John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WALTER ARNULFO GUZMAN RIVAS, 39, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2005, Guzman Rivas was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador after being convicted in Texas of three counts of assault on a family member.  He illegally reentered the U.S. and, in 2006, was convicted in Kentucky of four counts of robbery in the second degree, for which he was sentenced to 10-years of incarceration.  He was again deported to El Salvador in July 2009.

On April 11, 2018, Guzman Rivas was arrested by the Stamford Police Department and charged with sex assault, risk of injury and illegal sexual contact offenses.  He was subsequently convicted of risk of injury to a child and, on May 8, 2019, was sentenced to five years of incarceration, suspended.

On April 11, 2019, Guzman Rivas pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of reentry of a removed alien.

Guzman Rivas has been detained since his state arrest.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wichita, Kansas, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Steven Ward McMullen, Jr., age 45, was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

McMullen was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2018.  He pled guilty on June 4, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning on or about January 25, 2018, and continuing to on or about August 13, 2018, where McMullen, knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with persons to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.

This case was investigated by the Mobridge Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Corson County Sherriff’s Office, the Mandan, North Dakota Police Department, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

Memphis, TN – The Justice Department announced today the second coordinated law enforcement action of the Appalachian Region Prescription Opioid (ARPO) strike force, resulting in charges against 13 individuals across five Appalachian federal districts for alleged offenses relating to the over prescription of controlled substances through "pill mill" clinics. Of those charged, 12 were charged for their role in unlawfully distributing opioids and other controlled substances and 11 were physicians. The alleged conduct resulted in the distribution of more than 17 million pills.

This action follows the first such takedown in April of this year, which involved charges against 60 defendants, including 53 medical professionals, in 11 federal districts, alleging the illegal distribution of more than 23 million pills. The charges brought in April have already resulted in 11 guilty pleas in seven federal districts, including guilty pleas by nine medical professionals, including seven physicians.

The charges announced today aggressively prosecute medical professionals whose alleged prescribing behaviors have contributed to the opioid epidemic, particularly medical professionals who are involved in the unlawful distribution of opioids and other prescription narcotics, a particular focus for the Department. According to the CDC, approximately 115 Americans die every day of an opioid-related overdose.

"The Department of Justice will not relent in its aggressive pursuit of those responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic in Appalachia," said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "Medical professionals who violate their solemn oaths and peddle opioids for profit should know that we will find you and ensure that the justice system treats you like the drug dealer you are."

"Opioid misuse and abuse is an insidious epidemic, and unfortunately, causes individuals to engage in criminal behavior that contributes to the problem," said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee. "Just as this office will hold medical professionals accountable for over-prescribing opioids, we will also pursue federal charges against any person who exploits the medical profession for their own selfish desire to obtain highly addictive prescription drugs by dishonest methods."

In the Western District of Tennessee, one defendant was charged. Additionally, three medical professionals have pleaded guilty.

Erin Pealor, 35, of Memphis, was charged with nine counts of attempting to acquire or obtain a controlled substance by misrepresentation by fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge. The charges stem from Pealor’s role in knowingly and intentionally attempting to obtain Schedule II controlled substances, namely Ritalin, Adderall, Methylin andMethylphenidate, by fraud, forgery, deception and subterfuge, by filling out prescriptions with false and fraudulent patient names and forging the signature of a physician. This case was brought with the assistance of the DEA and the State of Tennessee-OIG. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Ann Weber Langley of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Erskine of the Western District of Tennessee.

In addition, several indictments brought in the coordinated action in April 2019 have already resulted in guilty pleas. On July 22, 2019, Michael Hellman, a physician, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. These charges stem from Hellman prescribing Percocet and Promethazine with Codeine outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jillian Willis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Allen of the Western District of Tennessee.

On April 16, 2019, Kathryn Russell, a nurse practitioner who practiced in Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. Russell wrote prescriptions for opioids that had no legitimate medical purpose and that were outside the usual course of professional practice. In an eight-week period, Russell prescribed more than 7,800 oxycodone pills, more than 6,000 benzodiazepine pills, and more than 1,000 pills of carisoprodol.

On Sept. 19, 2019, Michelle Bonifield, a Bells pharmacy technician pleaded guilty to filling an opioid prescription without a legitimate medical purpose while working at Mehr Drug Store.

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

The Fraud Section leads the ARPO Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 70 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 40 million pills.

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            ALBUQUERQUE – Stanislaus Venego III, 34, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Nation who resides in Mescalero, N.M., was sentenced yesterday morning (Sept. 19, 2019) in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 137 months of imprisonment for his conviction on a voluntary manslaughter charge.  Venego will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.

            On March 11, 2019, Venego pled guilty to an indictment charging him with voluntary manslaughter.  In his plea agreement, Venego admitted that on April 28, 2018, he punched and kicked the victim multiple times upon a sudden quarrel and in the heat of passion, and that the victim died as the result of the injuries he sustained.  The incident occurred on the Mescalero Apache Reservation in Otero County, N.M.

The case was investigated by the Mescalero Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Gari Terrell Miller, age 39, of Clinton, Maryland, to 9 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  Miller was one of the first defendants charged as part of the new federal-state initiative announced in December 2018 to combat the fentanyl crisis in Maryland.

Under this new initiative, titled the “Synthetic Opioid Surge,” or “SOS” for short, every arrest involving distribution of fentanyl made by law enforcement in Baltimore is reviewed jointly by the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine whether the case will be handled in the state or federal system.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute more cases involving fentanyl as a result of this new program.  The use of federal resources and statutes, which carry significant terms of imprisonment, is necessary to prosecute those individuals who pose the greatest threat to public safety in distributing lethal doses of fentanyl.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Colonel Woodrow Jones, Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police.

“Law enforcement partners are working together to arrest and prosecute those who peddle deadly fentanyl on our streets and in our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “Drug traffickers are on notice that dealing in fentanyl increases their odds of federal prosecution.  People are dying from fentanyl overdoses in Baltimore City and throughout Maryland.  We must do everything we can to reduce overdose deaths from this drug and from all opioids.”

According to his plea agreement, on April 12, 2018, a Maryland Transportation Authority Police officer conducted a traffic stop near Conway Street in Baltimore, after observing Miller drifting between lanes and turning onto Conway Street without signaling.  During the stop, the officer smelled marijuana.  After the officer conducted a sobriety test, he searched Miller and recovered approximately $740 in cash and a white powdery substance that was 49 grams of fentanyl—enough to kill 24,500 people.  Law enforcement also recovered from Miller’s vehicle $3,300 in cash bound with rubber bands, and a drug ledger listing weights, names, and dollar amounts.  The ledger reflects, and Miller admits, that he sold 832 grams of heroin.

Miller further admitted that he conspired with others to distribute fentanyl and heroin in Maryland.  Miller had others assisting him with distributing narcotics and collecting the drug proceeds.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended DEA and Maryland Transportation Authority Police for their work in the investigation and thanked Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby and her office for their assistance.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Samika N. Boyd, who prosecuted the case.

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DAYTON – A Miami Township man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to creating and distributing child pornography of the sexual abuse of a two-year-old.

Travis E. Walker, 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2018 and offered a guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon L. Ovington on September 23.

Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Todd A. Wickerham, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer, Montgomery County Prosecutor Matthias H. Heck, Jr., and Miami Township Police Chief Ronald L. Hess announced the plea.

According to court documents, beginning in at least January 2018 and continuing through May 2018, Walker sexually abused a toddler victim and produced at least 12 pornographic images on his cell phone.

In May 2018, Walker distributed five of the child pornography files he produced to an undercover FBI task force officer via the Kik Messenger app.

Producing child pornography is punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison. Distributing child pornography carries a potential sentence of five to 20 years in prison.

The plea agreement includes a global resolution involving state charges in Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, including three counts of rape of a person under 13 years of age and four counts of gross sexual imposition of a person under 13 years of age. The Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office will recommend that Walker serve his federal prison sentence concurrent to state imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office RANGE Task Force and Miami Township Police, as well as Assistant United States Attorney SaMee Harden, who is prosecuting the case. Assistant Montgomery County Prosecutors Kelly D. Madzey and Jonathan W. Sauline are prosecuting the related state charges.

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HELENA – Attorney General Tim Fox and U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced their offices, together with the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, will co-sponsor a second missing persons training for the public and law enforcement.  The event will take place at the First Interstate Bank Operations Center in Billings on October 16.

The first joint missing persons training was held in June in Helena.  “Because we had strong interest in our first collaborative training, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme and I decided we wanted to offer a more convenient opportunity for law enforcement and the public on the eastern side of the state to attend,” Attorney General Tim Fox said.  “Toward that end, we look forward to offering this second training to improve Montana’s response to missing persons cases, particularly those involving Native Americans.”  

The event will provide instruction for law enforcement on accepting and entering a missing person’s report, use of missing persons alerts and advisories, and conducting missing persons investigations.  A separate session for the public will offer information on how to report a missing person, give an overview of missing persons databases and alert systems, and discuss other resources that are available.  

“We are pleased to be working again with Attorney General Fox, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to provide this important joint training on missing persons resources for all federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement in Montana and for tribal councils and members of the public,” U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. “By working with law enforcement and family and friends to better collect and share information about missing persons, particularly Native Americans, we can help bring more people home.”

The training is free; lunch is provided.  Online registration is available at www.dojmt.gov/mpt.  Law enforcement officers will receive POST credits for attending.  For more information, email dojmmiw@mt.gov or call LINC Coordinator Tina Chamberlain at the Montana DOJ at (406) 444-1577.

BOSTON – The 52^nd defendant charged in the college admissions case, Xiaoning Sui, was charged in a superseding indictment today with international money laundering and conspiring to commit fraud and federal programs bribery in connection with a scheme to facilitate her son’s admission to the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) as a purported soccer recruit.

Xiaoning Sui, 48, a Chinese national residing in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, was charged in an superseding indictment today with an expanded conspiracy charge, two counts of money laundering and three counts of wire fraud and honest services wire fraud. Sui was arrested on an indictment last week in Spain on one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. Sui is currently detained pending her extradition to Boston.

According to the indictment, Sui agreed with William “Rick” Singer to pay $400,000 to facilitate her son’s admission to UCLA as a purported soccer recruit, even though he did not play soccer competitively. As a result of the scheme, Sui’s son was admitted to UCLA in November 2018, and awarded a 25 percent tuition scholarship.

Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.

The charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, honest services mail fraud and federal programs bribery provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The mail fraud, honest services mail fraud, and money laundering charges each carry a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.  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; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID BOURNE, 37, of Hartland, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to an explosives offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 6, 2018, Connecticut State Police responded to Rory Mocarsky’s residence in Hartland after reports of gunfire and explosions at the property, and after viewing a YouTube video showing Mocarsky and Bourne engaged in activities involving firearms and explosives.  A search of the property revealed an 8mm rifle, three .22 caliber rifles, a suspected homemade silencer, ammunition, a suspected improvised explosive device (“IED”), suspected post-blast IED devices and fragments, suspected explosive materials, and other electronic devices.  A related search of a location in the Tunxis State Forest in East Hartland, where Mocarsky and Bourne had recorded explosions, revealed metal fragments, a section of PVC pipe, and PVC pipe fragments from a suspected IED.

On January 2, 2019, Bourne threw a pipe bomb, which he constructed, into the back of a victim’s truck, where it exploded.

Bourne was arrested on May 9, 2019.

Bourne pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on December 17, 2019.

Bourne is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

On July 2, 2019, Mocarsky pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18, 2019.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and Connecticut State Police.  The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

GREENVILLE– Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that on September 23, 2019, in federal court, MARCIO SANTOS-PORTILLO, 46, of Honduras, was convicted following a trial before United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard. The jury found the defendant guilty of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.

At trial, the evidence showed that SANTOS-PORTILLO, a citizen of Honduras, was found in Wilmington, North Carolina, after having previously been deported from the United States on March 21, 2011, at Houston, Texas. The evidence further showed that SANTOS-PORTILLO, who had been previously convicted of felony evading arrest with a vehicle in Harris County, Texas, reentered without having obtained the express permission of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security.

The investigation of this case was conducted by agents of Homeland Security Investigations. 

CINCINNATI – The Justice Department announced today the second coordinated law enforcement action of the Appalachian Region Prescription Opioid (ARPO) strike force, including four cases in the Southern District of Ohio.

Today’s takedown resulted in charges against 13 individuals total across five Appalachian federal districts for alleged offenses relating to the over prescription of controlled substances through “pill mill” clinics. Of those charged, 12 were charged for their role in unlawfully distributing opioids and other controlled substances and 11 were physicians.  The alleged conduct resulted in the distribution of more than 17 million pills.

This action follows the first such takedown in April of this year, which involved charges against 60 defendants, including 53 medical professionals, in 11 federal districts, alleging the illegal distribution of more than 23 million pills.  The charges brought in April have already resulted in 11 guilty pleas in seven federal districts, including guilty pleas by nine medical professionals, including seven physicians.

“We said in April that the ARPO strike force was not a one-and-done spectacle, but an enduring commitment to stamp out opioid trafficking by prescription pad. We meant it,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman. “It’s thanks to the partnership between U.S. Attorney’s offices, the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners that the United States is able to investigate and prosecute not only medical professionals who are allegedly acting as drug dealers, but also the myriad other malefactors who have contributed—and are contributing—to the opioid epidemic.”

In the Southern District of Ohio, four medical professionals were charged, including three medical doctors and one doctor of osteopathy, in connection with several alleged “pill mill” controlled substance diversion and/or health care fraud schemes.

Troy Balgo, D.O., 53, of Saint Clairsville, the elected county coroner of Belmont County, was charged with one count of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, six counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to commit unlawful distribution of controlled substances.

Balgo allegedly caused and/or conspired with others to cause submissions for health care services that he did not perform, and prescribed controlled substances while he was out of the state or country. Balgo is the owner and operator of two medical clinics in St. Clairsville.

George Griffin, M.D., 70, of Cincinnati, was charged with 20 counts of distribution of controlled substances for his alleged participation in the unlawful prescription of controlled substances outside of the course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. Griffin owns and operates a solo medical practice in Cincinnati.

Thomas Romano, M.D., 69, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was charged with 20 counts of diversion of controlled substances for his alleged participation in the unlawful prescription of controlled substances outside of the course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. Romano owns and operates a solo cash-only medical practice in Martin’s Ferry, Belmont County.

Freeda Flynn, M.D., 66, of Saint Clairsville, was charged with eight counts of distribution of controlled substances, and one count of health care fraud, for her alleged participation in the unlawful prescription of controlled substances outside of the course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose, and health care fraud for the submission of claims for services which were medically unnecessary and/or performed below medically-accepted standards. Flynn owns and operates a solo practice with focuses on medical and opioid addiction treatment programs in St. Clairsville.

The DEA, FBI and HHS-OIG, as well as the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DOD-OIG), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy investigated the cases in the Southern District of Ohio. The cases are being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher Jason of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY– September 24, 2019

SAN DIEGO – Fady Esho, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 30 years in prison for his aggravated role in a drug distribution conspiracy as well as his participation in an attempted armed robbery ordered by the Mexican Mafia. 

The charges stem from an investigation by the FBI-led Violent Crimes Task Force, Gang Group (VCTF-GG) into drug trafficking, firearms and violent crimes being committed by certain gang members and their associates in San Diego.

“Taking this Mexican Mafia member off the street for three decades is a big win for public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “This significant sentence will prevent defendant, who was a violent firearms and drug trafficker in addition to being a Mexican mafia member, from further menacing our community.”  The U.S. Attorney praised prosecutors Todd Robinson and Kareem Salem as well as the FBI and the Violent Crimes Task force-Gang Group for their diligence in prosecuting this important case.

"The 30-year sentence handed down today sends a clear message to anyone that is involved with the criminal activities of violent gangs and the Mexican Mafia: Expect to be investigated by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group (VCTF-GG) and aggressively prosecuted,” said FBI SAC Scott Brunner. “Because of this long-term investigation, crimes of violence were prevented and a dangerous criminal enterprise trafficking in drugs and firearms throughout Southern California was decimated.  Our community is safer with these gang members and associates behind bars.”

The defendant pleaded guilty on May 9, 2019 (18cr3424-LAB) to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute; being a felon in possession of a firearm; attempting to commit a Hobbs Act Robbery; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. That same day, he also pleaded guilty (18cr4217-LAB) to one count of conspiring with others to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine.

According to the prosecutor, Fady Esho was nicknamed the “Golden Goose” by several individuals associated with the Mexican Mafia based on his capability to distribute firearms and narcotics as well as collect money at their direction.

On June 13, 2018 agents intercepted communications of the defendant and two of his co-defendants who discussed their intention to commit an armed robbery and assault on behalf of the Mexican Mafia. In response, San Diego Police Department Gang Suppression Officers stopped the vehicle Fady Esho was driving as his drove to their intended victim. Ultimately, officers recovered four firearms, 56 rounds of ammunition and zip ties, which officers believe were for restraining the intended victim.

In addition to his role in the attempted robbery, the defendant was sentenced for his role, organization, and distribution of multiple pounds of methamphetamine.

Intercepted communications also revealed that the defendant was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine to several customers, including an individual who on two occasions flew from Florida to purchase pounds of methamphetamine from the defendant. But for the quick response from members of the VCTF-GG, pounds of methamphetamine, which were packaged and shipped via the United States Postal Service, would have found its way to drug users in the Florida area.

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. Section 841 (a)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Forty years in prison; Five year mandatory minimum

Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922(g)
Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison

Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. Section 1951
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison

Possession of firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. Section 924(c)
Maximum Penalty: Five years mandatory minimum in prison

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. Sections 841 (a)(1) and 846
Maximum Penalty: Up to life in prison; Ten year mandatory minimum

DEFENDANT                        Case Numbers: 18CR3424-LAB & 18CR4217-LAB

Fady Esho                               Age: 37                                San Diego                                                          

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Violent Crimes Gang Task Force

Task Force agencies include:

FBI, ATF, DEA, BOP, USPIS, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, San Diego District Attorney's Office, San Diego Police Department, San Diego Sheriff's Department, National City Police Department, Chula Vista Police Department, La Mesa Police Department, El Cajon Police Department and Federal Bureau of Prisons- Joint Intelligence Sharing Initiative

SOUTH BEND - Michael Thomas, age 42, of Kouts, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for four counts of mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Thomas was sentenced to 90 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release.  Thomas was charged in 2018 with four counts of mail fraud for his role in a scheme to defraud insurance companies by arson fires.  On September 28, 2018, a jury found him guilty of all counts.  Today, the Court also ordered him to pay restitution to State Farm Insurance Company in the amount of $426,227.31 and Foremost Insurance Company in the amount of $115,522.27.

According to documents in this case, from 2004 through 2013, Thomas and others executed a scheme to defraud insurance companies by setting fires to mobile homes in a mobile home park located in North Judson, Indiana.  Thomas and associates submitted insurance claims immediately after the fires resulting in insurance payouts totaling $616,749.58.  The first fire occurred at 2691 Julia Drive on September 17, 2004, a mobile home owned and occupied by Thomas.  In November 2010, several more fires occurred: a home and garage owned by Thomas and his wife at 5081 South 275 West Street; a home at 5326 South A Street; and two unoccupied mobile homes not owned by Thomas at 2729 West Airstream Court and 5370 Holiday Street.  In the early part of 2013, still another mobile home owned by Thomas caught fire located at 5101 South 275 West.  Finally, on April 16, 2013, firefighters extinguished a fire at Mr. Thomas’ 2691 Julia Drive property, but firefighters needed to return several hours later to extinguish another fire at the home. 

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Indiana State Fire Marshal and the Indiana State Police.  The case was tried by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Barrett, and later handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Hays

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SOUTH BEND - Mark Peppers, age 35, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Mr. Peppers was sentenced to 120 months in prison, 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $26,250.

According to documents in this case, in August of 2017, Mr. Peppers was in possession of a micro SD card that contained videos of a naked 4-year old female child which displayed close up images of the child’s private parts. In a plea agreement, Mr. Peppers admitted that the images were in fact child pornography.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man today admitted participating in a scheme that involved the creation of false documentation to secure over $4 million in bank loans, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Raymundo Torres, 35, of New York City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

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

Between March 2016 and May 2018, Cash Flow Partners LLC, a business consulting firm with offices in New York and New Jersey, released internet advertisements and held seminars offering to assist customers in obtaining bank loans, including loans insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). When customers submitted documentation supporting their bank loan applications to Cash Flow Partners, Torres and others created false documentation to make customers’ loan applications appear more financially viable than they actually were. Employees at Cash Flow Partners falsified payroll records by including fictitious financial and employment information, such as fake jobs, on template payroll forms and IRS tax forms. Victim banks sustained losses of over $4 million.

The conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2020.

Individuals who believe they may have information about this case may contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FDIC-Office of the Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca in New York, and 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. Attorneys Stephen Ferketic of the Opioids Unit and Ari B. Fontecchio of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

Defense counsel: Joshua P. Cohn Esq., Saddle Brook, New Jersey

FORT WAYNE – Ivan Jaimes-Molina, age 25, of Fort Meade, Florida was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Ivan Jaimes-Molina was sentenced to 120 months inmprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.  

According to documents in this case, Jaimes-Molina had 397.1 grams of actual methamphetamine (at 100% purity) in the trunk of his vehicle.  The defendant also had a firearm in the trunk near the methamphetamine and marijuana he planned to distribute. 

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Department, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller. 

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PROVIDENCE – A retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander most recently stationed at the Naval War College in Newport, RI, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Providence, RI, today on charges he allegedly transported and enticed a minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and that he distributed, received, and possessed child pornography all while actively serving and following his retirement from active service with the U.S. Navy.

Ronald W. Zenga, 49, of Middletown, RI, who retired from the U.S. Navy in October 2017, was indicted today on two counts of enticement or coercion of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and one count each of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity, interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.

It is alleged that Zenga repeatedly coerced a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, and transported a minor across state lines from Rhode Island to Texas, Florida and Cuba with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

According to court documents and information provided to the Court, in September 2018, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Providence received information from the Bedfordshire Police Department (BPD) in the United Kingdom that an individual, later identified by HSI as Zenga, was allegedly communicating with a BPD agent through a Russian file sharing website. According to the BPD, the communications allegedly graphically described ongoing sexual encounters with a young minor child. It is alleged that Zenga described several years of sexual encounters with a child, dating back to the child’s prepubescent years. 

On October 17, 2018, HSI agents and members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a federal court authorized search of Zenga’s Middletown residence. Forensic previews of Zenga’s electronic devices resulted in the discovery of emails and files of child pornography allegedly shared, received and possessed by Zenga.

Following the search of his residence, Zenga was arrested and detained in federal custody on a criminal complaint charging him with access with the intent to view child pornography, and receipt and possession of child pornography.

The ongoing investigation resulted in the return today of a seven-count indictment.

A criminal complaint and an indictment are merely an accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Each count of enticement or coercion of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity are punishable by statutory penalties of 10 years to life in federal prison followed by 5 years to lifetime supervised release. Interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 30 years in prison followed by up to lifetime supervised release. Distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography are punishable by statutory penalties of 5-20 years imprisonment followed by up to lifetime supervised release. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and 3 years supervised release.

An arraignment date has not yet been scheduled.

The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.

###

An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Howard Mora and Alan Buxbaum with conspiring to commit wire fraud in connection with a scheme to use counterfeit United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stamps to misbrand USDA “Choice” beef products as higher quality USDA “Prime” and sell those products at inflated prices.  The defendants were arrested this morning and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy.

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Bethanne M. Dinkins, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), announced the charge.

Between September 2011 and October 2014, Mora and Buxbaum were co-owners of A. Stein Meat Products, Inc., a wholesale meat processing and distribution business located in Brooklyn.  As alleged in the indictment, the defendants purchased beef that had been graded “Choice” quality by graders employed by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and directed their employees to carve off the “Choice” markings and re-stamp them as “Prime,” using counterfeit stamps.  The meat was then sold at inflated prices to customers in the New York City metropolitan area.    

“Customers and consumers are entitled to get what they pay for, especially when the product is food on their tables,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  “This Office and our law enforcement partners will remain vigilant in enforcing laws that ensure the grade and quality of food products.” 

“The integrity of USDA’s food processing systems and the security of the nation’s food supply is of the utmost importance to the Office of Inspector General, and we will continue to dedicate resources to the investigation of matters where it is called into question.” Stated USDA-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Dinkins.

The charge in the indictment is an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Harris and Turner Buford are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendants:

HOWARD MORA
Age: 67
Westbury, New York

ALAN BUXBAUM
Age:  65
Monroe, New Jersey

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-425 (KAM)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged 18 individuals in conspiracies to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin, launder money back to Mexico and run a fake immigration identification business.

The superseding indictment was returned here yesterday and 13 of the defendants were arrested in Central Ohio today. Custody will be sought for five defendants in California.

According to the 16-count indictment, Diego Ernesto Castaneda-Garcia was allegedly the leader of a drug trafficking organization that received imported heroin from Mexico, repackaged it into user quantities and sold it to heroin users in and around Central Ohio.

It was further a part of the alleged drug conspiracy that defendants would arrange for workers to be smuggled into the United States from Mexico for arrival in Central Ohio to distribute heroin.

Co-conspirators allegedly packaged heroin into foil balls called “fechas” – which roughly translates to “coins” in English – containing 1/10^th of a gram of narcotics. Heroin was sold to users in public parking lots by “runners” who charged $100 for a group of 15 coins.

The indictment details that one co-conspirator would act as a dispatcher taking calls and coordinating runners. Other defendants would arrange for apartments to rent for the runners to live in and purchase vehicles for runners. Other co-conspirators would create fake identification documents for the workers, including drivers licenses, permanent resident alien cards and Social Security cards. It was also a part of the alleged drug conspiracy that individuals would register automobiles and license tags in false names or in the name of a U.S. citizen in order to avoid the attention of law enforcement.

Defendants allegedly wired money on multiple occasions from storefronts in Columbus to Nayarit, Mexico.

“Special Agents with HSI and our local, state and federal partners have once again taken down a sophisticated international drug trafficking operation, suspected of untold harm in our community,” said Vance Callander, special agent in charge of HSI for Michigan and Ohio. “This organization went to great lengths to conceal their activities from law enforcement. However, today’s arrests demonstrate that HSI and our partners will be unyielding in our efforts to take down those who seek to profit from poisoning our community.” 

According to the indictment, a group associated with the drug traffickers was involved in the business of creating fake identification documents. This was for members of the drug trafficking group as well as members of the public who were purchasing driver’s licenses, lawful permanent resident cards and U.S. Social Security cards. The business was called “Chilango’s Perfumes” and perfumes was allegedly used as a code word for fake documents. Customers allegedly paid $120 for a “full set” – a Social Security card and resident alien card.

For example, Julia Martinez-Alvarez received a phone call from a Spanish-speaking female on August 15 who said, “I was calling you because I wanted perfume.”

Martinez-Alvarez allegedly responded, “Of course. To place your order, I need a frontal photo, with the hair up, no earrings, no glasses. Send me the photo, name, date of birth and nationality…”

Those charged include:

Charged in heroin conspiracy punishable by up to life in prison.

Conspiring to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin is a federal crime punishable by up to life prison. Laundering and conspiring to launder money, conspiring to create and creating fraudulent identification documents are each crimes punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperation of federal, state and local law enforcement, both in investigating this case and executing multiple arrests today.

Those agencies include:

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Prichard and Special Assistant United States Attorney Roger Dinh are prosecuting the case.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

# # #

LITTLE ROCK—Fifteen federal defendants are in custody after federal and state authorities made numerous arrests as part of an ongoing investigation. Operation Quack Attack has resulted in the identification of multiple drug traffickers and the seizure of large quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana in the Chicot County area.

Operation Quack Attack, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation, is being conducted by the FBI and the Arkansas State Police. In 2016, authorities began a joint investigation after an increase in violence related to drug trafficking in the Chicot County area. Today’s arrests are announced by Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, and Arkansas State Police Colonel Bill Bryant, in conjunction with the unsealing of the indictments of 15 defendants who were charged by a federal grand jury on September 5, 2019. In addition to the FBI and Arkansas State Police, the Arkansas Community Correction Special Response Team provided assistance throughout the investigation. Assistance with today’s operation was also provided by the Lake Village Police Department and the Chicot County Sheriff’s Office.

Seven indictments charging 15 individuals in the Eastern District of Arkansas, along with a federal complaint charging one defendant in the Western District of Arkansas, were unsealed on Tuesday. Law enforcement officers arrested 11 defendants early Tuesday morning, while four defendants were already in federal or state custody on unrelated charges. Davidlon Palmer, 40, of Eudora, is the lone federal defendant in the investigation who remains a fugitive. Five defendants have pending state arrest warrants as part of the operation.

Individuals involved in this case have numerous violent prior criminal convictions, including state and federal drug trafficking offenses, aggravated assault, terroristic act, residential burglary, commercial burglary, murder 2nd degree, possession of firearms by certain persons, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering.

"Today’s arrests signify our commitment to stopping the violence that goes hand-in-hand with drug trafficking," U.S. Attorney Hiland said. "We appreciate the collaboration between the federal and state partners that made this investigation possible."

During the course of Operation Quack Attack, investigators conducted 58 controlled purchases of drugs and executed two search warrants. Authorities have seized more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 229 grams of cocaine, 200 grams of crack cocaine, 128 grams of marijuana, and 6 firearms, as well as almost $17,000 in cash.

During arrest operations Tuesday morning six additional firearms, including two AR-style rifles and a "street sweeper" shotgun with a multi-shell drum attached, were recovered, as well as another $3,927 in suspected drug proceeds.

"Prolonged investigations such as Operation Quack Attack serve to highlight the positive and enduring working relationships amongst members of Arkansas law enforcement and protect our communities from violent drug traffickers," SAC Upchurch said. "It is with sincere appreciation that I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Arkansas State Police, and Arkansas Community Correction for their assistance with this investigation."

The defendants face various drug trafficking and gun charges. The most serious drug charges carry a penalty range of not less than 10 years in prison, and not more than life, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and not less than five years of supervised release.

The federal defendants arrested Tuesday will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe on Thursday. The federal defendants in state custody will be arraigned at a later date.

Operation Quack Attack is a joint investigation between the FBI, the Arkansas State Police, and the Arkansas Community Correction Special Response Team. Assistant United States Attorney Julie Peters is prosecuting the case. An indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at:

http://www.justice.gov/edar

Twitter: @EDARNEWS

OPERATION QUACK ATTACK

FEDERAL INDICTMENTS/DEFENDANTS

United States v. Cantral Huggins et al., 4:19CR530 DPM

Cantral Huggins, aka Cantrell, aka Crumb – age 40, Benton, AR

Kashif Lucas – age 35, Lake Village, AR

Steven Jordan, aka Tar Baby – age 42, Little Rock, AR

Anthony Bailey, aka Antonio, aka Tony – age 30, Lake Village, AR

Deangalo Furlow – age 31, Lake Village, AR

Tiffany Huggins – age 32, Benton, AR

Latoya Jackson – age 35, Conway, AR

Tristen Taylor – age 21, Eudora, AR

Sheldon Wilson, aka Tae – age 39, Lake Village, AR

United States v. Ramien Collins, 4:19CR528 JM

Age 38, Monticello, AR

United States v. Deyvon King, 4:19CR531 JM

Age 41, of Lake Village, AR

United States v. Donnie Miller, 4:19CR532 BSM

Age 58, of Lake Village, AR

United States v. Davidlon Palmer, aka DP, 4:19CR533 KGB*

Age 40, of Eudora, AR

United States v. Everette Ross, aka Pumpkin, 4:19CR534 DPM

Age 49, of Lake Village, AR

United States v. Jessie Williams, aka Boone, 4:19CR535 BRW

Age 35, of Dermott, AR

* Fugitive