United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the guilty plea of JEFFREY LAWRENCE KLOSS, 38, to one count of tax evasion. KLOSS, who was charged on August 2, 2019, entered his guilty plea on September 24, 2019, before Senior Judge Ann D. Montgomery in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, KLOSS owned and operated a tree trimming business in Pierz, Minnesota. From January 2014 through at least December 2017, KLOSS cashed checks from customers payable to his tree trimming business and failed to include those funds as business income on his federal income tax returns. KLOSS failed to report a total of approximately $467,555 in income for calendar years 2014 through 2017. As a result, KLOSS evaded assessment of a total of approximately $152,923 in federal income taxes for calendar years 2014 through 2017.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Svendsen is prosecuting the case.

Defendant Information:

JEFFREY LAWRENCE KLOSS, 38

Pierz, Minn.

Convicted:

• Tax evasion, 1 count

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

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Mason County man who threatened two employees of the Putnam Public Service District (PSD) with a machinegun and stole their company truck last year in Teays Valley was sentenced in federal court, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Justin Michael Wilson, 20, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after he was previously convicted of carjacking, using, carrying, and brandishing a machinegun during and in relation to a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a machinegun, and possession of an unregistered machinegun.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and multiple agencies who responded to the crimes, including the Mason County Sheriff’s Department, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Hurricane Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police.   

“30 years for a 20 year old - truly tragic,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Threatening government employees. Use of a machine gun. Risking the lives of  law enforcement. These were incredibly dangerous actions that could have resulted in loss of many lives.  We will never accept this type of violent and illegal behavior but we appreciate the human tragedy of a 20 year old serving 30 years in prison.” 

On January 11, 2018, Wilson drove a vehicle he had stolen earlier in the day in Jackson County to the Liberty Square Shopping Plaza in Teays Valley.  While in route to the shopping plaza, Wilson acquired a machinegun and engaged deputies in Kanawha County in a chase, eventually driving off-road and jumping his vehicle over railroad tracks to get away.  When he arrived at the shopping plaza, Wilson approached two employees of the Putnam Public Service District eating lunch in their company truck.  Wilson brandished the machinegun, demanded the men transfer items from the stolen vehicle to the PSD truck, and stole the truck. 

A West Virginia State Police trooper and deputies with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department responding to calls at the shopping plaza for assistance immediately saw Wilson fleeing in the truck.  Wilson then entered Interstate 64 headed westbound and led the responding units on another high speed chase.  During the pursuit, Wilson pointed the machinegun out of the truck at the trooper, ran vehicles off the road, crossed the median at a designated emergency vehicle crossing, traveled westbound in the eastbound lanes, exited the interstate by traveling the wrong way up the entrance ramp at Hurricane, and eventually crashed the truck which was destroyed by fire.  Wilson was pulled from the burning truck by the trooper and placed under arrest. 

Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.  United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. 

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

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PITTSBURGH, PA – John Burton, Nico Nixon, and Quintine Scales have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The Indictment, returned on September 24, charges Burton, age 31, Nixon, age 29, and Scales, age 35, all Pittsburgh residents, with distributing, possessing with intent to distribute, and/or conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl as well as fentanyl analogues, heroin, and crack cocaine between May 2019 and September 2019.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $7,500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the United States Marshals Service, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TREVION HARRIS, a/k/a “TRIGGA,” age 22, JONZARRION HARRIS, a/k/a “GEE,” age 19, and DEMARQUIEZ HARRIS, age 24, all residents of Bogalusa, Louisiana, were charged September 6, 2019, in a twelve-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with several narcotics offenses, including conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to the indictment, beginning at a time unknown, but prior to November 30, 2018, and continuing until the present, TREVION HARRIS, JONZARRION HARRIS, and DEMARQUIEZ HARRIS conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.  All three individuals are also charged with distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.  

If convicted, all three individuals face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00 and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Bogalusa Police Department of individuals suspected of trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and firearms in the Bogalusa area. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – Aaron Lee Woods of Roanoke, whose Eastern Avenue home was alleged to have been something like a “fast food operation for marijuana,” was arrested on a federal criminal complaint last week and charged with crimes related to federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen made the announcement today as part of the Western District of Virginia’s ongoing Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative to reduce drug and violent crime. In a separate criminal complaint, U.S. Attorney Cullen announced the arrest of Tyrik Dausha Merchant on one count of being a convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm.

“These arrests underscore the commitment of federal law enforcement to address drug trafficking and rising levels of violence in Roanoke,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today.  “We are working closely with our partners at the police department and expect additional federal arrests in the near future.”

As alleged in the criminal complaint, Woods and others not named in court documents were involved in a conspiracy since at least 2017 to distribute large quantities of marijuana in the Roanoke Valley.  Woods operated at times from a residence on Eastern Avenue leased in his name.  On a typical day, witnesses described a steady stream of marijuana purchases at the house during the afternoon and evening hours.  A dozen or more individuals, on average, would stop in to purchase marijuana from large vacuum sealed bags Woods kept on the coffee table in the living room while others played video games and socialized.  Witnesses told law enforcement that firearms were frequently in view in the residence, on tables or leaning against the wall during periods of peak distribution.

The complaint alleges that the distribution activity culminated in a shooting death on July 10, 2018 at the Eastern Avenue address. According to witnesses, three prospective marijuana purchasers who left the residence empty-handed earlier in the day returned to the residence around 9:45 p.m.  According to witnesses, something like a brick came through the front glass window, at which point two-way gunfire ensued.  Woods, and others, began shooting from inside and in front of the residence.  During the course of the shootout, one individual was shot in the head and neck and killed during an apparent attempt to flee the scene. Woods and others fled his Eastern Avenue residence following the shooting.

According to a separate complaint, on or about September 14, 2019, Merchant was at the 7-11 convenience store located at 3602 Williamson Rd., N.W. in the City of Roanoke. Witnesses and surveillance cameras showed Merchant approach a vehicle in the 7-11 parking lot, draw a pistol, and fire at the driver of that vehicle from a distance of no greater than four feet away.  The driver of the vehicle returned fire, hitting Merchant several times. A Roanoke City Police officer was able to recover Merchant’s pistol from the parking lot where Merchant dropped it.  Merchant had previously been convicted of a felony, and so was prohibited from possessing a firearm when these events occurred.

The investigation of these cases was conducted by the Roanoke City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Roanoke County Police Department, the Virginia State Police, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, and members of the area’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force [HIDTA]. Assistant United States Attorneys Kari Munro and Andrew Bassford will prosecute the cases for the United States.

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

A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A Columbus man was sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison for robbing banks in Cleveland, Lakewood and Eastlake in February.

Andre Harris, 49, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of bank robbery. He was sentenced to 118 months in federal prison.

Harris robbed the Key Bank at 3601 Chester Ave. in Cleveland on February 8, the Fifth Third at 14800 Madison Ave. in Lakewood on February 11 and Chase Bank at 35400 Vine Street in Eastlake on February 15, according to court documents.

The FBI, Cleveland Division of Police, Lakewood Police Department and Eastlake Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Kane and Ranya Elzein prosecuted the case.

Anchorage, Alaska -- U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that on Wednesday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 19, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division hosted roundtable discussions on combating sexual harassment and racial discrimination in housing in Fairbanks and Anchorage. 

The events included state, tribal, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and crisis and legal service providers that often work with Alaska’s most vulnerable populations, who could also become victims of sexual harassment or racial discrimination in housing.

“These roundtables compliment the mission of the Attorney General’s Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAAVEN).  Many women facing violence and abuse in rural Alaska come to Anchorage or Fairbanks looking for a fresh start and new opportunities.  These roundtables will help ensure that women and other vulnerable populations from all over Alaska are treated respectfully and fairly as they seek housing,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder.

The Department of Justice, through the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Civil Rights Division, enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability.

Because victims may not be aware that the conduct they have experienced violates the Fair Housing Act or may not know where to turn, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice hope to collaborate with community organizations to raise awareness and help victims report abuse.

The Justice Department brings cases each year involving egregious conduct, including allegations that defendants have requested sexual favors in exchange for reduced rents or making necessary repairs, made unrelenting and unwanted sexual advances to tenants, and evicted tenants who resisted their sexual overtures. In 2017, the Justice Department recovered more than $1 million in damages for victims. The Justice Department’s investigations frequently uncover sexual harassment or racial discrimination that has been ongoing for years or decades and identify numerous victims who never reported the conduct to federal authorities. Many instances of sexual harassment or racial discrimination in housing continue to go unreported.

The roundtables were coordinated by Lauren Marks of the Housing and Civil Enforcement Section of the Civil Rights Division of Department of Justice.

The Department encourages anyone who has experienced sexual harassment or discrimination in housing, or knows someone who has, to contact the Civil Rights Division by calling (844) 380-6178 or emailing: fairhousing@usdoj.gov.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DERRICK MARK, a/k/a “Dopeman,” age 40,and CHRISTOPHERHARRIS, age 29, both residents of Bogalusa, Louisiana, were charged September 6, 2019, in a five-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with several narcotics offenses, including conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to the indictment, beginning at a time unknown, but prior to April 5, 2019, and continuing until the present, MARK and HARRIS conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.  Both MARK and HARRIS are also charged with distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and MARK is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  

If convicted, both MARK and HARRIS face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of forty years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00 and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  If convicted of the firearms offense, MARK faces an additional five years’ imprisonment to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed against him.

This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Bogalusa Police Department of individuals suspected of trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and firearms in the Bogalusa area. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.

BOSTON – A Westfield man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield to child pornography charges.

Stephen Cote, 48, pleaded guilty to three counts of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of offering to receive child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Dec. 18, 2019. Cote was indicted in January 2016, and he has been detained since his arrest on July 20, 2018. 

On various occasions between April 30, 2013, and May 31, 2015, Cote sent and received child pornography by text and email, and also offered to receive child pornography. Cote exchanged child pornography with Bruce Singer, who was sentenced on July 19, 2019, to 96 months in prison for various child pornography offenses. During the course of Cote and Singer’s electronic communications, they discussed their shared interest in the sexual abuse of children.

The charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of seeking and offering to receive child pornography provides for a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the Government will recommend a sentence of 15 years in prison. 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; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper; and Easthampton Police Chief Robert Alberti made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

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

A man who used a false identification document and someone else’s social security number was sentenced today to almost three months in federal prison.

Daniel Riz-Morente, age 35, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 3, 2019, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of an identification document and one count of misuse of a social security number.

At the guilty plea, Riz-Morente admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card when he completed employment and tax forms using an alias name in April 2019, at a business in West Union, Iowa.  The Social Security account number on the card used by Riz-Morente belonged to another person.  On June 4, 2019, Riz-Morente was arrested by immigration agents at the business in West Union where Riz-Morente was working under the alias name.

On March 4, 2019, Riz-Morente first came to the attention of Custom and Border Patrol agents in New Mexico after he illegally entered the United States with a minor child.  Riz-Morente was released and instructed to report to the ICE office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, pending further immigration proceedings.  As part of his release conditions, Riz-Morente was told he could not work in the United States without government authorization and proper documentation.

Riz-Morente was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Riz-Morente was sentenced to 115 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Riz-Morente is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 19-CR-1016.

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A man who sexually exploited a 14-year-old girl, enticed her to engage in prostitution, and received child pornography was sentenced today to 32 years in federal prison.

Kevin Herring, age 30, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the sentence after a September 28, 2018, guilty plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of receipt of child pornography.  Evidence at sentencing showed that, in January 2018, Herring was at a halfway house in Cedar Rapids following his federal prison sentence for being a felon and domestic abuser in possession of a firearm.  While on a pass from the halfway house, he met the victim, a runaway 14‑year-old girl.  Herring persuaded, induced, and enticed the victim to engage in prostitution and to send him sexually explicit images of herself.  Herring asked the victim if she loved him and told her she could live with him after he left the halfway house.

Herring was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Herring was sentenced to 384 months’ imprisonment in this case and an additional 24 months’ imprisonment for a supervised release violation in a previous case, to be served consecutively.  A special assessment of $200 was imposed, Herring was ordered to pay $111,654 in victim restitution, and he also must serve a seven-year term of supervised release.  He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.

“Kevin Herring preyed upon the vulnerability of a 14-year-old runaway girl,” said United States Attorney Peter Deegan.  “His repulsive conduct earned him every minute of the sentence he received.  Our office has and will continue to hold accountable predators like Herring and prosecute them the full extent of the law.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, the Waterloo Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is CR 18-58.

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BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Mohamed Abdulaziz, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. In June 2019, Abdulaziz pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition after being charged in December 2018.

On Sept. 2, 2018, law enforcement officers stopped Abdulaziz on Route 24 South in West Bridgewater because he was driving erratically. After Abdulaziz failed several field sobriety tests, he was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. A routine inventory search of Abdulaziz’s vehicle before it was towed resulted in the recovery of a loaded revolver beneath the driver’s seat. Federal law prohibits Abdulaziz from possessing a firearm or ammunition because of a prior felony conviction.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

A Cedar Rapids man who carjacked an 18-year old woman at gunpoint and carried a loaded handgun during and in relation to the robbery of a Cedar Rapids cell phone store was sentenced in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids on September 25, 2019, to 222 months’ in federal prison.

Cedric Antonio Wright (a/k/a “Tony” or “Mitch”), age 22, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted by a federal jury in November 2018 of four charges: carjacking; carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking; unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon and unlawful drug user; and carrying a firearm during and in relation to the October 23, 2017 robbery of a phone store in southwest Cedar Rapids.  Wright had earlier pleaded guilty in the same case, on October 29, 2018, to one count of robbery and conspiracy to rob the phone store.

The evidence at trial showed that on October 22, 2017, Wright carjacked an 18 year-old Kirkwood Community College student who was returning to her apartment near Kirkwood after spending an evening with her parents.  As the student parked her car outside her apartment, Wright approached and pointed a handgun at her head while demanding she give Wright her car keys and cell phone.  The student later identified a photo of Wright that appeared online and identified Wright from a group of photos at the Cedar Rapids Police Department.

Trial evidence showed that on October 23, 2017, Derrick Ford agreed to give Wright and Gage Rupp a ride in his minivan from southeast Cedar Rapids to an apartment complex on the west side of Cedar Rapids, where Wright claimed the group could transfer into the stolen car.  After transferring into the stolen vehicle, the group drove to a parking lot adjacent to the strip mall where the phone store is located.  Wright and Rupp then entered the store and demanded the clerk let them into the room where the store inventory was located.  The clerk complied and testified at trial he did so because the robbers entered the store aggressively and “I felt in fear of my life.”

Wright and Rupp returned to the waiting car with more than $1,000 in cash and about $40,000 in cell phones and other electronic devices they had stolen from the store.  One of the stolen devices was a tracker that alerted police of the robbery.  Police responded to the tracking device within a few minutes and were able to quickly apprehend Wright, Rupp, and Ford.

Information at the sentencing hearing showed that Wright had an extensive criminal history, even at his relatively young age, including a prior aggravated robbery conviction and numerous other offenses.  The government also presented evidence that in the months preceding the robbery, Wright had been engaged in a financial fraud scheme, whereby Wright agreed to pay bills for others, in exchange for them paying him half of the cost of the bill being paid.  Wright then apparently paid the bills using a fraudulently obtained credit card. 

Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand noted that Wright’s crimes in this case were extremely violent and had been committed on back-to-back evenings, something that “stood out” from others.  Further, the nature and circumstance of the offenses were “frankly, disgusting” according to the judge. 

Wright was ordered to serve 222 months’ in prison, or 18 and a half years, to be followed by five years of supervision upon release from imprisonment.  Wright was also ordered to pay $600 in special assessments.  Wright remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a federal prison.

Rupp was sentenced on August 22, 2019, to serve twelve years’ imprisonment in connection with the same case.  Ford was sentenced on January 18, 2019, to serve 20 months’ imprisonment following his plea of guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the phone store robbery.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Murphy and Emily Nydle and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force.  The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshal Service, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . 

The case file number is 18-CR-0015.

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A convicted felon who was stopped with a loaded firearm while under the influence of drugs in Waterloo was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison.

Jesus David Jimenez, age 33, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 2, 2019 guilty plea to being a felon and drug user in possession of a firearm.

At the guilty plea, Jimenez admitted he possessed a pistol in Waterloo, Iowa, in September 2018.  Court documents reflect that Waterloo officers saw Jimenez walking on a public street, apparently intoxicated.  Jimenez had in his possession a loaded .45 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number.  Jimenez admitted that he assumed the gun had been stolen because its serial number had been removed.  Jimenez’s backpack contained methamphetamine, cocaine, two syringes, marijuana, and two digital scales.

Before moving to Waterloo in 2017, Jimenez was convicted of two felonies in California involving firearms.  He was convicted of committing a robbery involving a carjacking with a gun.  Jimenez was later convicted of assault with a gun in relation to a drive-by shooting.  He was as also convicted of another felony for evading a peace officer.

Jimenez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Jimenez was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Jimenez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.  

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 19-CR-02016-LTS-MAR.

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Attorney General William P. Barr announced the appointment of the following nine U.S. Attorneys to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC): David Anderson, Northern District of California; Scott Brady, Western District of Pennsylvania; Maria Chapa Lopez, Middle District of Florida; Halsey Frank, District of Maine; Erica MacDonald, District of Minnesota; Christina Nolan, District of Vermont; Zach Terwilliger, Eastern District of Virginia; Tom Kirsch, Northern District of Indiana; and Nicholas Trutanich, District of Nevada.

“I am pleased to appoint these nine outstanding U.S. Attorneys to this key advisory committee. I am confident that they will serve with distinction,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “The U.S. Attorneys who comprise the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee play a critical role in carrying out the Department of Justice’s important work, including its efforts to reduce violent crime, combat the opioid crisis, protect the most vulnerable, and enforce the rule of law.”

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and five other U.S. Attorneys will continue serving on the committee.

“I am honored to continue to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee,” Herdman said. “My colleagues around the country are doing important work to reduce violent crime, combat the drug abuse epidemic and enforce our nation’s laws.”

Attorney General Barr also announced that U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox, a current member, will replace U.S. Attorney John Huber as the Vice Chair of the AGAC.

Chaired by U.S Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jessie K. Liu, the AGAC represents the voice of the U.S. Attorneys and provides advice and counsel to the Attorney General on policy, management, and operational issues impacting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

The bios of all U.S. Attorneys are available here.

Memphis, TN – On September 26, 2019, a federal grand jury in Memphis indicted 13 individuals for federal firearms violations. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.

As charged in the indictments, all 13 of the defendants are prohibited by federal firearms laws from possessing firearms as a result of either prior violent felony convictions, prior drug felony convictions, or prior misdemeanor domestic violence convictions.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Violent crime reduction is the top priority of this office and the Department of Justice. Many violent crimes are committed by prohibited persons with firearms, including convicted felons, persons with a history of domestic violence, and persons possessing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking. Under our PSN initiative, we focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing dangerous offenders from our streets. This office will aggressively prosecute and seek mandatory federal sentencing guidelines to target and remove from our communities those armed career criminals and career drug offenders who illegally possess firearms in Memphis and across West Tennessee. We are Fed Up. Gun Crime is Max Time."

Several defendants charged in this series of indictments are alleged to be convicted felons. Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. This is a violation of Title 18, United States Code (USC), § 922(g)(1). A violation of this section is punishable by a term of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of no less than two years. The penalty for a violation of § 922(g)(1) is enhanced when a defendant has a prior criminal record that includes three convictions for a violent felony or serious drug offenses. Under this enhanced sentencing provision, the defendant is subject to a mandatory minimum statutory sentence of at least 15 years imprisonment, and up to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Federal firearms laws also prohibit an individual convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing a firearm. This is a violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(9). An individual convicted of violating this section is subject to a term of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of no less than two years.

It is also against federal law to possess or use and carry a firearm during or in relation to a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. This is a violation of Title 18, USC, § 924(c). A violation of this section is punishable by a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of at least five years imprisonment and up to a maximum of life imprisonment.

Those charged in this recent group of indictments include:

Tico Hopson, 25, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a SCCY 9 mm pistol after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Winnig is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Robert Webb, 40, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol after previously being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(9). Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Courtney Peterson, 31, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a stolen Sig Sauer .40 caliber handgun after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cotten is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

William Martin, 29, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, USC, § 924(c); possession of a Glock 9 mm caliber pistol, a Ruger .380 caliber pistol, and a Remington Arms, Inc. 7 mm Magnum caliber rifle after previously being convicted of a felony in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1); and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 841(a)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Euriqueo Holloway, 42, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, USC, § 924(c); possession of an American Tactical Incorporated .300 Blackout caliber pistol, a Jimenez Arms 9 mm caliber pistol, and a Remington Arms 12 gauge shotgun after previously being convicted of a felony in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1); and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 841(a)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Kaleb Green, 29, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Smith & Wesson 9 mm Parabellum caliber pistol after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Michael Covington, 30, of Memphis, was charged with possessing PMC 9 mm Luger caliber ammunition after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Demarcus Burks, 33, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Kel-tec 9 mm pistol after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques Young is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Jeremiah Williams, 34, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Taurus 9 mm pistol after previously being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(9). Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Kenneth Taylor, 31, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Sturm, Ruger & Company 9 mm caliber pistol after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Omar Fair, 29, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Rossi (Taurus International) .357 caliber revolver after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1); and after previously being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(9). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Winnig is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Montinez Wright, 30, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1); and while on the grounds and premises of a school zone, the Sherwood Elementary School, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(q)(2)(A). Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Crow is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Jason Smith, 36, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Diamondback multi-caliber pistol in furtherance of drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, USC, § 924(c); possession of a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1); and possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 841(a)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal Oldham is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

These federal firearms cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, 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. In 2017, the PSN Task Force was reinvigorated 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, and local law enforcement and the community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. The PSN Task Force includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office; the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, who have all joined together to address gun-related crimes through targeted investigations and aggressive prosecution.

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

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of JUSTIN THOMAS CHAPMAN, 38, to 180 months in prison for distributing child pornography. CHAPMAN, who pleaded guilty on May 8, 2019, was sentenced today before Judge Eric C. Tostrud in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

According to his guilty plea and documents filed in court, from March 2017 through August 10, 2018, CHAPMAN moderated and participated in online chatrooms where participants distributed, traded, and received child pornography. CHAPMAN and other participants also used the chatrooms to express their preferences in child pornography as well as discuss means to avoid detection by law enforcement. As a chatroom moderator, CHAPMAN communicated and enforced the “rules” of the chatrooms, including limits on content, the way child pornography could be shared, and a code of conduct for the chatroom members.

According to his guilty plea and documents filed in court, after the execution of a search warrant at CHAPMAN’S residence, CHAPMAN obstructed the FBI’s investigation by warning others in the chatrooms that the FBI was aware of their activities.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Manda M. Sertich and Alexander D. Chiquoine.

Defendant Information:

JUSTIN THOMAS CHAPMAN, 38

Brooklyn Center, Minn.

Convicted:

• Distribution of child pornography, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 180 months in prison
• Ten years of supervised release

###

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

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.

Two doctors from Northeast Ohio and two drug company salesmen were indicted in federal court for their roles in a kickback conspiracy in which the doctors allegedly received money and other things of value in exchange for writing prescriptions of Nuedexta for patients that did not have the condition.

Named in the 83-count indictment are: Deepak Raheja, 63, of Hudson; Gregory Hayslette, 43, of Aurora; Frank Mazzucco, 41, of Dublin, and Bhupinder Sawhny, 70, of Gates Mills. All four are charged with conspiracy to solicit, receive, offer and pay health care kickbacks.

According to the indictment:

Raheja is a medical doctor who specialized in psychiatry and neurology whose primary practice location was 2307 West 14^th Street in Cleveland. Sawhny is a medical doctor who specialized in neurosurgery whose primary practice location was 6731 Ridge Road in Parma.

Hayslette worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from June 2015 through September 2016. He was responsible for marketing Nuedexta, and his territory included Northern Ohio. Mazzucco was the regional business manager and supervised Hayslette.

Avanir manufactured Nuedexta, a drug approved by the FDA solely to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA). PBA is a condition characterized by involuntary, sudden and frequent episodes of uncontrollable laughing and crying, according to the indictment.

Avanir promoted Nuedexta through a speaker’s bureau, in which Avanir representatives engaged doctors to speak about and promote Nuedexta to other medical professionals. Typical speaking engagements involved dinner at a high-end restaurant in which the doctor made a presentation with a slide deck provided by Avanir. A company sales representative was responsible for inviting attendees and attending the presentation.

Raheja joined Avanir’s speaker’s bureau in February 2011. He gave approximately 211 speaking presentations at various restaurants and doctor’s offices between October 2011 and April 2016. Raheja received approximately $1,500 for each of these purported presentations.

Raheja received approximately $331,550 from Avanir between October 2011 and April 2016. During this time, Raheja wrote approximately 10,088 Nuedexta prescriptions – the highest in the country, according to the indictment.

As part of the conspiracy, Hayslette and Mazzucco incentivized physicians to write Nuedexta prescriptions and thereby increase compensation to themselves. This included:

Hayslette and Mazzucco arranged speaker’s bureau programs, many with little to no educational value, for Raheja, Sawhny and other medical professionals relating to Nuedexta.

Hayslette and Mazzucco facilitated the payment of honoraria and other expenses to Raheja.

Hayslette facilitated the submission of false and fictitious sign-in sheets from speaking engagements to justify the event and maximize payments and other benefits to Raheja and Sawhny.

Hayslette facilitated the promotion of non-FDA-approved uses and dosages of Nuedexta through the speaker’s bureau program and the distribution of literature to physicians.

Hayslette offered free firearms training, office equipment and other things of value to Sawhny. 

Hayslette provided coffee, breakfast, lunch and other food and beverage to Raheja, Sawhny and their office staff, usually with little to no substantive discussion about Nuedexta.

Hayslette accessed protected patient health information without authorization, and facilitated the submission of false diagnoses of PBA on prior authorizations to Medicaid Managed Care Organizations.

It was further part of the conspiracy that Raheja and Sawhny took steps in return for things of value, such as:

Raheja and Sawhny wrote more Nuedexta prescriptions and caused the submission of billings to Medicare and Medicaid for Nuedexta prescriptions for patients that did not have PBA.

Raheja and Sawhny also submitted and caused the submission of materially false and fictitious prior authorizations to Medicaid MCOs that reflected diagnoses of PBA for patients that did not actually have PBA.

Raheja falsely diagnosed patients with PBA, and recorded and caused the recording of false symptoms in patient records to support a diagnosis of PBA. 

Sawhny also allegedly permitted unauthorized access to protected patient health information. 

“We all trust our doctors to make decisions based on what is best for the patient, not based on which sales representative is paying them money on the side and springing for steak dinners,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Doctors and the pharmaceutical sales reps who don’t follow the rules will be held accountable for their actions.”

“These doctors will now answer to a court of law for financially benefitting from lucrative speaking engagements and writing questionable prescriptions for one medication,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith said. “The FBI will continue collaborative efforts to root out healthcare fraud and hold those responsible accountable for their fraudulent, unethical behavior."

“Kickbacks are to ethics like a magnet to a compass — you lose your direction,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “Imagine trusting your doctor to do what’s right for your health, and finding out he’s instead doing what’s right for his wallet. This is much more than a financial crime.”

If anyone believes they may have been a victim in this case, they are encouraged to call the FBI at 216-622-6963.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

The FBI, Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael L. Collyer and Megan R. Miller are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott and Special Agent-in-Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI’s Sacramento Division today announced that the independent federal review into the fatal shooting of Stephon Clark on March 18, 2018, found insufficient evidence to support federal criminal civil rights charges against the Sacramento Police Department officers involved. Officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI met today with Clark’s family to inform them of this decision. 
After a careful and thorough review into the facts surrounding the shooting, federal investigators and prosecutors determined that there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt a violation of the federal statute. Accordingly, the investigation into this incident has been closed. 
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and career prosecutors in the Civil Rights Division conducted a comprehensive, independent review of the events surrounding the shooting that resulted in Clark’s death. Federal authorities also reviewed all of the evidence generated by the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, and the California Department of Justice in earlier investigations, including witness statements, audio and video recordings, dispatch records, police reports, and autopsy reports, and gathered additional evidence pertinent to the federal investigation. 
The federal investigation sought to determine whether the evidence of the events that led to Clark’s death was sufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any officer’s actions violated federal criminal civil rights statutes. Under the applicable federal law, prosecutors must establish, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a law enforcement officer’s use of force was objectively unreasonable in light of the facts and circumstances at the time and that the officer acted willfully, with the purpose of using objectively unreasonable force.
The Department of Justice is committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources required to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are fully and completely investigated. The Department aggressively prosecutes criminal civil rights violations whenever there is sufficient evidence to do so.