, and continuing until in and around July 2016, Scott conspired with others to distribute more than 400 grams of heroin. Scott has several prior felony state court drug trafficking convictions, and he has a previous federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) responsible for the successful prosecution of Scott. That task force was comprised of members drawn from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, the Baldwin Borough Police Department, the Duquesne Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Munhall Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Scott Township Police Department, and the West Homestead Police Department, along with assistance from the Borough of McKees Rocks Police Department, the Borough of Ambridge Police Department, the Borough of Sewickley Police Department, the Crescent Township Police Department, the City of Aliquippa Police Department, the Borough of New Brighton Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man was sentenced today to federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joshua Gregory Richardson, age 34, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to 71 months’ imprisonment.  Richardson had previously pled guilty in in February of this year.  Stuart praised the work of MDENT.

“The influx of meth continues,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “I applaud this conviction that puts another meth dealer behind bars.”

From approximately December 1, 2016, to December 20, 2016, Richardson was a supplier of dealer amounts of methamphetamine to another dealer in Cross Lanes, West Virginia.    On December 20, 2016, members of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 1 ounce of methamphetamine from the local Cross Lanes dealer.  After the controlled purchase, but before the agents left the area, Richardson arrived to collect money owed him for methamphetamine he had previously provided the local dealer. Agents followed Richardson from Cross Lanes into Ohio, where Ohio authorities conducted a traffic stop of his  vehicle. A drug dog was at the scene and positively indicated on the vehicle. No drugs were found at the time.  Richardson, however, possessed $9883 in cash at the time of the stop, $900 of which was pre-recorded buy money from the controlled purchase conducted in Cross Lanes earlier that day. Agents also downloaded text messages between defendant and the local dealer in which they discuss the sale of methamphetamine.  The court also ordered that the cash found on him in Ohio be forfeited to the United States.

United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey handled the prosecution. 

Follow us on Twitter:SDWVNews  

 
###
 
 
 
 
 
 

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of unlawfully distributing controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Madhu Aggarwal, 68, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Aggarwal was a physician practicing at Redirections Treatment Advocates, a Suboxone clinic, located in Washington, PA. Aggarwal and others conspired together to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for buprenorphine, known as Subutex and Suboxone, and then unlawfully dispensed those controlled substances to other persons. Aggarwal is also charged with health care fraud for allegedly causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for November 28, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total per count sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both, for the controlled substances offenses. Aggarwal faces an additional maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and fine of $250,000.00 for the health care fraud charge. 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.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Aggarwal on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of San Antonio, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Threatening Interstate Communications, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Yuttana Choochongkol, a/k/a Jason Manotham, 40, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

According to the guilty plea, on January 10 and 11, 2018, Choochongkol made three threats against the athletes and attendees of the National Football League Divisional Playoff Game on Sunday, January 14, 2018. Choochongkol used the internet to send threats to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania through the KDKA.com and Heinzfield.com “contact us” portals that he was going to engage in mass shootings and suicide at the game.

“Threats of mass violence cannot be tolerated and will be aggressively prosecuted,” said U. S. Attorney Scott Brady. “Nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of the community, including at large public events such as Steelers games. Choochongkol would not have been quickly identified and arrested without tremendous work in a very short time frame by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, Heinz Field Security and our Office, working with our counterparts in Texas.”

"I commend the work done by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force to identify and apprehend Mr. Choochongkol quickly," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nick Boshears. "The members of the JTTF and its law enforcement partners are committed to bringing to justice those individuals who threaten our national security. We remain proactive in pursuing counter-terrorism cases because the risks involved are so great."

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for November 27, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Yuttana Choochongkol.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment today charging Alfredo Sanchez, 39, of Madera, and Saybyn Borges, 27, of Sacramento, with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. Sanchez was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the indictment, between May 3, 2018, and June 7, 2018, in Placer, San Joaquin and Madera Counties, Sanchez and Borges conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to the criminal complaint, Sanchez and Borges were involved in the sale of approximately 7,500 counterfeit oxycodone pills that were found to contain fentanyl, a synthetic opioid.

A search warrant executed on Sanchez’s residence recovered four firearms: a Kel-Tec 12 gauge shotgun, Ruger .38-caliber revolver, Colt .38-caliber Mustang Pocketlite semi‑automatic pistol, and Colt Commander .38‑caliber pistol. Sanchez is prohibited from possessing firearms.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Squad. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron L. Desmond is prosecuting the case.

If convicted of the fentanyl counts, Borges and Sanchez face a minimum five years and a maximum of life in prison and up to a $5 million fine. If convicted on the firearms possession charge, Sanchez faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

LAS VEGAS, Nev.– Following a three-day jury trial, a Las Vegas felon was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.

Jacqueline Moore, 38, was found guilty of one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of felon in possession of ammunition. United States District Judge Kent J. Dawson presided over the hearing. Sentencing is scheduled for October 17, 2018. At the time of sentencing, Moore faces the maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, during a barbeque on the afternoon of October 27, 2017, Moore got into an altercation with a woman who became a victim of violence at the hands of Moore. The altercation happened at a residence near “B” Street and Monroe Street in Las Vegas.  The victim left the barbecue and went to the Elk’s Lodge located at 600 West Owens Avenue.  Almost immediately thereafter, Moore drove to the Elk’s Lodge and confronted the victim in the parking lot. During the altercation, Moore broke the victim’s car window and a tail light. Moore also threatened to shoot her with a .25 caliber pistol.  After Moore fled the scene, an eyewitness called the police.  Responding police officers located Moore a short time later and took her into custody near the residence at “B” and Monroe.  A search of Moore’s vehicle revealed a .25 caliber pistol and a search of the purse Moore was carrying when she was apprehended yielded a single round of .25 caliber ammunition.  Moore is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to her prior felony convictions in Clark County for assault with a deadly weapon and attempted battery with substantial bodily harm.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Allison Reese and Phillip N. Smith, Jr. are prosecuting the case.

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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv

###

Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Cody James Cogley, 28, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to nine years in prison, followed by a 30-year term of supervised release, for two counts of possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, in October 2017, law enforcement received information that Cogley was distributing videos of child pornography through the internet.  Among the files distributed by Cogley through the file-sharing network was a video of a child performing a sexual act on an animal, a video of a naked three to five-year-old child suspended by her feet being sexually assaulted, and a video of a toddler being physically and sexually assaulted.

Law enforcement officers searched Cogley’s residence on Nov. 2, 2017.  Located on Cogley’s phone and computer were images and videos of child pornography, including additional images showing the sadistic abuse of small children.  Also located on Cogley’s computer, and open at the time of the search, was the Tor Browser.  The Tor Browser is used to access files on the Tor network, an encrypted, anonymous method of browsing the internet.  Open within the browser was a file titled, “The Pedophile’s Handbook.”  This file contained chapters about how to abduct and molest children.  Chapter titles included “Introduction, Pedophilia,” “Children,” “security,” “Finding Children,” “sex with Kids,” and “Penetration Training.”

During a statement to law enforcement at the time of the search, Cogley admitted to downloading images of child pornography.  Cogley admitted to first downloading child pornography when he was 13 years old.  Cogley said that his last search for child pornography was for files showing the abuse of toddlers, and admitted that his preferred age of children was “around 7, 7 and up.”

At sentencing, Judge Beistline noted Cogley’s “long history of viewing serious images.”  This history, according to Judge Beistline, “feeds the market for child pornography.”  In addition to noting the harm that came from Cogley’s downloading and viewing of images, Judge Beistline also stated that his sentence was necessary to protect the public and to deter Cogley and others like him.  Judge Beistline said that there was no direct evidence that Cogley had engaged in hands-on behavior, however, the handbook located on his computer was “evidence of a possible trend in that direction.”  “Clearly you are what we call a pedophile,” Judge Beistline told the defendant.  “You have a strong attraction to children, which places them at risk.”

The case was the product of an investigation by the Anchorage Police Department (APD).  Assistant U.S.  Attorney Kyle Reardon prosecuted the case.

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

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley sentenced Sarah Laray Sandoval, 40, of West Sacramento, today to three years and three months in prison for her participation in a scheme that involved stealing U.S. Mail and DMV data to commit bank fraud and identity theft, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Rafael Nunez of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service stated, “Postal Inspectors work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners in law enforcement to arrest and prosecute those individuals responsible for fraud schemes committed against the public.”

On May 10, 2018, Sandoval pleaded guilty to three counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, between December 2016 and June 2, 2017, Sandoval and co-defendant Anthony Andrew Zamarron, 38, of Elk Grove, and others, stole mail throughout Sacramento and Yolo Counties, including neighborhoods in West Sacramento, Elk Grove, and Sacramento. Then Sandoval and her associates cataloged the stolen mail, profiled victims for identity theft, and researched victims using DMV databases. Sandoval and her associates opened bank and credit accounts in the name of mail theft victims. They forged signatures and deposited the forged checks into accounts in Sandoval's name or into fraudulently opened accounts in victim names. They caused financial institutions to send debit and credit cards and related items to U.S. mail boxes under their control or to which they had access, including Sandoval's own residence.

Sandoval worked at the California DMV starting on June 26, 2000, and was in the DMV “Mandatory Actions Unit” from 2005 to July 14, 2017. She was responsible for making final decisions on reinstating the driving privileges for, among other offenses, driving under the influence. As a senior technician, Sandoval had access to statewide DMV records for license holders and databases containing license holders’ assigned driver license number and personal information, including name, date of birth, business, or residence mailing address. Sandoval accessed DMV data to assist the bank fraud and identity theft scheme.

Sandoval and her associates’ bank fraud and identity theft scheme involved over 100 different victims and intended loss of over $77,000.

Charges are pending against Zamarron, and he has not yet appeared in federal court on these charges. He is presently in custody in the state of Nevada for unrelated charges. The charges against Zamarron are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is the product of investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the California DMV Special Investigations Unit and the Elk Grove Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – An Idaho man was sentenced today to 168 months in federal prison for his involvement in the armed assault against federal law enforcement officers that occurred in April 2014, in the Bunkerville, Nevada, area, during the removal and impoundment of Cliven Bundy’s cattle that were trespassing on federal public lands, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada

Todd C. Engel, 51, was found guilty by a jury in April 2017, of obstruction of justice and interstate travel in aid of extortion. He was indicted by a grand jury in March 2016. United States District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro presided over the trial and sentencing hearing.

During a 32-day jury trial, evidence showed, that in April 2014, Engel traveled to Bunkerville with the intent to commit a crime of violence against federal law enforcement officers who were executing a federal court order. Engel, brandishing a loaded AR-15 assault rifle with extra ammunition in his tactical vest, hid behind concrete barriers on the I-15 overpass. He brandished his firearm at law enforcement to impede, intimidate, and to threaten to assault federal law enforcement officers involved in the impoundment operations.          

The case was investigated by the FBI and BLM. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven W. Myhre, Daniel R. Schiess, and Nadia J. Ahmed prosecuted the case.

###

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As part the Eastern District of California’s strategy to reduce violent crime by focusing on eradicating illegal firearms, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced the sentencing today of three federal firearms offenders.

U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley sentenced Tony Hill, 25, of Stockton to seven years and two months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Hill was found in possession of a stolen Smith & Wesson pistol with a speed-loader. Hill, who has multiple prior felony convictions, was on parole at the time of his arrest from a prior offense, and had been out of prison for less than four months. . This case is the product of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Stockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Desmond prosecuted the case. 2:17-cr-168 TLN

U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. sentenced Nicholas J. Lopez, 31, of Sacramento to seven years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, in October 2016, Lopez was stopped for speeding on Interstate 5 in Glenn County. Because Lopez was driving with a suspended license, the car was seized and later searched. Inside the car the officers found a 9 mm handgun with a loaded 15-round magazine, two .40-caliber firearm magazines loaded with 10 rounds, and two 9 mm firearm magazines loaded with 10 rounds. Officers then executed a search warrant at Lopez’s residence where they found additional firearms. Because Lopez has previous felony convictions, he is prohibited from possessing firearms. This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Glenn Interagency Narcotics Task Force and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Owen Roth prosecuted the case.
2:17-cr-003 MCE

Judge Nunley sentenced Lavell McDonald, 38, of Stockton, to five years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on February 16, 2016, McDonald was stopped while driving a moped in Stockton for an outstanding warrant. Officers searched him and found a 9 mm handgun with a bullet in the chamber. They also found a loaded magazine that matched the handgun nearby. McDonald had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. This case is the product of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Stockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Owen Roth prosecuted the case. 2:17-cr-010 TLN

These cases are 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

Earlier today, Anthony “Ant” Pineda was arrested on charges related to methamphetamine distribution in Queens, New York, and California.  Pineda was arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl L. Pollak and ordered detained pending trial.  Fourteen additional defendants were previously arrested and arraigned on four indictments unsealed last month in federal court in Brooklyn. 

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), and Thomas Decker, Field Office Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), announced the indictments.

“Drug dealers are trying to turn New York into the next methamphetamine wasteland,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  “The Eastern District will work tirelessly with our partners on long-term investigations such as this to prosecute those who poison our communities with this highly addictive and dangerous drug.”  Mr. Donoghue expressed his thanks to ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service for their assistance during the investigation.

“Using his illegal gambling business as a foundation, Pineda allegedly orchestrated an illicit methamphetamine enterprise,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.  “Distributing on both a large scale and street level, Pineda and his co-defendants carelessly endangered our communities.  These individuals operated on opposite sides of the nation – but with the help of our fellow law enforcement agencies, today’s arrests show that expansiveness never inhibits justice.”

“The indictments show law enforcement’s resolve to arrest those involved in dealing drugs in our city,” said ERO Field Office Director Decker in New York.  “We will continue to assist our law enforcement partners in providing any information that will lead to an eventual criminal arrest.”

“The behavior outlined in these indictments, and the violence so often associated with such acts, will never be tolerated by the NYPD or any of our law enforcement partners,” stated NYPD Commissioner O'Neill.  “As we demonstrate time and again, we are patient and our collaborative forces have a long reach.  We will be relentless in removing these criminals from our streets, because New Yorkers expect and deserve nothing less than our very best efforts to not only keep them safe, but to ensure they feel safe too.”

According to the indictments, court documents and statements made in court, Anthony Pineda led a methamphetamine distribution organization from his illegal gambling parlors located in Flushing, Queens.  Pineda obtained large quantities of methamphetamine in California and transported the drugs to New York for wholesale and retail distribution.  His co-defendants include large-scale and street-level methamphetamine distributors, as well as Pineda’s partners in the illegal gambling operation. 

Pineda allegedly protected his illegal operations with threats and violence.  For example, in 2017, he threatened a competing gambling parlor owner with a gun and referred to a “high voltage cattle prod” that a co-conspirator could use to collect a debt.  When Pineda was arrested today at an apartment where he was staying, law enforcement officers recovered one pound of methamphetamine and approximately $27,000 in cash.

Pineda, Yunfeng Gao, Ting “Ting Ting” Li, Ivan Kaleda, Marco Rescino, Guanghua “Mao Mao” Shen, Jin Wang, Joung Hwa Yun, Lu “Chinese Ivan” Zhai and Nan Zhang are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and methamphetamine distribution.  Min Li and Steven Torres are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  Davoud Haghighy is charged with methamphetamine distribution and firearms trafficking.  Si En Li is charged with operating an illegal gambling parlor.  Yuan Li is charged with extortion.  In addition, Pineda and Rescino are charged with money laundering conspiracy.

The charges in the indictments are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, the maximum sentences range from five years’ to life imprisonment.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Nadia E. Moore and Drew Rolle are in charge of the prosecution with assistance provided by Assistant United States Attorney Claire Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Unit.

The Defendants:

ANTHONY PINEDA
Age:  36
Queens, New York/San Francisco, California

YUNFENG GAO
Age:  33
Queens, New York

IVAN KALEDA
Age:  28
Queens, New York

SI EN LI
Age:  45
Brooklyn, New York

TING LI
Age:  30
Queens, New York

YUAN LI
Age:  34
Queens, New York

MARCO RESCINO
Age:  22
San Francisco, California

GUANGHUA SHEN
Queens, New York
Age: 45

JIN WANG
Age:  33
Queens, New York

JOUNG HWA YUN
Age:  40
Queens, New York

LU ZHAI
Age:  30
Queens, New York

NAN ZHANG
Age:  32
Queens, New York – E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-302 (MKB)

MIN LI
Age:  40
Queens, New York – E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-292 (MKB)

DAVOUD HAGHIGHY
Age:  33
Queens, New York – E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-301 (ILG)

STEVEN TORRES
Age:  28
Queens, New York – E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-300 (MKB)

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Adrian Morris, age 61, a Clifton Park, New York, psychiatrist specializing in addiction recovery, was arrested today and charged with distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division; Charles Margiotta, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple.

According to a criminal complaint, Morris dispensed Xanax, Adderall, and Suboxone to patients for no legitimate medical purpose, and to at least one patient in exchange for sex.  In addition to writing unjustified prescriptions to patients, Morris also wrote prescriptions for individuals he never treated.

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Morris appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, who ordered him released pending further proceedings.

If convicted, Morris faces up to 20 years in prison, at least 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum $1 million fine.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case is being investigated by the DEA, FBI, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert Gibeault, Jr., age 49, of Gansevoort, New York, was indicted yesterday for distributing child pornography over the internet and possessing child pornography on a laptop computer. 

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Kevin M. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). 

The indictment alleges that, between January 2017 through September 2017, Gibeault used a peer-to-peer file sharing network and the internet to make child pornography videos available to be downloaded by other users.  It also alleges that Gibeault possessed a laptop computer containing images of child pornography, and that the images depicted prepubescent children and children under the age of 12. 

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Gibeault, who was originally arrested in June on a criminal complaint, will be arraigned on the indictment at a later date.  If convicted, Gibeault 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.  Additionally, if convicted, Gibeault will be required to register as a sex offender. 

This case is being investigated by HSI, with assistance from the New York State Police and Colonie Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph A. Giovannetti and Emmet O’Hanlon.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood.  Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal 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.