LAS VEGAS, Nev.– A trade show worker who pleaded guilty to stealing 65 firearms (including machine guns and silencers) from the 2019 Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) show in Las Vegas was sentenced today to two years in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Ray Roundtree of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Jamikko Foster, 27, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty in June 2019, to one count of theft of a firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) and one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun. United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II presided over the sentencing hearing.

Foster admitted that, from January 20 to 29, 2019, he stole 65 firearms and suppressors (known as “silencers”) from four separate FFLs at the SHOT show. Among the 65 stolen firearms were 18 handguns, six rifles, three machine guns, one short barreled rifle, and 35 suppressors. On February 11, 2019, after the investigation identified Foster as one of the suspects in the theft, police obtained and executed search warrants for Foster’s residence and vehicle. During the execution of the warrants, all the stolen firearms (and all but two suppressors) were recovered.

Co-defendant Eduardo Limon, 28, pleaded guilty to the charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 24, 2019.

The case was investigated by ATF’s Las Vegas Field Office and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Levitt prosecuted the case.

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CAMDEN, N.J. – The chief executive officer of a private equity investment firm today admitted he defrauded an investor of $1.35 million dollars, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Karl James, 48, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez in Camden federal court to an information that charged him with one count of wire fraud. 

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

James was the CEO of Gore Capital LLC, which he told others was a private equity investment firm. In February 2016, James and the victim agreed to each invest approximately $1.5 million into a company that specialized in extracting and converting cannabinoids from marijuana. They further agreed to form an LCC as a conduit for their joint investment. In April 2016, James incorporated the LLC in Delaware.

On April 20, 2016, James instructed the victim to wire his investment funds into a bank account. James falsely told the victim that the victim also had access to the account. On April 22, 2016, the victim wired $500,000 into the account. On July 12, 2016, James instructed the victim to wire the remaining $1 million of his investment, which the victim did. To induce the victim’s payment, James told the victim that he would deposit his own money into the account. In reality, James never wired or deposited any of his own funds.

James later spent $1.35 million of the victim’s funds on personal and entertainment expenses for himself. 

The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Feldman Nikic and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dara Govan, Chief of the Office’s Public Protection Unit, in Newark.

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Walter Ryan Keith, 41, of Fresno, charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms and possession of a machine gun, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, after execution of a search warrant at his home on June 5, Keith was found in possession of 14 firearms and a machine gun conversion device. Keith is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Massey is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Keith faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Staples, Minnesota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Felon and Drug User was sentenced on September 9, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Mark Schmidt, age 54, was sentenced to 5 months in federal prison, followed by 5 months of home confinement, 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Schmidt was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 23, 2019.  He pled guilty on June 19, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on December 5, 2018, where Schmidt, a convicted felon and user of marijuana, was stopped while driving on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation and knowingly possessed a .357 Magnum caliber revolver and twenty-three rounds of ammunition.

Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity.  Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers.  It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case was investigated by the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

Schmidt was ordered to report to his designated prison on October 1, 2019.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of failure to register as a sex offender was sentenced on September 9, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Virgil Running Bear, age 46, was sentenced to 24 months of federal custody, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

According to court documents, Running Bear was convicted of Sexual Abuse in the District of North Dakota.  Judgment was entered on October 31, 2005.  This conviction requires him to register as a sex offender for life.  Since on or about December 25, 2017, Running Bear’s whereabouts were unknown until his arrest in Winner, South Dakota.  His last known address was at a hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota, but that residence was vacated with no sign of Running Bear since December 25, 2017.

At the time of his arrest, he had absconded from the supervision of the United States Probation Office, as he has been serving a term of supervised release.  Running Bear was found in the Winner, South Dakota, area using a fake name and residing at a house that had not been listed in an update to his sex offender registry.  Running Bear knew of the requirement to update his sex offender registration, but he knowingly failed to do so.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.   

Running Bear was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that David Flores-Torres, 26, a citizen of Mexico living in Dunkirk, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison and 30 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy V. Murray, who handled the case, stated that on June 5, 2018, a search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence in Dunkirk, NY. Law enforcement officers seized the defendant’s Samsung Galaxy S3 cellular telephone which contained 79 images and 14 videos of child pornography. Some of the images depicted prepubescent minors or minors less than 12 years-old, as well as depictions of violence. Torres also received and distributed images constituting child pornography from and to others with whom he communicated using a cellular telephone and the internet.

The defendant disclosed that, on three occasions during 2017 and 2018, he engaged sexual contact with two minor victims under the age of 18. The government advocated for a sentence of between 14 and 17.5 years in prison, which was the sentencing range recommended under the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

# # # #

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mobridge, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Shanna Michelle Pleets, age 40, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on September 16, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 40 years in federal prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that beginning at a time unknown, but no later than March 1, 2018, and continuing to June 17, 2018, Pleets knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with persons to knowingly and intentionally distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Luis Antonio Medina, age 26, was sentenced on September 13, 2019, to 77 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Medina was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2017.  The conviction stems Medina and at least one other person distributing at least 50 grams, but less than 200 grams, of methamphetamine in Rapid City and elsewhere between 2016 and 2018.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

Medina was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Russell White III, 38, of San Jose, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to four years and three months in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud the state of California by filing false unemployment insurance claims, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, between July 22, 2015, and July 14, 2016, White conspired with others to defraud the state of California. Pamela Emanuel, 58, of San Jose, worked as a tax compliance representative for the California Employment Development Department (EDD). She allegedly used her position to access the personal identifying information of workers throughout California, and she and her conspirators used that information to file fraudulent unemployment claims in the names of the unknowing victims.

White participated in the scheme by receiving and facilitating EDD documents at two Turlock addresses associated or controlled by him and using at least 12 EDD debit cards issued in the names of identity-theft victims to withdraw the fraudulently obtained benefits. In total, the conspirators filed at least 269 false claims seeking over $2.4 million in fraudulent benefits. EDD’s actual overpayment was approximately $887,199.

“Russell White engaged in a scheme with his co-defendants to defraud the California Employment Development Department by filing for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in the names of identity theft victims who were not entitled to such benefits. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the UI system from those who exploit these benefit programs,” said Quentin Heiden, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Los Angeles Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Employment Development Department, Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schuller Hitchcock is prosecuting the case.

Three other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced in relation to this scheme. On August 16, 2018, Brittany Maunakea was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and ordered to pay $139,000 in restitution. On September 20, 2018, Sergio Doriante Sanchez Reyna was sentenced to four years and three months in prison and ordered to pay $436,000 in restitution. On February 22, 2019, Gregory Lee of Antioch was sentenced to nine years in prison and ordered to pay $353,000 in restitution. The charges against Emanuel are pending; she is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of BARTON GEORGE SCOTT, 36, a registered sex offender, to 25 years in prison for producing child pornography. SCOTT, who pleaded guilty on February 6, 2019, was sentenced today before Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

United States Attorney Erica MacDonald said, “Mr. Scott is a convicted sex offender and a sextortionist. He terrorized his victims by hacking into their Snapchat accounts to access highly sensitive and private pictures. He then taunted his victims and threatened to disseminate their private pictures if they didn’t comply with his demands. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that sextortion is a serious crime that will be met with serious consequences.” 

“A case like this really underscores the FBI’s proactive approach to identifying people who exploit children with pornography,” said Jill Sanborn, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division. “Our agents are vigilant and continue their active role to ensure that children are protected and that sexual predators are removed from children’s lives.”

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, between April 30 and August 8, 2017, SCOTT gained unauthorized access to the Snapchat accounts of dozens of victims, including minors between 14-16 years of age. In several cases, SCOTT used threats and extortionate tactics in an attempt to obtain sexually explicit images and videos from the victims.

Based on the evidence obtained in this case, authorities believe there may be additional victims of this alleged conduct. Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call the FBI at (763) 569-8000. Callers may remain anonymous.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the New Richmond Police Department, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, the Stillwater Police Department, the Spring Green Police Department, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katharine T. Buzicky prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:

BARTON GEORGE SCOTT, 36

City of residence unknown

Convicted:

• Production of child pornography, 1 count
• Penalties for registered sex offenders, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 300 months in prison
• Lifetime of supervised release

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LILIBETH PEREZ, 20, of New Britain, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a conspiracy charge related to her role in a counterfeit check bank fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately December 2017 and December 2018, Perez and others obtained access to bank accounts in the name of other individuals, deposited counterfeit checks into those accounts, and withdrew money from the accounts before the banks discovered the checks to be counterfeit.  The investigation revealed that Perez and others obtained access to the bank accounts by recruiting individuals through social media and persuading the individuals to share their account information, including debit cards and associated PIN numbers.

Perez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.  She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 3, 2020.

Perez was arrested on a criminal complaint on January 9, 2019.  She is released on a $100,000 bond.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Secret Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, woman convicted of Accessory to Second Degree Murder was sentenced on September 17, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Sonya Dubray, age 50, was sentenced to 9 and 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by18 months of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stems from Dubray’s involvement in covering up the death of a two-and-a-half-year-old child at Porcupine, South Dakota,  in July 2016.  Katrina Shangreaux, a/k/a Katrina Whirlwindhorse, was previously sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for killing the child.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Megan J. Poppen  prosecuted the case. 

Dubray was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.        

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Second Degree Murder and Arson was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Emery Arapahoe III, age 19, was sentenced on September 17, 2019, to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund on the Second Degree Murder charge.  Arapahoe was also sentenced to 10 additional years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and another $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the Arson charge, for a total of 31 years and 10 months.

Arapahoe was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2019.  During the early morning hours of October 16, 2017, Arapahoe stole a truck from a residence at Pine Ridge and drove to a trailer in Allen, South Dakota.  Inside the trailer he observed the victim, Ray Waters, Jr., sleeping on a couch in the living room.  Arapahoe picked up an axe and struck the victim multiple times in the head and neck, killing him.  Arapahoe then went into one of the bedrooms in the trailer and started a fire with materials from that room.  When Arapahoe fled from the house fire, he crashed the truck containing items from the homicide. 

“This was an unimaginably violent crime, like something out of a horror movie,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “I am relieved for us all that this offender has been removed from society and committed to federal prison.”

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Ben Patterson prosecuted the case.

Arapahoe was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

 NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY– September 19, 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

SAN DIEGO – Eight indictments were unsealed today in San Diego federal court charging 85 members of drug distribution networks linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, with federal drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms offenses.

During the coordinated takedown that began early this morning, investigators executed over a dozen search warrants and seized approximately four pounds of methamphetamine and two firearms. As of today at 1 p.m., 47 of the 85 defendants are either in federal or state custody. Authorities are continuing to search for 38 defendants. Many of the defendants are scheduled to be arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison H. Goddard at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.

According to the indictments and other publicly filed court documents, this year-long investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service targeted multiple San Diego-based drug distribution and money laundering networks led respectively by Juan Carlos OCHOA, Rene VALDEZ Jr., Ramon CASTILLO, Michael WRIGHT, Alfonso ARROYO, Douglas BOWEN, Samuel BECERRA, and Javier VERGARA. These affiliated networks supplied multi-kilogram quantities of controlled substances (primarily methamphetamine and heroin but also fentanyl) to dozens of subdistributors located throughout Southern California. These networks were also responsible for laundering tens of thousands of dollars in narcotics proceeds back to Sinaloa Cartel-associated drug traffickers in Mexico. During this investigation, agents coordinated seizures of narcotics and drug proceeds throughout San Diego County and across the United States.

To avoid detection by law enforcement, the defendants also utilized various encrypted communication services like Signal and WhatsApp to communicate among themselves. Despite their sophisticated efforts, law enforcement penetrated this network with a variety of investigative techniques, including physical surveillance, obtaining phone records, financial documents, tracking warrants on telephones and vehicles, and undercover agents. Over the course of the investigation, agents obtained dozens of search warrants and conducted a 10-month-long federal wiretap to track the communications and the location of the defendants. In conjunction with the wiretaps, agents ultimately seized approximately 175 pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl tied to these networks, approximately $50,000 in cash, multiple firearms, and a 2020 Cadillac Escalade (valued at over $115,000).  

“Today we sent a message to drug traffickers in our community. If you sell drugs in San Diego, we will find you and prosecute you to the full extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “I want to congratulate the outstanding federal, state, and local law enforcement cooperation that has resulted in this highly successful investigation. This case represents yet another critical strike against the Sinaloa Cartel and its U.S.-based networks.”

“Today’s operation was about community care taking,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Karen Flowers.  “We took criminals off the street in South County who were selling drugs and committing violent crimes - robberies - home invasions - identity theft - fraud - and other property crimes.  The void left is an opportunity for the communities in South County to exhale and breathe in fresh air.  Freedom is priceless.  Today South County is free to live without a criminal undertone which eroded their daily quality of life.”

“A significant portion of the indictments unsealed today are alleged money laundering conspiracy violations and the asset forfeiture allegations,” stated Assistant Special Agent in Charge Johnathan Smith.  “Multiple defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering violations, a charge which carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20-years imprisonment.  These are serious crimes that come with serious time.”

This case was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Narcotics Task Force (NTF) and the Internal Revenue Service. The NTF is a DEA-led task force comprised of federal and local law enforcement from the DEA, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDSD), the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), United States Border Patrol (USBP), and the San Diego County Probation Office. Agents and officers from the United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons also provided vital assistance for the investigation. Attorneys from the Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations, Electronic Surveillance Unit, likewise provided critical work as part of the investigative team.

This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

The United States is represented in court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton, and Mario J. Peia.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Defendant Information 

Defendants                                                                                    Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3624-CAB

Summary of Charges

Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)

Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))

Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.

Defendants                                                                                    Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3625-CAB

Summary of Charges

Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)

Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.

Defendants                                                                                    Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3626-CAB

Summary of Charges

Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)

Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))

Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.

Defendants                                                                                    Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3627-CAB

Summary of Charges

Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)

Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))

Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1))

Importation of a Controlled Substance (21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960 and 963)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.

Defendants                                                                                    Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3628-CAB

Summary of Charges

Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)

Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))

Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.

Defendants                                                                                    Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3629-CAB

Summary of Charges

Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)

Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))

Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.

Defendants                                                                                    Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3630-CAB

Summary of Charges

Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)

Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))

Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.

Defendants                                                                                    Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3631-CAB

Summary of Charges

Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)

Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))

Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.

AGENCIES

Drug Enforcement Administration, Narcotics Task Force

Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

United States Marshals Service

United States Border Patrol

United States Secret Service

United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Federal Bureau of Prisons

San Diego Police Department

El Cajon Police Department

Chula Vista Police Department

San Diego County Probation Office

San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado

If convicted, Wood faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on both the wire fraud charge and the mail fraud charge, and five years on the bankruptcy fraud charge.  The criminal contempt of court charge has no maximum penalty; the penalty is at the Court’s discretion. 

The charges against Wood are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office acknowledges the assistance of the Office of the U.S. Trustee.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Duchemin is handling the prosecution. 

Clark County Man Charged with Methamphetamine Crime

Keith Strong, 49, Thorp, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.  The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on June 30, 2019.

If convicted, Strong faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution. 

Middleton Man Charged with Distributing Cocaine

Cameron A. Bates, 30, Middleton, Wisconsin, is charged with five counts of distributing cocaine.  The indictment alleges that he distributed cocaine on five occasions in July and August 2019.

If convicted, Bates faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count.  The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, with the assistance of the Middleton Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.

PLANO, Texas – Two Plano residents have been arrested for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown and Homeland Security Investigation Special Agent in Charge Ryan Spradlin today.             

Quan Tu, 48, a Vietnamese national, and Li Xin, 44, a Chinese national, were arrested on Aug. 15, 2019, in Houston on Dallas County charges stemming from an ongoing sex trafficking investigation in Collin and Dallas counties.  On Sep. 11, 2019, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas returned a three-count indictment charging Tu and Xin with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; conspiracy to use interstate facilities to manage and facilitate an unlawful prostitution enterprise; and money laundering.  

Beginning in December 2018, residents in Richardson, Texas began complaining to the Richardson Police Department that men were traveling to a condominium at all hours of the day and night, some of whom were knocking on neighbors’ doors, seeking sexual services.  Upon further investigation by a task force of state and federal law enforcement agencies, officers determined that Tu and Xin were allegedly operating a prostitution enterprise from that location.  During the investigation, it was revealed that similar operations were being conducted by the same actors in a single-family residence in Plano and a commercial foot spa in Garland.

The investigation further revealed that advertisements for commercial sex were placed on various websites, listing phone numbers that connected back to Tu and Xin.  In the meantime, Asian women traveled to the north Texas area from other states, cities, and countries, often with the promise of legitimate masseuse jobs.  Once in Tu and Xin’s employ, the women were taken to one of the three locations (Richardson, Plano, or Garland) where they lived and serviced customers.  Tu and Xin collected fees from the women, maintained financial control over them, and intimidated them, thereby compelling them into prostitution.   The scheme resulted in the proceeds which allowed Tu and Xin to maintain their lifestyle and to purchase vehicles, including a 2017 Toyota Tundra. 

“These defendants took advantage of women who were vulnerable,” said United States Attorney Joseph D. Brown.  “The women relied on the defendants for what they needed to live in the United States and it was clear that the defendants were coercive in keeping these women in their employment.  Human trafficking degrades its victims and keeps them trapped in unhealthy situations, and we are committed to doing everything we can to stop it.”

“In many cases, victims of human trafficking are immigrants who have been duped into deplorable circumstances by false promises of a better life. Regardless of the scenario, HSI takes a victim-centered approach in these investigations, and we have the unique ability to provide assistance/benefits to victims no matter their citizenship,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge of HSI Dallas.  “As public awareness increases, our HSI special agents along with our tremendous partners are identifying, investigating and pursuing prosecution against more and more sex traffickers who criminally and without mercy exploit women against their will to generate profits.”

If convicted, Tu and Xin each face up to life in federal prison.  Anyone with information regarding this case or any similar activities, can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 1-800-804-3547.  This is a confidential line.  This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Richardson Police Department, with assistance of the Plano Police Department, Garland Police Department, and Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Miller.  It is important to note that a complaint, arrest, or indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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SENTENCING – Noe Pineda-Castro, Junior

On September 12, Noe Pineda-Castro, Junior, 23 was sentenced to 7 years and 5 months in federal custody for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine. Court documents reflect that the defendant engaged in this conspiracy from on or about January 20, 2017, to on or about October 17, 2017. The Defendant was illegally in the United States at the time of his arrest. The case is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case that was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Dallas Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Criminal Investigations Division of the Internal Revenue Service.  The case was prosecuted by AUSA George Leal.

SENTENCING – Claudia Gomez Lara

On September 9, Claudia Marcela Gomez-Lara, 33 was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in federal custody conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Court documents reflect on or about January 9, 2019, the defendant delivered approximately 668 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine in exchange for $3,700.00 at a Home Depot parking lot in Balch Springs, Texas. The Defendant was illegally in the United States at the time of her arrest. The case an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case that was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Dallas Police Department, the Balch Springs Police Department, and the Criminal Investigations Division of the Internal Revenue Service.  The case was prosecuted by AUSA George Leal.

SENTENCING – Juan Carlos Macedo-Benitez

On September 12, Juan Carlos Macedo-Benitez was sentenced to 5 years and 3 months in federal custody for illegal reentry after removal from the United States. Macedo-Benitez was originally removed from the United States in April 2017. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations. This case was prosecuted by AUSA Cathy Richardson.

SENTENCING – Jon Anthony Terry

On September 11, Jon Anthony Terry was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for the production of child pornography. Terry was found in possession of several child pornography files, and admitted to sexually abusing one of the children who was residing with him at the time of the arrest. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Ozark Arkansas Police Department. AUSA Camilla Sparks prosecuted the case as part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative. To learn more about this case, click here.

SENTENCING – Asif Ali

On September 11, Asif Ali, 48, was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud. Ali emailed various investors with fraudulent documents that showed wire transfers from several organizations. He repeated this scheme multiple times from 2009 to 2017, collecting over 3 million dollars, claiming to use this money to further the business interests of a fraudulent limousine company. This case was prosecuted by AUSA David Jarvis and investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation Dallas Field Office.  

GUILTY PLEA – Ciera Washington

On September 12, Ciera Washington pled guilty to robbery. Washington served as a get-away driver in the robbery of a Valero Gas Station in Mesquite, Texas. Her co-defendants threatened the store owner at gunpoint and stole cash and tobacco products. The Mesquite Police Department was able to track a device in the stolen currency to find the trio. Upon discovery, Washington led the police on a high-speed chase. After crashing the car, Washington was arrested by the police. The stolen goods were found in the vehicle. Washington faces a sentence of up to 20 in federal custody. This case was prosecuted by AUSA Cara Pierce and AUSA Rachael Jones.

BOSTON – A Dominican national was indicted today in federal court in Boston of illegally reentering the United States.

Manuel A. Mendez Pimentel, 44, a Dominican national formerly residing in New Bedford, was indicted on one count of unlawfully reentering the United States after being deported.

According to the indictment, Mendez Pimentel was removed in 2009 and subsequently reentered the United States without permission. The indictment further alleges that Mendez Pimentel was deported after being convicted of an aggravated felony.

Mendez Pimentel faces a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Mendez Pimentel will also be subject to deportation proceedings. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Marcos D. Charles, Acting Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam W. Deitch of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

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

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Daryl Sumeriski, 51, of Batavia, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession of child pornography. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that Sumeriski was residing in a halfway house in Bath, NY, when fellow residents expressed concern about certain images they observed on the defendant’s cell phone and alerted authorities. As a result, a search warrant was executed and investigators found more than 3,000 images of child pornography on Sumeriski’s phone. Some of the images depicted violent abuse of infants and toddlers.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 10, 2020, before Judge Wolford.  

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In El Paso today, a federal judge sentenced a 25–year-old separated U.S. Army soldier from Nacogdoches, TX, who still had access to Fort Bliss, to 18 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for theft and possession of stolen firearms on Fort Bliss, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash.   

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge David Guaderrama ordered that Christopher Darnell Harris be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.

On April 23, 2019, Harris pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of stolen firearms, once count of theft on Ft. Bliss, unlawful carrying of firearms on Ft. Bliss, and simple possession of marijuana while on Ft. Bliss. 

By pleading guilty, Harris admitted that from April 2017 and June 2017, he entered two gymnasiums on post and stole items from inside the lockers of at least ten known service members, namely wallets and keys.  Harris also used the stolen keys to break into vehicles and steal two handguns.

Agents with the Department of Defense Criminal Investigation Command investigated this case along with Military Police on Fort Bliss. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alana Malia O’Reilly and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg McDonald prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.