Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced SERGIO NERI-ARCE, 36, of Mexico on September 20, 2019 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States.  Neri-Arce was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated this case.

Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced KIMBERLY DAWN DANIELS, 46, of Sheridan, Wyoming on September 17, 2019 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana.  Daniels was arrested in Sheridan, Wyoming.  She received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $500.00.  The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.

Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced MICHAEL DEE BEARCLAW, Jr., 30, of Lodge Grass, Montana on September 18, 2019 for stealing a firearm from a federal firearm licensee.  Bearclaw was arrested in Casper, Wyoming.  He received ninety months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $301.98.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearmsand Explosives investigated this case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Daniel Brown, age 29, of Bullhead, South Dakota, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter as a result of a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  United States District Judge Charles B. Kornmann presided over the trial proceedings.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 8 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

According to the evidence presented at trial, on or about September 8, 2018, in Bullhead, South Dakota, Daniel Brown unlawfully killed Dionne Brown Otter by operating a motor vehicle recklessly while under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance.  Brown had a blood alcohol content of .22 percent and methamphetamine in his system.  While driving up an unmaintained steep hill that had a walking path, Brown lost control of his crew cab truck, causing it to roll down the hill.  As a result of the roll, two people were ejected, including Dionne Brown Otter.  The second individual also sustained serious injuries.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.  

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for December 16, 2019.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

# # #

Jackson, TN – Matthew J. Pate, 34, of Humboldt, Tennessee was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on July 2, 2019, Gibson County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a domestic assault situation where Matthew Pate was waiving a BB gun at his wife, mother in law and children. Once on scene, officers determined that the suspected BB gun was actually a .380 caliber pistol.

Further investigation revealed Pate was a prohibited person for a prior aggravated assault felony conviction. Officers asked for consent to search the residence where they found 5 additional firearms (3 pistols and 2 rifles). One was stolen and another had the serial numbers partially obliterated. The pistols were scattered throughout the house and the rifles were in the closet. Officers also found numerous alprazolam pills. Pate admitted to purchasing the weapons from an individual.

On September 11, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Pate to 90 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Reducing violent crimes committed with firearms is the top priority of this office and the Department of Justice. Prohibited persons in possession of firearms, such as convicted felons, persons with histories of domestic violence, and unlawful users of illegal narcotics present a known and immediate risk of violence to their families and the community at large. I commend the work of our federal and local law enforcement partners in holding Pate responsible and removing him from our streets."

Gibson County Sheriff Paul Thomas said: "I'm thankful for the partnership the United States Attorney's office maintains with local law enforcement. General Dunavant and his dedicated staff of Assistant U.S. Attorneys are always eager to help us when we have repeat, felony offenders in our communities that we need to remove from society. Their prosecution in this particular case solidifies all our positions on keeping our streets safe."

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gibson County Sheriff’s Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Parham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

ATLANTA - Wayne Patterson, who committed a string of eight armed robberies in the metro-Atlanta area, has been sentenced to federal prison. 

“Patterson’s decision to rob these businesses at gunpoint placed employees’ and customers’ lives in danger,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.  “Cooperation among federal and local law enforcement officers ended Patterson’s robbery spree and ensured the lengthy prison sentence he received.”

“Patterson terrorized employees and customers at seven different businesses he robbed in a nine day period in 2018 across three counties,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to our partnerships with six different local law enforcement agencies we were able to stop him before someone got hurt or killed. Hopefully the victims of those robberies can take some solace with this sentencing.”

“The Covington Police appreciates the diligence of the employee to stay calm, cooperate with the robber, get an accurate tag number, and give details of the crimes to the responding officers. This great effort allowed CPD to locate and arrest the suspect thus ending his criminal activity,” said Stacey L. Cotton, Chief of the Covington Police Department.

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: Patterson robbed seven Family Dollar and Dollar General Stores in the metro-Atlanta area over nine days in July 2018. In each case, Patterson browsed in the store, selected an item to supposedly purchase, and then approached the cash register. Once at the register, Patterson brandished a handgun and demanded money, and then fled the store with whatever money the cashier gave him. 

Approximately three weeks after committing the Family Dollar and Dollar General Store robberies, Patterson robbed a clothing store in Covington, Georgia, using the same tactic. On this occasion, however, an employee recorded the license plate of Patterson’s getaway car and provided that information to Covington Police who arrested Patterson shortly thereafter.

Wayne Patterson, 39, of Covington, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones to 20 years in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Patterson was convicted on June 19, 2019 after he pleaded guilty to eight counts of Hobbs Act robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bret R. Hobson prosecuted the case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Covington Police Department, the Clayton County Police Department, the Riverdale Police Department, the Cobb County Police Department, the Atlanta Police Department, and the Conyers Police Department investigated the case.

This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 31-year-old Huntsville, Alabama, woman has entered a guilty plea to knowingly attempting to smuggle 20 pounds of pure meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

On June 21, 2019, Guadalupe Inostroza-Diaz drove a white Nissan Altima into the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Falfurrias. An x-ray search of the vehicle revealed bundles of methamphetamine concealed within the walls of an ice chest located in the car’s trunk.

Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substance in the bundles was 100% pure meth totaling 12 kilograms with a value of more than $919,000.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing Jan. 15, 2020. At that time, Inostroza-Diaz faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine.

She has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert D. Thorpe Jr. and Julie K. Hampton prosecuted the case.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMON HERNANDEZ, 61, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine and violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According court documents and statements made in court, an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration revealed that Hernandez, who was on federal supervised release, was selling cocaine near a drug rehabilitation facility where he worked.  Investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of cocaine from Hernandez near that facility.  On February 13, 2019, Hernandez was arrested after he possessed and intended to distribute more than 250 grams of cocaine.

Hernandez has been detained since his arrest.  On June 17, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  

In March 2006, Hernandez was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 84 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for his role in a cocaine trafficking ring.  He was released from federal prison in August 2011.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – September 26, 2019 – Three mid-state individuals are facing federal bank robbery charges following the Tuesday afternoon robbery of the Citizen’s Bank of Carthage, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee. 

David Reynolds, 28, Joe Betty, 22, and Tiffany Garcia, 27, all of Gallatin, Tennessee, were charged yesterday in a criminal complaint following their arrests Tuesday afternoon on Interstate 40, near Lebanon, Tennessee.

According to the complaint, on Tuesday afternoon, three individuals entered the Citizen’s Bank on Dixon Springs Highway in Carthage, Tennessee and one of the individuals handed a teller a note demanding $15,000.  The robber motioned to his waist indicating a gun.  When the teller told the robber that there was not enough cash in the drawer to fulfill the demand, the robber asked where additional cash was.  The teller then motioned toward the vault behind the teller counter.  The robber then went behind the counter, pushed the teller out of the way and began taking cash from the vault and instructed the other two suspects to help him.

The suspects then fled the bank in a red Chevrolet Impala and a bank teller notified police.  Officers from the Smith County Sheriff’s Department and the Carthage Police Department observed the suspects fleeing the bank and attempted to stop them but the suspects continued to flee.  Multiple law enforcement agencies became involved as the suspects fled.   The vehicle was subsequently stopped on Interstate 40, near Lebanon and four individuals were apprehended including Reynolds, Betty and Garcia, along with $65,000 cash.  The other individual was a juvenile and was taken into custody by the Smith County Sheriff’s Department.

After reviewing the bank surveillance video, FBI agents determined that approximately five minutes before the robbery, Tiffany Garcia entered the bank and spoke to a teller.  The complaint alleges that Garcia was “casing” the premises immediately before the robbery.  

If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison.

This case is being investigated by the FBI.  Other agencies involved in the pursuit and apprehension include the Tennessee Highway Patrol; the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department; and the Lebanon Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob McGuire is prosecuting the case.

The charge is merely an accusation.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.            

# # # # #

RALEIGH– United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced KENNETH WADE REINHOLD, 33, of Holly Ridge, North Carolina to 360 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

REINHOLD was named in an Indictment filed on January 19, 2019 charging him with multiple counts of manufacture of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.  On June 12, 2019, REINHOLD pled guilty to manufacturing child pornography. 

In June 2018 the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Kansas City, Missouri, was investigating the distribution of child pornography on social media sites.  An agent working in an undercover capacity found REINHOLD and others exchanging child pornography via Kik Interactive social media site.   The undercover agent, in an attempt to gain information about the criminal activities and identity of REINHOLD, said she had two daughters that she was interested in exposing to sexual activity.  REINHOLD expressed an immediate interest and began having private conversations with the agent.  During those conversations the agent became aware REINHOLD was molesting young children with whom he had contact.  Agents identified REINHOLD based on photos and dteremined he lived in Holly Ridge, North Carolina.  FBI in Kansas City referred the matter to FBI in Wilmington, North Carolina so immediate action could be taken to protect the children against whom REINHOLD was offending. 

The FBI and Onslow County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at REINHOLD’s residence in Holly Ridge and seized multiple digital devices.  REINHOLD, after being warned of his Miranda rights, admitted to taking exploitative photos of multiple children.  He also admitted to running the chat group on Kik where multiple people were exchanging child pornography. 

Forensic analysis of REINHOLD’s digital devices uncovered 185 images and 206 videos of child pornography.  Law enforcement also found multiple child pornographic images and videos that REINHOLD himself produced, depicting minor victims under the age of 12.

This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level.  For more information about this important national initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Onslow County Sherriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Blondel, Charity Wilson and Jake D. Pugh.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Ronald Clark Roddenberry, 52, of Little River, Alabama, was sentenced today in federal court on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm.  Roddenberry pled guilty to the charges in December of 2018. 

United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed a sentence of 84 months imprisonment on each count, to be served concurrently.  The judge ordered that Roddenberry will undergo treatment for drug and alcohol abuse while incarcerated.  The judge also ordered that Roddenberry will serve a five-year term of supervised release beginning upon his discharge from prison.  During his supervision, Roddenberry will be subject to drug testing and further drug treatment.  No fine was imposed, but Roddenberry was ordered to pay $200 in special assessments.  

The case was investigated by the Bay Minette Police Department, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Daphne Police Department, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gregory A. Jackson, age 54, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 23, 2019, to 121 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years on supervised release, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner, for distributing methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Jackson was convicted in November 2018 after a two-day jury trial.  The evidence presented at trial showed that in September 2017, Jackson traveled from Philadelphia to York and delivered over 100 grams of pure methamphetamine to another individual.    

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Springettsbury Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the York County Drug Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorneys Carlo D. Marchioli and James T. Clancy prosecuted the case.

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 the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

# # #

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that KEITH ORLEAN, a/k/a “Jack Allen,” pled guilty to participating in a scheme to target elderly persons to solicit purchases of stock in a series of valueless companies through a variety of lies and misrepresentations.  ORLEAN pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and one count of securities fraud before U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As he admitted today, Keith Orlean purported to offer elderly victims time-sensitive investment opportunities.  In actuality, he was selling victims a package of false promises that yielded profit only for him and his co-defendants.  Orlean now awaits sentencing for his predatory practices.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, the Indictment, and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:[1]

For several years, ORLEAN and his co-defendants operated a fraudulent scheme in which a salesman named “Mike Palmer” would call elderly persons on the phone and offer them what he claimed was a time-sensitive opportunity to buy stock in certain companies.  In fact, there was no “Mike Palmer,” and the salesman was actually one or the other of ORLEAN’s two co-defendants, who were taking turns using the fake alias.  The purported time-sensitive investment opportunity was also fabricated by the defendants, as the companies in which they solicited investments were actually companies under their control.  In one intercepted phone conversation, Co-defendant-1 described to ORLEAN his strategy for a successful investor sales pitch as:  “You ram it down their fucking throat.”  In another intercepted call between Co-defendant-1 and ORLEAN, upon learning that a particular victim investor died, Co-defendant-1 remarked:  “I knew I should have pulled the last $10,000 out of him.”   

The most recent version of the defendants’ phony sales pitch included false representations about an impending initial public offering, or “IPO,” for their company, Digital Donations Technologies, Inc.  For example, in April 2018, one of the defendants assured a victim investor that “our company is doing great,” that the company had an offer for an IPO valued at approximately $300 million, and that defendant KEITH ORLEAN was considering a private sale of the company for more than $1.5 billion.  In truth, however, the defendants knew that the company had little or no actual commercial value and that no such IPO or sale was taking place.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") estimates that since April 2014, the defendants have convinced more than approximately 50 elderly persons to purchase stock in companies controlled by one or more of the defendants based on false representations.  The defendants appear to have solicited more than $2 million in stock purchases from victims.

*                *                *

ORLEAN, 61, of Dix Hills, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

ORLEAN is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Broderick on January 10, 2020, at 3:00 p.m.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the FBI.

The prosecution of this case is being overseen by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Boone and Andrew Thomas are in charge of the case.

The former Allen County Sheriff was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for asking for and taking bribes from people arrested in prostitution stings, suspected gamblers and others.

Samuel A. Crish, 56, previously pleaded guilty to multiple counts of extortion and soliciting bribes. He was sentenced to 136 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $606,221 in restitution.

“The former sheriff earned every day of this sentence,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “His conduct is an affront to the men and women in law enforcement and the citizens he pledged to protect and serve. Using his office and badge to demand bribes from gamblers and people arrested in prostitution stings is beyond offensive.”

"Mr. Crish will now serve the well deserved punishment handed down by the judge for his abhorrent criminal behavior,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith. “Law enforcement officers take an oath to enforce the law, not break the law."

Court documents detail Crish extorting or soliciting tens of thousands of dollars from several people between 2012 and 2016.

According to court documents:

Crish joined the Allen County Sheriff’s Office in 1991, where he held numerous positions, including commander of the office’s Investigative Division and the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force (WCOCTF). He was elected sheriff in 2008, 2012 and 2016.

In June 2012, Crish approached a person identified in the charges as Person 1 and asked Person 1 for $8,000, falsely stating he needed the money to cover medical bills. Person 1 gave Crish the money in cash in an alley behind the sheriff’s office in July 2012.

Two months later, Person 1 applied for the position of nurse at the Allen County Jail, which Crish oversaw. Based on conversations with Crish, Person 1 understood the job was theirs. Crish stated in October 2012 he would try to hire Person 1 as nurse. In the same conversation, he stated he needed $42,000 to pay his debts and asked if Person 1 could help.

Person 1 took out a home equity line of credit and, on Oct. 12, 2012, gave Crish a check for $42,000 in the alley behind the sheriff’s office. Crish agreed to repay the money in monthly increments of $480. On Dec. 15, 2012, Person 1 was hired by the Allen County Sheriff’s Office to work as the nurse at the county jail.

Person 3 operated a used car business and was arrested by members of the sheriff’s office and WCOCTF on Aug. 19, 2015 during a prostitution sting. He was charged with solicitation in Lima Municipal Court.

Crish visited Person 3’s business several times in August and September 2015, at one point asking Person 3 for a $7,000 loan. Person 3 gave Crish a check for $7,000 on Sept. 25, 2015.

Crish met with prosecutors and law enforcement officials about Person 3’s case on Nov. 24, 2015, and demanded the Lima City Attorney’s Office drop the charges. The solicitation case was dismissed on Feb. 18, 2016. Eight days later, Crish texted Person 3 to meet, where they discussed the dismissal of Person 3’s case.

Person 4 operated a used car business in Elida, Ohio. Crish asked Person 4 in September 2015 to work as an informant. He also asked Person 4 to loan him $10,000.

Person 4 gave Crish $10,000 in cash on Nov. 3, 2015. The next day, Person 4 was arrested at a motel in Lima as part of a prostitution sting operation. Following his arrest, Person 4 asked to speak to Crish. All of the other men arrested were charged.

Crish visited Person 4’s business on Nov. 5, 2015, and told him not to worry about the arrest because he was working for Crish.

Crish visited Person 4’s business again on Nov. 17, 2015, and asked for $500. Person 4 insisted Crish would have to pay back the $500, unlike the previous $10,000. Crish called Person 4 in May 2016 and told him he was “fine” referring to the charges for the prostitution arrest.

Person 5 owned a grocery store in Allen County. Crish stopped by Person 5’s business in October 2015 to ask for a loan. Crish inferred during the visit that an agency was coming to investigate Person 5’s business for suspected illegal gambling operations, but that Crish could stop the investigation if Person 5 provided Crish with a loan.

Person 5 gave Crish a $2,000 loan in October 2015, which Crish repaid without interest.

The FBI and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation investigated the case, and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gene Crawford.

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Angela Haggerty, age 44, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 25, 2019, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 37 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release, for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that operated in Hazleton and other areas of Luzerne County.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Haggerty previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 700 grams of heroin between February 2016 and January 2017 (700 grams is equivalent to approximately 28,000 individual doses of heroin).

The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration – Scranton Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case.  

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 the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.      

# # #

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Failure to Appear was sentenced on September 26, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

William J. Waukechon, age 20, was sentenced to a total of 135 months in federal prison.  He was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison for of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, 120 months in federal prison for Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and 3 months in federal prison for Failure to Appear, with such sentences to be served consecutively, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Waukechon was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $300.

The convictions for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 3, 2018, in Mission, South Dakota.  On that date, Waukechon and another individual were working on a vehicle at the Sunrise Apartment Complex.  Following a verbal altercation with the victim, Waukechon got into a vehicle and proceeded to leave the scene.  The victim threw a can of beer at Waukechon’s vehicle.  The driver then stopped the vehicle.  Waukechon produce a pistol, opened the vehicle door and fired two rounds in the direction of the victim, striking the victim in the thigh.  Waukechon was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 12, 2018.  He plead guilty on March 18, 2019.

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.

The conviction for Failure to Appear stemmed from conduct that occurred in January 2019.  On January 22, 2019, Waukechon failed to appear in United States District Court for a change of plea hearing based on the above-described assault.  Waukechon was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 13, 2019.  He plead guilty on March 18, 2019.

These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted these cases.

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

# # #

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Superseding Indictment was returned against Deon Blair by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh charging the distribution of heroin, butyryl fentanyl, and fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and death, and the commission of related firearms crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. A federal jury trial has been scheduled to start on October 28, 2019, in Pittsburgh.

The Superseding Indictment charges Blair, age 27, who formerly resided in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with committing the following crimes in February 2017: (1) distributing a mixture containing butyryl fentanyl and fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and death; (2) conspiring to distribute and distributing heroin, butyryl fentanyl, and fentanyl; (3) possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and (4) possessing a firearm after 11 prior felony convictions for heroin and cocaine trafficking and firearms crimes in four prior prosecutions.

The law provides for a minimum sentence of 25 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $4,500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.

A Superseding Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Robert Patrick Jensen, 49, and Michael T. Harris, 44, both of Gulf Breeze,
Florida, appeared in federal court this week for their initial appearances after they were indicted
by a federal grand jury in Pensacola on charges of acquiring controlled substances by fraud and
identity theft. The indictments against the two doctors were announced by Lawrence Keefe, United
States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“These indictments show how pervasive our nation’s drug abuse problem is and how it can ravage any
part of our society,” Keefe said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously pursue
drug crimes, wherever they occur.”

The indictment charging Jensen alleges that between December 3, 2014, and July 7, 2016, he
knowingly acquired and obtained controlled substances – namely tramadol and dextroamphetamine – by
misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and subterfuge. The indictment also alleges that
between those same dates, Jensen knowingly and unlawfully used another person’s identification to
acquire the controlled substances by fraud.

The indictment charging Harris alleges that between November 4, 2015, and August 11, 2016, he
knowingly acquired and obtained controlled substances – methadone, morphine sulfate, oxycodone, and
alprazolam – by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and subterfuge.
The indictment also alleges that between those same dates, Harris knowingly and unlawfully used
another person’s identification to acquire the controlled substances by fraud.

Jensen and Harris each face the following potential penalties:
•    Acquiring controlled substances by fraud: a maximum of 4 years in prison;
•    Identity theft: a maximum of 20 years in prison.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Santa Rosa
County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gulf Breeze Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney J.
Ryan Love is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of
federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and
entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt at trial.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that
serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access
public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern
District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

SHREVEPORT, La. –United StatesAttorney David C. Joseph announced that Adaysha Tanner, 36, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced September 25 by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to 10 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for financial aid fraud, in connection with a scheme where she filled out and submitted false student aid applications for more than $95,000.  Judge Hicks also ordered Tanner to pay $106,744 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Education.  Tanner pleaded guilty on May 14, 2019. 

Beginning in the spring semester of 2013 through the spring semester of 2015, Tanner filled out financial aid applications through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and through Federal Direct Loans for four students, representing that they would be attending Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), and listed her physical address and email address as the contact information.  In reality, Tanner would take over the individual’s BPCC student accounts, attend classes, and do minimal coursework in order to keep financial aid flowing.  In one instance in particular, Tanner enrolled a student in 18 classes over four semesters, of which she withdrew from seven.  In total, Tanner enrolled four students in classes, many of which were identical to classes that Tanner was taking at BPCC.  For the majority of these classes, they were eventually withdrawn or given a failing grade. 

On each occasion, after BPCC applied grants and loans to the costs of tuition and other fees, Bank Mobile sent a bank card to Tanner’s address with the remaining funds.  She took the cards and spent the money for her own personal expenses.  As a result of Tanner’s fraudulent scheme, the U.S. Department of Education disbursed a total of $106,744 in Federal Direct Stafford loans and Federal Pell grants to BPCC during the time of the fraud. 

The Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

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Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven today sentenced Richard Buffington (49, Clearwater) to 46 months in federal prison for committing wire fraud. The court also ordered Buffington to forfeit more than $1.2 million, which is traceable to the proceeds of the offense, and to pay more than $1.2 million in restitution to the victims of his fraud scheme.

Buffington had pleaded guilty on April 30, 2019.

According to court documents, from at least January 2013 through August 29, 2018, Buffington defrauded approximately 28 investors, from Florida and across the United States, out of more than $1.2 million by selling unregistered, non-exempt securities in the form of preferred shares. He made false and fraudulent representations to victim-investors about the need for funding for Green Street Equities (“GSE”). Buffington, GSE’s listed Chairman and President, pitched GSE as a company focused on investing in “green companies” (i.e., environmentally friendly projects). Buffington’s misrepresentations to investors included that: (1) GSE would go public soon after the investors’ stock purchase, and (2) that GSE would use investor money to acquire ownership interests in various companies in the “green energy” sector. Based on Buffington’s misrepresentations, victim-investors sent funds believing that that Buffington would use such money to fund GSE and its investments or acquisitions. Investors accepted Buffington’s misrepresentations about GSE because prior to 2013, he had successfully raised funds for a company that had gone public and from which investors had profited.

Buffington also made fraudulent representations to “green sector” companies, which he included on GSE’s website and in its Private Placement Memoranda. Some of those companies appear to have been paper companies; others were legitimate companies towards which Buffington had promised any GSE-raised investor funding would be directed to fund their respective “green sector” projects.   

In the end, although Buffington marketed GSE as a company making meaningful investments or acquisitions in “green companies,” neither GSE nor Buffington ever made any such investments or acquisitions. Instead, Buffington used any monies that he raised, including money wired by an undercover agent, for his personal benefit, which included drinking, gambling, and drug use.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell.

TYLER, Texas - A 36-year-old Tyler, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.

Florencio Campos, Jr., pleaded guilty on March 19, 2019, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III.  Campos was also ordered to submit to the forfeiture of $27,810.

               According to information presented in court, on May 22, 2018, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Campos’ residence where they discovered a number of firearms and ammunition and evidence of drug trafficking activities including several pages of ledgers for tracking illegal cocaine transactions and nearly $28,000 in cash.  Agents also recovered cellular phones belonging to Campos that contained text messages from Campos and to Campos relating to illegal cocaine transactions.  Campos was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 29, 2018.   

               This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Texas Department of Public Safety, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and Tyler Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Beckley woman with multiple counts of fraud, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.   Natalie P. Cochran, 38, owner of Technology Management Solutions (TMS) and Tactical Solutions Group (TSG), was charged in a 26-count indictment with wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft and bankruptcy fraud.

“A 26-count indictment alleging wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft and bankruptcy fraud,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “All indictments are serious and this is a serious matter. Ms. Cochran pretended to be a government contractor, intentionally misled investors to raise money for her fraudulent schemes, intentionally stole personal identification information from multiple individuals, falsely marketed herself and her companies as experienced, leading suppliers of government services while never being awarded a single federal contract and having two potential state contracts cancelled, and then engaged in bankruptcy fraud.  I want to thank the work of my team and the West Virginia State Police, Secret Service, FDIC and ATF for their tremendous work in this matter.” 

“The results of this investigation demonstrate the Secret Service’s commitment to strong partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Thomas Fleming, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Charleston Resident Office.  “We are committed to protecting our nation’s financial institutions and the citizens of West Virginia.  We would like to thank the West Virginia State Police, the ATF, and the FDIC OIG for their cooperation and partnership in this case.” 

According to the indictment, Cochran has pretended to be an experienced government contractor since 2017.  She advertised TMS and TSG as experienced government contracting businesses.   TSG’s website even boasted that it was a leading supplier to the Department of Defense.  Investigators learned however, that TSG was never awarded a single federal or state government contract.  TMS was awarded two state government contracts, but the State of West Virginia ultimately cancelled these awards because of TMS’ repeated delays in performance.  

It is further alleged in the indictment that Cochran received investments from at least 11 individuals in her government contracting businesses, TSG and TMS.  Cochran received these investments as a result of her false misrepresentations regarding TSG’s and TMS’ experience and purported success as government contractors.  Cochran also received funds from at least one financial institution as a result of her false and misleading statements regarding TSG and TMS.  During the course of her fraudulent schemes, Cochran stole identification information from multiple individuals, who were either employed by the federal government or the banking industry.  She would then send investors emails that were purportedly from these individuals in order to further her wire fraud and bank fraud schemes. 

This past July, Cochran filed for bankruptcy.  The indictment further alleges that she made several material misrepresentations within her bankruptcy filing and lied while testifying under oath at her meeting of creditors.

The indictment alleges that Cochran fraudulently obtained over $2.5 million during her scheme and is believed to have spent over $1 million of investor money.  Cochran used investor money to fund her lifestyle for over a year and a half, as she was unemployed during that time outside of her work with TSG and TMS. She also used the investor money for extravagant purchases, including jewelry, a 1965 Shelby Cobra, and multiple properties.  

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.

The West Virginia State Police, the United States Secret Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation.   Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson is handling the prosecution.

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

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