News

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – On September 18, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against a California-based landlord who buys, sells and rents buildings in Las Vegas, and the Las Vegas-based contractor who was working for the landlord. The criminal indictment charges the two men with violating the Clean Air Act by failing to remediate and remove asbestos from a downtown Las Vegas apartment complex before renovating it, endangering the health and welfare of the tenants living there at the time.

California real estate owner Bobby Babak Khalili, 52, and the Las Vegas contractor were charged with six-counts of Clean Air Act violations. Khalili, who is known by a number of aliases, was arrested in Los Angeles and arraigned on the indictment in U.S. District Court in the Central District of California on September 19, 2019. He was released on a $50,000 bond.

“Landlords must maintain their rental properties in a habitable condition and provide a safe place for tenants to reside–free from dangerous environmental toxins,” said United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada. “The indictment demonstrates our office’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of the environment in vulnerable communities in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada.”

“Exposure to asbestos is associated with lung cancer and other serious respiratory diseases,” said Special Agent in Charge Jay Green of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. “The indictment sends a clear signal that EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to enforcing environmental laws that help protect our communities from illegal asbestos abatement.”

The Clean Air Act authorized the EPA to establish “work practice standards” that must be followed to ensure the safe and proper handling and removal of asbestos during renovations. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of microscopic bundles of fibers. Asbestos can cause life-threatening illnesses, and has been defined by Congress as a hazardous air pollutant.

In 2016, Khalili and his family owned the 16-unit “11th & Bonneville Apartments” in downtown Las Vegas. On March 30, 2016, air quality specialists with the Clark County Department of Air Quality saw a 40-cubic yard dumpster containing regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) at the apartment building. They documented RACM debris and residue in the dumpster, in several apartment units, and in common areas. From March 2016 through April 11, 2016, the defendants failed to inspect the apartments and failed to remove and remediate RACM prior to starting renovation. During the renovation, half of the building’s 16 units were occupied. The indictment alleges that the defendants failed to provide written notice to EPA and Clark County Department of Air Quality before starting removal and renovation work. After removal of the RACM, they failed to properly handle the RACM.

An indictment is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The maximum penalty the defendants face on each count is five years of imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.

The case was investigated by the EPA.

To report a possible violation of environmental laws and regulations, make a report to the EPA at https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Dylan Blue Thunder, a/k/a Dylan Black Lance, age 20, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Blue Thunder was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, 2019. He pled guilty on July 1, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 29, 2019, wherein Blue Thunder assaulted another man with a knife. The victim suffered serious injuries, including a large laceration across his neck, as a result of the assault.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation and Escape from Custody was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Roger James Spider, II, a/k/a Roger Spider, Jr., age 29, was sentenced to a total of 40 months in federal prison. He was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation, and 3 months in federal prison for Escape from Custody, with such sentences to be served consecutively, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Spider was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

The conviction for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 24, 2018, in Mission, South Dakota. On that date, Spider assaulted his girlfriend by grabbing her by the throat and strangling her until she began to lose consciousness. Spider was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2018. He pled guilty on July 1, 2019.

The conviction for Escape from Custody stemmed from conduct that occurred in January 2019, while Spider was in custody pending trial. On January 18, 2019, Spider was granted a furlough to undergo a medical evaluation in Rapid City on January 22, 2019. Spider subsequently failed to return from the furlough and was arrested in Rapid City on January 26, 2019. Spider was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 12, 2019. He plead guilty on July 1, 2019.

These cases were investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the cases.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PLACIDO SANTIAGO, 62, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 1999, Santiago, who at the time was a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., was convicted in Massachusetts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. Santiago was deported to the Dominican Republic in October 2006.

On November 6, 2018, Santiago was arrested by the Bridgeport Police Department on assault charges. He has been detained since his arrest.

At sentencing, which is not yet scheduled, Santiago faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Greeley, Colorado, man and a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance were sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Jeffery William Travis, age 55, was sentenced on September 9, 2019, to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Marvin Glen McIlravy, age 65, was also sentenced on September 9, 2019, to 12 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Travis and McIlravy were indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2018. The conviction stems from Travis, McIlravy, and several other people distributing multiple pounds of methamphetamine in western South Dakota between 2016 and 2018. Travis obtained the methamphetamine from Colorado and transported it to South Dakota, where multiple co-conspirators further distributed the methamphetamine. McIlravy obtained the methamphetamine in South Dakota and distributed it primarily in the Rapid City area. Other co-conspirators have been sentenced while additional co-conspirators’ cases are still pending.

This case was investigated by federal, state, and local agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is a local drug task force comprised of various agencies, including the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Gina S. Nelson, Assistant U.S. Attorney.

Travis and McIlravy were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DAMIEN GARCIA, 32, and LAWRENCE McEWEN, 37, both of Vernon, have been charged by federal criminal complaint with firearm offenses related to the theft of guns from a Stafford pawn shop on September 14.

Garcia and McEwen were originally arrested on state charges on September 17. Garcia, who was released on bond after his state arrest, was arrested on the federal charges yesterday. He is detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for September 26. McEwen has been detained since his state arrest.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, on September 15, 2019, the Connecticut State Police received a report that the Simon Says Pawn Shop, a Federal Firearms Licensee in Stafford, had been burglarized the previous evening and that several firearms had been stolen. Investigators subsequently determined that six handguns were missing from the store. On September 17, Vernon Police developed information that Garcia was involved in the burglary and was in possession of a firearm. That evening, after officers approached Garcia and McEwen on West Main Street in Vernon, Garcia and McEwen attempted to flee before. After both were apprehended, officers recovered a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol that McEwen discarded as he ran away. The firearm was one of the six stolen from the Simon Says Pawn Shop on September 14.

The other five missing handguns have not been recovered.

It is alleged that both Garcia and McEwen have previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses.

The complaint charges Garcia and McEwen with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a stolen firearm. Both offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut State Police, Vernon Police Department and Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

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 neighborhoods safer for everyone.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Omaha, Nebraska, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Kenneth Ray Dandridge, age 36, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Dandridge was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 6, 2014. He pled guilty on June 28, 2019.

The conviction stems from Dandridge failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between April 20, 2011, and May 6, 2014. Dandridge had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court, which requires him to register for the rest of his life.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

DENVER – U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn announces that former U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official Dwane Nevins, age 55, pleaded guilty last week to an indictment charging him with corruption related crimes, arising from a scheme to take payments from an undercover FBI agent. Earlier this week, on September 17, 2019, his co-conspirator Anthony Bueno pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring with Nevins to make those payments. Another businessman involved with the scheme, Robert Revis, pleaded guilty in April 2019.

As described in the indictment, Dwane Nevins — a small business specialist at the VA’s Network Contracting Office in Colorado — agreed to take bribes offered by Revis, Bueno, and an undercover FBI agent to help them manipulate the process for bidding on federal contracts with the VA. Revis and Bueno, working with Nevins, agreed to submit fraudulent bids from service-disabled-veteran-owned small businesses under contract with their consulting company so that federal contracts would be set aside for only those companies. As Bueno allegedly explained, they would then “own all the dogs on the track.” Nevins, Bueno and Revis worked to conceal the nature of the bribe payments by either kicking back to Nevins a portion of the payments made to their consulting company, or by asking their consulting company’s clients to pay Nevins for sham training classes related to federal contracting.

The indictment also alleges that, after complaining about not being paid by Revis and Bueno for his participation in the scheme, Nevins used his official position at the VA to extort approximately $10,000 from an undercover FBI agent, telling the agent that “the train don’t go without me. You know what I mean? I’m the engine. I’m the caboose. I’m the engine room.” Nevins also allegedly told the undercover FBI agent “this is a business and businessmen need to get paid . . . . so I can have my Christmas, you know what I’m saying?”

The indictment alleges that the conspirators attempted to rig the process related to two contracts, both of which related to medical equipment and not to the construction of any VA facilities. The first contract related to the procurement of LC bead particle embolization products by a VA hospital in Salt Lake City and the second related to the procurement of durable medical equipment for VA facilities located throughout the region.

“Corruption in the government procurement process has consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Here the defendant participated in manipulating the bid process so that a specific company could prevail. That is wrong, it is criminal, and there will be swift consequences for anyone that engages in such behavior.”

“Dwane Nevins’ scheme attempted to take advantage of the system serving our veterans and hurt small businesses,” said FBI Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips. “The FBI thanks the multi-agency investigative team and the USAO for holding Nevins and his cohorts accountable for their criminal activities.”

Gregg Hirstein, Special Agent in Charge, VA Office of Inspector General, said, “This case should serve as a deterrent to any government employees tempted to unlawfully profit from their position of public trust. The VA Office of Inspector General will always vigorously pursue allegations of corruption by VA officials because our nations veterans deserve to be served by a workforce of the highest integrity.”

“Taking bribes is an egregious form of corruption that violates the public’s trust and deprives eligible businesses opportunities to compete fairly for Federal contracting opportunities,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent-in-Charge Weston King. “SBA OIG and its law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue individuals that seek personal gain in their service as public officials. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their leadership and dedication throughout this investigation.”

Dwane Nevins is scheduled to be sentenced on December 20, 2019. He faces a maximum of 65 years’ imprisonment. Anthony Bueno is scheduled to be sentenced on January 7, 2020. Robert Revis is scheduled to be sentenced on January 24, 2020.

The case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General.

The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan D. Fields and Hetal J. Doshi.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Brandon, South Dakota, woman convicted of Wire Fraud was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.

Crystal Nelson, age 42, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $199,533.52 to McCrossan Boys Ranch, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Nelson was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 6, 2019. She pled guilty on June 26, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on or about December 2013, and continuing through September 2018, when Nelson, who was the bookkeeper for McCrossan Boys Ranch, falsely and fraudulently inflated her own payroll checks and then used the funds for her own purposes. She disguised her theft by debiting money from the payroll account and crediting the operating account, and by creating false documentation for McCrossan Boys Ranch’s payroll binder. Nelson also used the McCrossan Boys Ranch’s credit card without authority for her own personal expenses and stole money from client fund accounts.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

Nelson has been allowed to self-surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on September 20, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Cody Spotted Tail, age 34, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Spotted Tail was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 11, 2018. He pled guilty on July 2, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from a drug conspiracy that occurred beginning no later than October 15, 2018, and continuing to November 2, 2018, in which Spotted Tail knowingly and intentionally conspired with his co-defendants to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in the District of South Dakota. Further, Spotted Tail was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, which prohibited him from possessing firearms, and he was in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement recovered 256 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and other drug trafficking items.

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 Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Newport News man late yesterday on charges of Hobbs Act robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Antoine Dion Harris, aka “Fattwan,” 31, robbed a Hampton ABC Liquor Store in February 2019. Harris walked into the store, picked up a bottle of Hennessey liquor from the shelf, and before the victim could ring up the purchase, Harris pulled out a black handgun, pointed it at the victim and told her that she had 30 seconds to give him all of her money before he began counting down. The victim complied with Harris’s demands and Harris ultimately got away with $88 and the bottle of Hennessey.

Harris faces a mandatory minimum of seven years and a maximum of life in prison when sentenced on Jan. 14, 2020. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This 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.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Terry L. Sult, Chief of Hampton Police Division, and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith accepted the verdict. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen S. Taylor and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-65.

Abingdon, VIRGINIA – Two members of a drug distribution organization that trafficked methamphetamine, heroin, oxycodone, cocaine, and other drugs from Georgia into Southwest Virginia were recently found guilty following a five-day jury trial in federal court on drug conspiracy charges, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring announced.

Roy Lee Dykes, 51, of Watkinsville, Ga., formerly of Big Stone Gap, Va., was convicted of one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in addition to cocaine, heroin, alprazolam, and oxycodone. Dykes was also convicted of 17 counts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances on a number of specific dates. At sentencing, Dykes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum statutory penalty of up to life in prison and/or a fine of up to $10 million.

Leila Varetta “Rita” Hector-Dykes, 57, of Watkinsville, Ga., was also convicted of one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in addition to cocaine, heroin, alprazolam, and oxycodone. Hector-Dykes was also convicted of one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances. At sentencing, Hector-Dykes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum statutory penalty of up to life in prison and/or a fine of up to $10 million.

“Methamphetamine trafficking is currently the greatest threat to public safety in far Southwest Virginia,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “We will continue to collaborate with our federal, state, and local partners to identify individuals responsible for distributing large quantities of this deadly substance and put them in federal prison.”

“This organization trafficked large amounts of crystal ice into Southwest Virginia. We appreciate the partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal, state, and local law enforcement to crack down on those who transport dangerous drugs into the Commonwealth for distribution,” Virginia Attorney General Herring said today. “Reducing the availability of crystal methamphetamine and other drugs in Southwest Virginia is a high priority for my office. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners and will continue to aggressively prosecute those who endanger the lives of our citizens.”

In all, 11 individuals were charged as part of this drug trafficking conspiracy. All 11 defendants have now been convicted. Dykes and Hector-Dykes are scheduled for sentencing on December 19, 2019.

According to evidence presented at trial, these defendants conspired to traffic a variety of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, morphine, oxycodone, and alprazolam, from sources in Watkinsville, Georgia, into Southwest Virginia for redistribution. The organization operated primarily in Lee and Wise counties from November 2016 through March 1, 2018. Arrests on March 1, 2018, resulted in the seizure of approximately 11 ounces of crystal ice methamphetamine, in addition to heroin, cocaine, morphine, and oxycodone, with an estimated street value of $28,000. Currency totaling approximately $14,000 was also seized from the defendants on that day.

The investigation stemmed from another drug trafficking conspiracy arising out of Lee County, Virginia, involving seven defendants, all of whom have been convicted and sentenced. Another four defendants, including Dykes and Hector-Dykes’ sources of supply, were also identified and prosecuted during the course of these investigations. In total, these investigations have led to the successful prosecution of 22 defendants and removed a conservative estimate of 3.5 pounds of crystal ice methamphetamine from the supply chain in Southwest Virginia.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force, Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Numerous agencies assisted with search warrant executions and arrests on March 1, 2018, to include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Big Stone Gap Police Department, Lee, Wise, and Scott County Sheriff’s Departments, City of Norton Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals. Special Assistant United States Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro prosecuted this case at trial for the United States.

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced a federal criminal complaint against RAY GHANSHAM PERSAUD, 20, for calling in bomb threats to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.^{^[1]} PERSAUD was arrested this morning and will make his initial appearance today at 2:00 pm before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, on April 17, 2019, PERSAUD called the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and said there was a bomb on campus, specifically mentioning McNeely Hall. PERSAUD called the University of St. Thomas three times that morning making bomb threats. As a result, the University evacuated and closed its entire St. Paul campus, including a child care center located in one of the buildings. The FBI determined that the calls came from a Voice Over Internet Protocol, or “VOIP,” telephone number serviced by TextMe, an app that allows users to have multiple telephone numbers. On August 20, 2019, PERSAUD again called the University of St. Thomas via TextMe and said there was a bomb in the John Roach Center, a classroom building on the St. Paul campus, which was subsequently evacuated and closed for the day. On September 17, 2019, PERSAUD called the University of St. Thomas again, through a different VOIP app, and stated that there were bombs in the O’Shaughnessy Science Center, the John Roach Center, the Anderson Student Center, and the Facilities Design Center. All four buildings were subsequently evacuated. Investigators were able to trace the origin of the September 17, 2019, calls to PERSAUD’s home address in Blaine, Minnesota.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Saint Paul Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Docherty.

Defendant Information:

RAY GHANSHAM PERSAUD, 20

Blaine, Minn.

Charges:

Using an instrumentality of interstate commerce to make a threat to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual, and to damage or destroy any building, by means of fire and explosive, 1 count

###

Additional news available on our website.

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

[1] The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – A real estate agent recruiter was arrested today on charges stemming from a scheme to inflate sales commissions, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Russell Stinnett, 54, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sept. 23, 2019, on five counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to appear later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant in Charlestown, South Carolina, federal court. Stinnett will be arraigned in Newark federal court at a later date.

According to the indictment:

Between January 2017 and April 2019, Stinnett engaged in a scheme to misrepresent the sales value of real estate sold by agents that he recruited to work for the victim real estate company in order to boost his own commission payouts. Stinnett obtained sales data for the agents he recruited, then doctored the data to make it appear as if his recruits sold more real estate than they actually had. Stinnett then submitted the doctored sales data to his employer using his business email or a commission claim portal that was received and processed in New Jersey. Stinnett’s employer paid him commissions on sales that his recruits never actually made, resulting in a loss of approximately $1 million to his employer.

The five counts of wire fraud with which Stinnett is charged each carry a maximum potential punishment of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss or gain caused by the offense.

U.S. Attorney 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 the indictment.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari B. Fontecchio of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wood, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

David Blue Bird, age 25, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Blue Bird was indicted by superseding indictment on March 12, 2019. He pled guilty on July 10, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on or about the 8th day of September 2018, through the 26th day of January 2019, Blue Bird did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine and, being an unlawful user of methamphetamine, did knowingly receive and possess three firearms.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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