CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced a Jackson County man was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer.  James Evans, 19, of Ravenswood, also will serve three years on supervised release and pay $6,341.44 in restitution.

“Twenty-four stolen firearms. Stealing firearms is a serious offense,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “I strongly support the Second Amendment to the Constitution, but those who break our gun laws must be held accountable and pay the price.”

Evans pled guilty in December 2019 to breaking into the Old and New Sports Store in Ravenswood on April 7, 2019 with three other individuals and stealing approximately 24 firearms.  Rebecca Ann Sellers, 19, and Destiny Moore, 19, have pled guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2020.  A juvenile was prosecuted in Jackson County Circuit Court.

The Ravenswood Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Justice Department’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the Project Guardian partners listed above.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.            

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BILLINGS—U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme today warned Montanans to be aware of COVID-19 contact tracing scams in which someone steals personal identifying information while posing as a government or health care representative.

The Department of Justice is getting reports that contact tracing fraud is an emerging nationwide scam. Contact tracing is a process to help stop the spread of the coronavirus by identifying people who have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and instructing them to quarantine and monitor symptoms.

"Don't be fooled by imposter tracers. Scammers calling or texting and saying, 'I'm with the health department and I need your Social Security number or bank account information…' have been effective at stealing personal identification information. A legitimate contact tracer will not ask for money or information like your Social Securitynumber or bank account number.During this time, stay healthy and keep your money safe," U.S. Attorney Alme said.

For more information about COVID-19 contact tracing scams and tips to protect yourself from identity theft and financial fraud, visit the Federal Trade Commission at: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/05/covid-19-contact-tracing-text-message-scams.

To report COVID-19 related frauds, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov.

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Knoxville, Tenn. – U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the Eastern District of Tennessee today announced that the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received $36,299 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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HAMMOND- Schickell Best, 32, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in a criminal complaint with possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

The affidavit supporting the criminal complaint alleges that on May 26, 2020, in Merrillville, Indiana, Lake County Police performed a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Best.  Police recovered two firearms from the vehicle.  Best has a prior federal felony conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon and a prior state felony conviction for battery on law enforcement. 

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the ATF/HIDTA Task Force and Lake County Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Caitlin M. Padula.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger sentenced Shannon Dale Henson, 46, of Asheville, to 112 months in prison, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.  Judge Reidinger also ordered Henson to serve four years under court supervision upon completion of his prison sentence.

According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, on two separate occasions, Henson was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Specifically, on June 14, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in which Henson was a passenger. Over the course of the traffic stop, law enforcement recovered more than six ounces of methamphetamine from inside the vehicle.  On July 21, 2019, law enforcement conducted another traffic stop of the vehicle in which Henson was a passenger, this time recovering more than three ounces of methamphetamine from inside the vehicle.  Court records show that Henson has mutliple prior criminal convictions, including assault and drug related charges. On December 20, 2019, Henson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the Hendersonville Office of Homeland Security Investigations; the Polk County Sheriff’s Office; and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for handling Henson’s investigation. 

* * *

In a separate case, Judge Reidinger also sentenced Prophet Karim Hadialim Allah a/k/a “Prophet Allah” a/k/a “Profit,” 47, of Leicester, N.C. to 108 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.  According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Allah was part of an eight-defendant drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Buncombe County, including in and around the Bartlett Arms Apartments in Asheville.  Court records show that, between October and November 2018, and over the course of the conspiracy, Allah distributed more than 15 ounces of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator, and made several deliveries of methamphetamine at the request of another co-conspirator.  Allah, who has multiple prior felony convictions, pleaded guilty on November 22, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute narcotics.

U.S. Attorney Murray commended the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Asheville Police Department’s Drug Suppression Unit; the Buncombe County Anti-Crime Task Force; the Black Mountain Police Department; the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office; and the Hendersonville Office of Homeland Security Investigations for handling Allah’s investigation, and thanked the Asheville Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division; the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Community Enforcement Team; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; and the Asheville Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their invaluable assistance in this case. 

Both defendants are in custody and upon designation of a federal facility they will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Kent, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville, prosecuted both cases.  

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury today indicted a Madison man for possessing a pipe bomb, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acting Special Agent in Charge Frank Haera.

A three-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Joshua Andrew Quillin, 29, with possessing the destructive device, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by law. Quillin possessed a pipe bomb on April 23, 2020, in Madison County, according to the indictment.

“The defendant’s brazen act could have resulted in a devastating outcome,” Town said.  “We will continue to prosecute violent criminals to the fullest extent of the law in an effort to keep our communities safe.”  

“ATF’s focus on removing alleged illegal destructive devices from individuals’ aid is reducing the potential for violent crime,” Haera said. 

The maximum penalty for possessing a destructive device is 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a destructive device is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

ATF investigated the case, along with Huntsville Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Stuart Burrell is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

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.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Altimate Care LLC has agreed to pay $175,000 to resolve claims that the company improperly billed government health insurance programs including Medicare and Ohio Medicaid for services the company provided between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2018.

The settlement agreement between Altimate and the United States Department of Justice acting on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services resolves allegations made in a complaint filed by a former company employee. The complaint alleged that Altimate violated the False Claims Act by billing federal healthcare programs for medically unnecessary nursing visits, billing for patients that were not homebound and manipulating patient records and records of nursing visits to justify false and fraudulent claims. The complaint alleges that the company’s former owners knew of and approved the activities.

Altimate agreed to pay the United States $175,000 of which $87,500 is restitution. The company also agreed to resolve a retaliation claim filed by the former employee.

“The company was sold in 2018 and the new owners worked quickly to resolve the complaint,” U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers said. “We will continue to work with the HHS Inspector General as they investigate reports of fraud and abuse of federal health care programs.”

DeVillers urged anyone who suspects fraud against federal healthcare programs to call 1-800-447-8477 (1-800-HHS-TIPS).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Malek is representing the United States in the case.

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CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Dennis Morgan, 59, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of bank fraud, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $11,127.00.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who handled the case, stated that Morgan, who has an extensive criminal history of fraud and other property offenses, stole checks from mailboxes throughout the greater Rochester area, washed and altered the payees on the checks, and arranged for others to cash the checks at area banks. The defendant split the proceeds of the stolen and forged checks with the individuals cashing the checks. In total, Morgan altered $19,127.00 of stolen checks and succeeded in cashing $11,127.00 of them.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Richard V. Tantalo, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin.

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ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that a registered nurse formerly employed with the VA Medical Center in Pineville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of fraudulently obtaining Hydromorphone. Hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance, is a powerful opioid designed to relieve pain, but can also be abused and sold on the black market.

While working as a registered nurse at the VA Medical Center Urgent Care Clinic, Jolie King, 40, of Alexandria, used her position as a registered nurse to access the clinic’s narcotics supply cabinet and retrieve vials of controlled substance medications that were intended for the treatment of patients. As a part of the plea agreement reached today, King admitted that she used the drugs for her own personal use. King also admitted that she would log into the narcotics supply cabinet, randomly select a patient’s name, and then withdraw the drugs without a physician’s orders. In one instance, in an attempt to avoid detection, she refilled two vials with saline solution and placed them back in the supply cabinet. From September 2017 to October 2018, she fraudulently acquired approximately 31 vials of Hydromorphone and two vials of Morphine.

A sentencing date has not been set. King faces up to four years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan is prosecuting 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 Holyoke man plead guilty today in federal court in Springfield to distributing heroin.

Jayson Quinones, 36, pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Sept. 28, 2020. 

Quinones sold heroin on Oct. 7, 2019 in Holyoke. The arrest was the result of a multi-agency investigation into heroin trafficking in Holyoke dubbed “Operation Open Air.” 

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. 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; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Gary Todd Baker, 51, of Amherst, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendant was convicted in Erie County Court of possession of a sexual performance by a child under the age of 16 on March 4, 2020.  Baker was designated a level-2 sex offender, and sentenced to 10 years probation. 

On March 12, 2020, eight days into his probation term, Erie County Probation Officers conducting a routine check discovered that the defendant possessed an internet-capable cellular device, as well as empty boxes of printer ink and paper. After questioning Baker, Probation Officers located a bag containing numerous torn-up printed images. Members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force reassembled several of the images and confirmed that they depicted child pornography.  

The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. 

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, the Erie County Probation Department, under the direction of Commissioner Brian McLaughlin, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Sergeant Galima Murry was sentenced today by Senior U.S. Circuit Judge David M. Ebel to serve 8 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and making false statements regarding that fraud to the government.  Murry was one of four defendants who were tried and convicted together in January 2020.  Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and Army Criminal Investigations Division (Army CID), joined in the announcement. 

According to facts established at trial, the purpose of the conspiracy was to obtain immigration benefits for Rajesh Ramcharan, Diann Ramcharan, and one of their minor children.  The Ramcharans, a married couple, came to the United States from Trinidad & Tobago on visitor visas in 2007.  They overstayed their visitor visas and settled in Colorado.  They then devised a scheme to defeat United States immigration laws and stay in the country illegally.

The scheme had several steps.  First, in 2010, the couple was married by Pastor Ken Harvell, who signed a marriage certificate for the Ramcharans.  The couple then filed for a divorce.  Five days after that divorce was finalized, Pastor Harvell signed a new marriage certificate for Diann Ramcharan and Sergeant Galima Murry in 2011.  Sergeant Murry is a citizen of the United States and at the time was a soldier at Fort Carson.  Diann Ramcharan and Sergeant Murry entered into this marriage for the purpose of evading immigration laws and enabling Diann Ramcharan to stay in the United States. 

Sergeant Murry’s involvement in the conspiracy spanned over six years and included participation in the filing of numerous documents with immigration authorities submitted to prove the fraudulent marriage was real.  He received a vehicle as payment for his role in the scheme.  In addition, Sergeant Murry obtained military benefits from the Army based on his fraudulent marriage to Diann Ramcharan.  The military benefits included additional money in every pay check during the time that he fraudulently reported being married.  Specifically, he got a family separation hardship allowance when deployed and received a housing allowance based on his dependents when in the United States.  He also received reimbursements for moving expenses based on his fake wife and one of her children.  He also claimed one of the Ramcharan children on his tax return.

In 2015, Rajesh Ramcharan entered into a marriage with Angelica Guevara, who also is a citizen of the United States.  Pastor Harvell, whom the jury found knowingly and voluntarily participated in the conspiracy, also signed the marriage certificate between Guevara and Rajesh Ramcharan.  During the time of both the Ramcharans’ fraudulent marriages to Murry and Guevara, the Ramcharans lived with each other and held themselves out to the public as married.

“Prison is an appropriate consequence for this defendant,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.  “Mr. Murry not only committed immigration fraud, but stole from taxpayers and the military.  Hopefully this sentence will be a deterrent to like-minded criminals.”  

Each defendant was also convicted for their involvement in the submission of at least one false statement to U.S. immigration authorities as part of the Ramcharans’ attempts to gain lawful immigration status in the United States.  Guevara pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and testified at trial about the marriage fraud scheme.

The nine-day jury trial was held before the Honorable David M. Ebel.  The jury reached their guilty verdicts on January 16, 2020.  Murry was one of four defendants that were found guilty at trial.  The other defendants are pending sentencing. 

The defendants were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel McIntyre and Emily Treaster.  This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and Army Criminal Investigations Division (CID), with assistance from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

U.S. Attorney John F. Bash is asking that anyone who has witnessed or is a victim of sexual harassment at the hands of an owner, property manager, maintenance worker or any other individual who has control over housing to report that conduct to the Department of Justice.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas will work closely with state and local partners to identify incidents of sexual harassment in housing. 

“I am proud that the Department of Justice has prioritized the fight against sexual harassment in housing.  My office will act aggressively against such violations of federal law and fundamental decency,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the ability of many people to pay their rent on time and has increased the lack of home security. The Justice Department has received reports that housing providers are trying to take advantage of the crisis to sexually harass tenants. Sexual harassment in housing is illegal and the Department of Justice is prepared to investigate such allegations and pursue, where appropriate, law enforcement measures.

The Department of Justice's Home Sexual Harassment Initiative is an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing led by the Civil Rights Division, in collaboration with federal prosecutors across the country. The Initiative aims to address sexual harassment by homeowners, property managers, maintenance workers, lenders, or others who control housing.

Since its launch in 2017, the Initiative has filed lawsuits across the country, alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in housing and has recovered millions of dollars in damages for victims of harassment. Justice Department investigations often reveal cases of sexual harassment that have persisted for years. Many individuals do not know that being harassed by a housing provider may be a violation of federal laws or that the Department of Justice could help.

Through the Civil Rights Division and Federal Prosecutors' Offices, the Department of Justice enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, skin color, religion, sex, family status, national origin, or disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that the Act prohibits.  The Department encourages anyone who has been sexually harassed in the home or who knows someone who has been sexually harassed to contact the Civil Rights Division by telephone at (844) 380-6178 or by email to fairhousing@usdoj.gov.

Individuals who believe they have been victims of discrimination may also contact the nearest U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas by calling:  San Antonio—(210) 384-7100; Austin—(512) 916-5858; El Paso—(915) 534-6884; Midland—(432) 686-4110; Del Rio—(830) 703-2025; Alpine—(432) 837-7332; or Waco—(254) 750-1580.  A complaint alleging sexual harassment or housing discrimination may also be filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HUD website (https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint) or by calling (800) 669-9777.

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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.

GREAT FALLS – A Cut Bank man today admitted assaulting a minor girl on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Daniel Mark Tanner, 33, pleaded guilty to assault on a minor as charged in a superseding information. Tanner faces a maximum five years in prison, a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and set sentencing for Sept. 17. Tanner was released pending further proceedings.

The prosecution said in court records that in January 2018, the Cut Bank Police Department began investigating allegations of Tanner having inappropriate contact with a minor girl. At the time of the disclosure, the victim was under the age of 14. In an interview with law enforcement, the victim said that a few months earlier, she awoke to find that Tanner had grabbed her hand and pulled it toward him. She described trying to move her hand away, but Tanner held it against her will. The assault occurred on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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NOTE: The complaint can be found here, and the consent decree can be found here.

WASHINGTON- The Justice Department announced today that it has entered into an agreement to settle a voting rights lawsuit with the Chamberlain School District in South Dakota. The department’s lawsuit challenges the method of electing the Chamberlain School Board under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.  Under this agreement, subject to the approval of the federal district court in South Dakota, the School District will change its method of electing its School Board to ensure compliance with the protections of the Voting Rights Act.

The parties’ agreement was filed with the court in conjunction with a lawsuit filed by the department. The department’s complaint alleges that the current at-large method of election for the Chamberlain School Board results in American Indian citizens in the School District having less opportunity than white citizens to participate in the political process and to elect candidates of their choice to the School Board, in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The department’s complaint is based on the well-established case law that follows the Supreme Court’s decision in Thornburg v. Gingles, 478 U.S. 30 (1986).  The department’s complaint does not allege that the current method of election was adopted or maintained with discriminatory intent.

The department gave notice to the Chamberlain School District of its intent to bring suit under the Voting Rights Act on December 2, 2019, and the parties worked collaboratively to achieve this agreement. Under the agreement, the District will discontinue use of its current at-large method of electing its School Board. Starting in the 2021 election cycle, the seven members of the School Board will be elected from three two-member districts with one at-large position.

“This agreement reflects the department’s continued and resolute commitment to vigorous enforcement of the Voting Rights Act to protect the right to vote for our citizens in all elections,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “We appreciate that the Chamberlain School District has worked very cooperatively with the department to adopt a solution that safeguards the right to vote.”

“This agreement is a victory for good government,” said U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons for the District of South Dakota.  “It upholds two of our most important constitutional pillars:  representative democracy and equal protection under the law.”

More information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws is available on the Department of Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

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.

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Verquan Jackson, 32, of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute MDMA, a/k/a Ecstasy, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and maintaining a premises for drug use and distribution. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 13, 2020, the United States Postal Inspection Service was notified about a box that was shipped from California to Niagara Falls breaking open during transit. Inside the box, which was addressed to Jackson at his 65th Street residence, were approximately 41 lbs. of 2 oz. individual narcotics distribution baggies.

Subsequently, on April 8 and May 19, 2020, search warrants were executed on packages addressed to the defendant’s residence but in the names of B. Jackson and Jane Brown. One package contained approximately 695 grams of suspected marijuana and paraphernalia. The other package contained approximately 652 grams of multicolored pills containing MDMA and fentanyl.

On May 21, 2020, the package containing the MDMA was delivered to Jackson’s residence. A short time later, investigators executed a search warrant inside the residence. They recovered a 9mm firearm; five digital scales; a box of plastic sandwich baggies; clear plastic bags containing a tan powdery substance; designer drug packaging bags; and multiple clear plastic bags containing suspected marijuana.
Jackson made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and was released on conditions.

The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Thomas Licata.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

# # # #

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Oglala, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

Eric Anduja, age 48, was sentenced on May 18, 2020, to 17 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Anduja was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2019.  The charge related to Anduja antagonizing and pulling the hair of the victim on March 3, 2019, at Pine Ridge.  When the victim defended herself, Anduja was angered and struck the victim repeatedly with a closed fist as she cowered.  As a result of the beating, the victim incurred injuries to include extensive bruising, a black eye, severe facial swelling, and a dislodged tooth filling.  Anduja and the victim had been in a dating relationship since approximately June of 2018.

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.

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

LAS VEGAS, Nev.— Ryan Sanchez, 20, of Las Vegas, was arraigned in federal court today on an indictment charging him for allegedly committing armed robberies of three restaurants in Henderson and Las Vegas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.

Sanchez is charged with three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. A trial is scheduled for July 27, 2020.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and indictment, from February 11, 2020 to April 14, 2020, Sanchez committed three armed robberies in Henderson and Las Vegas at three different sandwich shop locations. In the first robbery on February 11, Sanchez — brandishing a handgun and wearing a surgical mask — allegedly pointed a handgun at an employee and demanded money from the safe. Then on April 9, Sanchez allegedly entered a restaurant, climbed onto the counter while brandishing a handgun, and demanded money from the employee. Lastly, on April 14, Sanchez allegedly pointed a handgun at a restaurant employee and instructed the employee to open the cash register.

If convicted, Sanchez faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of interference with commerce by robbery and a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than seven years imprisonment for each count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. In addition to imprisonment and fines, Sanchez also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.

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 the FBI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Ruff is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.

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GREENSBORO, N.C. – Two Albemarle residents and a Mount Gilead resident were all sentenced within the past two weeks by United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. following investigations conducted by law enforcement in Albemarle, North Carolina, announced Matthew G.T. Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.

WILLIAM WEBSTER CAGLE, 27, a resident of Albemarle, pled guilty on January 9, 2020, to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. On May 18, 2020, CAGLE was sentenced by Judge Osteen to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, including 1 year of home detention.

KAUNDRE TYREE CHARLES MCKILLIAN, 26, a resident of Albemarle, pled guilty on January 9, 2020, to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. On May 26, 2020, MCKILLIAN was sentenced by Judge Osteen to 44 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, including 90 days with a curfew and location monitoring.

On March 27, 2019, law enforcement officers with the Stanly County Narcotic Task Force met and executed a search warrant at CAGLE’s residence on Leonard Avenue in Albemarle, North Carolina. CAGLE and MCKILLIAN were located within the home during the search and each was found in possession of a handgun. CAGLE possessed a Springfield Armory, model XD9, 9mm handgun, which had been reported stolen out of Denver, North Carolina, as well as approximately 10 grams of marijuana. MCKILLIAN also possessed a separate Springfield Armory, model XD9, 9mm handgun. Both CAGLE and MCKILLIAN had previously been convicted of felony offenses. CAGLE was convicted of Felony Possession of Cocaine in Stanly County Superior Court on June 9, 2016, and had also been convicted in Stanly County of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana on August 3, 2009 and Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Ecstasy on September 13, 2010. MCKILLIAN was convicted of Felony Conspiracy to Commit Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Felony Common Law Robbery on July 18, 2012, and Felony Larceny on January 21, 2016, in Stanly County Superior Court.

RAKEEM JOHNTA’ BALDWIN, 23, a resident of Mount Gilead, pleaded guilty on January 9, 2020, to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. On May 28, 2020, BALDWIN was sentenced by Judge Osteen to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

On April 11, 2019, detectives with the Albemarle Police Department, using a confidential informant, conducted a “buy-bust” operation on BALDWIN for two ounces of methamphetamine (approximately 56.7 grams). Officers with the Stanly County Narcotics Task Force assisted by providing surveillance around an ABC Store in Albemarle, North Carolina where the drug transaction was to occur. BALDWIN arrived in a Nissan passenger car and was identified by the confidential informant. Officers closed in on BALDWIN and he attempted to run from the car. He was seen throwing a baggie containing approximately 56 grams of methamphetamine to the ground and was apprehended shortly after. In the Nissan, officers located a large bag containing approximately 475 grams of methamphetamine and digital scales. An iPhone and $1,281 in United States currency was also seized from BALDWIN. Laboratory analysis confirmed that BALDWIN possessed 515.32 grams of methamphetamine of approximately 99-100 percent purity.

These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Albemarle Police Department, and the Stanly County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Laboratories and Scientific Services Directorate. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig M. Principe for the Middle District of North Carolina.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge yesterday sentenced a Romanian man for aggravated identity theft and access device fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge for Alabama James G. Hernandez. 

U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Alexandru Stoica, 35, to 34 months for aggravated identity theft and illegally possessing and using fraudulent access devices in Limestone County in October 2019. 

According to court documents, Stoica knowingly used and attempted to use unauthorized access devices – gift cards – encoded with bank account numbers each issued to other persons, for the purpose of withdrawing money from the bank accounts. 

“Credit card fraud and identity theft causes tremendous financial hardship and stress for the victims. It robs them of their privacy and sense of security,” Town said.  “Those who engage in such cowardly behavior will continue to be prosecuted in a federal courtroom and, once convicted, continue on to federal prison.”

“This sentencing is a warning to other criminals that crime doesn’t pay. We will continue to identify and arrest individuals stealing from the hardworking people of this community,” said James Hernandez, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for Alabama. “Protecting the integrity of the nation’s financial systems is one of HSI’s top priorities and we will remain ever vigilant.”

Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Pillsbury prosecuted.

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.