PITTSBURGH, PA- An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of possession and distribution of materials depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment, returned on February 26, named Michael Moran, 60, South Park, PA.

According to Indictment, from on or about August 16, 2018 through on or about September 2, 2018, Moran distributed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and on October 24, 2018, Moran possessed images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. A number of the images Moran distributed, as well some of the videos and images he possessed, depicted the sexual exploitation of minors under the age of twelve.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Moran remains in custody pending the resolution of state charges.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – On February 19, 2019, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Jamie Lynn Opalia, age 37, of Council Bluffs, to three months in prison for Social Security Representative Payee fraud, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Opalia was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following her prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Opalia was also ordered to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $22,552.00

On October 23, 2018, Opalia pleaded guilty to the charge and admitted she applied for and was granted Social Security benefits to support another person, but converted almost all of the funds from Social Security to her own personal use.

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

MACON–United States Attorney Charles “Charlie” E. Peeler stood alongside law enforcement leadership from across the Middle District of Georgia today in support of the region’s collective efforts to make communities safer and deter crime. Macon Regional Crimestoppers, a community-run organization dedicated to increasing the safety of citizens, announced on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 a new quarterly initiative offering a $1,000 reward for the Top 15 Most Wanted within an eight-county area. U.S. Attorney Peeler joined Bibb County Sheriff David Davis and U.S. Marshal John Cary Bittick in vocal support of the non-profit’s dedicated efforts to reduce criminal activity.

“It is imperative that our citizens know there are safe ways for them to report criminal activity, and that many times our cases are founded on the courage of one citizen willing to report a crime,” said Charles “Charlie” E. Peeler, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “I am thankful for community groups like Crimestoppers who demonstrate a high level of support for our law enforcement. Crimestoppers relentlessly keeps a spotlight on the most dangerous wanted individuals in our community, and they are making a difference.”

“The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshals and Macon Regional Crimestoppers in this new crime fighting initiative,” said David Davis, Bibb County Sheriff. “We owe it to our communities to make every effort to keep innocent citizens out of harm’s way by putting dangerous perpetuators behind bars.”

“Reducing violent crime is a priority for the USMS. I believe that partnerships with the community and our state, local and federal law enforcement partners are the backbone of any effort that will significantly reduce crime,” said John Cary Bittick, U. S. Marshal for the Middle District of Georgia. “I am committed to providing the time and resources of my office to this and any other program that will accomplish this task for middle Georgia.”

“Macon Regional Crimestoppers is committed to helping keep our Communities safe,” said Warren Selby, Jr., Chairman of Macon Regional Crimestoppers. “The removal of these individuals, from our Neighborhoods, will help us achieve this goal. We need our Citizens to help us locate these Criminals. Make the Call!"

This quarter’s Top 15 Most Wanted can be viewed at the Macon Regional Crimestoppers website at www.crimestop.us. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. Macon Regional Crimestoppers is alocal non-profit serving the Bibb, Baldwin, Houston, Jones, Twiggs, Crawford, Monroe, and Peach regional areas. The organization partners with law enforcement agencies and community groups to provide anonymous rewards for tips that lead to criminal arrests. Citizens can safely and anonymously report tips at 1-877-68CRIME.

Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.

DES MOINES, Iowa—On February 25, 2019, Arthur Tyrone Lee, Jr., age 38, of Des Moines, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 360 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Lee was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release to follow his prison term.

On October 16, 2018, Lee was found guilty of the charges after a two-day jury trial. The evidence at trial proved Lee was in possession of 73.43 grams of pure methamphetamine, 4.11 grams of a methamphetamine mixture (consisting of 821 tablets), and a loaded Kimbur Ultra Carry II .45 caliber handgun during the execution of a search warrant at his Des Moines residence. Evidence also showed Lee regularly purchased methamphetamine for distribution, including at least an additional 5,896.8 grams of methamphetamine mixture. At the time of these offenses, Lee had two prior controlled substance felony convictions.

This investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department and Mid Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa—On February 25, 2019, Joel Thomas Augard, 50, formerly of Des Moines, appeared before United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey and was sentenced to forty years in prison for two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Augard pleaded guilty to the offenses on October 22, 2018. Following completion of his prison term, Augard will be required to register as a sex offender and will be on supervised release for twenty years.

In April 2018, a victim reported to the Des Moines Police Department that the victim had been sexually abused on multiple occasions by Augard in Des Moines approximately 10 years earlier, when the victim was a child and Augard video recorded some of the sexual abuse. Law enforcement from several different agencies worked together to investigate these crimes. On May 1, 2018, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Cherokee, Iowa, where Augard was residing at that time. Police located several items of electronic media that contained child pornography. These items included videos made by Augard that depicted his sexual abuse of the victim approximately ten years earlier in Des Moines.

In announcing the sentence, United States Attorney Krickbaum stated, “All victims of sexual abuse should know they can report their abuse to law enforcement, even if many years have passed. We will take your report seriously, and we will fight for justice on your behalf.” 

This case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Des Moines Police Department, Polk County Attorney’s Office and FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of federal firearms violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment returned on February 26, named Eric Antoin Johnson, 22, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from on or about January 21 through on or about January 29, 2019, Johnson unlawfully possessed an Intratec model AB10 9 millimeter pistol and 9 millimeter ammunition, after having been convicted of robbery and assault, crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy Criswell Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

BOSTON – The founder of My Big Coin Pay Inc., a purported cryptocurrency and virtual payment services company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., was arrested and charged today for his participation in a scheme to defraud investors by marketing and selling fraudulent virtual currency. 

Randall Crater, 48, of East Hampton, N.Y., was charged with four counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. Crater was arrested this morning and will appear today in U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Florida. A date for Crater’s initial appearance in the District of Massachusetts has not yet been scheduled.

According to the indictment, Crater and others created the fraudulent virtual currency, “My Big Coins” or “Coins,” which they marketed to investors between 2014 and 2017 using misrepresentations about the nature and value of Coins. Crater and his associates falsely claimed that Coins was a fully functioning cryptocurrency backed by valuable assets such as gold, oil, and other assets. They also falsely told investors that Coins could readily be exchanged for government-backed paper currency or other virtual currencies. As alleged in the indictment, Crater and his associates promulgated these misrepresentations through social media, the internet, email, and text messages.   

In reality, Coins were not backed by gold or other valuable assets and were not readily transferable. Over the course of the scheme, it is alleged that Crater misappropriated over $6 million of investor funds for his own personal gain.   

In January 2018, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced commodity fraud charges against Crater and My Big Coin Inc. The CFTC also filed civil charges against the Chief Executive Officer of My Big Coin, John Roche, and two of Crater’s associates Mark Gillespie and Michael Kruger. 

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss. The money laundering charges provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities & Financial Fraud Unit, and Trial Attorney Caitlin Cottingham of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The CFTC also provided valuable assistance with the matter.  

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Brunswick, GA – Six federal inmates face having more time added to their prison sentences after lewdly exposing themselves to prison staff.

The inmates, serving federal prison sentences at Federal Correctional Institution Jesup in southeast Georgia, are charged with Public Indecency as filed in U.S. District Court in Brunswick, Ga., said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Many of the inmates have prior records of lewdly exposing themselves to staff members.

The charges are classified as misdemeanors, and can extend the inmates’ scheduled release date by up to 12 months, along with a year of supervised release and substantial fines. 

Those charged are:

• Lesly Richard, 28, of Los Angeles, serving a sentence for being a felon in possession of firearm, with a scheduled release date of Jan. 12, 2022;
• Doniel Porter, 30, of Brunswick, Ga.; serving a sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, with a scheduled release date of Dec. 24, 2021;
• Henry Watson, 38, of Milton, Fla.; serving a sentence for possession and distribution of more than 38 grams of cocaine and illegal possession of a firearm, with a scheduled release date of Oct. 31, 2028;
• James Thornton, 50, of Rock Island, Ill., serving a sentence for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, with a scheduled release date of April 29, 2022;
• Patrick Turner, 34, of Margate, Fla., serving a sentence for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, with a scheduled release date of Oct., 24, 2028; and,
• Tracy McCants, 35, of Jonesboro, Ga., serving a sentence for conspiracy to possess more than 280 grams of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, with a scheduled release date of July 10, 2023. .

“The staff members at our federal correctional institutions serve honorably and under often difficult conditions as they maintain safe environments for incarcerated felons,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “These prosecutions should send a message to all inmates that this reprehensible behavior will not be tolerated – and will result in more time behind bars.”

“The number of incidents of inmate abuse of female prison staff is unacceptable,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is committed to making sure those numbers decrease dramatically by setting an example with cases like this, that if you choose to act out in perverse ways you will extend your stay in prison.”

Federal inmate abuse of female staff members has increased in recent years, with more than 850 cases of exposure in 2016, more than 1,000 in 2017 and 1,269 in 2018.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Marcela C. Mateo and Special Assistant United States Attorney Katelyn Semales prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

A Parma man was sentenced to more than two years in prison for making false statements in order to collect $47,000 in Social Security funds.

David Fievet, 53, was sentenced to 28 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Benita Pearson after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, theft of government property, Social Security fraud and obstruction of justice.

His wife, Gerolyn Fievet, 54, was sentenced to five years of probation. She previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States.

The Fievets conspired to wrongfully receive 88 monthly Supplemental Security Income checks between January 2010 and April 2017, totaling $47,556, for the benefit of the couple’s disabled son.  In order to obtain more benefits than they were legally entitled, the Fievets falsely reported David was not living in the family home when, in fact, he was. Fievet was working as a firefighter at the time, according to court documents.

Special Agent Kelly Clark from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian prosecuted the case.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 20, 2019, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 75 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), San Juan Strike Force, were in charge of the investigation. This case is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.

The indictment alleges that beginning in or about the year 2006, the organization distributed crack, heroin, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet) and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), all within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the Villa Kennedy, Las Casas, El Mirador and Las Margaritas Public Housing Projects, and other areas, and within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds located in the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico, all for financial gain and profit. The object of the conspiracy was the large-scale distribution of controlled substances for significant financial gain and profit. Members of the organization also possessed and distributed kilogram quantities of controlled substances, mainly cocaine, in Puerto Rico, for further distribution in the continental United States.

This drug trafficking organization was known as “Las FARC,” (Las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Cantera). Las FARC operated out of Barrio Obrero Ward, including but not limited to El Guano sector, Playita sector, William Street, Eleven Street, Cantera sector, and the Public Housing Projects Villa Kennedy, Las Casas, El Mirador, and Las Margaritas, all located in Santurce, since in or about the year 2006. The goal of Las FARC was to maintain control of all the drug trafficking activities within the Santurce area by the use of force, threats, violence, and intimidation.

The 75 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, drug point owners, runners, suppliers, enforcers, drug processors, sellers, and facilitators. Twenty-seven defendants are also charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

As part of the conspiracy, leaders and/or drug point owners of the drug trafficking organization would routinely authorize and instruct other co-conspirators to provide free “samples” of narcotics to “customers” in order to promote the sales of a specific brand of drug at the drug points. Some of the co-conspirators used different types of barricades or barriers, including but not limited to large water tanks, access control barriers and/or steel gate poles, in order to block off the streets that gave access to the drug points. These barriers would stop the entry of law enforcement agents and/or members of rival gangs. Members of the drug trafficking organization would often “abduct” and assault rival drug traffickers as well as members of their own drug trafficking organization, in order to intimidate and maintain control of the drug trafficking activities.

Some of the defendants used part of the proceeds of their illegal activities to purchase legitimate assets and/or services, including but not limited to real estate properties, nightclubs, motor vehicles, vessels, clothing, trips, hotel accommodations, and private parties.

The defendants indicted today are: Emmanuel Pacheco-Marín, a.k.a. “Bebo Las Farc/Manuel/Cabezon”; Vladimir Natera-Abreu, a.k.a. “Vladi/Flako”; Jesús J. Rivera-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Colombiano”; Jose L. García-López, a.k.a. “Los Gemelos”; Luis A. García-López, a.k.a. “Los Gemelos”; Elvin O. Cruz-Verges, a.k.a. “Mellao”; Segismar Rodríguez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Segis/Seji/Ceji/Segui”; Luis Serrano-Nieves, a.k.a. “Gordo Bemba”; Christian O. Dalmau-García, a.k.a. “Negro/Dalmau”; Fabián Viloria-Sepúlveda, a.k.a. “Fabi/Favi”; Anthony Vazquez-Arroyo, a.k.a. “Buri”; Luis R. Espinal-Rivera, a.k.a. “Espi/Luis Pinal/El Gordo”; Ignacio Gual-Calderón, a.k.a. “Papulin/Papu”; Jonathan Rivera-Carrasquillo, a.k.a. “Moto/Motito/Goldo/Motito Junior”; Samuel Castro-Rivera, a.k.a. “Sammy Loba”; Carlos H. Torres-Carrasquillo, a.k.a. “Hiram/Buba”; Joset J. Rivera-Verdejo, a.k.a. “Jomar”; Jason Arroyo-Pérez, a.k.a. “Chapu/El Gordo”; Jean Carlos Candelario-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Yankee/El Flaco”; Nefty L. Oquendo-Rosario; Pedro Collazo-Prieto, a.k.a. “Pedrito”; José O. Baez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Bam Bam/Landi”; Edgar Nieves-Torres, a.k.a. “Bambi/Banb”; Jonathan O. Arce-Carrillo, a.k.a. “El Joyero/Jon El De Vista”; Gustavo J. Germes-Estrella, a.k.a. “Papo El Claro/Papo”; Dionicio Odali De La Rosa-Richiez, a.k.a. “Dioni”; Anthony González-Miranda, a.k.a. “Tony”; Carlos R. Nieves, a.k.a. “Carlitos Boada/Pablito”; John Blaymeyer-Quiñones, a.k.a. “Blade/Blay/Pichi”; Christian J. Castro-González, a.k.a. “Christian Poo”; Adams E. Aquino-Rosario, a.k.a. “Pirobo”; Alexis Fermaintt-Caraballo; Christian J. Sierra-Pérez, a.k.a. “Bampi/Vampi”; Victor Rivera-Galindez, a.k.a. “Bin Laden”; Luis B. Louzao, a.k.a. “Panda/Benji”; Edgardo A. Benitez-Guivas, a.k.a. “Buda/Buda De Las Margaritas”; Ediberto García-López, a.k.a. “Mafia”; Geovanny Morales-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Gova/Jova Morales”; Luis A. Piris-Torres, a.k.a. “Piris/Cheo/Cheito”; Luis García-Morlas, a.k.a. “Piolin”; Mario O. De-Jesús-Ocasio, a.k.a. “Caballo/Mario Caballo”; Pedro J. Cintron-Álvarez, a.k.a. “Torombolo/Toro”; José A. Colón-Otero, a.k.a. “Chino/Cheo/Cheito”; Carlos I. Rodríguez-Alvarado, a.k.a. “Teta/Teton/Blanquito/Carlos Teta”; Fernando Hilario-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Nando de Playita/Boti”; Rafael Maldonado-Segarra, a.k.a. “Pucho de la Boada”; Ivette M. Rosado-Pantojas, a.k.a. “La Pata/ISIS”; Luis G. Robert-Torres, a.k.a. “Luigi/Cuajon Luis/Luiyo”; Gilberto Guise-Calderón, a.k.a. “Bereta/Bereta de Cantera”; Christian López-Díaz, a.k.a. “Christian 25”; Edwin Rosa-Colón, a.k.a. “Glock”; Luis O. Cabán-Rodríguez; Carlos M. Pantojas-Ruano, a.k.a. “Carlito”; Leslie R. Dominguez-Miranda, a.k.a. “Raul”; Christian J. Huertas-Méndez, a.k.a. “El Cano”; Christopher A. Espinal-Rivera, a.k.a. “Bofel/Bofer”; Dennis J. Hernández-Rivera, a.k.a. “Tico/Kiko/Tico de la Calle Williams/Pipin”; Joel C. Nieves-Torres; Jonathan Meléndez-Otero, a.k.a. “Goldo”; Jonathan Pereira-Santiago, a.k.a. “Flaco”; Jorge D. Alicea-Cintrón, a.k.a. “Machete”; José M. Santiago-Montañez, a.k.a. “Ojitos Lindos/Pito/Ojitos Bellos”; José J. Piris-Hernández, a.k.a. “Piris”; Juan M. Pérez-Méndez, a.k.a. “Kun”; Luis A. Rosa-Díaz, a.k.a. “Chino”; Michael G. Marrero-Castro, a.k.a. “Conejo/Conejito/Cone”; Nelson A. López-Quiñonez, a.k.a. “Toston”; Kelvinson Castillo-Castillo, a.k.a. “Duran de la Calle Williams”; Pedro J. Massas-Rivera, a.k.a. “Five/Pedrito Massa”; Reynaldo M. Díaz-Verges, a.k.a. “Rey/Barber”; Nelson L. Cuevas-Ocasio, a.k.a. “Luli”; FNU LNU, a.k.a. “Gocho/Erick J. Rodriguez-Velez/Carlitos”; and Isadora Nieves-Cruz, a.k.a. “Pinky/Pinky Curvy”.

Vladimir Natera-Abreu, a.k.a. “Vladi/Flako” is facing one count of money laundering for the purchase of real estate properties in the municipality of Guaynabo with proceeds from drug trafficking. All the defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $75,949,040 in U.S. currency and four other properties listed in the indictment.

Two other members of the drug trafficking organization, Edison Merced-Olivera, a.k.a. “Chino/Chino Oriental/El Loco/Chinos Las Margaritas/Pai” and Waldemar Febres-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Walde,” were charged in a separate indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, distribution of controlled substances, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These two defendants are facing murder charges at the state level for their alleged participation in the murder of Carlos Giovanny Báez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Tonka/Jova,” a known leader of the drug trafficking organization.

“Disputes between gang rivals lead to many shootings and murders, including innocent bystanders who are caught in the crossfire,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I am grateful for the tireless efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who have dismantled Las FARC with today’s indictment. We will continue to investigate these violent criminal organizations with our law enforcement counterparts, and send a clear message that drugs, firearms, and violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.” 

Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office said: “Removing drug traffickers, violent offenders from the streets and dismantling violent gangs remains one of the highest priorities of the FBI in Puerto Rico as we seek to provide the citizens of Puerto Rico with a better place to live and raise their families. Today’s operation was made possible through the hard work of Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the FBI Safe Street Task Force, and our dedicated partners at the United States Attorney’s Office; Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Marshal Service; Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service; Police of Puerto Rico’s Strike Force; San Juan Municipal Police; Puerto Rico Department of Correction; and Puerto Rico Air National Guard. FBI Special Agents and Tactical personnel from FBI Headquarters and several other FBI field offices, conducted several of today’s arrests. Special appreciation is extended to San Juan Police Commissioner José Caldero for the outstanding task force officers from his department, one of whom served as the lead investigator on this case.”

DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge, A.J. Collazo stated: “DEA and the Caribbean Division is proud of being part of this successful operation. Whenever we work together, favorable changes happen for our citizens and thanks to these changes, our Puerto Rican families are safer. We can’t allow these organizations to obstruct the right of peace in the Public Housing Projects in Puerto Rico. This organization was responsible for placing crack, heroin, and marijuana in the hands of lives who later suffered addiction, death and other situations, none of them positive for them, their families, nor society. These individuals are under arrest for the immeasurable damage they caused; life is priceless, and now they are behind bars to see justice done. The Men and Women of DEA will not rest and we will go after many more, when they least expect it.”

“The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers cannot finance their organizations. The role of IRS Criminal Investigation in narcotics investigations is to follow the money, and we are proud to provide our financial expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and bring these criminals to justice. Today's announcement demonstrates our collective efforts to enforce the law and ensure public trust,” stated Michael J. De Palma, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alberto López-Rocafort and María L. Montañez-Concepción are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Today’s arrests are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated in 2017, as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting each community’s most violent criminals. All U.S. Attorney’s Offices work in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the local civilian community, to develop effective, targeted strategies to reduce violent crime. This case is a product of that collaborative effort.

# # #

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury today indicted a Wichita man on carjacking and federal firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Michael D. Stumbaugh, 39, Wichita, Kan., was charged with one count of carjacking, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking.

The carjacking is alleged to have occurred Jan. 28, when Wichita police reported a man pointed a handgun at a 70-year-old driver in the 8000 block of East Dresden and stole a 2011 Ford F-150.

The indictment alleges that when Stumbaugh was taken into custody on Feb. 7 he possessed methamphetamine and a gun.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:

Carjacking: Up to 15 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a carjacking and/or drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.

Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.

The Wichita Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting. This case is being prosecuted under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.

OTHER INDICTMENTS
 

Ashley Ushamba, 33, Overland Park, Kan., Boniface Frank Nyamayaro, 51, Overland Park, Kan., and Zviravirwa Jehu Rubaba, 27, Dallas, Texas, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud (count one) and mail fraud. In addition, Ushamba is charged with six counts (counts two through seven) of wire fraud, and six counts (counts eight through 13) of aggravated identity theft, two counts (counts 14 and 15) of theft of government funds and one count (count 16) of access device fraud. In addition, Nyamayaro is charged with six counts of aggravated identity theft (counts 8 through 13). The crimes are alleged to have occurred during 2012 through 2014 in Johnson County, Kan.

The indictment alleges the defendants conspired to steal the identities of their victims and to file fraudulent income tax returns using the victims’ identities. The indictment alleges the defendants unlawfully received tax refunds in the form of prepaid debit cards.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:

Count one: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Counts two through seven: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Counts eight through 13: Not less than two years, consecutive to other sentences on other counts.

Counts 14 and 15: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

Count 16: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

The Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.

Colby D. Elsasser, 26, Arlington, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon (count one), one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a user of a controlled substance (count two), one count of unlawful possession of a rifle with a sawed off barrel (count three) and one count of unlawful possession of a silencer (count four). The crimes are alleged to have occurred Nov. 4, 2018, in Rice County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

Manuel Herrera-Sandoval, 33, who is a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Jan. 29, 2019, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

Suhail Rosales-Antelo, 42, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. She was found Feb. 8, 2019, in Ellsworth County, Kan.

If convicted, she faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

Luis Conteras-Mata, 38, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Jan. 24, 2019, in Rawlins County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

Francisco Rojas-Huerta, 27, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Jan. 26, 2019, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

Jaime Alberto Pineda-Ortega, 38, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Feb. 14, 2019, in Ellsworth County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

Brian L. Mitchell, 39, Wichita, Kan., is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 23, 2019, in Wichita, Kan.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan McCarty is prosecuting.

Bryan Dias, 19, and Brandon Garcia, 22, and Terrance Wills, 22, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 15, 2019, in Shawnee County.

If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting is prosecuting.

Wilbur E. Kirkhart, II, 42, Wichita, Kan., is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (counts one and two), one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (count three), one count of distributing a controlled substance (count four), and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (count five). The crimes are alleged to have occurred April 20, 2016, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:

Counts one and two: Up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Count three: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

Court four: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.

Count five: Up to five years and a fine up to $250,000.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.

Mark D. Mullins, 34, Wichita, Kan., and Camela A. Blanchard, 35, Wichita, Kan., are charged with one count of making counterfeit bills and two counts of passing counterfeit bills. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in December 2017 and January 2018 in Wichita, Kan.

If convicted, they face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

Jaasiel Varela-Aniles, 29, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported. He was found Jan. 15, 2019, in Seward County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan McCarty is prosecuting.

Teodoro Adame-Ramirez, 42, who is not a citizen of the United States., is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported. He was found Feb. 17, 2019, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan McCarty is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –February 27, 2019– U.S. Attorney Don Cochran and the Department of Justice announced today that Brentwood, Tennessee-based Vanguard Healthcare, LLC, and related Vanguard companies (“Vanguard”) agreed to pay more than $18 million in allowed claims to resolve a lawsuit brought by the United States and the State of Tennessee for billing the Medicare and Medicaid programs for grossly substandard nursing home services.  Vanguard Healthcare and several related Vanguard companies that have reorganized in bankruptcy agreed to pay more than $5.1 million towards the settlement, and two Vanguard entities that are liquidating in bankruptcy have agreed to $13.5 million in allowed claims in bankruptcy. The settlement agreement, approved by U.S. District Court Judge Terrance Berg, sitting by special designation, also resolves claims brought by the United States against Vanguard’s majority owner and CEO, William Orand, and Vanguard’s former director of operations, Mark Miller, who agree to pay $250,000 as part of this settlement.

“Simply stated, our elderly and vulnerable citizens who can’t care for themselves deserve far better treatment than what they were subjected to by Vanguard,” said U.S. Attorney Don Cochran.  “The substandard care that many of these facilities’ residents endured while the companies were raiding the public coffers is deplorable.  This settlement holds them accountable and the ensuing Corporate Integrity Agreement should ensure that this conduct is not repeated going forward.”

The United States and Tennessee filed suit against several Vanguard companies, Miller, and Orand, alleging that they were responsible for five Vanguard-owned skilled nursing facilities submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for nursing home services that were grossly substandard or worthless.  In particular, the United States and Tennessee alleged that the five facilities failed to administer medications as prescribed; failed to provide standard infection control, resulting in urinary tract infections and wound infections; failed to provide wound care as ordered; failed to take prophylactic measures to prevent pressure ulcers, such as turning and repositioning patients; used unnecessary physical restraints on residents; and failed to meet basic nutrition and hygiene requirements of residents.  The lawsuit further alleged that the defendants were responsible for the submission of hundreds of preadmission forms by these facilities to TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid Program, which contained forged nurse or physician signatures. 

“Seniors rely on the Medicare and Medicaid programs to provide them with quality care and to ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division.  “The Department will not tolerate nursing home operators that put their own economic gain ahead of the needs of their residents, and will continue to aggressively pursue those operators who bill Medicare and Medicaid for substandard nursing services.”   

Vanguard is a holding company that owns a chain of subsidiary skilled nursing facilities, including Boulevard Terrace Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Glen Oaks Health and Rehabilitation in Shelbyville, Tennessee; and Manchester Health Care Center in Manchester, Tennessee.  Vanguard previously operated three additional facilities in Tennessee, including Crestview Health and Rehabilitation in Nashville; Imperial Gardens Health and Rehabilitation in Madison; and Poplar Point Health and Rehabilitation in Memphis.  In addition, Vanguard Healthcare owned Elderscript Services, LLC, in Tupelo, Mississippi, which provided pharmacy services to the Vanguard skilled nursing facilities.

The United States’ claims were brought under the False Claims Act, which imposes treble damages and penalties on those who submit false claims for federal funds. The settlement resolves the governments’ claims that Vanguard, Orand, and Miller caused the Boulevard, Crestview, Glen Oaks, Imperial, and Poplar Point facilities to improperly bill Medicare and Medicaid for worthless nursing home services during the period from 2010 to 2015.  The settlement also resolves the governments’ claims that Vanguard, Orand, and Miller caused the Boulevard, Crestview, Glen Oaks, Imperial, and Poplar Point facilities to submit preadmission forms with forged signatures to TennCare in order to be reimbursed by Medicaid from 2012 to 2014. Tennessee’s claims were brought and settled under the Tennessee Medicaid False Claims Act, which prohibits conduct similar to the False Claims Act.

“This nursing home chain allegedly neglected its patients and billed worthless services to Medicare and Medicaid in order to pad their bottom line,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta.  “This settlement should send a clear message to health care providers that we will do everything in our power to protect our most vulnerable citizens from corporate greed.”

"This office appreciates the hard work of U.S. Attorney Don Cochran and his office,” said Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III. “The size and scope of this settlement sends the important message that nursing home facilities that fail to provide proper care to residents and fraudulently bill Medicaid and Medicare will be held accountable.”

“Investigations like these are important to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community receive the quality of care they need and deserve,” said David Rausch, Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.  “Indifference by providers like this can greatly impact the lives of those who must depend on service providers-even for their most basic needs. We are fortunate to have this strong partnership between state and federal agencies in the pursuit of false claims.”

Due to the filing of bankruptcy proceedings by the Vanguard entities, the United States anticipates that the total government recovery in this case will ultimately exceed $6 million.  Contemporaneous with the settlement announced today, the reorganized Vanguard corporate defendants and Orand further agreed to enter into a chain-wide, quality of care Corporate Integrity Agreement with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, which will remain in effect for five years.  The CIA requires a government-selected quality of care monitor to be retained by Vanguard, along with other heightened compliance obligations that are designed to ensure that Vanguard implements and maintains systems to address the quality of resident care. 

The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Bowden McIntyre of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Susan Lynch of the Department of Justice Civil Division, Fraud Section, and the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.  The case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.  This case was supported by the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice and Nursing Home Initiative, which coordinates the Department’s activities combatting elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, especially as they impact beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs.  This case is a product of the Elder Justice Task Force of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee that launched two years ago.  For more information about the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative and the Elder Justice Task Force, see https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/ and https://www.justice.gov/uaso-mdtn/elder-justice-task-force.  

The case is docketed as United States v. Vanguard Healthcare, LLC, et al., No. 3:16-cv-02380 (M.D. Tenn.).  The claims in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

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WASHINGTON  – An Orland Park, Illinois man pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to cause damage to internet-connected computers for his role in owning, administering, and supporting illegal booter services that launched millions of illegal DDoS attacks against victim computer systems in the United States and elsewhere.  The illegal services included ExoStress.in, (“ExoStresser”), QuezStresser.com, Betabooter.com (“Betabooter”), Databooter.com, Instabooter.com, Polystress.com, and Zstress.net. 

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. 

According to the criminal information, Sergiy P. Usatyuk, 20, combined with a co-conspirator to develop, control and operate a number of booter services and booter-related websites from around August 2015 through November 2017 that launched millions of DDoS attacks that disrupted the internet connections of targeted victim computers, rendered targeted websites slow or inaccessible, and interrupted normal business operations.  For instance, as of Sept. 12, 2017, ExoStresser advertised on its website (exostress.in) that its booter service alone had launched 1,367,610 DDoS attacks, and caused targeted victim computer systems to suffer 109,186.4 hours of network downtime.

“Booters” or “Stressers” are a class of publicly-available, web-based services that allow cybercriminals to launch distributed denial-of-service, or DDoS, attacks that overwhelm a target computer system with unrequested traffic and, in turn, “boot” or “drop” the victim from the internet for a relatively small fee or no fee at all.  To launch a DDoS attack using a booter, a cybercriminal often needs only a web browser and online payment tool to subscribe to a provider, provide instructions for attacking a victim computer system, and deliver payment.

The DDoS attacks launched by the booters also harmed computer systems that were not directly targeted.  For example, according to the criminal information, in November 2016, a Betabooter subscriber launched a series of DDoS attacks against a school district in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area that not only disrupted the school district’s computer systems, but affected the computer systems of 17 organizations that shared the same computer infrastructure, including other school districts, the county government, the county’s career and technology centers, and a Catholic Diocese in the area.

During the period of the conspiracy, Usatyuk and a co-conspirator gained in excess of $550,000 from charging subscriber fees to paying customers of their booter services and selling advertising space to other booter operators.

“For over two years, Sergiy Usatyuk conspired to launch millions of DDoS attacks that paralyzed the computer systems of U.S. organizations for more than 100,000 hours,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski.  “The Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners will remain vigilant in protecting the American public by prosecuting the cybercriminals responsible for these sophisticated and harmful schemes.”

“DDoS-for-hire services pose a malicious threat to the citizens of our district, as well as districts across the country, by impeding critical access to the internet and jeopardizing safety and security in the process,” said U.S. Attorney Higdon.  “The operation and use of these services to disrupt the operations of our businesses and other institutions cannot be tolerated.  Anyone who weaponizes web traffic in this manner will be vigorously pursued and prosecuted by my office.”

Over the past five years, booter and stresser services have grown as an increasingly prevalent class of DDoS attack tools.  Booter-based DDoS attack tools offer a low barrier to entry for users looking to engage in cybercrime.

For additional information on booter and stresser services and the harm that they cause, please visit: https://www.ic3.gov/media/2017/171017-2.aspx.

The investigation was conducted by special agents of the FBI Charlotte Field Office, Raleigh Resident Agency.  Additional assistance was provide by FBI’s Chicago and Miami Field Offices, as well as the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Aarash Haghighat of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hulbig of the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Memphis, TN – Representatives from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the 25th Judicial District Attorney General and the Hardeman County Sheriff today announced a $24,000 reward, in a renewed effort to gain additional information about a 1998 unsolved murder in Hardeman County.

Twenty-one-years ago, TBI Special Agents joined the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office in investigating the July 23, 1998 murder of Michael Bell, a clerk at McKee’s Stateline Convenience Store, located on Highway 125 S between Middleton, Tennessee, and Walnut, Mississippi. At that time, the investigation revealed that an unknown individual shot and killed the clerk, then left the store in a 1990’s General Motors model sedan, and drove toward Walnut, Mississippi. Information gathered during the investigation indicated that robbery did not appear to have been the motive of the shooting of Michael Bell, but he was instead the target of a coordinated murder.

The Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI), TBI, 25th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office and the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office continue to aggressively investigate this 1998 murder. The partnership has resulted in new leads being developed in this case.

Based upon the new information, U.S. Attorney Mike Dunavant, 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson and FBI Special Agent in Charge M.A. Myers, will again announce today the availability of the $24,000 reward. Investigators are confident there are people in the community who can provide information that will assist in bringing this investigation to a conclusion. This reward is for information that directly assists law enforcement in the arrest and conviction of the person and/or persons responsible for the death of Michael Bell.

Anyone with information about the July 23, 1998 murder of Michael Bell at the McKee’s Stateline Convenience Store in Hardeman County should call 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Photos enhanced in the FBI’s lab in Quantico, Virginia, May 2018.

Michael Bell - Victim

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Soldier Creek, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter and two counts of Child Abuse.

Robert Staples, Jr., age 35, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 26, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on September 14, 2018, Staples unlawfully killed another human being, while operating a motor vehicle, in a grossly negligent manner.  The Indictment further alleges Staples abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished children who had not attained the age of seven years old.

The charges are merely accusations and Staples is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.   

Staples was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Lee Ann Stenstrom a/k/a LeeAnn Stenstrom, age 35, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 26, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on December 26, 2018, Stenstrom did forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, by using a dangerous weapon.

The charge is merely an accusation and Stenstrom is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

Stenstrom was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

A Los Angeles man today pleaded guilty to murdering a postal worker during a road rage incident in Dallas last February, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox.

Donnie Arlondo Ferrell, 26, admits he shot and killed U.S. Postal Service employee Tony Mosby, who was behind the wheel of a USPS vehicle, on Feb. 19, 2018.

According to plea papers, Mr. Ferrell – one of three passengers inside a Mazda traveling eastbound on I-30 – became incensed at something he perceived Mr. Mosby had done on the freeway. He leaned out of the Mazda and fired four shots at the USPS vehicle.

Mr. Ferrell then watched as the USPS vehicle crashed into a retaining wall on the freeway.  

When Mr. Ferrell later learned Mr. Mosby had been killed by a bullet to the head, Mr. Ferrell instructed the Mazda’s other passengers not to discuss the incident with anyone else.

When law enforcement attempted to arrest Mr. Ferrell two days later, he retreated into his residence and refused to surrender for several hours, according to his plea papers.

This morning, Mr. Ferrell pleaded guilty to one count of murder of an employee of an agency of the United States government, and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He faces up to life in prison.

“It was devastating to learn of the senseless act of violence that took the life of a federal postal employee while on the job in our district,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “I’m gratified we could bring the perpetrator to justice. My heart goes out to Mr. Mosby’s family and friends.” 

“The wanton road rage murder of Postal Employee Tony Mosby by Donnie Ferrell was senseless and tragic,” said Damon  E. Wood, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Fort Worth Division.  “Postal Inspectors will ensure an offense like this is investigated and the perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I’d like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Texas, for their assistance and guidance.  I would also like to thank the Dallas Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their partnership in this investigation.”

A codefendant, Bei-jing Tashawna Walker, accused of accessory after the fact, entered a plea of not guilty last March. 

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation with assistance from the Dallas Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. Attorneys P.J. Meitl and John Kull prosecuted the case.

A Tulsa man has been sentenced to federal prison for 15 separate charges, including distribution of heroin and methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. A jury found Darowe Junior Jones, 39, of Tulsa, guilty on Oct. 24, 2018.

Today, U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Jones to 211 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

“Methamphetamine and heroin have exacted too much damage on Oklahoma families. Darowe Jones is an “alpha criminal” who peddled addiction for profit in our Tulsa community,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Through the combined efforts of the TPD, FBI and ATF during Operation Alpha, his drug ring has been dismantled. A 17-year federal prison sentence delivers accountability and consequences to Darowe Jones for his involvement in the illegal drug trade. It should also promote deterrence for anyone thinking about stepping into his shoes.”

Jones was arrested on April 17, 2018, on an outstanding felony arrest warrant as part of Operation Alpha, an initiative targeting Tulsa’s most dangerous criminals. Jones was a high volume drug dealer who sold methamphetamine, black-tar heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, and Xanax. He conspired with his partners to receive drugs through the mail at various addresses in Tulsa and Broken Arrow, which he later distributed in the Tulsa area. The evidence further showed that Jones sent tens of thousands of dollars in cash over a two-year period to his out-of-state sources of supply to purchase the narcotics.

After his arrest, Jones continued his drug operations by calling his accomplices from jail and directing them to hide evidence, including drug proceeds. 

Jones will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Jones was arrested as part of Operation Alpha, a Project Safe Neighborhoods’ initiative. Operation Alpha utilized crime mapping technology to target areas with high rates of crime and focused on the area surrounding 21st Street and Garnett Road in Tulsa. Phase one operations took place from mid-April through mid-June 2018 and resulted in 174 felony arrests and seizure of 106 firearms.

The Tulsa Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI and United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Duncombe, Dennis A. Fries, and Joel-lyn A. McCormick prosecuted the case.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Payne, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Payne, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” Payne admitted to selling heroin in July 2017 in Monongalia County. 

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

HAMMOND- U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II announced today that the Northern District of Indiana collected $6,016,074.83 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2018.  Of this amount, $2,974,660.68 was collected in criminal actions and $3,041,414.25 was collected in civil actions.   Additionally, the Northern District of Indiana forfeited in excess of $1.3 million dollars in civil and criminal forfeitures.              

As a whole, the Justice Department collected nearly $15 billionin civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2018.  The $14,839,821,650 in collections in FY 2018 represents nearly seven times the appropriated $2.13 billion ($2,136,750,000) budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws.  In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education.

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