An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Darin Hamilton, also known as “Satch,” and Jerome Jones, also known as “Sha,” for their participation in the 1992 murders of Anthony Lloyd and Robert Arroyo.  Specifically, Hamilton is charged with the intentional murder of Anthony Lloyd while engaged in narcotics trafficking, and both defendants are charged with the murder of Robert Arroyo while engaged in narcotics trafficking, as well as conspiracy to do the same.  Hamilton was arrested this morning and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy.  Jones is in federal custody and will be arraigned at a later date.

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), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrests.

As detailed in the indictment and the government’s detention memorandum, Hamilton and Jones were members of a Queens-based crew that called itself “Black Rain,” and sold narcotics at several locations on Rockaway Boulevard in the early 1990s.  Specifically, the crew sold heroin under the brand name “Black Rain,” cocaine under the brand name “White Lightning” and crack cocaine under the brand name “Thunder.”  The gang committed acts of violence, including murder, to protect its profitable operation.

Both murders took place in the vicinity of 128th Street and Rockaway Boulevard in South Ozone Park, where Hamilton and Jones managed a drug spot.  As alleged, in June 1992, Hamilton shot and killed Anthony Lloyd, whom he believed had stolen from Black Rain.   

Two months later, in August 1992, Hamilton and Jones recruited and paid two members of Black Rain to murder Robert Arroyo, whom they believed was a police informant.  In their first attempt, the recruits mistakenly shot another man they incorrectly believed to be Arroyo.  The victim survived his wounds.  On September 8, 1992, at Hamilton and Jones’s direction, the two recruits located Arroyo on a crowded street and shot him multiple times, killing him. 

 “As today’s charges make clear, we will not let the passage of time deter us from bringing murderers to justice.  It is our hope that this prosecution will bring some measure of consolation to the families of the victims,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  Mr. Donoghue praised the extraordinary investigative efforts of the FBI and NYPD. 

“Investigations grow cold with the passage of time, but investigators don’t stop searching for evidence they need to bring the suspects involved to justice,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.  “Anthony Lloyd and Robert Arroyo were murdered nearly three decades ago, and their killers may have believed they were in the clear.  However, the FBI New York Metro Safe Streets Task Force and our partners at the NYPD want this case to serve as a warning for those who believe they can let their guard down, we are still on the case and we won’t give up.”

“Today’s charges prove that the best investigators in the world do not ever forget victims, and they do not ever forget the justice that is owed to those victims’ families,” stated NYPD Commissioner O’Neill.  “All New Yorkers deserve to be safe, and to feel safe. The NYPD and our colleagues at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District and the FBI will stop at nothing until every street, in every neighborhood of New York City, is as safe as our safest streets are today.”

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Tanya Hajjar, Moira Kim Penza and Penelope J. Brady are in charge of the prosecution. 

The Defendants:

JEROME JONES (also known as “Sha”)
Age: 54
West Virginia

DARIN HAMILTON (also known as “Satch”)
Age: 60
South Ozone Park, Queens

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-54 (NGG)

Tampa, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge James Moody, Jr. today sentenced Taurence Creary (47, Tampa) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy, receipt of stolen government property, and aggravated identity theft. Creary had pleaded guilty on April 5, 2018.

According to court documents, Creary obtained a number of federal tax refund checks belonging to taxpayers who were victims of identity theft. Creary and others then sold or attempted to sell the checks to third parties. The U.S. Department of Treasury tax refund checks ranged in amounts from $4,000 to more than $100,000, with an aggregate value of over $398,000.

On May 10, 2018, U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven sentenced Xavier Williams, Creary’s co-conspirator, to three years in federal prison for his role in the scheme.      

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel K. Jones and Eric K. Gerard.

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher Tersigni, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Special Operations Division, announced today the extradition of HAJI ABDUL SATAR ABDUL MANAF, a/k/a “Haji Abdul Sattar Barakzai,” for attempting to import heroin into the United States, engaging in narco-terrorism for the benefit of the Taliban, and attempting to engage in narco-terrorism for the benefit of the Haqqani Network.  MANAF was taken into custody by Estonian authorities in Tallinn, Estonia, on October 9, 2018, and extradited to the United States today.  MANAF will be presented in Manhattan federal court later today.  The case is assigned to United States District Judge Paul A. Crotty.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman stated:  “As alleged, Manaf, already sanctioned by the Treasury Department for assisting the Taliban, attempted to import large quantities of heroin into the U.S., funneled heroin trafficking proceeds to the Taliban, and attempted to provide financial assistance to the Haqqani terrorist network.  Thanks to the DEA and international law enforcement partners, Manaf is in the U.S. and facing justice in this District.”           

Special Agent in Charge Christopher Tersigni stated:  “This action highlights the DEA’s ability to hold accountable not only those who reside within our borders, but also those operating in other countries.  Drug traffickers that bring harm to the citizens of this country must answer for their unlawful activities that have fueled the opioid epidemic.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint and Indictment[1] which were unsealed today:

In June 2012, the United States Treasury Department sanctioned MANAF pursuant to the United States’ terrorism sanctions authority, Executive Order No. 13224, for storing or moving money for the Taliban through his money remitting business, the Haji Khairullah Haji Sattar Money Exchange.  

Beginning in January 2018, MANAF attempted to import large quantities of heroin into the United States; used the proceeds of heroin trafficking to benefit the Taliban; and attempted to provide financial support to the Haqqani Network.  Specifically, MANAF participated in in-person meetings, recorded telephone calls, and electronic communications with five men whom MANAF understood to be affiliated with an international drug trafficking organization.  During those meetings, MANAF helped arrange to import large quantities of heroin into the United States with the assistance of – and recognizing that some of the proceeds of that narcotics trafficking would be provided to – the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.  Four of these men were, in fact, DEA confidential sources.  The fifth was an undercover DEA agent (the “UC”).

The Haqqani Network and the Taliban have been and are engaged in highly public acts of terrorism against U.S. interests, including U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan.  In August 2018, MANAF sold the UC a 10-kilogram shipment of heroin (the “10 Kilo Shipment”) in Afghanistan, after the UC told MANAF that the heroin would ultimately be imported into the United States for sale in New York.  MANAF repeatedly told the UC that MANAF had paid the Taliban in connection with the production of the 10 Kilo Shipment, and reported that armed members of the Taliban would guard and transport future heroin shipments for MANAF and the UC.  In August 2018, MANAF facilitated the transfer of thousands of dollars of what he believed to be narcotics proceeds to individuals MANAF had been advised were members of the Haqqani Network.  MANAF subsequently agreed to supply the UC with thousand-kilogram loads of heroin for importation into the United States.

*                *                *

The Indictment charges MANAF, 53, a citizen of Afghanistan, in three counts: (1) attempting to import heroin into the United States, (2) narco-terrorism, and (3) attempted narco-terrorism.  If convicted, MANAF faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison on Count One, and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison on each of Counts Two and Three.  The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division’s Bilateral Investigations Unit; the DEA European Regional Director; the DEA Copenhagen, Canberra, Dubai, Islamabad, Kabul, New Delhi, and Sydney Country Offices; the Government of Estonia; and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.  The defendant’s arrest and subsequent extradition are also the result of the close cooperative efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebekah Donaleski and Kimberly J. Ravener are in charge of the prosecution.

The allegations contained in the Complaint and the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

DENVER – VMJ Construction, LLC (“VMJ”) and its owner, Colorado resident Michael T. Vigil, as well as Maryland-based Vigil Contracting, Inc. (“Vigil Contracting”) and its Operations Manager, John J. Vigil, have agreed to pay the United States $3.6 million to resolve allegations that they defrauded the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) 8(a) Business Development Program.

The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program (the “8(a) Program”) for economically and socially disadvantaged small businesses serves dual roles.  First, the program helps socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners gain access to valuable federal contracts, thereby promoting economic and social mobility.  Second, the program saves taxpayers money by spurring a competitive marketplace.  By promoting the development of small businesses, the 8(a) Program helps prevent the formation of monopolies that would stifle innovation and restrict consumers’ ability to negotiate lower prices.  It is important that the 8(a) Program is reserved only for companies that actually meet the program’s criteria because misuse of the program deprives legitimate 8(a) Program participants of valuable economic opportunities and undermines the integrity of the program.

There are several rules that businesses in the 8(a) Program must abide by.  The socially and economically disadvantaged owner of the business must manage the day-to-day operations of the company and have responsibility for the long-term decision-making for the company.  8(a) Program applicants must also truthfully disclose any affiliation with other businesses so that SBA may accurately assess whether the applicant meets the definition of a small business, and whether the applicant shows potential for success and the ability to perform the requisite percentage of the contracts secured through the Program.  Businesses also cannot remain in the 8(a) Program indefinitely; after nine years, they graduate from the program and are no longer eligible to bid on 8(a) contracts.

VMJ was accepted into the 8(a) Program in 2011.  Michael T. Vigil, who is Hispanic, was the 91% owner of VMJ, and was the socially and economically disadvantaged individual upon which VMJ based its application to the 8(a) program.  John J. Vigil was a 9% owner of VMJ.  John J. Vigil was also the Operations Manager of Vigil Contracting.  Vigil Contracting is a 2011 graduate of the 8(a) Program.  Since 2011, Vigil Contracting has not been eligible to bid for contracts reserved for 8(a) Program participants.

The United States contends that VMJ made false statements to the SBA regarding its eligibility to participate in the 8(a) Program.  Specifically, VMJ relied almost exclusively upon Vigil Contracting to bid on and complete the work awarded to VMJ under the 8(a) Program.  VMJ used Vigil Contracting’s bonding, office space, employees, contractors, software, computers, and vehicles.  Vigil Contracting employees and contractors, including John J. Vigil, made the high-level business decisions of VMJ and managed the day-to-day operations of VMJ.   Michael T. Vigil did not control VMJ, did not set the long-term policy, nor manage the day-to-day management of the business.  VMJ knowingly misrepresented these facts to SBA, in both VMJ’s initial application to participate in the 8(a) Program and in an annual update to SBA.  As a result of the deception, the United States Army, the United States Navy, and the United States Department of Agriculture awarded VMJ several federal government contracts set aside for 8(a) Program participants.     

“The United States uses these set-aside contracts for a clear reason:  to help small businesses owned by economically and socially disadvantaged individuals.  This program continues the promise of the American Dream by helping new small businesses get on their feet, and with more businesses on their feet, our markets are healthier and more competitive.” said United States Attorney, Jason Dunn. “When companies lie about their eligibility to get these contracts, they prevent other deserving small businesses from getting the assistance that Congress intended.” 

“The false statements in this case were intended to deceive the government into believing that VMJ Construction was operated by a disadvantaged small business owner whom was eligible to participate in SBA’s 8(a) Program,” said SBA Office of Inspector General Western Region Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Weston King.  “The defendants in this scheme sought personal gain at the expense of disadvantaged small businesses.  I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication to enforcing compliance in SBA’s contracting programs.”  SBA’s General Counsel Christopher Pilkerton adds, “The outcome in this case is the product of enhanced efforts by federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other Federal law enforcement agencies, to detect procurement fraud and prosecute those individuals and companies that engage in such activities.”

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service will investigate all allegations of abuse related to Government set aside programs designed to encourage and support veteran, woman and minority owned small businesses.  DCIS will pursue all appropriate criminal, civil and administrative actions against individuals who abuse these programs for illicit financial gain,” stated Michael Mentavlos, Special Agent in Charge, Southwest Field Office. 

The United States Attorney’s Office thanks the SBA Office of Inspector General, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, and the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General for their diligent work on this investigation.  The United States was represented in this matter by Assistant United States Attorney Andrea Wang.

St. Louis, MO – Ahmaad Ali, 24, St. Louis, pleaded guilty to carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence and robbery charges.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White and set sentencing for May 8, 2019.

According to the plea agreement, on October 17, 2017, officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to 3880 Meramec, after a report of a robbery/carjacking at that location.  The victim was located and she said had been in her gold 2002 Pontiac Aztek, traveling east in the 3800 block of Meramec.  She stated she stopped at the curb to make a call on her cellular phone.  While doing so she heard a knock at her driver’s window.  She then looked over and observed a male standing at the driver’s door with a military style weapon brandished at her.  She opened the door and attempted to hand over her purse; the suspect refused the purse, and ordered her out of the vehicle. 

When she complied, co-defendant Jevante Phillips entered the driver’s seat.  She additionally observed the passenger door closing.  Ali entered the passenger side of her vehicle.

The vehicle then fled east on Meramec. The stolen vehicle contained her purse, which held personal items, and her driver’s license.  Her vehicle additionally contained a GoGo Sport scooter, which was located in the rear of the vehicle.

On October 18, 2017, Ali, along with co-defendants Jevante Phillips and Travion Lindsey, all armed with firearms entered the 7-11 store located on Christy Avenue in South St. Louis.  The three arrived at the 7-11 in a Pontiac Aztek that had been stolen one day earlier at gunpoint by Ali and Phillips.  They entered the store brandishing their firearms and wearing masks.  One walked around the counter and began stealing lottery tickets and money from the cash register.  He was armed with a black long barrel pistol grip firearm.  A second male jumped over the counter and began removing the cash register.  He was armed with a black handgun, containing an extended magazine.  The third male stood guard at the door and eventually walked over the counter and assisted in removing currency.  He was armed with a black handgun, which he held in his left hand the entire time.  After two minutes inside of the store, the three ran out of the store taking liquor bottles, cigarettes, and candy on their way outside.  The males then re-entered the Aztec and fled the area northbound, out of sight.   

Phillips pled guilty in September 2018 and is scheduled to be sentenced February 13, 2019; Lindsey pled guilty in January 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced April 18, 2019.

Carjacking carries a penalty of not more than 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence carries a penalty of not less than seven and not more than 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and robbery carries a penalty of not more than 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Restitution to the victim is also mandatory.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and assisted by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Ramon De Leon-Pineda, age 34, of West Hazelton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 5, 2019, to 188 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani on drug trafficking charges.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Pineda had previously pled guilty to  conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, over 28 grams of cocaine base, or “crack,” and a quantity of  powder cocaine.  One hundred grams of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 4,000 individual doses of heroin.  Pineda was the target of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation that has resulted in criminal charges against 16 individuals, 13 of whom have pled guilty so far.        

The government presented evidence to demonstrate that Pineda was the leader of a criminal organization involving more than five people, that Pineda had shot an unknown victim in a restaurant in Wilkes-Barre, and that he threatened at least one dealer who could not pay a debt.  Pineda also operated a stash house to store drugs and a gun in Wilkes-Barre.  Additionally, Pineda engaged in a six-on-one assault on another inmate while awaiting sentencing at Lackawanna County Prison. 

This sentence was the result of a multi-year investigation, in part driven by multiple wiretaps, conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stephani Taylor, age 26, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on February 1, 2019, to using a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Taylor admitted to stealing firearms and exchanging them for bundles of heroin between December 2016 and September 2017, in Luzerne County.

Taylor’s codefendant, Michael Wilson, pleaded guilty on January 30, 2019, to distributing heroin and unlawfully possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The case was investigated by special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Kingston Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.

Judge Mannion ordered a presentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

This case is also 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 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.

This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

The maximum penalty under federal law is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine for using or possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment for the firearms charge. 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.

# # #

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On February 6, 2019, Laura Sue Aloa Covington, 23, of Morristown, Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, Senior U.S. District Court Judge, to serve over 11 years in federal prison. 

Covington pleaded guilty in October 2018 to conspiring with Jeffrey Scott Horner, 34 of Morristown, Tennessee; Joshua Tyler Garrett, 38, of Talbott, Tennessee; Faith Dillman-Covington, 26, of Morristown, Tennessee; Ricky Dwayne Collins, 38, of Morristown, Tennessee and others to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine in east Tennessee in 2017 and 2018.

All defendants in this case have been convicted and await sentencing. Horner is set to be sentenced on February 13, 2019. Garrett is set to be sentenced on March 4, 2019. Sentencing for Dillman-Covington is set for April 1 2019. Finally, Collins is set to be sentenced on April 8, 2018. All face 10 years to life in federal prison.

Agencies involved in this investigation included the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Department and FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert. M. Reeves represented the United States in court proceedings.

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.   Former 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.       

This case was part of the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. The HIDTA program enhances and coordinates drug control efforts among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The program provides agencies with coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources to combat drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of the United States. The program began in 1988 when Congress authorized the Director of The Office of National Drug Control Policy designate areas within the United States that exhibit serious drug trafficking problems and harmfully impact other areas of the country as HIDTAs.

###

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –Dennis D. Chapman, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for distributing cocaine near an Ohio County playground, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Chapman, also known as “Kobe,” age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in October 2018. He admitted to selling cocaine near Pulaski Playground in Ohio County, West Virginia, in January 2018.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
 
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Parsons, West Virginia residents have admitted to their roles in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

John Luther Boyles, age 62, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Boyles admitted to conspiring with others to distribute more than five grams of methamphetamine from December 2017 to March 2018 in Tucker and Randolph Counties and elsewhere.

Donna Alyce Boyles, age 51, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises.” She admitted to maintaining a residence located at 128 Main Street in Parsons, West Virginia, to manufacture, sell or use methamphetamine.

John Boyles faces no less than five years and up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Donna Boyles faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Jackson, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 108 months incarceration for his involvement in methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Jackson, also known as “Matt-Matt,” age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” in August 2018. Jackson admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine from 2016 to April 2018 in Wetzel County and elsewhere. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., and Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office; the Sistersville Police Department; the Paden City Police Department; and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated. The Columbus, Ohio, Police Department Gang Crimes Unit assisted in the case. 

The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). 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.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

RALEIGH– Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging EMERSON YUBIMY HERRERA-ALFARO, age 19, of El Salvador, JUAN ANGEL MURILLO RUIZ, age 34, of Honduras, and MARIO ALBERTO LLAMAS-HERNANDEZ, age 37, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.

If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, HERRERA-ALFARO, previously deported two times and found in Granville County, and MURILLO RUIZ, previously deported and found in Sampson County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

LLAMAS-HERNANDEZ, previously deported andfound in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction (cocaine trafficking). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey man appeared in federal court today on charges that he promised to pay a purported hitman to kill his estranged wife, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. The defendant’s ex-girlfriend, who appeared in federal court Feb. 5, 2019, is also charged with participating in the plot.

Narsan Lingala, 55, of Middlesex County, New Jersey, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of murder-for-hire. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was held without bail. Lingala’s ex-girlfriend, Sandya Reddy, 52, appeared before Judge Hammer on the same charge and was also detained.

According to the complaint:

In May 2018, Lingala was in a holding cell at the Middlesex County Superior Courthouse as he awaited a court hearing. While there, he asked another inmate if he knew anyone who could kill his estranged wife. The inmate responded that he knew such a person. In June 2018, at the direction of law enforcement, the inmate introduced Lingala to an undercover agent posing as a hitman. Over subsequent weeks, Lingala and the undercover hitman spoke by phone and planned to meet in person the next time that Lingala traveled from Indiana to New Jersey.

On Aug. 18, 2018, Lingala and the undercover hitman agreed to meet in person outside a New Jersey shopping mall. Later that day, Lingala and his then-girlfriend, Reddy, arrived outside the mall and approached the undercover hitman. Lingala introduced Reddy and stated that she understood what was going on. Lingala, Reddy, and the undercover hitman entered the undercover hitman’s car. They proceeded to have a conversation that was video recorded.

The undercover hitman asked Lingala to confirm what he wanted the undercover hitman to do. Lingala said, “I want that woman to be out of my life . . . totally. Never again. She never comes back.” During the conversation, the undercover hitman asked, “You want me to take care of her?” Lingala responded, “Yeah.” The undercover hitman stated, “She’s done, I’m going to kill her. End of story.” Lingala responded, “Yeah. End of story.”

During the conversation, Lingala gave the undercover hitman information about the intended victim. Lingala provided his ex-wife’s full name, home address, age, and home phone number. He also described the entrances to and layout of her home; the name of the company where she worked; and the timing and details of her work commute. Lingala showed the undercover hitman photos of the exterior and interior of his ex-wife’s home. Reddy also provided the undercover hitman information about the intended victim.

The undercover hitman, Lingala, and Reddy also discussed the price that the undercover hitman would be paid. The undercover hitman said the job would cost between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the job’s complexity. Lingala agreed and asked if he could pay after the job was done. The undercover hitman said he would need a down payment. Lingala and Reddy discussed the issue, and then Lingala asked the undercover hitman, “Can I give you a thousand down payment?” The undercover hitman agreed. Lingala later stated, “I want that money to go into your pocket.” Lingala informed the undercover hitman that making the down payment would take about two weeks. After the meeting, authorities arrested Lingala and Reddy

The murder-for-hire charge is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, as well as the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and detectives, under the direction of Prosecutor Andrew Carey, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Feldman Nikic of the U.S. Attorney’s Cybercrimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defense counsel:
Lingala: Candace Hom Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
Reddy: Patrick McMahon Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark

HOUSTON – A local doctor who practiced in Houston for more than 30 years has been sent to federal prison following his conviction on of one count of tax evasion, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge D. Richard Goss of IRS – Criminal Investigation. Edward J. Crouse pleaded guilty Aug. 28, 2018.

Today, U.S. District Judge Rosenthal ordered Crouse to Prison for 18 months to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. He paid restitution of $678,103 prior to today’s hearing.

Crouse acknowledged in the plea agreement that he had not timely filed a U.S. individual income tax return since 1997.  The plea agreement states that Crouse earned more than $4.4 million in years 2009 through 2012. 

Crouse admitted in his signed plea agreement that he consistently committed numerous affirmative acts of tax evasion over the years to conceal his true income from the IRS, including concealing the complete business records of his medical practice for calendar years 2006 through 2012 from his bookkeeping and tax return preparation firm. Crouse also admitted he signed an IRS Collection form on or about May 1, 2010, in which he understated the amount of his income from his medical practice available for payment of taxes and household expenditures.

Crouse agreed that the total intended tax loss in his case was approximately $678,103.00, counting both unpaid U.S. Individual Income Taxes and the amounts of federal taxes and FICA that Crouse withheld from the wages of the employees of his medical practice but did not pay over to the IRS.

IRS-CI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Escher is prosecuting the case.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man appeared in federal court today on charges of receiving images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Andrew Chu, 28, of Garwood, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of receipt of child pornography. He made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond with home detention and electronic monitoring.

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

In February 2018, Chu downloaded three videos depicting the sexual abuse of children from a child pornography website located on the darknet.

The charge of receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian A. Michael, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah A. Sulkowski of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Public Protection Unit in Newark.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Memphis, TN – Charles A. "Chuck" Jones, the part owner of two now-dissolved technology companies, Technology Associates, Inc. and Integrated Computer Solutions, Inc., and Mark J. Whitaker of Murray, Kentucky, were indicted on federal criminal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the indictment today.

According to the indictment, under the Federal Communications Commission’s E-rate Program, the government provides funding to qualified schools to purchase internet access and other telecommunications services and equipment for their students. The E-rate Program pays up to 90% of the cost of these technology services and equipment. Two of the Program’s core eligibility requirements are that applicant schools conduct a fair and open competitive bidding process and that each applicant school pay some percentage of the cost of the internet access and other telecommunications services and equipment. The E-rate Program pays the balance of that cost, which ranges from 20% to as high as 90%. As described in the indictment, the reason the schools are required to pay a portion of the costs are: a) to ensure that schools have a financial incentive to negotiate for the most favorable prices so that E-rate Program funds are not wasted; and b) to ensure that schools purchase only those items and services they truly need.

The indictment further charges that Jones and Whitaker conspired with an individual identified as A.J., to whomJones gave money and other things of value in return for A.J.’s assistance. The co-conspirators used A.J. and A.J.’s position with schools in Crockett County, Tennessee and Missouri to violate Program rules. Additionally, the co-conspirators submitted and caused to be submitted fabricated documents and made false statements and representations to the E-rate Program administrator, which included assertions that Jones’ companies had invoiced schools for the proper co-payment amounts. These actions were taken to circumvent E-rate Program rules and review and to obtain payments from the E-rate Program administrator to Jones’ companies. Jones’ companies received approximately $8.5 million from the E-rate Program and Jones used funds from the companies’ bank accounts for his own benefit.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Protection of federal grant programs that provide needed services and equipment to our schools in West Tennessee is a top priority of this office. When dishonest offenders conspire to defraud these programs for their own selfish gain and unjust enrichment, they not only steal tax dollars, but also hurt local schools in the process. We will continue to work with our federal partners to root out and expose such fraud against the government, to hold offenders accountable, and to recover ill-gotten gains."

FCC Inspector General David Hunt stated: "Today’s charges allege that Mr. Jones and Mr. Whitaker knowingly and willfully violated the bedrock requirements of the FCC’s E-rate Program while hiding these violations from the Program’s administrator, all with the goal of enriching Mr. Jones with E-rate funds, thus depriving students of the benefits of this program – up-to-date telecommunications services. I thank U.S. Attorney Dunavant for prosecuting this case. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who seek to illegally take money from the FCC’s programs."

This case was investigated by the FCC Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorneys Tony Arvin and Murre Foster are prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

RICHMOND, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a New Zealand man with four counts of production of child pornography and one count of kidnapping and attempted kidnapping.

According to allegations in the indictment, Troy George Skinner, 25, knowingly used a minor child living in Goochland, Virginia, to produce two videos of child pornography and two image files of child pornography. The indictment alleges that these acts occurred on four separate dates in February and March 2018. 

The indictment further alleges that from June 20 to June 22, 2018, Skinner traveled from New Zealand to Virginia, whereupon his arrival he unlawfully and willfully seized and confined the minor victim, and attempted to seize, confine, and kidnap the minor victim for ransom or another reason, and that he also used the Internet in furtherance of this offense.

If convicted of producing child pornography, Skinner faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison on each count. If convicted of the kidnapping/attempted kidnapping, he faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison and a maximum of life. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and MaryJo Thomas, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian R. Hood and Katherine Lee Martin are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-19.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ISMAEL SANCHEZ COLON, 44, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 10 months of imprisonment, three months of home confinement and five years of supervised release, for violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2001, Sanchez Colon was convicted in the State of Wisconsin of the felony offense of causing a child between the ages of 13 and 18 to view sexual activity, and he was subsequently ordered to comply with sex offender registration requirements for a period of 15 years after completion of a five-year term of probation.

In March 2009, Sanchez Colon advised the State of Wisconsin that he had moved to Puerto Rico.

Sanchez Colon began residing in Connecticut in approximately April 2016, based on evidence that he obtained food stamps and Husky healthcare benefits at that time, and did not register as a sex offender in this state, as required by law.  He subsequently began working at a restaurant in Waterbury, and he obtained a Connecticut driver’s license.  Between April 2016 and March 2018, Sanchez Colon was registered in Puerto Rico, and he traveled to Puerto Rico to update his registration.  At no time did Sanchez Colon advise Wisconsin and Puerto Rico of his Connecticut residence.

Sanchez Colon’s non-compliance with sex offender registration requirements in Connecticut was discovered when he used his Waterbury address in the process of renewing his U.S. passport. 

Sanchez Colon has been detained since his arrest on April 12, 2018.  On September 5, 2018, he pleaded guilty to the SORNA violation.

Sanchez Colon has two previous convictions for SORNA violations, and he has a SORNA charge pending in Colorado.

Sanchez Colon will reside in Puerto Rico when he is released from prison.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

RALEIGH– Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces an Indictment charging SHEILA RUFFIN, 50, of Rocky Mount, with 15 counts of Disaster Fraud related to the Hurricane Matthew recovery effort conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

According to the allegations in the Indictment, RUFFIN, knowingly made materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements and representations, and knowingly made and used false writings and documents knowing the same to contain materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements and representations, to FEMA, in an application for benefits authorized, transported, transmitted, transferred, disbursed, and paid with FEMA funds in connection with the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the State of North Carolina, effective October 10, 2016.

RUFFIN is alleged to have made false statements and submitted fraudulent documentation in connection with applications for FEMA assistance following Hurricane Matthew.  From January 31, 2017 to January 29, 2018, RUFFIN was awarded more than $11,000.00 in rental assistance to which she was not entitled. 

If convicted of the Disaster Fraud charges, RUFFIN would face a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and restitution.

The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney Toby Lathan is prosecuting the case for the government.

Members of the public who suspect fraud involving disaster relief efforts, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to disaster@leo.gov.  Learn more about the National Center for Disaster Fraud at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement here.  Tips for the public on how to avoid being victimized of fraud are at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tips-avoiding-fraudulent-charitable-contribution-schemes.

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Carlique DeBerry, 40, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of distribution of fentanyl causing death, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan T. Cullinane and Wei Xiang, who handled the case, stated that on February 25, 2016, the defendant traveled to Hamburg, NY, shortly after 9:00 p.m. to the home of a repeat drug customer identified as R.G. DeBerry sold a quantity of “heroin” to R.G. then left. Shortly after midnight, R.G.'s mother found R.G. slumped over deceased in a chair. 

Law enforcement officers who responded to the residence seized R.G.'s cell phone. The next morning, the defendant sent a text message to R.G. stating, "Call me wen u get this bro." A police officer pretending to be R.G. responded, leading to the following exchange with the defendant:

“R.G.”:           Yo my mins are about used. What's up? That was some good (expletive) last night
Defendant:     K Just checkn on u thts all
“R.G.”:           That was some heavy stuff wtf was up w thay
Defendant:    Its pure thats whats up wit it bro

Deberry then arranged to sell another bundle of the “heroin” for $100.

An autopsy determined that R.G.’s cause of death was acute fentanyl intoxication.

Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, and the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gregory Wickett.

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