Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Harold Dewayne Ennis, Jr., 48, of Allendale, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to theft of federal funds.

The Information to which Ennis pled guilty states that Ennis has held the position of Allendale Town Administrator since around the year 2000. In his role as Town Administrator, Dewayne Ennis had authority to manage and use Town funds. In 2015, he began siphoning funds from the Town of Allendale for personal and unofficial uses, including vehicle purchases, automobile repairs, home repairs, and receiving payment from the Town of Allendale for hours worked elsewhere.

Ennis faces of maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. Senior United States District Judge Cameron Currie will sentence him after receiving and reviewing a presentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

The charges against Ennis were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant United States Attorney Alyssa Leigh Richardson of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

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Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Horace Edmond Wright, age 52, of Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Charleston after pleading guilty to distribution of heroin. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Wright to eight years in federal prison, to be followed by 15 years of court-ordered supervision.  Evidence presented to the court established that Wright had distributed heroin on two occasions in 2017.  He has prior convictions for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana in 1994, Distribution of Crack in 1998, and Possession with Intent to Distribute of Heroin in 2008.

The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Charleston City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

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Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Jeremy David Grove, 30, of Greenville, South Carolina, and Jaspal Singh Grewall, 40, of Anaheim, California, have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracy operating between the East Coast and California.  On December 12, 2017, the men were charged in a seven-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to launder drug proceeds, and conspiracy to structure financial transactions.

Grove pled guilty to the marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracies, and Grewall pled guilty to conspiracy to structure financial transactions.  United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Grove to 5 years in federal prison and 4 years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.  For his role in the offense, Grewall received a 3-year probationary sentence.  A third man charged, Tyler James Durney, 36, also of Greenville, awaits sentencing.

According to U.S. Attorney Lydon, Grove and Durney devised multiple schemes to pay for and to transport, via the United States Postal Service and commercial carriers, hundreds of pounds of California-sourced high-grade marijuana to South Carolina.  Beginning in November 2014, the defendants deposited and caused to be deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds into “funnel” or “pass through” bank accounts held by Grewall, in amounts at or under $10,000.00 to circumvent the reporting requirement regarding cash transactions over $10,000.00.

During the guilty plea hearing, the defendants admitted using multiple bank accounts in a coordinated manner to funnel the illicit currency from South Carolina for immediate withdrawal in California. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Grewall has forfeited over $780,574.00 in cash and real property to the government.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspector, and the Greenville City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leesa Washington of the Greenville office.

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Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today, “I am thrilled that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been able to return to full operations this week following the lapse in government funding.  I extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire team at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and to our federal law enforcement partners, the vast majority of whom worked without pay for the duration of the shutdown.  They exhibited dedication, determination, and perseverance throughout this difficult period as they worked to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice across our State.  I am particularly proud of ongoing efforts to aggressively prosecute the most violent offenders who continue to unlawfully possess firearms.  This office will never fail in its mission to protect the safety and security of the residents of South Carolina.” 

Below is a summary of some of the matters the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted during the lapse in government funding as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm and Drug Charges.  Trent Jerrod Daniels, age 31, of Columbia, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Columbia to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and to possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Evidence presented in court established that on May 8, 2018 deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department attempted a traffic stop after observing what they believed to be drug deals between an individual in a vehicle and others in the roadway.  A high-speed chase ensued, during which the driver was observed throwing a bag out of the window of the vehicle.  Ultimately, the vehicle was stopped and the driver was determined to be Daniels. 

Deputies recovered the bag thrown from the vehicle and found it contained a loaded Hi-Point .380 caliber handgun, marijuana, and digital scales.  Deputies also found a small quantity of crack cocaine in the vehicle and counterfeit money in Daniels’ pocket.  Daniels admitted to making drug sales earlier and to throwing the bag containing the marijuana and loaded gun out of the car during the chase.  A ballistics examination found that the recovered firearm had been used in a shooting during a burglary in December 2017.

Daniels, who was on state parole at the time of the instant offense, is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior state convictions for burglary 2^nd degree (two separate counts), use of a motor vehicle without owner’s permission, grand larceny over $1,000, but less than $5,000 (2 separate counts), strong arm robbery, and distribution of crack cocaine.

Daniels faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and three years of court-ordered supervision on the felon in possession charge.  Due to a prior felony drug offense, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and four years of court-ordered supervision on the possession with intent to distribute marijuana charge.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

Gaston Man Pleads to Federal Firearm Charge Following High-Speed Chase.   Jason C. Dix, age 41, of Gaston, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Columbia to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

Evidence presented in court showed that on June 8, 2018, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) deputies on patrol attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Dix for a traffic violation.  Dix led deputies on a high speed chase – clocking as high as 104 miles per hour – before Dix ran two red lights and crashed into an uninvolved vehicle, sending two to a nearby hospital.  LCSD deputies found a Ruger 9mm pistol and two firearm magazines loaded with ammunition in the vehicle driven by Dix.

Federal law prohibits Dix from possessing a firearm or ammunition based upon prior state convictions for Assault & Battery of a High & Aggravated Nature, Possession of Methamphetamine/Crack, three convictions for Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle, three convictions for Driving Under the Influence, Criminal Domestic Violence, Maintaining Drug Dwelling, Possession of Methamphetamine Precursors, Trafficking Methamphetamine, and two convictions for Manufacturing Methamphetamine, among others.

Dix faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and three years of court-ordered supervision.  The charge against Dix was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Elliott B. Daniels of the Columbia office and Special Assistant United States Attorney Casey Rankin Smith of the Lexington County Solicitor’s Office are prosecuting the case.

Bennettsville Man Sentenced to Over Three Years in Federal Prison on Federal Gun Charge.  Tommie Brenda McLaurin, age 36, of Bennettsville, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Florence after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced McLaurin to 46 months in federal prison, with three years of court-ordered supervision to follow.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented to the court established that on November 17, 2016, members of various law enforcement agencies from South and North Carolina collaborated on executing a state search warrant at McLaurin’s residence in Bennettsville.  McLaurin was arrested on scene for an outstanding warrant out of North Carolina and admitted to possessing a loaded Zastava pistol that was recovered from the residence.  The firearm was listed as stolen.  Federal law prohibits McLaurin from possessing firearms or ammunition based on prior state convictions for trafficking in cocaine and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

The charges against McLaurin were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office (SC), the Rockingham Police Department (NC), the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office (NC), the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (NC), and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (SC).  Assistant United States Attorneys Everett McMillian and Lauren Hummel of the Florence office prosecuted the case. 

Two Defendants Plead Guilty to Federal Charges Following Myrtle Beach Armed Robberies.  Jeremy Lamar Hayes, age 29, and Kennedy Boggs, age 26, pled guilty in federal court in Florence to federal robbery and gun charges.  Hayes pled guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery (robbery affecting commerce) and two counts of Brandishing a Firearm during a Crime of Violence.  Boggs pled guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery and one count of Aiding and Abetting the Brandishing of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence. 

Evidence presented to the court showed that on January 29, 2018, officers from the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) responded to an armed robbery at a dry cleaner in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Hayes entered the location, presented a firearm, and demanded money from the register and the victim’s wallet.  Hayes took money from the register, the victim’s wallet and cell phone, and the store phone and then fled in a vehicle. 

The next day, MBPD officers responded to an armed robbery at a restaurant in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Hayes entered the location, presented a firearm, and demanded money from the register.  He took cash from the register and an employee’s cell phone.  Hayes then forced employees to lay on the ground and count while Hayes exited the store and fled in a vehicle. 

After the restaurant robbery, MBPD located a vehicle matching the description of the get-away vehicle.  The driver, Kennedy Boggs, failed to stop, and after a pursuit, both Boggs and Hayes were detained.  MBPD found in the vehicle clothing matching the description of clothing worn by Hayes during the robberies.  Hayes’ fingerprint was also located at the scene of the restaurant robbery.  Boggs admitted that she had driven Hayes to the robberies and that during the vehicle pursuit, the firearm was thrown out of the window.  Officers later recovered the firearm. 

Hayes and Boggs face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.  The charges against Hayes and Boggs were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the Surfside Beach Police Department, the Horry County Police Department, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office (NC), and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office (NC).  Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office is prosecuting the case. 

West Columbia Illegal Alien Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm.  Felix Martinez-Melquisdes, age 35, of West Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Columbia after pleading guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.  Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten sentenced Martinez to 20 months in prison, to be followed by two years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented to the court established that Martinez was prohibited from possessing a firearm as a Mexican citizen who had entered and was living in the United States illegally.  The investigation of Martinez began as the result of email and telephone conversations Martinez had with a girl in Kentucky.  The girl was about to graduate from high school and Martinez wanted to pick her up and take her to South Carolina, but she did not want to go. Martinez responded on May 12, 2018, by threatening to attend her graduation and shoot everyone there. This resulted in an arrest warrant for Terrorist Threats being issued in Kentucky. Graduation was scheduled for May 19, 2018, and agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) arrested Martinez at his job on May 16. At the time of his arrest, Martinez was carrying a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol. 

The case was investigated by agents of SLED, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

Longs Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison on Firearm Charge.  Quinn Hakeem McCray, age 29, of Longs, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Florence after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced McCray to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented in court established that on June 28, 2018, officers with the Horry County Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force attempting to locate McCray in reference to an outstanding arrest warrant spotted him riding as a passenger in a vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.  When the vehicle came to a stop, McCray fled on foot, and police noted that he was carrying a pistol with a high-capacity magazine in his hand.  After a brief foot chase, police caught up to McCray and arrested him.  Federal law prohibits McCray from possessing firearms or ammunition based on his prior state convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, pointing and presenting a firearm, and strong arm robbery.   

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Horry County Police Department.  Special Assistant United States Attorney David P. Caraker, Jr. of the 15^th Circuit Solicitor’s Office prosecuted the case. 

Florence Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Federal Prison on Gun and Drug Charges.  Chadrick Letran James, age 29, of Florence, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Florence after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced James to 63 months in federal prison with five years of court-ordered supervision to follow.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented to the court showed that on September 1, 2017, a corporal with the Florence Police Department conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle James was driving.  The corporal could smell an odor of marijuana coming from both James and the vehicle.  James admitted to smoking marijuana and having marijuana in the vehicle’s cup holder.  A search of the vehicle also revealed a plastic bag in the driver’s side door believed to be used to package narcotics and a book bag that contained several bags of marijuana, a bottle of crack cocaine, a bag of cocaine, a set of digital scales, and a Smith and Wesson, model SW40VE, .40 caliber pistol loaded with 14 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition.

The charges against James were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Florence Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office prosecuted the case. 

North Charleston Man Faces Federal Charges in Tavern & Table Robbery and Shooting.  Brandon Lloyd Daniels of North Charleston, South Carolina, was charged in a five-count indictment arising out of the April 4, 2018, robbery of Tavern & Table, a Mt. Pleasant restaurant located on Shem Creek. The superseding indictment alleges that Daniels and another man robbed the restaurant at gunpoint and shot an employee in the back. Daniels, who was previously indicted for possessing an unregistered sawed-off shotgun and being a felon in possession of a firearm, now faces additional charges including robbery affecting interstate commerce and the discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted, Daniels faces a maximum penalty of up to life in federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Mt. Pleasant Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Schoen, Matt Austin, and Jim May are prosecuting the case.

All charges in this indictment are merely accusations, and Daniels is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today thatJames Latron Sumter, a/k/a “T”, age 35, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has pled guilty in federal court to conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine and heroin, the use of which resulted in serious bodily injury or death.  This charge potentially carries a mandatory sentence of 20 years to life in federal prison. 

Assistant United States Attorney Everett McMillian presented evidence that reflects Sumter was contacted on December 29, 2017, by co-conspirator Charles Rayford Hunt, Jr., who was seeking to purchase what is commonly called a “speedball”—a potent combination of cocaine and heroin—for $100 for a female acquaintance of Hunt’s.  Hunt met the female while working as an Uber driver and had a short-lived romantic relationship with her for two days prior to this incident.  As reflected in text messages between Hunt and Sumter and statements from witnesses, Hunt drove the female victim to an apartment where Sumter provided the drugs sometime after 9:00 pm.  The victim later used the drugs and immediately thereafter showed signs of an overdose. 

Upon seeing her reaction, Hunt contacted Sumter and returned to pick him up.  Not wanting to take the overdosing victim home to her father with whom she lived, Hunt and Sumter drove around and eventually stopped at Magoo’s Sports & Spirits to play pool sometime after midnight—leaving the overdosing victim passed out in the back seat of the car.   After playing pool, Hunt took Sumter back to the apartment complex and drove around the Myrtle Beach area with the victim still passed out in the back seat of his car.  Eventually, Hunt realized the victim had quit breathing at which time he “panicked” and dumped her body in a wooded area just across the North Carolina border during the early morning hours of December 30.  Hunt then drove back to Myrtle Beach, throwing the victim’s cell phone into the intercostal waterway on the way back.  He took the victim’s purse and belongings to another conspirator, Jose Anthony Ortiz, Jr., who destroyed many of the victim’s personal items in a burn pit at Hunt’s request. 

On December 31, Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration learned of the incident.  Working together, the FBI and DEA quickly collaborated with detectives from the Horry County Police Department and Columbus County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina to unravel the scheme.  Hunt was located, promptly confessed his role in the event, and led officials to the victim’s body.  An autopsy and toxicology report later confirmed the victim died as a result of a heroin and cocaine overdose.  Further investigation uncovered that Sumter had conspired with several other individuals in the Myrtle Beach area during 2017 to distribute cocaine and heroin on other occasions. 

Hunt and Ortiz were prosecuted for their roles in covering up the overdose.  Both men pled guilty and were sentenced to 21 and 27 months in federal prison, respectively. 

This case is part of a concentrated effort to disrupt and dismantle the flow of illegal opioids and other narcotics in the Myrtle Beach area.  By joining with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who deal in illegal narcotics, especially those individuals who distribute opioids that cause serious bodily injury or death to others.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Willard, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Lyndall Clarence Shive, 75, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine since Feb. 9, 2016.

The government asserts in today’s plea agreement that Shive is responsible for possessing more than 5.4 kilograms of methamphetamine during the conspiracy. Shive, who was on parole for first degree robbery and drug distribution at the time, was stopped by law enforcement officers in West Plains, Mo., on Dec. 14, 2016. A state trooper searched his vehicle and found three individual bags of methamphetamine that weighed approximately an ounce each, for a total of 82.91 grams of methamphetamine.

On Dec. 27, 2016, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the former Elkland, Mo., residence of co-defendant Dallas Ray Pendergrass, 71, now a resident of Willard. Officers seized approximately 25 pounds of marijuana and approximately six pounds of methamphetamine. Pendergrass admitted that Shive was his source for obtaining the methamphetamine. Pendergrass said he had been getting approximately one to two ounces of methamphetamine a week from Shive for approximately the past year (approximately 52 ounces or 1.474 kilograms). Pendergrass said he was paying $850 per ounce.

Pendergrass pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy on Nov. 27, 2018. In a separate but related case, Phillip Duane George, 32, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 years and two months in federal prison without parole.

Under federal statutes, Shive is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abram McGull, II. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the South Central Missouri Drug Task Force, the Combined Ozarks Multijurisdictional Enforcement Team (COMET), the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Howell County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Webster County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the West Plains, Mo., Police Department and the Mountain Grove, Mo., Police Department.

SAVANNAH, GA: Sixteen of the defendants indicted on drug trafficking and firearms charges as part of Operation Vanilla Gorilla have pled guilty in federal court, including the lead defendant in the gang.

Operation Vanilla Gorilla targeted the notorious Ghost Face Gangsters, a violent criminal street gang largely operated from inside Georgia’s prison system. The multi-agency federal, state and local operation netted 46 indictments on federal charges, primarily for drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The indictments were handed down in November and December 2018 in U.S. District Court in Savannah.

Those who have entered guilty pleas in the case are:

David McCloskey, 47, of Augusta, Ga., the lead defendant in the case, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and to Drug User in Possession of a Firearm. He faces not less than 10 years to life in federal prison.

Daniel Fleming, 32, of Savannah, Ga., pled guilty to Felon in Possession of Firearm. He faces up to 10 years in prison. However, if he is deemed by the court to be an Armed Career Criminal, he could be sentenced to a minimum of 15 years up to life.

Christine Loggins, 43, of Rockledge, Ga., pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. She faces up to 20 years.

Devon Aines, 32, of Garden City, Ga., pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. He faces up to 20 years.

Miranda Burnsed, 32, of Pembroke, Ga., pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.  She faces up to 20 years.

Avery Wiggins, 43, of Guyton, Ga., pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine. She faces up to 20 years.

Maurice L. Graham, a/k/a “Moe,” 45, of Savannah, Ga., pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine, Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, and Possession and Concealment of Counterfeit Obligations. He faces up to 20 years in prison. However, if he is deemed by the court to be an Armed Career Criminal, he could be sentenced to a minimum of 15 years up to life.

Jessie Hurt, 40, of Ellabell, Ga, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He faces at least 5 years up to life.

Raymond Warren, 47, of Ellabell, Ga, pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.

Ryan Smiley, 35, of Savannah, Ga, pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He was sentenced to 27 months.

Darren Driggers, 26, of Bloomingdale, Ga, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He faces up to 20 years in prison. However, if he is deemed by the court to be an Armed Career Criminal, he could be sentenced to a minimum of 15 years up to life.

Elizabeth Kitchens, 37, of Tybee Island, Ga, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. She faces up to 20 years in prison. However, if she is deemed by the court to be an Armed Career Criminal, she could be sentenced to a minimum of 15 years up to life.

Crystal Wilson, 36, of Bloomingdale, Ga, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine. She faces up to 20 years.

The proceedings of three additional defendants have been sealed by the court because of safety concerns.  

The indictments allege that the narcotics-trafficking conspiracy began as early as 2015, operating in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Emmanuel, Evans, and Tattnall Counties, in the Southern District of Georgia, and elsewhere. Members of the conspiracy associated with the Ghost Face Gangsters and with other criminal street gangs to aid in the distribution of controlled substances, for protection, and to promote a climate of fear.

Operation Vanilla Gorilla represents one of the largest takedowns of Ghost Face Gangsters associates to date, and follows the March 2018 arrests of 23 gang members in the Northern District of Georgia on federal charges, and multiple arrests in October 2018 on state charges in Spalding County, Ga.

 “These guilty pleas are a credit to the hard work of law enforcement agents and prosecutors in bringing charges against this violent street gang,” U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “The strong coordination of federal, state and local law enforcement will continue to identify, target and dismantle these gangs as we work together to make our communities safer.”

“ATF will continue to dedicate federal resources in conjunction with those crucial law enforcement contributions of local agencies to the pursuit of eradicating and forestalling criminal gang activity,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Atlanta Field Division said, “DEA, its law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office eradicated a violent and notoriously dangerous street gang who trafficked drugs. This gang wreaked havoc by distributing methamphetamine while leaving a destructive path of violence along the way. Today, we are proud to have shut down this once-thriving criminal network. I want to thank our federal, state and local law enforcement counterparts who aided in making these guilty pleas possible.” 

Operation Vanilla Gorilla was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Chatham County Narcotics Team (CNT), the Georgia Department of Corrections Intelligence Division, the Savannah Police Department, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, the Richmond Hill Police Department, the Pooler Police Department, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Bloomingdale Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys E. Greg Gilluly Jr. and Frank Pennington.

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of SCOTT PHILLIP FLYNN, 57, to 87 months of federal prison. He was also ordered to pay over $5 million in restitution. FLYNN was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Ann D. Montgomery on January 24, 2019, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On June 4, 2018, FLYNN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS and one count of tax evasion.  

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, between 2005 and 2015, FLYNN evaded the assessment of millions of dollars in income taxes by fraudulently hiding millions of shares of stock that he obtained for himself.  In 2006 and 2008, FLYNN assisted two privately-held Wisconsin-based companies, Tower Tech Systems, Inc. and Advanced Fiberglass Technologies, in becoming publicly traded through stock-for-stock “reverse merger” transactions. As compensation for FLYNN’S work, millions of shares of publicly-traded stock in the resulting public companies were transferred to “Integritas, Inc.” and “Diversified Equities Partners,” both of which were  controlled by FLYNN. FLYNN, who exercised control over the stock, which had considerable value, was required to, but did not, report the receipt of the shares of stock as income on his individual income tax returns.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, in order to conceal his control and ownership of the stock, and to evade paying income taxes, FLYNN caused a portion of the stock to be put in the names of Australian nominees recruited by FLYNN’S co-conspirator. The Australian nominees, who never actually owned or controlled the stock, were directed to open brokerage accounts in the United States to receive the shares, but FLYNN possessed their login and password data so he could maintain control of the accounts and the shares of stock.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, during the course of the conspiracy, when FLYNN needed money, he caused the Australian nominees to sell shares of stock and transfer the proceeds to entities in the United States controlled by FLYNN, which in turn made payments to FLYNN or on his behalf. These sales generated millions of dollars in income, which FLYNN purposely failed to report to the IRS. For example, in 2007, FLYNN received approximately $2.7 million of the proceeds from the Australian nominees to buy a house in Orono, Minnesota, which was considered income to FLYNN. That year, in a tax return FLYNN acknowledged was materially false at his guilty plea hearing, FLYNN reported only $26,136 of total income.

United States Attorney MacDonald thanked the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS who investigated the case and Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Maclaughlin and Benjamin F. Langner who prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:

Scott Phillip Flynn, 57

Orono, Minnesota  

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to defraud the IRS, 1 count
• Tax Evasion- 2007, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 87 months (60 months on Count 1 and 27 months on Count 3 to run consecutively)
• 2 years of supervised release
• $5,392,442.87

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

Evansville –United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that an Evansville, Indiana woman who worked as the Executive Director at Echo Housing Corporation, was indicted on three counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. Stephanie L. TenBarge, 71, Evansville, was arrested today and will appear before a federal magistrate judge for her initial appearance.

Echo Housing Corporation is a non-profit organization based in Evansville. Echo’s mission is to create and sustain safe and affordable housing, provide supportive services, and promote community development for homeless men, women, children, and veterans. 

“The public deserves better from officials in positions of trust,” said Minkler. “When public officials line their pockets with taxpayer dollars intended for homeless men, women, children, and veterans, they should expect the scrutiny of state and federal law enforcement and the necessarily harsh consequences that follow. The Evansville community deserves better from the public officials they trust with taxpayer dollars. This office intends to hold those who abuse their position of trust accountable.” 

TenBarge served as Executive Director of Echo Housing Corporation and in that role had the primary responsibilities of bookkeeping, balancing bank statements, and preparing finance reports and records for Echo’s Board of Directors to approve. TenBarge maintained and controlled Echo’s checking accounts and had the ability to direct funds from the organization’s accounts to herself and other individuals. 

From January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017, TenBarge is alleged to have embezzled funds from Echo Housing Corporation by making unauthorized payments to herself, using Echo funds to pay for personal goods, services and property taxes, and issuing unauthorized payroll checks to herself. During this time period, Echo received federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Labor. 

This investigation was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Evansville Police Department, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, Indiana State Board of Accounts, and United States Secret Service.

“The alleged actions of Mrs. TenBarge, using her official position for personal gain, grossly undermines the honest work being done every day by public officials,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Indianapolis Division. “Working with our law enforcement partners to investigate public officials who commit federal crimes and victimize the people they should be serving, is one of the FBI's highest criminal priorities.”

“The actions of Mrs. TenBarge had a direct impact on those who rely on ECHO Housing funds as a means of accessing affordable housing,” stated Billy Bolin, Evansville Police Chief.  “Throughout this investigation, we remained committed to achieving justice for everyone involved in this case. The diligence by Financial Crimes Unit investigators and our federal law enforcement partners has led to the arrest of Mrs. TenBarge. This investigation and subsequent arrest is a reminder that there are no victimless crimes. To our federal law enforcement partners, we say thank you for your ongoing support of our local agencies.”

“The charges disclosed today prove our continuing resolve to root out fraud and corruption in all forms,” said Brad Geary, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. “It is our continuing core mission to work with our Federal law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to protect the integrity of our housing programs and to take strong action against those who seek to personally benefit from taxpayer-funded grants.”

“This case illustrates the importance of having effective internal controls that detect and mitigate fraud risks,” said State Examiner Paul Joyce on behalf of the State Board of Accounts. “Whether it involves a governmental unit or a nonprofit administering public funds, we take fraud and misappropriation cases seriously. These cases are also good illustrations of the importance of our collaboration with law enforcement and prosecutors to hold these individuals accountable for violating the public trust.”

“A violation of public trust deserves consequence,” stated Paul Dvorak, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Indianapolis Field Office. “Mrs. TenBarge abused this trust by using public funds for personal use. The collaborative effort between the Evansville Police Department and federal agencies resulting in Mrs. TenBarge’s arrest serves as a reminder that breach of public trust and theft will be prosecuted.”

According to Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Sawa, who is prosecuting this case for the government, TenBarge faces up to 10 years for each count if convicted.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to prosecuting large-scale fraud schemes that warrant federal resources and arrest those who abuse their positions of trust. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 5.3.

Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that seven individuals received sentences for drug trafficking in the Fox Valley Region of Northeastern Wisconsin. The sentences, imposed by Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, were the result of guilty pleas by the seven individuals between June 14, 2018 and September 18, 2018:

The investigation revealed that between December 2016 and November 2017, the defendants conspired amongst themselves and with others, and to distribute a large quantity of methamphetamine in the Fox Valley. Evidence collected throughout the case suggests the amount of methamphetamine attributable to the group exceeded 200 pounds.

Numerous controlled purchases and multiple search warrants led to the recovery of controlled substances, packaging material, drug ledgers, firearms, and ammunition, including:

• 6,188.74 grams of methamphetamine
• 24.01 grams of heroin
• 131 prescription opioid pills
• $16,021.56 in US Currency
• $1,500.00 in “motion picture” currency
• Two .22 caliber handguns
• Two .40 caliber handguns
• Two 9mm handguns
• One .380 caliber handgun

Chief Judge Griesbach noted the seriousness of the crimes the defendants committed, remarking that the sale and distribution of “poison” that “took away people’s freedom” required stiff sentences as a deterrent to those who would consider engaging in this sort of activity.  Chief Judge Griesbach also pointed out the defendants’ direct and indirect support of international drug cartels who perpetrated horrific violence against innocent citizens throughout the United States and elsewhere.

The case was investigated by the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group-Drug Unit and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Appleton Police Department, Oshkosh Police Department, Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, and Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced additional case developments in federal drug prosecutions occurring in approximately the past six weeks.  During any lapse in Congressional appropriations, the U.S. Department of Justice has contingency procedures to ensure that the Department’s essential public safety and national security missions continue unabated.  As a result, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal investigative agencies continued to work full-time alongside their state, local, and tribal partners on all criminal cases and prosecutions throughout the partial federal government shutdown, which now has ended.

“The men and women at every level of law enforcement working here in South Dakota should be commended for their exceptional efforts in helping to bring drug trafficking offenders to justice and take these deadly poisons off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “The high quality of investigative police work done by these professionals continues to produce outstanding results.”

In approximately the past six weeks, the following investigations, involving 42 criminal defendants, have resulted in previously unannounced indictments, arraignments, guilty pleas, or prison sentences in drug-related prosecutions by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.  In the cases listed below, 33 defendants were involved in trafficking methamphetamine, and at least 11 defendants were involved in trafficking opioids such as heroin and fentanyl.

FEDERAL INDICTMENTS

Shannon Lee Coon.  On December 11, 2018, Shannon Lee Coon (age 42) of Sioux Falls, SD, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on a federal charge for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  The charge is merely an accusation and Coon is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Curtis Samuel Webb and Roderick Leon Scott.  Curtis Samuel Webb, also known as Corey Shawn Smith (age 42) and Roderick Leon Scott (age 43) both of Sioux Falls, SD, were indicted for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  On December 14, 2018, Webb was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  On December 18, 2018, Scott was arraigned before Judge Duffy and also pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  Both Webb and Scott were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.  These charges are merely accusations and Webb and Scott are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Jess Brian Ducheneaux. On December 18, 2018, Jess Brian Ducheneaux (age 56) of Eagle Butte, SD, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on a federal charge of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine).  Ducheneaux pleaded not guilty and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.  On January 23, 2019, a Superseding Indictment was filed charging Ducheneaux with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and adding additional charges of maintaining a drug-involved premises in Ridgeview, SD, for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine, distributing it to a person under the age of 21, possession of methamphetamine, and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.  These charges are merely accusations and Ducheneaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

Michael Anthony Williams.  On December 18, 2018, Michael Anthony Williams (age 32) of Sioux Falls, SD, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  He pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  The maximum penalty is a mandatory 10 years in federal prison up to life.  Williams was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.  The charge is merely an accusation and Williams is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Felon Marie Bad Milk.  On December 18, 2018, a federal indictment was filed against Felon Marie Bad Milk, a/k/a Fallon (age 34), of Manderson, SD, charging her with False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters and Attempt to Obtain Controlled Substance by Fraud (hydrocodone, a prescription opioid).  She was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on December 21, 2018, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  These charges are merely accusations and Bad Milk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Michael Carey and Robin Wallach.  Husband and wife Michael David Carey (age 57) and Robin Lianne Wallach (age 55), both of Rapid City, SD, were federally indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine).  Carey was additionally charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine).  On December 21, 2018, Wallach appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  At his arraignment before Judge Wollmann in November, Carey also pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  These charges are merely accusations and Carey and Wallach are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Michael Bettelyoun.  On January 2, 2019, Michael Bettelyoun (age 25) of Rapid City, SD, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on federal charges for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, as well as Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.  He pleaded not guilty to the Indictment and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.  These charges are merely accusations and Bettelyoun is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Cole Emery and Shelbyjo Two Eagle, a/k/a Shelbyjo Larvie.  On January 2, 2019, Cole Emery (age 24) and Shelbyjo Two Eagle, also known as Shelbyjo Larvie (age 24) both of Mission, SD, were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on federal charges for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.  The Indictment specifically alleges that Emery conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, while Two Eagle conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  The Indictment further alleges that Two Eagle, being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, unlawfully possessed 9mm ammunition.  Both pleaded not guilty.  They were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.  These charges are merely accusations and Emery and Two Eagle are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Justin Robert Christensen; Nicholas Scott Flier; Paris Bryn Koller; and Brandon Alan Watters.  On January 8, 2019, Justin Robert Christensen (age 30) of Sioux Falls, SD; Nicholas Scott Flier (age 25) of Valley Springs, SD; Paris Bryn Koller (age 25) address unknown; and Brandon Alan Watters (age 24) of Sioux Falls, SD, were indicted in federal court for a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  These charges are merely accusations and Christensen, Flier, Koller, and Watters are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Samuel Patrick O’Rourke.  On January 9, 2019, Samuel Patrick O’Rourke (age 36) of Rapid City, SD, was arraigned in federal court by U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine).  He pleaded not guilty to the Indictment and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.  These charges are merely accusations and O’Rourke is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Ian Royal Bjornstad.  On January 15, 2019, Ian Royal Bjornstad (age 41) of Carlsbad, CA, was arraigned in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy in Sioux Falls on a charge for distribution of heroin resulting in death.  He pleaded not guilty to the Indictment and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.  The charge is merely an accusation and Bjornstad is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Larry Gerard Norquist.  On January 23, 2019, a federal indictment was filed against Larry Gerard Norquist (age 54) of Rapid City, SD, charging him with two counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine and heroin).  On January 25, 2019, he was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  He was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.  These charges are merely accusations and Norquist is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Dana Faulkner, a/k/a “Diablo.”  On January 23, 2019, a federal Superseding Indictment was filed against Dana Faulkner, also known as “Diablo” (age 40), of Aurora, CO, charging him with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine) in the Rapid City and Northern Black Hills area, Use of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Obstruction of Justice.  Faulkner remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.  These charges are merely accusations and Faulkner is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Jocelyn Chasing Hawk.  On January 23, 2019, Jocelyn Chasing Hawk, also known as Jocelyn Bear Eagle (age 37) of Eagle Butte, SD, was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison.  The Indictment alleges that Chasing Hawk intentionally combined and conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of meth.   The charge is merely an accusation and Chasing Hawk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Clinton Lewis Haukaas. On January 23, 2019, Clinton Lewis Haukaas (age 39) of Rosebud, SD, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on federal charges for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  The Superseding Indictment alleges that Haukaas knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, and confederated with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  The Superseding Indictment also alleges that on or about June 6, 2018, Haukaas, then being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.  These charges are merely accusations and Haukaas is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Arlene Siers.  On January 23, 2019, Arlene Siers (age 30) of Mission, SD, was indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 31, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  The Indictment alleges that Siers, knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  The Indictment further alleges that on August 31, 2018, Siers possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and that while she possessed the firearm, she was a user of and addicted to a controlled substance.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $10 million fine and 5 years of supervised release.  These charges are merely accusations and Siers is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Nathan Reuer.  On January 24, 2019, a federal criminal complaint was filed against Nathan Reuer (age 25) of Rapid City, SD, charging him with Importation of a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin).  These charges are merely accusations and Reuer is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Sheri Rademacher.  On January 29, 2019, Sheri Rademacher, also known as Sherri Lynn Whiting (age 44) of Britton, SD, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on federal charges for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  She pleaded not guilty.  These charges are merely accusations and Rademacher is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

GUILTY PLEAS

Harold Brewer, Jr.  On December 28, 2018, Harold Brewer, Jr. (age 29) of Pine Ridge, SD, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine).  As part of his involvement in the conspiracy, Brewer obtained methamphetamine from co-conspirators and sold it to multiple people in Western South Dakota.  Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2019, before Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.  Brewer faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in prison, a $10 million fine, or both, and a term of supervised release.

Cathy Wells.  On January 4, 2019, Cathy Wells (age 50) of Box Elder, SD, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded guilty Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine).  As part of her involvement in the conspiracy, Wells obtained methamphetamine from Colorado, transported it to South Dakota, and sold it to multiple people in the Rapid City area.  Sentencing is scheduled for May 10, 2019.   Wells faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in prison, a $10 million fine, or both, and a term of supervised release.

Joseph Bradshaw.  On January 25, 2019, Joseph Bradshaw (age 37) of Sturgis, SD, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine).  Bradshaw obtained the methamphetamine from California and sold it to multiple people in the Northern Hills and Rapid City area.  As part of his scheme, Bradshaw hid his methamphetamine and proceeds in the forest.  Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2019.  Bradshaw faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in prison, a $10 million fine, or both, and a term of supervised release.

Jeffrey Donald Bartholomew.  On January 31, 2019, Jeffrey Donald Bartholomew (age 30) of Denver, CO, appeared before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier and pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  Beginning at a date unknown and continuing through June 19, 2017, Bartholomew knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl obtained over the Dark Web.  Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2019.

Trish Ann Moravetz.  On January 31, 2019, Trish Ann Moravetz (age 43) of Lynn, MN, also known as Tricia Moravetz and Trish Behnke, appeared before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier and pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  Beginning at a date unknown and continuing through March 21, 2018, Moravetz knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2019.

Nicholas Michael Snowden.  On January 31, 2019, Nicholas Michael Snowden (age 40) of Sioux Falls, SD, appeared before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier and pleaded guilty to an Indictment that charged him with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in federal prison, and/or a $10,000,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release.  Snowden’s sentencing before Judge Schreier is scheduled for April 22, 2019.

April Villagomez.  On January 31, 2019, April Villagomez (age 38) of Yankton, SD, appeared before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier and pleaded guilty to an Indictment that charged her with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine).  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 40 years in federal prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release. Villagomez’s sentencing before Judge Schreier is scheduled for April 22, 2019.

FEDERAL PRISON SENTENCES

Meloni Ann Old Lodge.  On December 10, 2018, Meloni Old Lodge (age 43) of a Mission, SD, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange to 7 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Old Lodge was convicted on January 5, 2018, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  Old Lodge admitted that beginning in September of 2015, she received distributable quantities of methamphetamine and distributed it in South Dakota.  The individuals who provided the methamphetamine to her knew she intended to engage in further distribution of it. 

Sherie Roxanne Mitchell. On December 21, 2018, Sherie Roxanne Mitchell (age 35) of St. Louis, MO, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier to 5 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  During her involvement in the conspiracy, which ran from an unknown date to on or about September 5, 2017, Mitchell connected her co-conspirator with heroin customers in South Dakota.

Shania Rose Hofer.  On January 4, 2019, Shania Rose Hofer (age 21) of Sioux Falls, SD, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Hofer was convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury on October 22, 2018.  On or about April 23, 2018, Hofer knowingly and intentionally distributed a mixture and substance containing heroin to an individual in Sioux Falls.  Later that day, the person used the heroin sold by Hofer and was found unconscious.  First responders were unable to detect the victim’s pulse and observed that he was not breathing.  They began to perform CPR and administered two doses of Narcan before he was revived.  While at the scene, law enforcement collected a syringe found next to the victim that tested positive for both heroin and fentanyl.  But for the heroin provided by Hofer, the victim would not have stopped breathing.

Angela Martin a/k/a Angela Bald Eagle, a/k/a Angela Ice. On January 7, 2019, Angela Martin (age 39) of Rapid City, SD, who was previously convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.   The conviction stems from an incident beginning on or about March 2015 and ending on or about December 2016, when the Defendant knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to obtain methamphetamine and distribute it in South Dakota. 

Andy Ontiveros. On January 14, 2019, Andy Ontiveros (age 39) of Minneapolis, MN, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier to 12 ½ years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  He was convicted on October 16, 2018, of Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl.  On or about May 28, 2018, Ontiveros was inside his parked vehicle on the shoulder of I-29 in Minnehaha County, SD.  A Deputy with the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office approached and requested assistance from the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Ontiveros gave consent for the officers to search the vehicle.  The search uncovered 264 grams of heroin and 993 grams of fentanyl hidden inside the vehicle.  Ontiveros admitted that he intended to distribute the substances both in South Dakota and elsewhere.

Amy Lynn Crandall. On January 22, 2019, Amy Lynn Crandall (age 27) of Sioux Falls, SD, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Crandall was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about May 8, 2018, Crandall provided methamphetamine for other co-conspirators to distribute in Sioux Falls and elsewhere.

Cory Poelstra.  On January 28, 2019, Cory Poelstra (age 29) of Yankton, SD, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier to 10 years and one month in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.  On October 19, 2017, a search warrant was executed at Poelstra’s residence in Yankton.  Inside the house, law enforcement discovered and seized two firearms, approximately 660 fentanyl pills, approximately 112 grams of cocaine, approximately .54 grams of heroin, approximately 27 grams of marijuana wax, approximately 2.8 kilos of marijuana, approximately 36.9 grams of hash, 4 MDMA pills, 4 pills containing methamphetamine, and $86,019 in cash.  Law enforcement officers also located hundreds of empty U.S. Mail parcels, and several empty UPS and Fed Ex packages that had been used to send controlled substances to Poelstra.  Officers later recovered $460,200 in cash stashed by Poelstra.

Jose Angel Ramirez-Villegas.  On January 29, 2019, Jose Angel Ramirez-Villegas (age 25) a Mexican national living in Volga, SD, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier to 10 years and one month in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.  Ramirez-Villegas was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance on October 18, 2018.  Ramirez-Villegas twice sold methamphetamine to a cooperating individual in May, 2018, totaling four ounces.  On June 8, 2018, law enforcement stopped his vehicle to arrest him on outstanding warrants.  Law enforcement located $7,520 in Ramirez’s front pants pocket, of which $2,900 was drug buy funds used during one of the May controlled purchases of methamphetamine.

Paul Alan Sandersfeld.  On February 1, 2019, Paul Alan Sandersfeld (age 39) of Sioux Falls, SD, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.  Sandersfeld was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) on August 20, 2018.  Officers had seized over 180 grams of methamphetamine and $13,530 in cash.  Sandersfeld purchased it from others and sold it in the Sioux Falls area.

Devlin Tommeraasen.  On February 1, 2019, Devlin Tommeraasen (age 24) of Sioux Falls, SD, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Tommeraasen was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin.  The heroin was laced with fentanyl.  Tommeraasen sold the drugs that led to the death of another person.

John Edward Monette.  On February 1, 2019, John Edward Monette (age 50) of Sioux Falls, SD, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Monette was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance on November 15, 2018.  On April 25, 2018, a federal search warrant was executed on Monette’s residence.  Law enforcement officers seized approximately 838 grams of MDMA, numerous ecstasy pills, approximately 69 grams of cocaine, drug packaging, scales, shipping materials, computers, cell phones, and a rifle.  Also seized were 3.3882104 Bitcoin (approximate value $32,464.38) from a Mycelium wallet on Monette’s cell phone.  Monette had been buying MDMA and other controlled substances from sellers in Europe and elsewhere via the Dark Web.  He used Bitcoin to pay his suppliers, and received the drugs via mail.  He also used the mail to deliver drugs to his customers.

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.

Many of 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.  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.

The cases listed above are being investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force based in both Rapid City and Pierre, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services OIG/OI, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), South Dakota Highway Patrol, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux Falls Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, Yankton Police Department, Pierre Police Department, Mobridge Police Department, and the South Dakota National Guard.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Haak, Jennifer Mammenga, Meghan Dilges, Tamara Nash, Benjamin Patterson, Kathryn Rich, Michael Elmore, Cameron Cook, and Gina Nelson are prosecuting the cases.

Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 31, 2019, Christopher J. Hietpas (age: 35), of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, entered a guilty plea and was sentenced for violating Title 16 United States Code, Sections 3372(a)(2)(A) and 3373(d)(2), of “the Lacey Act.”

According to court documents, in September of 2015, Hietpas travelled to Saskatchewan, Canada, purportedly to hunt on First Nation Lands located within the province. Hietpas and the others in his hunting party employed the use of Little Pine First Nation guides, which would have allowed Hietpas and the others to legally hunt Mule Deer on First Nation Lands. Geolocation evidence taken from a cellular telephone, however, showed that Hietpas shot and killed two Mule Deer approximately 175 miles from the nearest First Nation boundary, in violation of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Act. Hietpas later acknowledged that he was not hunting on First Nation Lands when he shot the Mule Deer. The two Mule Deer antlers and capes (skin from the nose to shoulder) were then exported from  Saskatchewan in violation of the Lacey Act, ultimately ending up at Hietpas’ residence in Kaukauna.

Federal Magistrate Judge James R. Sickel ordered Hietpas to pay a $5,000 fine to the “Lacey Act Reward Fund,” as well as restitution in the amount of $5,600 CAD (Canadian dollars) to the Province of Saskatchewan’s “SaskTip” program. Further, the Mule Deer mounts were ordered forfeited and will be turned over to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. Finally, Hietpas was also ordered to forfeit his hunting rifle and scope used to illegally kill the animals.            

The case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that sixteen previously deported aliens were indicted separately on January 16 and 30, 2019, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States. These matters arose in counties throughout the District including Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lackawanna, Lebanon, and York.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Juan Conrado Gonzalez-Martinez, age 47, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico six times, the most recent being in August 2012.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after August 2012, and was found in the United States in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Isaias Flores-Lagunes, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2016.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after October 2016, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Teresa Cruz-Campos, age 51, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in December 2012.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after December 2012, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Oscar Virgen-Mejia, age 36, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in November 2018.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after November 2018, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Martin Cuellar-Perez, age 34, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in September 2009.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after September 2009, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Ermes Alexander Diaz-Nolasco, age 34, of El Salvador, was previously deported from the United States to El Salvador in November 2017.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after November 2017, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Adelmo Morales-Deleon, age 36, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in May 2013.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after May 2013, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Antonio Diego Cerano, age 44, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2010.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2010, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Jesus Flores-Hernandez, age 27, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in May 2014.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after May 2014, and was found in the United States in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Estela Lento-Santiago, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in December 2018.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after December 2018, and was found in the United States in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Benito Ruiz-Quiroz, age 40, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2010.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2010, and was found in the United States in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Enoe Davila-Tenorio, age 43, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in February 2016.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after February 2016, and was found in the United States in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Apolonio Robles-Jimenez, age 60, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2013.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after July 2013, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Pedro Meza-Martinez, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2010.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2010, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Jose Refugio Gonzalez-Bonilla, age 25, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2013.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after July 2013, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Mario Ruiz-Ruiz, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2010.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2010, and was found in the United States in Adams County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Under federal law, defendants face a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  

These cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).  Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the cases.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE LUIS MERINO HERNANDEZ, also known as “Jose Mendez,” 50, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to seven months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.  Merino Hernandez is a citizen of Mexico last residing in Waterbury.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2005, Merino Hernandez was removed from the U.S. to Mexico after he sustained convictions in New York.  He illegally reentered the U.S. and was encountered by ICE while he was incarcerated in New York in November 2010.  He was again removed to Mexico in January 2011.

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents encountered Merino Hernandez in Tucson, Arizona, three times in May and June 2011.  After the third encounter, he was charged in the District of Arizona with illegal reentry.  He was convicted of the offense, sentenced to 120 days of imprisonment, and removed to Mexico in October 2011.

On June 9, 2018, Merino Hernandez was arrested in Waterbury and charged with four counts of risk of injury of a minor, one count of interfering/resisting arrest, one count of breach of peace and one count of assault 3rd degree.  He has been detained since his arrest.  On September 10, 2018, Merino Hernandez pleaded guilty in state court to one count of reckless endangerment in the first degree.  He was sentenced to 11 months of imprisonment, execution suspended, and three years of probation.

On November 19, 2018, Merino Hernandez pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to one count of reentry of a removed alien.

Merino Hernandez will be removed to Mexico when he completes his federal sentence.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

NEW BERN– The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that on February 1, 2018, SAMUEL DEWAYNE DOOLITTLE, 33, of Erie, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan for interstate transportation for prostitution and use of the internet to promote an unlawful business enterprise, namely, prostitution.  Judge Flanagan sentenced DOOLITTLE to 135 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Judge Flanagan also ordered DOOLITTLE to pay $52,900 in restitution to the victims.

DOOLITTLE was charged in a seven-count indictment on September 8, 2017, and pleaded guilty to two counts on October 17, 2018. 

From early April until June 5, 2016, DOOLITTE prostituted two victims and other women throughout the eastern United States. DOOLITTLE enticed the victims by false promises of financial reward, then took virtually all the money they earned and controlled them through violence, emotional abuse, and manipulation. Among other tactics, DOOLITTLE would not let victims eat or sleep without his permission, forced them to meet financial quotas, and threatened them if they disobeyed him.  Ultimately one victim fled and contacted law enforcement while being prostituted in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and DOOLITTLE was arrested.

Mr. Higdon stated:  “We are very grateful for the sentence handed down by the Court on this matter.  The trafficking of human beings - and make no mistake, that is exactly what this was - is one of the most outrageous and shocking crimes we prosecute.  The women that this defendant trafficked were terrorized and victimized day after day after day as he manipulated them through violence, emotional abuse and by depriving them of any independent means of support.  And the eleven year sentence imposed by the Court reflects the awful nature of this crime.  Sadly, there are many of these cases and we are committed to aggressive investigation and prosecution wherever we find them.”

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Fayetteville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  

NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, certified public accountant today admitted that he underreported his income on his personal tax return, avoiding paying more than $672,000 in taxes, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Amit Govil, 58, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares in Newark federal court to Count 1 of an indictment charging him with making and subscribing a false tax return.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

Govil, licensed as a CPA in New York and New Jersey, operated P&G Associates, a business headquartered in East Brunswick, New Jersey, providing risk management and audit services to community banks. Govil admitted that for the tax year 2010, he underreported and failed to report the gross receipts or sales of P&G Associates on Schedule C of his personal tax return, avoiding more than $672,000 in taxes.

The count of making and subscribing a false tax return carries a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2019.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the IRS, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John R. Tafur, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney A. Howard and Catherine R. Murphy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.

Defense counsel: Jeffrey Alberts Esq., New York

WICHITA, KAN. – A California man pleaded guilty Monday to driving more than 29 pounds of methamphetamine to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Christian Delgado-Lopez, 30, Dana Point, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The Kansas Highway Patrol stopped Delgado-Lopez for a traffic violation in Meade County. Troopers found 14 packages of methamphetamine weighing 13.6 kilos (29.9 pounds) in his vehicle.

Sentencing is set for April 12. He faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh for their work on the case.

BOISE - Juan Diego Garnica, 32, of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced last Thursday in U.S. District Court to 78 months in prison, followed by five years’ supervised release, for distributing methamphetamine and possessing an unregistered firearm, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced.  Garnica was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill.

According to court records, on January 24, 2018, Garnica sold methamphetamine and firearms to a confidential informant working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  One of the firearms was a sawed off shotgun with a barrel length of ten inches.  Under federal law, it is illegal to possess certain firearms, like sawed off shotguns, unless the firearm is registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.  Garnica had not registered the sawed off shotgun in that record.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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

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Richard W. Moore, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, takes time to stop, remember, and recognize all federal, state and local law enforcement officers and pay tribute to their service and sacrifice.  Law enforcement has the difficult and dangerous task of making our communities safer, while placing their own lives and well-being at risk.

Sadly, each year many officers make the ultimate sacrifice and give their lives in performance of their duties.  In the State of Alabama, three officers have been shot and killed over the past year, with two of those deaths taking place in the last month.  Mobile Police Officer Sean Paul Tuder, was shot and killed on January 20, 2019 while attempting to serve an arrest warrant.  Just a week before, on January 13, 2019, Sergeant Wytasha Carter of the Birmingham Police, was also shot and killed attempting to make an arrest.  Last year, Mobile Police Department Officer Justin Billa was killed while assisting in the apprehension of a murderer. 

We know that law enforcement is the foundation of a safe community.  They work diligently each day to maintain order while risking everything for the greater good.  Far too many are killed each year for simply doing their jobs.  We must also never forget that it is not only the officers that deserve our respect and support, but their families as well.  Officers always have our backs and we should always have theirs, including their loved ones. 

“An assault on a police officer is an assault on the rule of law and our democratic principles,” said U.S. Attorney Moore.  “The citizens of Alabama have an interest in helping us to get the word out that you do not shoot a police officer.  That needs to start at home and in our schools.  This has become a national problem that all of us need to address together.”

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Anthony Jerome Ellis, a 33 year old resident of Selma, Alabama was found guilty of possession of a firearm after conviction of a felony. The trial was held on January 22 and 23, 2019.  

The evidence produced at trial showed that on December 16, 2017 at about 12:30am, Selma, Alabama police officers were in an unmarked vehicle patrolling the area around the “Small Street Inn.”   The “Small Street Inn” is a nightclub known to have crimes of violence committed in and around it while in operation over the nighttime hours.  Once officers arrived on the scene, Ellis and his nephew were walking briskly toward the officers as the officers drove up to the club.  As the officers stopped their vehicle to go and talk to them, Ellis and his nephew pivoted left and walked between two vehicles. Almost immediately after they got between the vehicles, Ellis and his nephew squatted down for a second or two.  The officers then drew their service weapons and yelled, “Selma Police Officers put your hands up.”   Ellis and his nephew then stood up.  Officers immediately detained them and went the the areas where Ellis and his nephew squatted down.  Found in the exact area for each was a firearm.  In the area where Ellis squatted was a loaded .38 caliber RG revolver and in the area where his nephew squatted was a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol.  Ellis’ nephew told officers that the .40 caliber semi-automatic firearm was his.   Ellis was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  During the time between Ellis’ arraignment for the felon in possession of a firearm charge and his trial on January 22, 2019, he sought out an inmate who had been convicted of the same charge he was facing.  Ellis told that inmate that he and his nephew were at a nightclub one night in Selma, Alabama and the cops pulled up so he and his nephew ducked between two cars and tossed their guns.   Ellis told the inmate that the cops would not be able to prove he had the gun because they could not see him toss it and they did not find the gun on him.  He also told the inmate that the cops could not get any fingerprints off of the gun.  When the inmate asked Ellis how he was going to explain why he squatted out of sight, Ellis told him that he would say he was tying his shoe or had dropped his cigarette lighter.  Ellis also told the inmate that he was going to have his trial in Selma and not Mobile because everybody in Selma knows him and he won’t be convicted there.      

Officers of the Selma, AL Police Department along with special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.