BIRMINGHAM– A Tuscaloosa man who tried to run over a Tuscaloosa police officer was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Marcus Watson. 

U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced DEVONTE JAISHUN TUCKER, 23, Tuscaloosa, to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.­­­­­­ Tucker pled guilty in April to one-count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.   

“This sentence comes at a time when we have seen an increase in violence against law enforcement in Alabama,” Town said.  “Those who would threaten the life of any member of law enforcement would threaten the life of any member of the community.  While Tucker is provided a federal prison bed in which to lay, the rest of us should all stand with the men and women of the badge.”

“Reducing the potential for violent crime in this case was critical due to ATF partnering with our state, local and federal partners,” Watson said. 

On November 15, 2018, just after midnight, Tuscaloosa police officer Joshua Smith attempted to stop a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of Creekwood Village Apartments.  The unidentified driver obeyed Officer’s Smith’s commands to exit the vehicle when the armed passenger, Tucker, jumped in the driver’s seat.  Tucker attempted to run over Officer Smith as he fled the scene in the stolen car.  A high speed chase ensued. 

Tuscaloosa police officer Jacob Morris was in the area, observed Tucker speeding near Stillman College.  Officers Morris and Smith pursued Tucker in a high speed chase on 15^th Street and McFarland Boulevard with Tucker reaching speeds near 100 mph.  Tucker finally abandoned the stolen vehicle and fled on foot near the Springbrook neighborhood.  Although Tucker was armed, Officers Morris and Smith relentlessly pursued Tucker and apprehended him.  Tucker was armed with a stolen Hi-Point .45 caliber pistol.

Tucker was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 10 years based on his criminal history.  He endangered the life of Officer Joshua Smith, other Tuscaloosa police officers involved in the chase, and innocent lives traveling on Tuscaloosa streets that morning.

ATF investigated the case, which the Assistant United States Attorney Blake Milner prosecuted. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Saint Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting a Federal Officer was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Myron Night Shield, age 34, was sentenced to 22 months and 15 days in custody, 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Night Shield was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2017.  He pled guilty on May 3, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on September 9, 2017, when law enforcement was called to Night Shield’s residence due to Night Shield heavily drinking and not taking his medication.  Night Shield was ultimately placed under arrest and began shouting death threats at the officer.  When the officer and Night Shield got to the patrol car, Night Shield turned toward the officer, and spit in his face. 

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

Night Shield was released upon sentencing.

PITTSBURGH – A member of the Lightfoot-Mendoza Drug Trafficking Organization has pleaded guilty to a federal narcotics charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chace Johnson, 21, formerly of Verona, PA pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises before Chief United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak. Judge Hornak scheduled his sentencing for December 13, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.

According to information presented to the court, in August and September of 2017, Chace Johnson lived at a residence on Harvest Drive in Verona, PA (Penn Hills), the home of Jamie Lightfoot, Jr. During that time, Chace Johnson helped to maintain the premises that was used as one of the centers of the Lightfoot-Mendoza Drug Trafficking Organization. During this time, Johnson guarded large sums of drug proceeds in the house and helped to gather drug paraphernalia and other supplies in order to aid in the distribution of narcotics that came into the home. Later on November 5, 2017, an FBI and Pennsylvania State Police Task Force executed a search warrant at the residence netting 52 kilograms of cocaine and heroin, 85 pounds of marijuana, illegal steroids, three firearms, and nearly $1 million dollars in cash.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less more than 20 years in prison and/or a fine of not more than $500,000. 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 Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and Shaun Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Perryopolis Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the Indictment in this case.

The investigation was funded 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.

CONTACT:  Barbara Burns

PHONE:         (716) 843-5817

FAX #:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y.  U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jose O. Felix, 38, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, was sentenced to serve 123 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura A. Higgins and Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who handled the case, stated that on July 11, 2018, the DEA conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from the defendant. On July 19, 2018, a federal search warrant was executed at Felix’s residence at the Marine Drive Apartments in Buffalo. During the search, investigators recovered quantities of controlled substances, four firearms, ammunition, and $192,614 in U.S. currency, along with multiple drug ledger notebooks, cutting agents, and a money counter.

The defendant will also forfeit $192,614 in drug proceeds, firearms, ammunition, and jewelry valued at $34,900. U.S. Attorney Kennedy further stated that, “beyond securing a sentence which puts defendant out of business—and out of the community—for the next 10 years, our use of the forfeiture process allowed us not only to defund a drug dealer but also to use his ill-gotten gains to fund law enforcement’s efforts to catch others like him who continue to purvey this poison in our District.”

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.

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A criminal complaint has been unsealed in the Eastern District of New York charging Kevin Lau, Kenneth Tam and Jack Thai with conspiracy to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute, large quantities of marijuana.  Thai was arrested on July 24, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and made his initial appearance today in federal court in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione.  Thai was released on a $50,000 bond.  Tam surrendered to law enforcement yesterday and made his initial appearance yesterday before Magistrate Judge Tiscione.  Tam was released on a $500,000 bond.  Lau is currently a fugitive.  

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent-in-Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New York Field Office (HSI), announced the arrests. 

“Today’s arrests end the defendants’ scheme of shipping marijuana by tractor trailer and grounds their use of commercial airline flights to transport illicit drug cash,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  “Together with HSI, our Office will continue to identify and prosecute traffickers who distribute narcotics into our communities.” 

“This trio allegedly operated a coast to coast operation, moving more than 50 tons of marijuana to New York and other cities around the U.S.,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Melendez.  “Over the course of 3 years, trucks were used to move the product east, as far as Queens, while the proceeds were smuggled back to the west coast by plane.  HSI’s Border Enforcement Security Task Force followed the money in this large-scale drug distribution conspiracy, which resulted in the three arrests this morning.  These individuals will now make that same trip, from West Coast to East Coast, to face prosecution.”

As alleged in court documents, between February 2015 and December 2018, the defendants conspired to ship multiple kilogram quantities of marijuana by tractor trailer from California and Washington State to Queens and elsewhere for distribution.  The shipping crates used to transport the marijuana were falsely labeled as containing furniture, clothing and other merchandise.  Lau’s co-conspirators stored the crates in commercial facilities and residences in Queens and other locations in New York City.  The cash proceeds of the marijuana were then smuggled back to the West Coast concealed in luggage on commercial airlines. 

During the investigation, HSI agents seized approximately $500,000 in cash from members of the conspiracy.  Based on records of more than 200 marijuana shipments and the seizures of marijuana by law enforcement, HSI estimates that the defendants  transported more than 100,000 pounds of marijuana, marijuana oil and drug paraphernalia.

If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life in prison.

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

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys James P. McDonald and Philip Pilmar are in charge of the prosecution. 

The Defendants:

KEVIN LAU
Age: 34
San Francisco, California

KENNETH TAM
Age:  35
San Francisco, California

JACK THAI
Age:  39
Las Vegas, Nevada

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-MJ-626

Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Gregory Jobe, age 31, was sentenced today to 180 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Heroin. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

According to court records, on September 4, 2018, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a medical emergency at a residence in Garfield, Arkansas.  Deputies and the Fire Department arrived and found an unresponsive individual who later died at a local hospital.  A family member of the deceased advised investigators that “black tar” heroin and methamphetamine was present in the residence and identified Jobe as the source of the drugs.  Additionally, the family member stated that Jobe had distributed heroin to the deceased on September 4, 2018.  On September 5, 2018, officers arrested Jobe at his residence and seized heroin and methamphetamine from the bedroom he shared with his son. 

Jobe was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2018 and entered a guilty plea in March 2019. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.

          LOS ANGELES– A former United States Postal Service employee pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for participating in one burglary and two armed robberies of USPS trucks carrying cash – incidents that caused nearly a quarter million dollars in losses.

          William Crosby IV, 32, of Inglewood, pleaded guilty to two felonies: robbery of United States property and using a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. United States District Judge S. James Otero scheduled an October 28 sentencing hearing, at which time Crosby will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison along with a mandatory consecutive sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.

          Crosby admitted in his plea agreement that between August 2017 and March 2018, while a USPS employee, he conspired with others to plan a theft and two robberies of USPS trucks carrying cash. The burglary and armed robberies caused cash losses of $238,457, Crosby admitted in his plea agreement.

          As a former supervisor, Crosby knew when the USPS transported cash generated from the sale of money orders and USPS merchandise – information that is not known to all Postal Service employees, according to a federal grand jury indictment.

          On August 1, 2017, Crosby signaled to his co-conspirators that a Postal Service truck carrying a large amount of cash was on the loading dock at the Dockweiler Post Office in South Los Angeles. A co-conspirator wearing a Postal Service shirt walked onto the loading dock and stole a container inside the truck that contained $128,236 in cash.

          On February 1, 2018, Crosby, then assigned to the Wagner Post Office in Los Angeles near the city boundary with Inglewood, provided information to co-conspirators that a USPS truck carrying cash was leaving the facility. During the robbery, in which Crosby acted as a lookout, a minivan blocked the USPS truck just outside the Wagner Post Office, the robber threatened the truck driver at gunpoint, and the robber stole $37,658 in cash.

          On March 1, 2018, Crosby took sick leave without pay from his job at the Wagner Post Office. On that date, however, he again conspired to rob a post office, this time the Dockweiler Post Office, where he previously worked. Less than one hour before the robbery, Crosby parked at a grocery store parking lot across the street from the Dockweiler Post Office in a spot where he could see the post office’s loading dock area.

          After the USPS truck left the facility, Crosby, along with his co-conspirators, followed the truck, according to the plea agreement. A co-conspirator rented a Mercedes-Benz SUV and used that vehicle to box in the USPS truck as it exited the southbound 110 Freeway at Slauson Avenue. At that time, another co-conspirator exited another vehicle, brandished a gun to control the USPS driver, and stole $72,563 in cash, the plea agreement states.

          Crosby’s co-defendant, his half-brother Myron Crosby, 28, of Inglewood, is scheduled to go to trial in this case on September 3.

          This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Secret Service.

          The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas F. Rybarczyk of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, and Jeffrey M. Chemerinsky of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.

          SANTA ANA, California– A retired Santa Ana Police officer was charged today by a federal grand jury that accused him of violating the civil rights of a man by using unreasonable force during an arrest and then lying about the incident in official reports.

          Brian Patric Booker, 50, of Chino Hills, was named in an indictment that charges him with one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law and two felony counts of falsification of records. He will be arraigned on the indictment on August 12 in United States District Court in Santa Ana.

          According to the indictment, on June 19, 2014, Booker used unreasonable force in connection with the arrest of the victim. The victim was not resisting arrest.

          Following the incident, Booker allegedly caused false police reports to be filed. Booker falsely claimed that the victim reached toward Booker and grabbed Booker by his right leg, the indictment alleges. Booker also falsely stated that he delivered three or four punches to the back of the victim’s head because he believed the victim was about to tackle him and possibly have access to Booker’s firearm, according to the indictment. Booker allegedly knew these statements were false when the reports were filed.

          Booker retired from the Santa Ana Police Department last year after approximately 19 years of service.

          If convicted of all counts, Booker would face a statutory maximum sentence of 60 years in federal prison.

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

          This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Santa Ana Police Department cooperated fully with the FBI’s investigation.

          This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer L. Waier and Robert J. Keenan of the Santa Ana Branch Office.

           WASHINGTON – Tyrone Grandberry, 59, of Woodbridge, Virginia, pled guilty yesterday to federal charges of wire fraud, stemming from a scheme to defraud individuals that trusted the defendant to invest money on their behalf, and possessing a fraudulent immigration document, stemming from obtaining and possessing a fraudulent Austrian passport in another name. 

           U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia, Charles A. Dayoub, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, and Todd J. Brown, Director of the Diplomatic Security Service made the announcement today.

           Grandberry pled guilty before the Honorable Paul L. Friedman in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of wire fraud, under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and to one count of possessing a fraudulent immigration document, under 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a). The charges carry statutory maximums of twenty years and ten years in prison. Grandberry also agreed to the forfeiture of $2,123,033.57 that was seized pursuant to a warrant. Sentencing is scheduled for October 30, 2019.

           According to the government’s evidence, Grandberry engaged in conduct that constituted an investment fraud scheme. Grandberry along with others solicited investments totaling approximately $4,000,000, in which they benefited from the scheme by diverting money for their personal use. In some cases, Grandberry “repaid” or “refunded” prior victims with money that he obtained from new investors.

           In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Liu, Acting Special Agent in Charge Dayoub, and Director Brown commended the work of those who investigated the case at the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Swanton, Paralegal Specialists Jessica McCormick  and Chela Okonji, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney  Veronica Jennings of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Demian Ahn of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia who prosecuted the case.

           WASHINGTON – Brian Moore, 45, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to eight years in prison on two counts of obstruction of justice and two counts of threatening a D.C. public official on two separate occasions in April and June of 2018, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.

           Moore was found guilty of these offenses on May 31, 2019, following a trial in the District of Columbia Superior Court before the Honorable Milton Lee.

           According to the government’s evidence, on May 30, 2017, Moore was charged with a civil protection order violation in a D.C. Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) contempt case (“the CPO violation case”). The complainant, R.G., was the OAG prosecutor assigned to that case.

           Moore developed animosity towards R.G. after multiple contested hearings. On April 12, 2018, Moore told his lawyer, J.H., that he intended to shoot R.G. because of her role and actions in the case, during a break in proceedings. J.H. told Moore that he would not tolerate such statements and that J.H. would inform the court if Moore made such statements again, Moore informed J.H. that he was joking and agreed not to threaten R.G. again.

           On June 29, 2018, following another hearing in which R.G. represented the District of Columbia in the CPO case; Moore exited the courtroom and stepped out into the hallway. Speaking with J.H. in the hallway, Moore made a statement to the effect of, “If I lose my job I’m going to bust a cap in that bitch,” referring to complainant prosecutor R.G. After J.H. ordered Moore not to make any further threats regarding R.G., Moore responded with words to the effect of, “Fuck you. Fuck her. I’m going to bust a cap in that bitch.” J.H. directed Moore back into the courtroom, informed the presiding judge about the threats that the defendant had made, and explained to the judge that he believed Moore was serious about the threats. The judge then took Moore into custody, and he was subsequently charged in the instant case.

           After a three-day trial, the jury convicted Moore on each count of the indictment. At sentencing today, Judge Lee sentenced Moore to 48 months in prison for the obstruction of justice and 10 months in prison for threatening a D.C. Public Official on April 12, 2019, concurrent to one another, and 48 months in prison for the obstruction of justice and 10 months in prison for threatening a D.C. Public Official on June 29, 2018, with these offenses running concurrent to one another but consecutive to the April 12offense.

           In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who assisted the case from the U.S. Marshals Service. She also acknowledged the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including paralegal specialist Antoinette Sakamsa, Leif Hickling and Paul Howell from the Litigation Technology Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Lisa Gabriel, Nick Coleman, and Katherine Kelley from the Appellate Division, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Gilmore who investigated and tried the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole McClain who handled the case at sentencing.  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Kanawha County woman pled guilty to a federal drug charge in Charleston.  Stephanie Lawhorn, 39, from Belle, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana.

“121 grams of meth. 14 grams of fentanyl. 53 grams of marijuana. Over $9,000 in cash,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Lawhorn’s car was a rolling smorgasbord of powerful drugs  – an illegal smorgasbord – that we shut down.”

Lawhorn admitted that on September 27, 2018  law enforcement officers found her in possession of about 121 grams of methamphetamine, 14 grams of fentanyl, 53 grams of marijuana and $9,139 when they stopped the vehicle in which she was driving in Belle, West Virginia.  Lawhorn admitted to officers that she intended to sell the drugs.

She faces up to 20 years in prison when she is sentenced on October 23, 2019.

The case was investigated by the Belle Police Department and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Arthur is handling the prosecution.  United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided at the plea hearing. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who helped organize a scheme to mail marijuana from California to Huntington over a period of several years pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  James Waylon Molinaro ,43, entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute marijuana in federal court in Huntington.  Molinaro also entered a guilty plea to prohibited possession of a firearm by a felon stemming from an unrelated investigation.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the West Virginia State Police – Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Barboursville Police Department.

“Marijuana is and remains illegal under federal law,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “This United States Attorney prosecutes all Federal lawbreakers including marijuana offenses and will continue to do so. The collaborative work of law enforcement agencies in this case got a violent drug dealer -- Molinaro – off the streets.”

On March 15, 2018, agents located two parcels at the Huntington Post Office which had been mailed from the State of California to Huntington which were found to contain marijuana.  Agents conducting surveillance observed a postal employee load the parcels into a postal delivery truck and drive to the Dollar General store located in the 800 block of Norway Avenue in Huntington.  At that location, the postal employee provided the parcels to Molinaro who arrived in a separate vehicle.  A trooper with the West Virginia State Police subsequently conducted a traffic stop of Molinaro’s vehicle in the 1000 block of 9^th Street in Huntington and recovered the parcels.  The parcels were found to contain a total of 16 pounds of marijuana which Molinaro admitted that he intended to distribute.

As part of his plea, Molinaro further admitted that between 2012 and March of 2018, he conspired with multiple postal employees to ship marijuana from California to Huntington for distribution.  During the conspiracy, Molinaro acquired marijuana in California and arranged for it to be shipped through the United States mail to Huntington.  Once the parcels arrived in Huntington, Molinaro paid multiple postal employees to deliver the parcels on their assigned delivery routes or to meet Molinaro at other locations to provide the parcels to him.  Molinaro admitted that he was responsible for the shipment and distribution up to 400 kilograms of marijuana during the conspiracy. 

Molinaro also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on July 29, 2018.  On that date, Molinaro was at a night club on Route 60 in Barboursville when he was asked to leave after a club employee observed him possessing a firearm.  Molinaro exited the club, fired multiple shots in the club’s parking lot, briefly left the scene, and then returned.  A Barboursville police officer responding to a call for assistance at the club subsequently located Molinaro in possession of .38 caliber revolver.  Molinaro was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on multiple prior felony convictions for distribution of cocaine and possession of cannabis for sale. 

Molinaro faces up to 15 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 4, 2019.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution.  The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

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.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A convicted felon from Montgomery, West Virginia, who was caught in possession of a firearm was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  Timothy Gibbs II, 29, previously entered a guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the South Charleston Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 

On March 13, 2018, officers responded to a call regarding a man who had been shot in the back.  After a thorough investigation, officers were able to determine that the shooter was Timothy Gibbs II.  Gibbs had previously been convicted of forgery in Kanawha County, West Virginia, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.    

Assistant United States Attorney Alex Hamner and former Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis handled the prosecution.  Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.

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.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A 68-year-old Cabell County was sentenced after pleading guilty to possession of over 150 images of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Lanny Neece, of Huntington, was sentenced to 18 months in prison by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.  After Neece is released from prison, he will be on supervised release for five years, and will also be required to register as a sex offender.

“Our children are a priority and need protected from predators like this,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Those who sexually exploit our children should know this – we’re coming for you.” 

Neece admitted that on November 9, 2016, he possessed images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts.  The collection of child pornography images was contained on a computer that Neece used in Huntington, West Virginia. 

The Cleveland Resident Agency Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald and First Assistant Lisa G. Johnston handled the prosecution.

This case is being brought as part of U.S. Attorney Stuart’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.  This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pled guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. George Gordon, Jr., 46, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

“Gordon had 67 grams of fentanyl that he planned to distribute,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.   “If law enforcement had not intervened before he could do so, tens of thousands of lives could have been lost. Proud of my team for stopping this before he could wreak havoc, pain and death.” 

On December 19, 2018, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at Gordon’s residence at 416 30^th Street in Huntington.  Officers recovered 67 grams of fentanyl from a jar in the kitchen.

Gordon faces between five and forty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 4, 2019.

The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation.   The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Steven Ferguson, 40, of Wayne County, was sentenced today to nine months in prison for being a prohibited person while possessing ammunition, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

“If you want to own a firearm, you need to know the rules,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “If you’re prohibited, you’re prohibited from firearms and ammo. It’s pretty simple. And if we catch you in violation of the law, we’re going to prosecute you.”

On February 2, 2018, a Huntington Police Officer on patrol observed a black Dodge truck stuck in the mud in Rotary Park in Huntington.  The officer observed two occupants in the vehicle.  After observing and securing a large machete and a hunting knife, Ferguson told the officer a bag contained ammunition.  Ferguson was prohibited from possessing the ammunition under federal law because of a 2012 misdemeanor domestic battery 2^nd offense conviction in Cabell County Magistrate Court.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecution of the case.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who was arrested after a drug investigation pled guilty to federal drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  David Bond, 38, entered guilty pleas to two counts of distribution of heroin and one count of distribution of fentanyl.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force.  

“Drug overdoses skyrocketed in Huntington because of heroin and fentanyl,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Together with our law enforcement partners we have focused our strategic  enforcement and prosecution efforts on the drug traffickers responsible for spreading these dangerous and powerful drugs throughout our communities.  They must be held accountable.”

Bond admitted that on three separate occasions between February 7, 2018, and February 20, 2018,  he sold heroin and what he believed to be heroin, but in fact turned out to be fentanyl, to a confidential informant working with the DEA/HIDTA Task Force.  The drugs sold on these dates were tested by the DEA Lab and confirmed to be heroin and fentanyl. 

Bond now faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 4, 2019. 

Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Keefe and Monica D. Coleman are handling the prosecution.  United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

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LAREDO, Texas – A federal jury has returned guilty verdicts against a 43-year-old man for his involvement in a conspiracy involving the transportation of illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

The jury deliberated for less than four hours following a  three-day trial before convicting Anthony Terrele McCalebb, of Meridian, Mississippi, of conspiracy to transport and two counts of transporting undocumented aliens for financial gain.

On March 11, 2019, McCalebb and McKinley Lavell Young, 54, also of Meridian, Mississippi, loaded 10 undocumented aliens into the sleeper compartment of their tractor-trailer in Laredo. They then attempted to smuggle them through the Freer Checkpoint on Highway 59.

Upon arrival, a Border Patrol (BP) canine alerted to the vehicle Young was driving.

During trial, the jury heard that authorities had found McCalebb and the aliens hiding in the sleeper compartment of the trailer. The 10 illegal aliens were sitting on two bunk beds which were covered with blankets.

McCalebb and Young had agreed to transport the aliens to San Antonio in return for $10,000. Law enforcement recovered $5,400 of those proceeds upon their arrest. They had expected the remainder upon delivery.

Young pleaded guilty July 29, 2019, and testified at trial. He explained how  McCalebb recruited him to smuggle aliens through Laredo. He confirmed he and McCalebb picked up undocumented aliens and attempted to transport them through the checkpoint and abut being paid to do so.

Two of the smuggled aliens - both women - told the jury about their journey from Brazil to Texas. They testified about being smuggled into the United States across the Rio Grande River on an inflatable raft, staying in a stash house in Laredo and being transported in the sleeper compartment of the McKinley’s truck.

The defense attempted to convince the jury that Young and the alien witnesses were lying to secure benefits from the government and that McCalebb was merely present but not guilty of actually transporting illegal aliens. They did not believe his claims and found McKinley guilty as charged.  

Sentencing will be set for a later date. At that time, McKinley faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

McKinley and Young both remain in custody pending sentencing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation along with Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony J. Evans and Francisco Rodriguez are prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake today sentenced William Lamont Holder, age 54, of Hanover, Maryland, to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing between $550,000 and $1.5 million worth of wine from his clients, primarily private collectors and commercial establishments.  Judge Blake also ordered that Holder pay restitution of $1.5 million.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare.

According to his plea agreement, William Lamont Holder was the sole owner and operatorof Safe Harbour Wine Storage, LLC (“Safe Harbour”).  Through Safe Harbour, Holder stored and transported upscale wines for private collectors and commercial establishments.  In return for a monthly fee, Holder would arrange for the transportation of a customer’s wine to Safe Harbour’s storage facility in Glen Burnie, Maryland, where it would be inventoried and stored.  Holder did not possess a license to sell wine in the State of Maryland.  

From January 2013 through December 2017, Holder developed a scheme to obtain payments and wine from the customers of Safe Harbour for his own personal financial gain. Unbeknownst to his customers, he offered their wine for sale to wine retailers and brokers around the country, including in Napa, California, all the while continuing to collect the customers’ monthly storage fees and accept additional wine for storage.

Holder represented to potential third-party buyers that he was the lawful owner of the wine that he was offering to sell.  By e-mail and facsimile, he sent them lists of bottles of wine stored in his warehouse with detailed descriptions of the winery, vintage, and asking price.  After the buyers selected the bottles they wanted to purchase, Holder boxed and shipped the wine, and sent his bank account information.  After inspecting the shipment of wine, the buyers would either wire the money directly into Holder’s bank account or send a check.  Holder kept the proceeds from the sales and spent it on personal expenses.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Anne Arundel County Police Department for their work in this investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin Clarke, who prosecuted the federal case.

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