St. Louis, MO – Christopher Lamar Smith, 34, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 26 months in prison for bank fraud, misuse of a social security number, and fraudulent use of identification documents.  Smith appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Rodney W. Sippel who ordered him to pay $24,852 in restitution to the victim.   

According to court records, Smith fraudulently obtained a Social Security Administration check properly payable to another individual related to disability insurance benefits.  Smith then used the victim’s name and other personal information to create a fictitious Missouri non-driver’s license and open a bank account in the victim’s name.  Smith then deposited the check into the fraudulent account and withdrew the funds over the course of the next month for his own personal use...

Smith pled guilty in February 2019.

The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Ismael Huazo-Jardinez, 33, a Mexican citizen residing in Yuba City, CA, charging him with two counts of possessing a firearm while being an alien unlawfully in the United States, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. 

According to court documents, Huazo-Jardinez is suspected of having been the driver in a fatal car accident that killed three people, the parents and one child of a family of four, when the vehicle crashed into their mobile home as they slept, on May 4, 2019, in Sutter County. Huazo-Jardinez was arrested at the scene of the accident. Authorities impounded the vehicle, a Chevrolet Avalanche registered to Huazo-Jardinez, and later recovered a handgun from the vehicle’s center console. A database query revealed that the handgun had been reported stolen in Boise, Idaho. 

According to court documents, a Beretta handgun was found during a search of Huazo-Jardinez’s residence. Huazo-Jardinez is alleged to be a citizen and national of Mexico who has twice been removed from the United States and has not been granted permission to return. As an alien unlawfully in the United States, Huazo-Jardinez is prohibited by federal statute from possessing a firearm.

This case is the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol, Sutter County Sheriff’s Department, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorneys James Conolly and Shea Kenny are prosecuting the case. The Sutter County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting Huazo-Jardinez in the state case related to the May 4, 2019 fatal car accident.

This case was brought as 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. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department of Justice'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.

If convicted, Huazo-Jardinez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

An Akron man pleaded guilty to leading a conspiracy to bring large amounts of fentanyl and carfentanil into the United States from China, then sell the drugs in Akron and Lorain, then launder the profits.

Donte L. Gibson, 40, is scheduled to be sentenced September 23. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil and conspiracy to launder money.

This took place between May 2016 and February 2018, according to court documents.

Donte and Audrey Gibson purchased fentanyl and carfentanil from China over the internet, and had the drugs shipped to locations in the Akron-Canton area through the U.S. Postal Service. They directed others to open post office boxes throughout the area, and Audrey Gibson retained control of all the post office box keys, according to court documents.

Co-conspirators picked up the packages containing fentanyl and carfentanil at the P.O. boxes and brought the packages to the Gibsons’ home on Popham Street. Donte Gibson cut the drugs with other white powder, turning 70 or 80 grams of pure fentanyl or carfentanil into seven kilograms of saleable product, according to court documents.

The Gibsons then distributed the drugs to others for sale in Akron and Lorain. The Gibsons used various residences and storage units to store the drugs and cash. They stored the drugs at their home on Popham Street until their young daughter overdosed on fentanyl she found at home, according to court documents.

Audrey Gibson in 2015 formed JayT AllServices LLC, which purported to be in the business of remodeling, painting homes and cleaning out homes. Donte Gibson later stated that he was an employee of the his wife’s company and that he helps do home improvement work, according to court documents.

In 2016, Audrey Gibson formed Pound Cake Entertainment LLC, which used the web site IAmPoundCake.com. The web site purported to sell clothing and “one of a kind items” as well as offering access to a members-only Snapchat account featuring Audrey Gibson “being flirty or nasty depending on the day,” according to court documents.

In 2017, Dontaysha Gibson formed G’s Car Care and Detail LLC, with the stated purpose of the company being car care sales and detailing. Donte Gibson later stated it was his daughter’s company but that he managed it for her, according to court documents.

The Gibsons opened bank accounts in connection to all three companies, according to court documents.

Audrey Gibson in 2017 opened a Saks Fifth Avenue Store Card and between April and December 2017 made payments on her card totaling $208,504 by using cash in store in Beachwood. She made purchases from Saks Fifth Avenue totaling $686,850 between July 2016 and February 2018 and paid for them with a combination of cash, credit cards and her Saks card. The purchases included handbags from Burberry, Chanel and Gucci, various Louis Vuitton items, Saint Laurent shoes, as well as cosmetics, fragrances and sunglasses, according to court documents.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit more than $280,000 in cash, two firearms and ammunition seized as part of the investigation, as well as the home at 2946 Popham Street in Akron.

Audrey Gibson previously pleaded guilty to related crimes and is awaiting sentencing.

“This defendant brought huge quantities of deadly fentanyl and carfentanil into Akron, threatening the lives of so many of our neighbors, friends, and family,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “They set up fake companies to launder their dirty drug money and now will have to answer for his crimes”

“This case demonstrates the lengths drug dealers will go to in order to obtain deadly drugs to feed the addiction of their customers,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “This group flaunted their lucrative drug trafficking organization proceeds by purchasing homes, cars and other items in an attempt to hide their cash.  The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to help rid our communities of the individuals that bring poison to our streets.”

“The harm inflicted by opioids is matched only by the profit potential for those who sell them,” said William Cheung, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. "This is an important victory for the citizens of Northern Ohio. These defendants not only fueled the opioid drug problem in Northern Ohio, but they supported addiction in several parts of the country. IRS-CI worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners to disrupt the flow of money -- the lifeblood that allows these organizations to proliferate. 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 could not finance their organizations.”

“Fentanyl and carfentanil are by far the deadliest illegal drugs that we are up against in the law enforcement community,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar. “As this indictment clearly demonstrates, HSI is fully committed to bringing to justice all of the criminal groups and individuals who distribute this lethal poison in our community.”

Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball said: “I feel a strong sense of relief knowing that a group of criminals that had a major role in the city's battle against drugs, and the companion, devastating effects of addiction, will be held accountable. I am proud of the work of Akron's team and our partners with the Safe Streets Task Force. Gibson and his conspirators have been justly charged, they now need to be justly tried and sentenced.”

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force -- which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service and the Akron Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark S. Bennett.

NEW BERN - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today, BRANDON MARQUIS JENNINGS, 29, of Raleigh, North Carolina, was convicted in federal court following a four-day trial before United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan.  The jury found JENNINGS guilty of four counts of sex trafficking, one count of production of child pornography, one count of transporting a minor in interstate commerce for a sexual offense, three counts of coercing and enticing victims to travel interstate for prostitution, three counts of transporting victims interstate for prostitution, and one count of operating an interstate prostitution enterprise.

From 2013 until December 2016, JENNINGS operated a prostitution ring involving numerous women and children.  Jennings typically enticed his victims to work for him with promises of love and money.  After they joined him, JENNINGS frequently ruthlessly manipulated, threatened, and violently assaulted his victims to ensure they would continue prostituting for him.  Then he took all their money.  Some victims were minors, and he enticed one of those minors to send an image of child pornography to him.

JENNINGS faces a sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine up to $3,250,000, and up to life supervised release at sentencing.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the Raleigh Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Blondel and Melissa Kessler handled the prosecution of this case for the government.

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Justin O’Brien, 32, of Philadelphia, was indicted by a federal grand jury with armed bank robbery. The indictment charges that on March 12, 2019, O’Brien knowingly and unlawfully, by force, violence and intimidation, took approximately $1,260 from an employee of Firstrust Bank, located at 725 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.  The indictment also charges that the defendant knowingly and unlawfully assaulted another person by the use of a dangerous weapon: a facsimile firearm (pellet gun).

“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant’s conduct in this case was reckless and stupid,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Not only did O’Brien rob a bank, which is a serious offense, but he threatened bank employees with what looked like a real gun – causing them to fear for their lives.  He is now facing serious federal charges and prison time over a relatively small sum of money.  To all would-be robbers: let this serve as a deterrent – it’s not worth it.”

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment; up to five years’ supervised release; a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lower Merion Township Police Department, and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Zaleski.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

HOUSTON – A 28-year old resident of Katy has admitted he conspired to compel three adult women to engage in sex trafficking by means of force and violence in Houston and other locations across the country, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Marquis Holmes aka “Goldie” pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by means of force, fraud and coercion; two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution; and two counts of enticing and coercing another to travel in interstate commerce for prostitution. 

From June 2015 until his arrest in March 2018, Holmes scoured social media websites to recruit women, often under false pretenses, to work as prostitutes for him. Under threat of violence and actual violence, Holmes prostituted two of these women in Houston and Austin; New Orleans, Louisiana; Memphis, Tennessee; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Mississippi; Alabama; South Carolina and other locations across the country. Holmes coerced the women to pose for pictures used in online advertisements for sex and to engage in commercial sex acts for money.  Holmes collected all the money the women earned.  

On March 30, 2018, authorities arrested Holmes, at which time a third victim was rescued along with her infant child. After repeatedly physically assaulting the woman, Holmes forced her to solicit commercial sex dates along the 1.3 mile stretch of Bissonnet St., commonly referred to as “The Track.” If she did not meet the monetary quota Holmes had set, he beat her and deprived her of food.  

Holmes has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing, set for Sept. 19, 2019. At that time, he faces up to life in prison.

The Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) conducted the investigation.

HTRA law enforcement includes members of the Houston Police Department, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Coast Guard and sheriff’s offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties.

Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sebastian Edwards and Carrie Wirsing prosecuted this case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Andres Garcia-Mora, 28, a Mexico citizen, was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for illegally re-entering the United States after being previously deported six times.  

Louisiana State Police arrested Andres Garcia-Mora on August 23, 2018, in Bossier Parish for possession of a controlled substance, driving while intoxicated, no driver’s license and an open container.  Louisiana State Police notified Homeland Security Investigations agents about the arrest, who then discovered that Garcia-Mora was in the United States illegally after being removed from the United States six times between 2009 and 2016.  During that time, Garcia-Mora used at least eight aliases in his attempts to enter the United States.  The last removal took place on December 30, 2016, near Del Rio, Texas. Garcia-Mora’s criminal history includes three convictions for federal immigration offenses and three state misdemeanor convictions in Texas and Louisiana for simple battery, a liquor violation and driving while intoxicated.  He pleaded guilty to the current federal charge on May 30, 2019, and faces removal from the United States after serving his prison term.                                                     

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten prosecuted the case.

McALLEN, Texas – An 18-year-old Mexican citizen has been arrested on charges of human smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

The criminal complaint charging Israel Rubio-Rodriguez was filed today. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker this morning, at which time he was temporarily ordered into custody pending a detention hearing set for June 18, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Hacker.

On June 11, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Rubio-Rodriguez was driving near Los Ebanos, according to the charges. When authorities approached, they allegedly observed multiple people in the front and back seat of the vehicle. The criminal complaint alleges that an immigration inspection was performed on all passengers of the vehicle and all were determined to be Chinese nationals illegally present in the United States.

If convicted, Rubio-Rodriguez faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarina S. DiPiazza is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

          LOS ANGELES– An Inland Empire man who operated a series of companies that purported to provide debt-relief, primarily to distressed homeowners, has been found guilty of defrauding victims who paid thousands of dollars after attending seminars that promoted a “Free and Clear” program pitched by the defendant and his salespeople.

          James Ignatius Diamond, who went by the name “Jim Diamond,” 59, of Riverside, was found guilty of 30 fraud charges late Wednesday in United States District Court.

          “Between 2010 and 2013, [Diamond] sold fraudulent debt-elimination services to desperate victims thrown into financial crisis by the Great Recession,” according to court documents. Diamond owned and operated a number of businesses – including the Riverside-based Transmitting Assets, Inc., Operation Safe Haven, Buyer Beware, and Unlimited Logistics Corporation – that he claimed could wipe out the debts of homeowners behind on their mortgage payments, as well as other debts.

          The evidence presented to the federal jury over the course of six days showed that the “Diamond Home Reclamation Method” was pitched to solicit victims with false promises that Diamond’s methods would entirely eliminate their mortgages and allow people to own their homes “free and clear.”

          Relying on the false representations, victims paid substantial fees, including an upfront fee – typically $3,500, payable only in cash, money orders or cashier’s checks – periodic program fees, and inflated notary fees. After paying the upfront fee, victims were required to sign and notarize documents, which they were instructed to send to financial institutions and government agencies – documents prosecutors described in court documents as “fraudulent and nonsensical.”

          When victims of the scheme in 2011 began receiving mortgage default notices and lost their homes, Diamond launched another debt-elimination scam called the “EFT Program,” under which Diamond claimed to be able to eliminate victims’ debt with “EFT” checks. This scam required victims to pay Diamond 13 percent of the debt that was to be eliminated.

          Diamond knew that his methods did nothing to discharge debts. In fact, when FBI agents searched his business in 2013, they recovered hundreds of “rejection letters” from financial institutions indicating that documents submitted as part of the debt-elimination programs did nothing to help the victims. Diamond’s email accounts contained numerous complaints and refund requests from victims – all of which he ignored.

          Investigators have identified more than 500 victims. The victims’ total losses exceeded $1.6 million. Diamond spent victims’ money on luxury hotels, jewelry, alcohol and living expenses.

          After deliberating for about three hours, the jury convicted Diamond of 15 counts of mail fraud affecting a financial institution and 15 counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution. Defendant was immediately remanded into custody upon conviction, with United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner citing defendant’s extremist anti-government views as a concern. As a result of the conviction, Diamond will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years for each of the 30 counts.

          Diamond is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Klausner on September 9.

          Previously in this case, a Diamond associate – Tricia Mae Gruber, 43, of Riverside – pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and admitted helping operate the scheme.

          This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

          This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Marina A. Torres and Kevin B. Reidy of the General Crimes Section.

HOUSTON - Attorney General William P. Barr has announced the establishment of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for six federal districts, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and other organizations. The Southern District of Texas will be one of the offices part of that group.

The Strike Force will focus on investigating and prosecuting individuals and entities associated with foreign-based fraud schemes that disproportionately affect American seniors. These include telemarketing, mass-mailing and tech-support fraud schemes.

“Elder Fraud comes in many variations – through the mail, online and even in person,” said U.S. Attorney Patrick. “By focusing on these cases, we hope to send a message from the low level hucksters to the sophisticated international organizations that when we find you, we will prosecute you.”

The Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force will be comprised of prosecutors and data analysts from the Consumer Protection Branch, prosecutors with the SDTX and five other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices (Central District of California, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, Northern District of Georgia and Eastern District of New York), FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors and numerous other law enforcement personnel. The Strike Force will also collaborate with the Federal Trade Commission and industry partners, who have pledged to engage with the Department to help end the scourge of elder fraud. It will further benefit from the help of the Elder Justice Coordinators now assigned in every U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Quincy Ollison is the coordinator for the SDTX.

“Fraud against the elderly is on the rise,” said Barr. “One of the most significant and pernicious causes for this increase is foreign-based fraud schemes. The new Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force will bring together the expertise and resources of our prosecutors, federal and international law enforcement partners, and other government agencies to better target, investigate and prosecute criminals abroad who prey on our elderly at home. The Department of Justice is committed to ending the victimization of elders across the country.”

“It doesn’t matter where these criminals live. We’re committed to keeping our elderly citizens safe, whether they’re being targeted door-to-door, over the phone, or online, from thousands of miles away,” said Director Christopher Wray of the FBI. “Our new Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force will give us additional resources and tools to identify and stop those who are targeting our senior communities from overseas. If you think you may be a victim of elder fraud, or you know someone who is, please let us know. We want to help.”

“Protecting older Americans and educating them and their caregivers about foreign lotteries and sweepstakes has been a long-time priority of the Postal Inspection Service,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “Our consumer awareness programs, coupled with our investigative efforts, have prevented countless older Americans from fraud and financial exploitation. But there’s so much more than can be done. By joining our partner agencies in this Strike Force, we become more effective at identifying and stopping those who prey on our vulnerable citizens.”

Using analytical tools and sophisticated investigative approaches, the Strike Force will seek to identify those responsible for foreign fraud schemes affecting American seniors, as well as those individuals and entities facilitating such schemes. The Strike Force will coordinate closely with foreign law enforcement and will use all available criminal and civil tools to stop victims from losing money and to hold wrongdoers responsible.

The Attorney General announced creation of the Strike Force as part of a week of events recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, which is dedicated to raising awareness about the millions of older adults who experience elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.

The establishment of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force builds on the Trump Administration’s commitment to combating elder fraud. That commitment was reflected in the Department’s historic 2018 and 2019 Elder Fraud Sweeps—which collectively brought criminal and civil actions against more than 500 defendants responsible for defrauding more than $1.5 billion from at least 3 million victims —as well as the 2018 Rural and Tribal Elder Justice Summit.

More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.

MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jesse Turnmire, 30, Bangor, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson, to five years in federal prison, for possessing firearms as a convicted felon.  Turnmire pleaded guilty to this charge on March 15, 2019.  His prison term will be followed by a three-year period of supervised release.       

On December 15, 2018, residents at an apartment complex in La Crosse reported shots-fired.  Officers recovered four Remington 9mm shell casings at the scene.  Through interviews, officers developed Turnmire as a suspect.  Turnmire was subsequently arrested after fleeing from a vehicle, and two firearms were recovered from the vehicle.  One had been reported stolen, and Turnmire had a photo of the firearm on his phone.  The other firearm was examined by the State Crime Lab, and the lab confirmed it had been used in the shooting.  Turnmire’s prior felony convictions are: 2013 Bail Jumping; 2014 Possession of Methamphetamine; 2014 Theft of Automobile; 2015 Possession of Methamphetamine; and 2016 Possession of Narcotic Drug.

In another case, Emmanuel Hunt, 24, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to four years in federal prison for also possessing firearms as a convicted felon.  Hunt pleaded guilty to this charge on February 21, 2019.  His prison term will also be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

On November 22, 2018, Hunt was stopped for speeding and he was arrested on an outstanding warrant.  A search of the vehicle incident to arrest led to the recovery of a loaded handgun under the driver's seat. 

On December 5, 2018, Hunt was stopped by the La Crosse County Sheriff's Department after he was observed driving erratically.  When deputies approached the car, they smelled marijuana and observed marijuana in the vehicle.  A search incident to arrest led to the recovery of a loaded, stolen handgun in Hunt’s waistband.  A search of the vehicle revealed a second loaded, stolen handgun under the passenger seat.  Hunt’s prior felony convictions are:  Manufacture/Deliver Cannabis (2014, Cook County, Illinois) and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (2016, Cook County, Illinois).

These cases have been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime.  The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence. 

The charges against Turnmire and Hunt were the result of investigations conducted by the La Crosse Police Department, the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The prosecution of these cases have been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow. 

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that illegal alien and felon Shandy Salgado-Almendaris, 39, a Mexican citizen living in Benton, Louisiana, was sentenced on Wednesday. Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. sentenced Salgado-Almendaris to 21 months in prison for illegally re-entering the United States after being removed and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.    

Bossier Parish Narcotics Task Force agents conducted an investigation on August 9, 2018, at a Benton residence and encountered Salgado-Almendaris. Agents searched the home and found a Rohm GmbH (RG Industries), Model: RG-14, .22-caliber revolver in the master bedroom area. The firearm was seized and Salgado-Almendaris was arrested. Salgado-Almendaris had been previously removed from the United States three times at locations in Texas and Louisiana. The defendant is a convicted felon who has a previous criminal history involving possession of cocaine. He pleaded guilty to the current federal charges on February 20, 2019, and faces removal from the United States after serving his prison term. 

United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the ATF, and the Bossier Parish Narcotics Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment today charging Lebanon, Oregon business owner Robert A. Lund, 62, with evading $1.7 million in income taxes, failing to file individual income tax returns, obstructing or impeding the IRS and theft of government funds as part of a multi-year scheme to defraud the U.S.

According to the indictment, in June 2002, after an IRS audit and a lengthy period of litigation, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a U.S. Tax Court finding that Lund owed more than $444,000 in underreported tax liabilities. After the ruling, the IRS Collection Division continued its efforts to collect the taxes Lund owed. In response, Lund sent the IRS frivolous correspondence, threatened to the sue the IRS Revenue Officers, attempted to quash various summonses and subpoenas, filed false bankruptcy petitions, transferred real property to nominees and used nominees to open financial accounts and conceal his income.

From December 2000 to November 2013, Lund incorporated or controlled over 160 nominee business entities and used them to conceal his assets and income from the IRS. He operated four businesses—a computer consulting company, a bookstore, a nutrition store and a scuba diving company—from a building in downtown Albany, Oregon. Additionally, he operated a trailer park in Sweet Home, Oregon from which he rented trailer units to individuals receiving government rental assistance.

Lund will be arraigned on July 10, 2019 in Portland.

This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Oregon Department of Human Services and is being prosecuted by Seth D. Uram and Clemon D. Ashley, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Robert Hoopes, 72, of Doylestown, PA, and Bernard Rafferty, 64, of Langhorne, PA were sentenced to 54 months’ and 18 months’ incarceration, respectively, by United States District Judge Gene E.K. Pratter.  In September 2018, Hoopes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and Hobbs Act Extortion Under Color of Official Right.  In March 2018, Rafferty pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and honest services mail fraud.

From February 2016 until December 2016, Hoopes was the Director of Public Safety in Lower Southampton Township, Pennsylvania.  In this position, Hoopes had authority over all police, fire, and emergency operations in the township.  From 1992 until December 2016, Rafferty was a Deputy Constable in Bucks County.

Together with their co-defendants, including former Magisterial District Judge John Waltman who was sentenced to 78 months’ incarceration earlier this week, Hoopes and Rafferty participated in a scheme to extort bribes and kickbacks from Bucks County businessmen. They also conspired to launder money for individuals they believed were engaged in narcotics trafficking and health care fraud.  

For example, in November 2016, Waltman, Hoopes, and Rafferty accepted a bribe of $1,000, as well as the promise of other fees, in exchange for Waltman, Hoopes, and Rafferty to use their positions as public officials to “fix” a traffic case before Waltman in Bucks County Magisterial District Court.

In addition, from June 2015 to November 2016, Waltman, Hoopes, and Rafferty conspired to launder funds represented to be proceeds from health care fraud, and illegal drug trafficking.  From June 2016 to August 2016, Waltman, Hoopes, and Rafferty specifically laundered $400,000 in cash and took money laundering fees totaling $80,000 in cash.

“The laws of the land apply to everyone – especially to public officials who hold office to serve the public good,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain.  “Hoopes and Rafferty, like their corrupt partner Waltman, chose to flout the rule of law.  In doing so, they disgraced themselves and the offices they held.  Every public official should be on notice after today’s sentence: federal law enforcement is watching and we will hold you accountable if you make the wrong choices.”

“Honest and law abiding citizens are fed up with the likes of those who use fraud to line their pockets,” said Guy Ficco, IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge. “Robert Hoopes and Bernard Rafferty disregarded the trust placed in them by the public when they made conscious decisions to accept bribes and launder money. Let this serve as a reminder that we will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who commit similar crimes.”

“This week’s sentencings reflects Homeland Security Investigations’ commitment to, and focus on, the investigation of financial crimes,” said Marlon V. Miller, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. “By using their official positions for personal gain, Mr. Hoopes, Mr. Rafferty, and Mr. Waltman violated the trust placed in them by the public.  HSI and our law enforcement partners will continue to vigorously investigate those who conspire to knowingly launder illicit funds derived from criminal activities.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Louis Lappen and Richard Barrett.

GREAT FALLS—Four men convicted in the 2017 theft of explosives intended for a Fourth of July fireworks display in Great Falls were sentenced this week to terms ranging from probation to prison, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendants each pleaded guilty earlier this year to crimes associated with the theft of $18,000 worth of commercial fireworks from a trailer in Great Falls. The explosives were intended to be used at the City of Great Falls’ Fourth of July display. On July 3, 2017, a man called the Great Falls Police Department to report that someone had stolen the fireworks. The man had locked the trailer but when he arrived at the trailer during evening of July 3, he noticed someone had cut the lock.

U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided at the sentencings.

On June 12, Judge Morris sentenced Kris Harding, 48, of Sun Prairie, to three years of probation and to 200 hours of community service. Harding pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of explosives. Harding was prohibited from possessing explosives because of a prior felony conviction.

Judge Morris also sentenced Rand Emineth, 27, of Great Falls, to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release and 200 hours of community service. Emineth pleaded guilty to possession of stolen explosives.

On June 13, Judge Morris sentenced Shevyn Eugene Marshall, 35, of Great Falls, to six months in prison, three years of supervised release and 400 hours of community service. Marshall pleaded guilty to possession of stolen explosives.

Judge Morris also sentenced William James Outten, 27, of Great Falls, to 16 months in prison, three years of supervised release and 200 hours of supervised release. Outten pleaded guilty to possession of stolen explosives.

On July 4, 2017, law enforcement began receiving information about the fireworks theft and that Harding may have been involved, the prosecution said. A witness told investigators that he helped Harding and Outten, who was Harding’s roommate, unload about a dozen totes of fireworks from Harding’s pickup truck into their living room in Sun Prairie.

Law enforcement found fireworks in Harding’s pickup and a label on the explosives identified that they were from a Helena company that had supplied the fireworks for the Fourth of July show.

On July 5, 2017, agents received additional information that Emineth was in possession of stolen fireworks. The agents learned that Emineth had arrived at a home in Great Falls on the evening of July 2, 2017 and unloaded plastic tubes that contained fireworks and detonator devices. Officers went to the home and found Emineth, who told them Outten had been trying to rid of fireworks and had called him to inform him that police had searched the Sun Prairie home.

In addition, a man went to the Great Falls Police Department on July 11, 207 and wanted to turn in stolen fireworks. The man said Emineth had come to his home mid-day on July 2, 2017 and wanted to store bags in his shed. The man told officers that Emineth placed five bags in the shed and left. The man then learned about the stolen fireworks, went to the shed and found the fireworks along with yellow plastic control boxes. The man took the bags, which contained fireworks with the same label as the Helena company’s, to the police station.

And on July 12, 2017, another man contacted the police and said that co-defendant Marshall had provided him with some of the stolen fireworks and that he wanted to return them to the police department. The man dropped off the fireworks and agents found that they too, contained the Helena company’s label. The man told police that Marshall asked him if he wanted to buy fireworks. The man asked if the explosives were the stolen fireworks mentioned on the news, and Marshall said that they were. Marshall told the man he had paid $100 for the fireworks and showed him the explosives. Marshall admitted to officers that Emineth had approached him about the stolen fireworks and had placed them in the car he was driving but that they did not exchange money.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department.

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

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SENTENCING – Sherryol Elton Clack, Jr.

On June 7, Sherryol Clack, Jr. was sentenced to three months in federal prison for shining a laser pointer at an aircraft, causing temporary blindness to its pilot. The aircraft, a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter assisting in the apprehension of a murder suspect, was forced to abort its mission.

PLEA – Joe Larry Straw

On June 11, Joe Larry Straw pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. In plea papers, Mr. Straw admits he accepted more than $68,000 in kickbacks in return for facilitating the referral of TRICARE patients to Trilogy Pharmacy. More than a dozen co-defendants have been indicted in the scheme, which violated the federal anti-kickback statute, and caused an actual loss to TRICARE of more than $100 million.  The Defense Criminal Investigative Service and FBI investigated.

PLEA – Randal Anthony Melton

On June 11, Randal Melton pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm. In his plea papers, Mr. Melton admits to unlawful possession of a 9 mm Smith and Wesson despite a prior felony conviction. ATF and the Dallas Police Department investigated the case.

SENTENCING – Damon Williams

On June 13, Damon Williams was sentenced to 7 years, 11 months in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy. In February, Mr. Williams pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, admitting he delivered meth to a co-conspirator who then sold the drugs to an undercover officer.

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, David Bernhardt, the United States Secretary of the Interior, and Christopher T. Tersigni, the Special Agent in Charge of the Special Operations Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced today that MOAZU KROMAH, a/k/a “Ayoub,” a/k/a “Ayuba,” a/k/a “Kampala Man,” AMARA CHERIF, a/k/a “Bamba Issiaka,” MANSUR MOHAMED SURUR, a/k/a “Mansour,” and ABDI HUSSEIN AHMED, a/k/a “Abu Khadi,” were charged in an indictment for participating in a conspiracy to traffic in rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory, both protected wildlife species, valued at more than $7 million that involved the illegal poaching of more than approximately 35 rhinoceros and more than approximately 100 elephants.  In addition, KROMAH, CHERIF, and SURUR were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, and SURUR and AHMED were charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 10 kilograms of heroin.  KROMAH, a citizen of Liberia, was arrested in Uganda on June 12, 2019, and expelled to the United States.  He was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker earlier today and detained.  CHERIF, a citizen of Guinea, was arrested in Senegal on June 7, 2019, and remains in custody in Senegal pending a process through which his extradition, deportation or other lawful removal to the United States is being considered by Senegalese authorities.  SURUR and AHMED, both citizens of Kenya, remain fugitives.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, these defendants are members of an international conspiracy to traffic in not only heroin but also rhino horns and elephant ivory.  The alleged enterprise, responsible for the illegal slaughter of dozens of rhinos and more than 100 elephants, was as destructive to protected species as it was lucrative.  The excellent work of the Fish and Wildlife Service and the DEA has put the brakes on an operation that allegedly peddled dead protected species and potentially deadly narcotics.”           

Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt said:  “Wildlife trafficking will not be tolerated. It is often intertwined with other major types of criminal activity including conspiracy, smuggling, money laundering and narcotics – all of which are included in the indictment today.  The U.S. Department of the Interior remains committed to combating the illegal wildlife trade through the END Wildlife Trafficking Act and the President’s Executive Order on Transnational Organized Crime.  I would like to thank the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Department of Justice, and others who help bring wildlife traffickers, and other criminals, to justice.  Together, we can protect some of the world’s most iconic species while ensuring the safety and livelihood of the American people.”  

DEA Special Agent in Charge Christopher T. Tersigni said:  “DEA’s global investigations with our foreign counterparts often involve transnational criminal networks involved in a wide array of unlawful acts – from drug trafficking to conspiring to commit acts of terror to international money laundering to human trafficking – that undermine the rule of law everywhere.  These suspected criminal masterminds not only conspired to traffic huge amounts of heroin to New York, but also directed a multimillion-dollar poaching scheme to traffic in rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory – both endangered wildlife species.  DEA investigations throughout the world consistently illustrate the lengths and heinous acts these global criminal individuals and networks will commit to further their illicit enterprises.”

According to allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

KROMAH, CHERIF, SURUR, and AHMED were members of a transnational criminal enterprise (the “Enterprise”) based in Uganda and surrounding countries that was engaged in the large-scale trafficking and smuggling of rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory, both protected wildlife species.  Trade involving endangered or threatened species violates several U.S. laws, as well as international treaties implemented by certain U.S. laws.

From at least in or about December 2012 through at least in or about May 2019, KROMAH, CHERIF, SURUR, and AHMED conspired to transport, distribute, sell, and smuggle at least approximately 190 kilograms of rhinoceros horns and at least approximately 10 tons of elephant ivory from or involving various countries in East Africa, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Senegal, and Tanzania, to buyers located in the United States and countries in Southeast Asia.  Such weights of rhinoceros horn and elephant ivory are estimated to have involved the illegal poaching of more than approximately 35 rhinoceros and more than approximately 100 elephants.  In total, the estimated average retail value of the rhinoceros horn involved in the conspiracy was at least approximately $3.4 million, and the estimated average retail value of the elephant ivory involved in the conspiracy was at least approximately $4 million.

Typically, the defendants exported and agreed to export the rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory for delivery to foreign buyers, including those represented to be in Manhattan, in packaging that concealed the rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory in, among other things, pieces of art such as African masks and statues.  The defendants received and deposited payments from foreign customers that were sent in the form of international wire transfers, some which were sent through U.S. financial institutions, and paid in cash.

On a number of occasions, KROMAH, SURUR, and AHMED met with a confidential source (“CS-1”), both together and separately, concerning potential purchases of elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn.  During these meetings and at other times via phone calls and an electronic messaging application, CS-1 discussed with KROMAH, SURUR, and AHMED, in substance and in part, the terms of the sale, including the price, weight, or size of the rhinoceros horns, payment, destination, and delivery options.  CS-1 also discussed with CHERIF via phone calls and electronic messages, in substance and in part, the terms of the sales, as well as how to send payment for the rhinoceros horns from a United States bank account located in Manhattan.  On or about March 16, 2018, law enforcement agents intercepted a package containing a black rhinoceros horn sold by the defendants to CS-1 that was intended for a buyer represented to be in Manhattan.  From in or about March 2018 through in or about May 2018, the defendants offered to sell CS-1 additional rhinoceros horns of varying weights, including horns weighing up to seven kilograms.  On or about July 17, 2018, law enforcement agents intercepted a package containing two white rhinoceros horns sold by the defendants to CS-1 that was intended for a buyer represented to be in Manhattan.  

Separately, from at least in or about August 2018 through at least in or about May 2019, SURUR and AHMED conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than approximately 10 kilograms of heroin to a buyer represented to be located in New York.

                                                            *                      *                      *

KROMAH, 49, CHERIF, 54, SURUR, 59, and AHMED, 56, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wildlife trafficking and two counts of wildlife trafficking, each of  which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  KROMAH, CHERIF, and SURUR are also each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.  Finally, SURUR and AHMED are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.  The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the DEA, and he thanked law enforcement authorities and conservation partners in Uganda for their assistance in the investigation.  Mr. Berman also thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance and noted that the investigation is continuing. 

The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Sagar K. Ravi and Jarrod L. Schaeffer are in charge of the prosecution.

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

A 16-count indictment was unsealed charging three people for their roles in a conspiracy to steal people’s identities and personal information to obtain stolen or unauthorized credit cards to buy electronics, clothing, appliances and other items.

Indicted are: Terrance Carter, 25; Carrie Gibson, 30, and Angelina Carter, 24. The charges include conspiracy, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The defendants stole mail from mailboxes and vehicles to obtain personal identifying information, including social security numbers, driver’s license numbers and credit card information, according to the indictment.

They used this information to create lists that included the victims’ addresses, dates of birth, bank information and other information. They used this information to obtain things of value for themselves or to resell, according to the indictment.

For example, Terrance Carter purchased a gold bar with a credit account issued to a victim in January 2016. In March 2017, the defendants used an unauthorized Lowe’s credit card to purchase $1,225 in merchandise from the Lowe’s on Airport Highway in Toledo. A month later, Angelina Carter and Gibson used a stolen credit card to purchase $285 worth of goods from a Walmart on West Central Avenue, according to the indictment.

This conspiracy occurred between 2015 and 2017, according to the indictment.

The investigation is ongoing.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The investigating agencies in this case are the Toledo Police Department, Sylvania Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S Attorneys Jody L. King and Robert N. Melching.       

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A 16-count indictment was unsealed charging three people for their roles in a conspiracy to steal people’s identities and personal information to obtain stolen or unauthorized credit cards to buy electronics, clothing, appliances and other items.

Indicted are: Terrance Carter, 25; Carrie Gibson, 30, and Angelina Carter, 24. The charges include conspiracy, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The defendants stole mail from mailboxes and vehicles to obtain personal identifying information, including social security numbers, driver’s license numbers and credit card information, according to the indictment.

They used this information to create lists that included the victims’ addresses, dates of birth, bank information and other information. They used this information to obtain things of value for themselves or to resell, according to the indictment.

For example, Terrance Carter purchased a gold bar with a credit account issued to a victim in January 2016. In March 2017, the defendants used an unauthorized Lowe’s credit card to purchase $1,225 in merchandise from the Lowe’s on Airport Highway in Toledo. A month later, Angelina Carter and Gibson used a stolen credit card to purchase $285 worth of goods from a Walmart on West Central Avenue, according to the indictment.

This conspiracy occurred between 2015 and 2017, according to the indictment.

The investigation is ongoing.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The investigating agencies in this case are the Toledo Police Department, Sylvania Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S Attorneys Jody L. King and Robert N. Melching.       

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

     PHOENIX –On June 10, 2019, Vien Tang, 49, of Chandler, AZ, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 8 months in prison for Unlawful Importation of Tobacco. 

     From 2014 through May 2018, Tang and his then-wife, Lien Tang, 47, had Vietnamese cigarettes shipped from Vietnam to their home in Chandler. Approximately 8,000 cartons of cigarettes, which were concealed in packages designed to look like wrapped gifts, were delivered to the Tang home during the scheme. On a daily basis, Tang sold the smuggled cigarettes for cash out of the back of vehicles in parking lots of businesses in Mesa and Chandler. Tang frequently traveled to Vietnam to arrange for the cigarette shipments, and in his absence, Lien Tang handled daily sales. 

     Lien Tang previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and was sentenced to three years’ probation. The Tangs were ordered to pay more than $275,000 in restitution.

     The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security-Criminal Investigations, and the Department of Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. The prosecution was handled by Monica B. Edelstein, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.