Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that Todd Van Natta, 43, of Summerville, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to defrauding dozens of victims of over a million dollars via a business fraud scheme from 2016 through 2018.  

Evidence presented to the court showed Van Natta sought out individuals to invest in various businesses that he controlled.  The businesses were generally represented by Van Natta to purchase shipments of goods that he then would break down for resale at a profit.  Through these investments, Van Natta deprived approximately 28 investors of a total of over one million dollars, with none of the investors receiving any return on their investment.  The victims lived both in and outside of South Carolina, with several victims living in Ohio.

At the time of the offense, Van Natta was on federal supervised release for a similar conviction out of the District of Indiana.  Information at sentencing established that Van Natta began his most recent criminal activity soon after his release from federal prison. 

United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Van Natta to 51 months on his fraud conviction, and ten months consecutive for violating his supervised release, all to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. The court also ordered Van Natta to pay over one million dollars in restitution to his victims. There is no parole in the federal system.

The sentencing hearing was conducted virtually, under the federal CARES Act, so that the parties did not appear in the courtroom. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio Department of Commerce. Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Williams and Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Haverhill pleaded guilty today to fentanyl distribution and illegal firearm possession, among other charges.

Domingo Garcia Suero, 55, pleaded guilty during a videoconference to five counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance, specifically fentanyl, unlawful possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, two counts of Social Security fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled sentencing for Sept. 22, 2020. Garcia Suero was arrested and charged in December 2017.

Garcia Suero filed applications with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to renew his driver’s license and with MassHealth to receive benefits. In both applications, Garcia Suero provided a name and Social Security number belonging to a United States citizen from Puerto Rico. On five occasions in 2017, Garcia Suero sold and possessed fentanyl for sale. During a search of Garcia Suero’s apartment following his arrest, law enforcement recovered a Colt, model Police Positive .38 caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number and six rounds of .38 caliber ammunition. Garcia Suero has two prior drug trafficking convictions and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.   

The charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl in excess of 40 grams provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of Social Security fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years to run consecutive to any other imposed sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; Brian Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Office; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Massachusetts State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Hemani of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Mbuotidem Essiet, 24, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Essiet conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute heroin from June of 2019 through December of 2019. Investigators obtained court authorization to conduct Title III interceptions of communications occurring over a telephone belonging to one of Essiet’s codefendants. Essiet was intercepted communicating with his codefendant about acquiring quantities of heroin, the price of heroin, and the quality of the heroin. Essiet was also observed at his codefendant’s residence through electronic surveillance.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for September 29, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.

WILMINGTON, Del. – United States Attorney David C. Weiss requests that anyone who has witnessed or experienced sexual harassment by a landlord, property manager, maintenance worker, or anyone with control over housing report that conduct to federal or state law enforcement officials.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the ability of many people to pay rent on time and has increased housing insecurity. The Department of Justice has heard reports of housing providers trying to exploit the crisis to sexually harass tenants. Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, and the Department of Justice stands ready to investigate such allegations and pursue enforcement actions where appropriate.

“Delawareans are facing very difficult times due to the current pandemic and any attempt to take advantage of them or this crisis to sexually harass tenants is illegal, abhorrent and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will work closely with state and local partners to identify incidents of sexual harassment in housing.

The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. Launched in 2017, the Initiative has filed lawsuits across the county alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in housing and recovered millions of dollars in damages for harassment victims. The Justice Department’s investigations frequently uncover sexual harassment that has been ongoing for years.  Many individuals do not know that being sexually harassed by a housing provider can violate federal law or that the Department of Justice may be able to help.

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

Individuals may also file a complaint alleging harassment or discrimination in housing with the Department of Housing and Urban Development through HUD’s website or by calling (800) 669-9777.

MADISON, WIS. –A La Crosse, Wisconsin, dentist was sentenced to 72 months in prison today for tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Scott C. Blader for the Western District of Wisconsin.

According to evidence presented at trial, Frederick G. Kriemelmeyer, 71, operated a dental practice in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 2007, Kriemelmeyer was ordered by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin to pay $135,337 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for unpaid income taxes. By 2012, the IRS had assessed Kriemelmeyer for more than $450,000 in taxes, interest, and penalties. Evidence presented at the trial showed Kriemelmeyer took a number of actions to evade paying the taxes he owed.  From at least 2013 through 2015, Kriemelmeyer did not file tax returns reporting the income from his dental practice, directed his patients to pay him in cash or by check with blank payee lines, and paid his business and personal expenses with third-party checks and cash.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge William M. Conley ordered Kriemelmeyer to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $226,839 in restitution to the United States.  Kriemelmeyer was remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Blader commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Eric C. Schmale of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman, who prosecuted the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.

DENVER – U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn announced a $58,620 grant to Mesa County from the Department of Justice to help communities fighting COVID-19.   

The grant is the latest to be awarded as part of a $14 million allocation for local jurisdictions across the state of Colorado.  The City of Grand Junction Police Department was also awarded $91,671 last month to help it purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitize its vehicles. 

“Our law enforcement officers are used to being on the front lines of a crisis, but the coronavirus is like nothing they – or any of us – have faced before,” Dunn said.   “The DOJ wants to make sure that as officers are out there protecting and interacting with members of the community that they have the extra resources necessary to encounter these extraordinary circumstances.” 

The grants are part of the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump.  The funds are designated for a wide range of purposes such as overtime, PPE, hiring, meeting the medical needs of inmates, and travel expenses for the distribution of resources in COVID-19 impacted areas. 

Other jurisdictions can find out if they are eligible and apply immediately by visiting this website. The Justice Department is awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications. 

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A California man, Michael John Davidson, 31, was convicted today by a federal jury sitting in Frankfort of attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. The jury reached its verdict after approximately one hour of deliberations following a day and a half trial.           

According to testimony at trial, on February 20, 2019, Davidson contacted an individual who self-identified as a 15-year-old female living in Franklin County, Kentucky, using the KiK messenger application over the Internet, on his cellular telephone.  The person Davidson contacted was, in reality, an adult male investigator with the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General’s Cyber Crimes Branch (“the UC”).  From February 20-22, 2019, a conversation between Davidson and the UC ensued over KiK. The Defendant turned the conversation sexual and transmitted several images of himself.  

The conversation between the Davidson and the UC led to a planned meeting for sex on February 22, 2019. On February 22, 2019, Davidson drove from Jamestown, Kentucky, to Frankfort, Kentucky, in order to meet the UC and engage in criminal sexual activity. When the Davidson arrived at the agreed-upon meeting place in Franklin County, he was arrested by law enforcement.             

Davidson was indicted in September 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Daniel Cameron, Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Kentucky; and Ralph Gerds, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the conviction.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service and Kentucky Attorney General’s Cyber Crime Branch.  The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin M. Roth and Special Assistant United States Attorney James T. Chapman. 

Davidson will appear for sentencing on September 17, 2020.  He faces a sentence of not less than 10 years in prison.  However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal statutes before imposing a sentence.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Pennsylvania resident was indicted by a federal grand jury today for allegedly kidnapping a woman in Pennsylvania then driving her to Nevada and killing her in the desert, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI.

John Matthew Chapman, 40, is charged with one count of kidnapping which resulted in the death of the victim. He was previously charged by a criminal complaint on February 20, 2020. Chapman is currently in federal custody in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he awaits his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts in U.S. District Court in Nevada on May 29, 2020.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and indictment, on November 14, 2019, the Bethel Park Police Department in Pennsylvania conducted a welfare check on the victim at the request of a friend. During the welfare check, neighbors stated that they had not seen the victim in approximately two months, but they had observed a person whom they believed to be her boyfriend (Chapman) entering and leaving the victim’s residence. Inside the victim’s residence, officers found a fake CIA identification card with Chapman’s name and photograph, the victim’s cellular telephone, multiple zip ties, and a roll of duct tape.

A family member of the victim told investigators that she was communicating with the victim’s Facebook messenger account. Law enforcement determined that Chapman was pretending to be the victim, including responding to messages as the victim after her death.

On November 15, 2019, Chapman was arrested and interviewed by Bethel Park Police Department detectives. During the interview, Chapman admitted that in September 2019 he drove the victim from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania to Las Vegas, Nevada. He further admitted that he misled the victim to believe the trip was a vacation and they would potentially purchase a residence in Las Vegas. Chapman, however, had planned to kill the victim and had a “kill kit” ready before their departure to Nevada.

Chapman told investigators that he drove the victim out to the desert in Lincoln County, Nevada. Under the pretext of a photo shoot, the victim allowed Chapman to bind her hands and feet with plastic zip ties and affix her to a signpost. Chapman then applied duct tape to her mouth and nose, and watched her die from asphyxiation. The victim’s body was later discovered, and she was a “Jane Doe” unknown decedent until she was later positively identified by the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner through dental records.

The investigation revealed that Chapman returned to Pennsylvania afterwards, and continuously used the victim’s residence and money following her death and passed it off as his own.

If convicted, Chapman faces the maximum penalty of life in prison or death. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only. If convicted of the offense, the sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is the product of an investigation by the FBI, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bethel Park Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa Cartier-Giroux and Allison Reese are prosecuting the case.

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I. Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)

74 individuals were charged in April with illegal reentry

A.  62 of those 74 individuals had previously been convicted of non-immigration criminal offenses in the U.S.

     Of the 62 individuals with non-immigration criminal records:

1.  19 had violent crime convictions, including:

2 individuals had homicide convictions
2 individuals had sex offense convictions
8 individuals had domestic violence convictions

2.  17 had property crime convictions

3.  14 had DUI convictions

4.  28 had drug crime convictions

B.  32 of those 74 individuals had been deported three or more times

II. Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)

         14 individuals were charged in April with alien smuggling

III. Illegal Entry (Criminal Consequence Initiative) (8 U.S.C. 1325)

          0 individuals were charged in April with illegal entry on the CCI calendar

Criminal conviction information based on preliminary criminal history reports provided by the arresting agency.

These numbers represent United States Attorney's Office prosecutions only. These numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.

*The Department of Homeland Security instituted a policy in late March of expeditiously returning aliens who illegally enter the United States rather than detaining them. The decreased number of individuals presented to this Office for prosecution in April coincides with the implementation of that policy and other COVID-19 related border restrictions.

RELEASE NUMBER:    2020-052_April Immigration and Border Crimes Report

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news

LAS VEGAS, Nev.— A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Akila Chappell-Hersh, of Las Vegas, for allegedly possessing a firearm after prior felony convictions following a domestic violence incident call to law enforcement, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“During the COVID-19 situation, domestic violence reports increased as many victims have been trapped with their abusers at home,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Our office has continued working with our law enforcement partners throughout the pandemic to execute the Department of Justice’s Project Guardian initiative, reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws — especially in cases involving a history of intimate partner violence.”

The indictment charges Chappell-Hersh, 26, with two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. He was charged in a criminal complaint in April 2020. Chappell-Hersh is scheduled to make his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brenda Weksler on June 1, 2020.

According to the allegations in the complaint and indictment, on November 17, 2019, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a call in reference to a domestic violence incident. The caller reported hearing arguing and yelling from the apartment. A search warrant was served and a Sig Sauer P229, .40 caliber, was found under the mattress in the bedroom. Chappell-Hersh is prohibited from possessing a firearm after having convictions in Clark County for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of stolen property.

When Chappell-Hersh was located by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers, he had a Glock 30S (a .45 caliber semi-automatic firearm) with a 26-round extended magazine on his person.

If convicted, Chappell-Hersh faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine as to each count. Chappell-Hersh also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only. If convicted of the offense, the sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case is the product of an investigation by ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Mott is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the U.S. Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the ATF when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Louis Damato, 47, of Las Vegas, was indicted by a federal grand jury today for allegedly making threats to assault and murder a Nevada U.S. Representative, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI.

Damato was previously charged in a criminal complaint on March 27, 2020. His initial court appearance is scheduled before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brenda Weksler on June 1, 2020.

As alleged in the complaint and indictment, on March 16, 2020, the office of U.S. Representative Dina Titus in Washington, D.C., received a threatening voicemail stating in pertinent part: “… I bought a f*cking gun ok I’m coming to DC to blow your f*cking head off!” Later that day, U.S. Capitol Police determined that the phone that left the threatening voicemail belonged to Damato. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department located Damato at a hotel casino, where he was arrested and read his Miranda rights. Damato allegedly admitted that he had been calling Representative Titus’ office for several days, and that he left the threatening message on the morning of March 16, 2020.

If convicted, Damato faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the threatening to assault and murder a public official charge and five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the interstate threats charge.

The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only. If convicted of the offense, the sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Capitol Police, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Dickinson is prosecuting the case.

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

Jerry Gorisek, age 49, was sentenced on May 11, 2020, to 7 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The charge relates to Gorisek possessing nearly 80 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm while intending to distribute methamphetamine in Rapid City, which was found after Gorisek came into contact with a Pennington County Sheriff Deputy in July 2019.

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

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

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that two former Crow Creek Sioux Tribe councilmembers were sentenced for their roles in an embezzlement scheme involving tribal funds.  Chief U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange presided over the sentencing hearings. 

Tina Grey Owl, age 64, a former elected councilperson of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, was sentenced to a split sentence of ten months of custody, with five months to be served at a facility designated by the Bureau of Prisons and five months to be served on home confinement.  Grey Owl was ordered to pay restitution, although the total will be determined at a later date, and to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The total loss associated with Grey Owl’s embezzlement, which was accepted by the court, was approximately $192,300.  Following the term of custody, she will serve two years of supervised release.

Roxanne Lynette Sazue, age 63, the former elected chair of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, was sentenced to a split sentence of five months custody, with one month to be served at a facility designated by the Bureau of Prisons and four months to be served on home confinement.  She was also ordered to pay $43,300 in restitution and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Following the term of custody, she will serve two years of supervised release.

Three other defendants were previously sentenced for their respective roles in the embezzlement scheme.  Roland Robert Hawk, Sr., 51, the former elected treasurer of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, was sentenced to forty-two months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $325,762.50 in restitution.  Francine Maria Middletent, 55, a former elected councilmember of the Tribe, was sentenced to thirty months of imprisonment, and ordered to pay $273,817.55 in restitution and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Jacqueline Ernestine Pease, 34, was sentenced to three years of probation, and ordered to pay $74,100 in restitution and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Pease was not an elected official, yet she worked in the Tribe’s Finance Office, where Hawk was the overall supervisor and where Middletent worked as Chief Financial Officer.

According to court documents, in about March 2014 through February 2019, Roland Robert Hawk, Sr., Francine Maria Middletent, Roxanne Lynette Sazue, Jacquelyn Ernestine Pease, Tina Grey Owl, and Brandon Sazue embezzled, stole, willfully misapplied, willfully permitted to misapplied, and converted to their own use approximately $1,000,000 of monies, funds, credit, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. 

During times relevant to each defendant’s case, Brandon Sazue served as Chair of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Hawk served as the elected Treasurer of the tribe, Roxanne Sazue was also chair, and Middletent and Grey Owl were elected councilpersons.  When not serving in their respective leadership positions, all defendants, except for Brandon Sazue, worked for Hawk in the Tribe’s Finance Office.  In their respective leadership roles and employment positions, the defendants had the access and opportunity to the funds that were embezzled from the tribe.  

Brandon Sazue, the sixth and final defendant pending sentencing, will be sentenced on June 16, 2020. 

The investigation was conducted by the U.S.  Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.     

The case was brought pursuant to The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities.  The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities.  Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include:  Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.

For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605)330-4400.  To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner was sentenced on May 18, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Mario Crow Ghost, age 49, was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Crow Ghost was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2019.  He pled guilty on December 4, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on June 3, 2019, when Crow Ghost had been drinking and assaulted two individuals with a sharp object.  The first victim was punctured in the neck with the sharp object, and the second victim received injuries to the back of her leg.  Both victims received medical attention for their injuries.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Jasper prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on May 19, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Ryan Dupris, age 24, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Dupris was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2019.  He pled guilty on February 25, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 2, 2019, in Eagle Butte, where Dupris knowingly caused a female victim to engage in sexual contact with him by threatening her.

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

Knoxville, Tenn. – U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the Eastern District of Tennessee today announced that the City of Oak Ridge received $36,437 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The grant is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump.  Other jurisdictions can determine if they are eligible for funds and may apply immediately by visiting this website.  The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.

“As this country continues to fight COVID-19, our office remains committed to deterring, investigating, and prosecuting those who seek to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This funding will help many of the communities struggling in these trying times and provide some much-needed relief to our district,” said U.S. Attorney Overbey.  

“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering    reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs.  “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”

The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude using these funds for dealing with COVID-19.  Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates’ medical needs.

Agencies eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding.  Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations.

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems.  More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. 

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PITTSBURGH - U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady is asking anyone who has witnessed or experienced sexual harassment by a landlord, property manager, maintenance worker, or anyone with control over housing to report that conduct to the Department of Justice.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted the ability of many people to pay rent on time and has increased housing insecurity. The Department of Justice is investigating reports of housing providers trying to exploit the crisis to sexually harass tenants. Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania stands ready to investigate such allegations and pursue enforcement actions where appropriate.

"While many landlords are responding to these circumstances with understanding and care, trying to work with their tenants to weather the current crisis, others are responding to requests to defer rent payments with demands for sexual favors and other acts of unwelcome sexual misconduct," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "Such behavior is despicable, illegal, and will not be tolerated. Tenants should never have to choose between housing and sexual harassment."

Launched in 2017, DOJ’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The goal of the Initiative is to address sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing.

The Department of Justice enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Act. Many individuals do not know that being sexually harassed by a housing provider can violate federal law or that the Department of Justice may be able to help.

U.S. Attorney Brady encourages anyone who has experienced sexual harassment by a landlord, or other person who has control over housing, resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania by calling (412) 644-3500 or emailing usapaw.civilrights@usdoj.gov.

LONDON, Ky.- A Somerset, Kentucky, man, Tommy Vaughn, 42, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday to 128 months in prison, by U.S. District  Judge Robert Wier, for conspiring to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and heroin.           

According to Vaughn’s plea agreement, he admitted that beginning in October 2018 through February 2019, Vaughn conspired to others to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and heroin that he obtained from a source of supply in Richmond, Kentucky. Vaughn was previously convicted of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance- First Degree in Kentucky state court in 2006. .           

Under federal law, Vaughn must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 8 years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Greg Speck, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the FBI and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenna Reed.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a man from Warren County, New York, with transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce.

According to the Indictment, Frederick Eli Knapp, age 51, transmitted from New York to North Carolina communications via Facebook and e-mail to the North Carolina Judicial Branch and employees with the Administrative Office of the Courts.  As alleged in the Indictment, Knapp stated that he would kill judges, court employees, and people in courthouses.

If convicted, Knapp faces a maximum imprisonment term of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marshal’s Office of the Supreme Court of North Carolina are investigating the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. 

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on May 19, 2020, Eliseo Sierra, age 43, of New Jersey, was charged in a criminal information with embezzling over $34,000 from Lincoln Charter School in York, Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Sierra committed the crime in May 2014, while employed at Lincoln Charter School as a school operations manager.  During that time, the school received grants funded by the U.S Department of Education.           

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli is prosecuting the case.

Criminal informations are only allegations.  All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is imprisonment for ten years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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