LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The United States Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Secret Service, and the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General are asking the public to continue to be alert as state, local, and federal law enforcement combat significant amounts of child exploitation in Kentucky during the COVID pandemic.

U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman;  Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron; Jerry C. Templet Jr., Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Nashville; Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Louisville Field Office; Ralph Gerdes, Acting Special Agent in Charge Louisville Secret Service made the announcement today in an effort to protect Kentucky’s young people.

“The threat to our kids is very real and growing during this pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “In Kentucky though, I could not be more proud of how law enforcement is working with a singularity of purpose across multiple agencies to protect our most vulnerable.”

“The responsibility to protect our children falls on all of us, and the cooperation and partnership among state and federal agencies is unprecedented,” said Attorney General Cameron.  “At every level, we have a shared commitment to ending child exploitation and aggressively pursuing predators, and I am grateful for the dedication of our law enforcement community to seek justice on behalf of Kentucky’s children.”

Reports of child exploitation have increased significantly around the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the FBI has received over 195 reports of incidents throughout the United States and in other countries in which a video teleconferencing participant was able to broadcast a video depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The FBI considers this activity to be a violent crime, as every time child sexual abuse material is viewed, the depicted child is revictimized. Furthermore, anyone who inadvertently sees child sexual abuse material depicted during a virtual event is potentially a victim, as well.

Parents should be aware of several signs that may indicate their child is in danger. Including:

• Turning away from family and friends
• Receiving gifts through mail – from someone you don’t know
• Making calls to unknown numbers
• Taking extra steps to conceal online activity
• Having online friends they don’t know in real life
• Hiding their activity online
• Being overly protective of their devices

Some of the recent charged cases of child exploitation include cases investigated by the Kentucky law enforcement agencies listed above and tireless effort from numerous additional state and local partners. The Kentucky State Police has also been a critical partner in these cases as a foundational part of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

• Thomas Matthew Follmer, 48, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged April 20, 2020, for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. The attempted enticement charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, maximum potential sentence of life in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, followed by no less than 5 years and could be up to a life term of Supervised Release.
• Barrett Lawrence, 37, of Franklin, Kentucky, was charged on May 8, 2020, with attempted receipt of child pornography, accessing with intent to view child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Due to a prior conviction for the attempted rape of a three-year-old, Lawrence faces enhanced penalties.  The combined mandatory minimum sentence is 15 years and potential maximum sentence is 120 years in prison, followed by no less than 5 years and could be up to a life term of Supervised Release.  The maximum potential fine is $1,000,000.00.
• Chase Bowman-Raines, 23, of Morganton, North Carolina, who resides at Fort Campbell, charged on April 21, 2020, with possession and distribution of child pornography. He faces not less than 5 years and no more than 20 years for distribution of child pornography; and not more than 20 years for possession of child pornography. The charges also carry terms of at least five years and could be up to any number of years, including life, of supervised release.
• Shasta Maria Coiles, 38, of Lewisport, Kentucky, was charged March 26, 2020, with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. If convicted at trial, faces not less than 15 years and not more than 40 years for distribution of child pornography; and not less than 10 years and not more than 20 years for possession of child pornography.
• Matthew Lyons, 33, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was charged in late April for sex trafficking of a child, attempted production of child pornography, attempted online enticement, distribution and possession of child pornography. If convicted at trial, and due to his prior conviction, Lyons faces not less than 25 years and not more than 50 years in prison for production of child pornography; not less than 10 years and not more than life for the attempted enticement and sex trafficking of a child; not less than 15 years and not more than 40 years for distribution of child pornography; and not less than 10 years and not more than 20 years for possession of child pornography.  The charges also carry terms of at least five years and could be up to any number of years, including life, of supervised release.
• The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky worked closely with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina leading to the arrest of Nathan Branham, 39, of Cheraw, South Carolina. The Criminal Complaint charged Branham with online enticement of a 13-year-old Louisville girl and transfer of obscene material to a minor.  The combined penalties include a 10-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment, maximum potential sentence of life, a $250,000.00 fine and Supervised Release of five years up to life. 

There is no parole in the federal criminal justice system.

A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged and must be made under oath before a United States Magistrate Judge.  The charge set forth in a complaint is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Online child exploitation materials can be reported with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.org.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The woman accused of shooting a Columbus police officer during a search warrant on Chelford Drive yesterday morning allegedly told her incarcerated son in a jail call that she would shoot anyone who entered her home, whether law enforcement or civilian.

According to an affidavit sworn-out this morning in support of the federal criminal complaint, Rita Gray, 68, told son Eric Gray in May 2019, “If you break any door in I’ma be standing in that hallway…I don’t care nothing about you hollerin’ police because a robber could be police.”

“I’ll be standing right there in that hallway ready to blast. I’ll stand right around my corner there and blast however many shots I got,” Rita Gray added.

The affidavit alleges that on May 28, 2020, Gray shot and seriously wounded 53-year-old Columbus Police Officer Russ Weiner while Weiner participated in executing a narcotics-related search warrant at Gray’s residence.

According to the court document, agents and officers knocked on the door of the residence and announced their presence. After the knock and announce went unanswered, agents and officers made entry into the residence. 

Upon entering the residence, law enforcement executing the warrant took on gunfire from Gray, who was present in the vicinity of an interior hallway. Gray was apprehended shortly thereafter, with two semiautomatic Glock manufactured pistols in close proximity.        

In January 2020, state and federal law enforcement began an investigation into suspected drug trafficking, including irregular financial activity that is suspected of being related to money laundering and narcotics trafficking, involving Eric Gray, among others. That investigation remains ongoing.

Rita Gray is charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on all counts, she faces at least 20 years and up to life in prison. Gray will appear via videoconferencing today at 1:30pm for an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Chelsey Vascura.

David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan; Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys S. Courter Shimeall and Salvador Dominguez are representing the United States in this case.

A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of McKeesport, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on May 19 and unsealed on May 28, named Raymont Bentley, 27, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment presented to the court, on March 8 2020, Bentley possessed ammunition, after having been convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant remains incarcerated pending the resolution of the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Czarnecki is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the McKeesport Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) 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.

A man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced May 28, 2020, to more than 4 years in federal prison.

Xavier Rhone, 23, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 25, 2019, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon. Rhone was previously convicted of going armed with intent, in the Iowa District Court for Webster County, on or about August 3, 2015.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on August 25, 2018, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle of which Rhone was a passenger.  During an inventory of the vehicle, officers located a backpack that contained a handgun.  Officers sent the handgun and backpack to the DCI Laboratory to be tested in order to determine the owner of the firearm.  The Laboratory Report determined that the DNA on the handgun matched Rhone’s DNA.  It was also determined that the firearm had previously been stolen. Evidence in this case further showed, that Rhone used or possessed the firearm in connection with the felony offenses of Carrying Weapons, in violation of Iowa Code § 724.4(1), and Robbery, First Degree, in violation of Iowa Code §§ 711.1 and 711.2.       

Rhone was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Rhone was sentenced to 56 months’ and 18 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Rhone is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  PSN 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.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/page/file/1217186/download.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikala Steenholdt and investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Iowa Division of Criminalistics Laboratory. 

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

The case file number is 19-3003.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has returned indictments against three convicted felons for allegedly illegally possessing loaded handguns in Chicago.

MITCHELL AGNEW, 20, CARL ADAMS, 35, and ROLAND BLACK, 39, all of Chicago, are each charged with one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  All three defendants were previously convicted of criminal felonies and were not lawfully allowed to possess a firearm.

Three separate indictments were returned Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  All three defendants are in law enforcement custody.  Arraignments have not yet been scheduled.

The indictments were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen deTineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; James M. Gibbons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.  The government is represented in the Agnew and Adams cases by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cornelius S. Vandenberg, and in the Black case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Grayson S. Walker.

Holding gun offenders accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Guardian and Project Safe Neighborhoods– the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategies.  Project Guardian focuses specifically on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes, and it emphasizes the importance of using modern technologies to promote gun crime intelligence.  In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the Guardian and PSN programs to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, including by prosecuting individuals who illegally possess firearms.

According to the charges, Agnew illegally possessed a loaded semiautomatic handgun on Feb. 16, 2020, in the East Garfield Park neighborhood; Adams illegally possessed a loaded handgun on Feb. 1, 2020, in the West Garfield Park neighborhood; and Black illegally possessed a loaded semiautomatic handgun on Feb. 11, 2017, in the Douglas neighborhood.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  Illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

ABINGDON, Va. – A Tennessee woman pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Abingdon to a federal drug conspiracy charge related to the distribution of more than 500 grams of methamphetamine between 2017 and September 2019, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today.

Kayla Quesenberry, 31, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for August 28, 2020. At sentencing, Quesenberry faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of lifetime incarceration. 

According to court documents, from approximately October 2017 to September 2019 Quesenberry was a member of a drug distribution conspiracy that operated in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. As part of the conspiracy, Quesenberry obtained and transported multiple kilograms of methamphetamine from or for various sources and provided it to other members of the conspiracy for re-distribution throughout Southwest Virginia.

The investigation was handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Cagle Juhan prosecuted the case for the United States.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDGARD MARTINEZ, 39, of Tolland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to 29 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and illegally possessing a firearm.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2019, law enforcement arranged two controlled purchases of cocaine in Bridgeport from Martinez and his associate, Desny Sosa-Hernandez.  On March 20, 2019, after investigators coordinated the purchase of 300 grams of cocaine from Martinez and Sosa-Hernandez, Martinez drove from his residence in Tolland to pick up Sosa-Hernandez at his residence in Waterbury.  The pair then intended to drive together to Bridgeport to consummate the drug transaction.  When Martinez arrived at Sosa-Hernandez’s residence, investigators apprehended Martinez and Sosa-Hernandez and seized a brown paper bag containing 300 grams of cocaine inside Martinez’s vehicle.  A subsequent search of Martinez’s residence revealed a .45 caliber handgun, a quantity of cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics.  A search of Sosa-Hernandez’s residence revealed shoeboxes containing a total of $18,111 in cash.

Martinez’s criminal history includes a felony narcotics conviction for which he received a four-year sentence.

Martinez has been detained since his federal arrest on March 28, 2019.  On September 3, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. 

On November 6, 2019, Sosa-Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine.  He is released on a $100,000 bond while awaiting sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA) and Milford Police Department.  The Task Force includes participants from the Connecticut State Police and the Milford, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A New Jersey man with a prior felony conviction was charged today with unlawfully possessing dozens of firearms, including handguns, rifles, a silencer, ammunition, and high-capacity magazines, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Darick Nollett, 30, of Heislerville, New Jersey, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and one count of knowingly receiving and possessing a firearm that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Nollett is expected to make his initial appearance by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider in Camden federal court.

According to documents filed in this case:

Nollett used the Internet to purchase a device that, while marketed as a “fuel filter,” is known to law enforcement to be frequently purchased by individuals for use as a firearm silencer. Law enforcement officers executing a court-authorized search warrant of Nollett’s residence recovered the following, in addition to the silencer:

• A Remington 710 .270 caliber rifle;
• A Savage 93R17 .17 caliber rifle;
• An Aero Precision DTOM 15 rifle;
• A CMMG Inc. MK4 rifle;
• A Del-Ton DTI-15 rifle;
• An Aero Precision DTOM 15 rifle;
• A Keltec rifle;
• A Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver;
• A Ruger LCP .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol;
• A Colt Python .357 caliber revolver;
• A Taurus PT738 .380 caliber handgun;
• A Sig Sauer P226 .22 caliber handgun;
• A Glock 20 10mm handgun;
• A Heckler & Koch VP9 tactical pistol;
• A Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 caliber handgun;
• A Springfield XD-40 .40 caliber handgun;
• A Springfield XD-45 .45 caliber handgun;
• A Taurus PT111 G2 9mm handgun;
• A Browning BPS 12 gauge shotgun;
• A Winchester Model 120 12 gauge shotgun;
• A Hatsan Arms Escort PS Magnum 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun;
• A Remington 870 20 gauge shotgun;
• A Mossberg 500E .410 gauge shotgun;
• A Rossi 520 20 gauge shotgun;
• A New England Firearms Pardner SBI 12 gauge shotgun;
• A Fabrica Aguirre y Aranzabal JC Higgins Model 100 12 gauge shotgun;
• A Savage Model 720 12 gauge shotgun;
• A Springfield Armory Model 1896 rifle;
• A Ruger Model 10-22 .22 caliber rifle;
• A Remington 7615 Police .223 caliber rifle;
• A Winchester Model 1864 30 30 rifle; and
• A Mossberg 500 12 gauge shotgun;

In addition, law enforcement officers recovered an assembled AR-15 style rifle with scope that did not bear a serial number. Law enforcement officers also recovered unassembled parts for another AR-15 style rifle.

Each charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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 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 ensured that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cherry Hill office, under the direction of Newark Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, special agents of the ATF Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan, and the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.

The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Cortez Jackson, 39, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 66 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.  Jackson pleaded guilty to this charge on November 8, 2019.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson found that Jackson was responsible for distributing a large amount of heroin – some of which was laced with fentanyl – during a six-month period in the Madison area.  Judge Peterson stressed that the defendant had a sustained criminal history and exploited the illness of others for his own profit.

Co-defendant Van Williamson, who was the leader of the conspiracy, was sentenced by Judge Peterson to 8 years in federal prison on March 12, 2020.

The charge against Jackson was the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Sun Prairie Police Department, and the Madison Police Department.  The prosecution of the case has been handled by U.S. Attorney Scott C. Blader and Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Reinhard. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on a criminal complaint on May 26 was:

Oscar Noe Celio Luna, 32, of Bakersfield, CA, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Luna faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Luna was detained pending further proceedings. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Missouri River Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and Helena Police Department investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-8.

If the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor its progress regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.

To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

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            ALBUQUERQUE – Francis Woody, 60, of Ojo Encino, N.M., was sentenced on May 27 in federal court in Albuquerque to life in prison for child sexual abuse in Indian Country.

            A jury convicted Woody on Aug. 23, 2019 of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact.  According to the evidence at trial and other public court records, Woody committed these offenses on the Navajo Nation in Sandoval County, New Mexico.  He sexually abused a child under the age of twelve between March 18, 2015 and Oct. 4, 2016.  Woody also abused another child under the age of twelve between May 1, 1999, and Nov. 30, 2002. 

            The Albuquerque office of the FBI investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raquel Ruiz-Velez and David P. Cowen prosecuted the case.

An Amarillo convenience store owner and drug trafficker was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for his role in distributing synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “K-2” or “spice,” announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.

Phouphet Sayasane, 43, a.k.a. “Phet” pleaded guilty in December 2019 to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

According to court documents, Sayasane owned and or assisted in operating a network of convenience stores and “smoke shops” around the Amarillo area where he and co-defendants sold illegal synthetic cannabinoids.

According to the DEA, “K-2” and “spice” are two of the many street names for synthetic cannabinoids which are human-made, mind-altering chemicals developed to mimic the effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient of marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids – which can cause increased heart rate, seizures, vomiting, agitation, hallucinations, and other symptoms – are typically marketed in rectangular, heat-sealed packets with brightly colored wording and street names to add appeal.

Sayasane, and co-defendants, Paul Vang, 46, Krystal Vang, 43, Danny Vorasane, 31, Terry Morgan, 57, and Andrew Rodriguez, 35, most commonly sold synthetic cannabinoids to customers in one-gram and five-gram packages, often labelled as “aroma therapy.”

In plea papers, Sayasane admitted to supplying bulk amounts of “K-2” directly to other convenience stores and “smoke shops” in Amarillo including those of Paul Vang and Krystal Vang.

Through the network of convenience stores, Sayasane illegally distributed in excess of three kilograms of K-2 into the Amarillo community.

Other co-defendants also received the following sentences for their involvement: Paul Vang, 51 months, Krystal Vang, 46 months, Danny Vorasane, 37 months, Terry Morgan, 27 months, and Andrew Rodriguez, probation.

This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, the Amarillo Police Department, the Potter County Sheriff’s Office, the Randall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long is prosecuting this case. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk handed down the sentence.

NEWNAN, Ga. - Rong Sun, who sold an unregistered pesticide as protection against viruses such as COVID-19, has pleaded guilty to violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

“We will act quickly and decisively to protect the health of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.  “As Georgia and the country battle a global pandemic, we need safe and effective treatments, not ones that threaten the health of our citizens.”

“Registration under FIFRA helps ensure that pesticides sold in the U.S. work and are safe for humans. The trafficking in snake-oil remedies outside of FIFRA is a criminal act and anyone who does so, especially during this pandemic, will find federal law enforcement ready to stop them,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The U.S. Department of Justice will not stand by while criminal conduct risks people’s health and safety.”

“This case shows that consumers need to be cautious of products that make unsubstantiated claims of controlling viruses,” said Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Susan Bodine.  “EPA and our law enforcement partners continue to work to stop the sale of these illegal products.  Consumers can help protect themselves by visiting epa.gov/coronavirus for a list of approved products.”

“Playing on people’s fears during this pandemic by offering false hope and the empty promise of protection is not only dangerous, it’s also reprehensible and illegal,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and its partners are working diligently to investigate and arrest those criminals that are trying to take advantage of Americans during this pandemic.”

“A large part of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service mission is to ensure public trust in the mail,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Atlanta Division. “When individuals challenge that mission, Postal Inspectors will aggressively investigate those seeking to deceive during this crisis for their own financial gain.”

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: The defendant sold an unregistered pesticide, Toamit Virus Shut Out, through eBay, claiming that it would help protect individuals from viruses.  The pesticide was marketed as “Virus Shut Out” and “Stop The Virus.”  The eBay listing depicted the removal of viruses by wearing the “Virus Shut Out” and “Stop The Virus” product.  Additionally, the listing stated that “its main ingredient is ClO2, which is a new generation of widely effective and powerful fungicide recognized internationally at present.  Bacteria and viruses can be lifted up within 1 meter of the wearer’s body, just like a portable air cleaner with its own protective cover.”  It also stated that “In extraordinary times, access to public places and confined spaces will be protected by one more layer and have one more layer of safety protection effect, thus reducing the risks and probability of infection and transmission.”
The listing further claimed that Toamit is “Office and home essentials during viral infections reduce transmission risk by 90%.”

Under FIFRA, the EPA regulates the production, sale, distribution and use of pesticides in the United States.  A pesticide is any substance intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest.  The term “pest” includes viruses.  Pesticides are required to be registered with the EPA. Toamit Virus Shut Out was not registered and it is illegal to distribute or sell unregistered pesticides.  Sun imported the pesticide from Japan and later sold it to individuals around the United States.

The EPA has taken steps to block the importation and sale of Toamit Virus Shut Out in the United States:  https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-administrator-wheeler-talks-retailers-and-third-party-marketplace-platforms-discuss and https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/us-epa-acts-protect-public-unregistered-virus-shut-out-product-imported-honolulu-and.

The charges carry penalties of up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.  In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Sentencing for Rong Sun, a/k/a Vicky Sun, 34, of Fayetteville, Georgia, is set for June 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins III.

This case is being investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Huber, Deputy Chief Complex Frauds, and Senior Counsel Krishna Dighe of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Georgia’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fraud Task Force, aimed at better protecting the citizens of Georgia from criminal fraud arising from the pandemic. Formed by Georgia’s leading state and federal prosecutors, the task force serves to open channels of communication between partner agencies and more rapidly share information about COVID-19 fraud, while ensuring each fraud complaint is reported to the appropriate prosecuting agency. The task force member agencies include the Office of the Governor of Georgia, the Office of the Attorney General of Georgia, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. Georgia’s three U.S. Attorneys, the Attorney General of Georgia, and the Executive Counsel for the Governor’s Office serve on the task force. If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.

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

A Sioux City man who was distributing methamphetamine in and around the Sioux City area was sentenced Thursday, May 28, 2020 to more than 20 years in federal prison.

Jeremy William Lillich, age 45, from Sioux City, IA, received the prison term after a guilty plea to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

In a plea agreement, Lillich admitted that on February 3, 2019, he was in Sloan, Iowa at a car wash bay around 3:00 a.m. with co-defendant, Patrick Steffens.  Lillich was the owner of the car, however Steffens was driving the car due to Lillich not having a valid driver’s license.  Law enforcement noticed the car in the car wash and became concerned, due to recent thefts at car washes in neighboring rural cities.  Law enforcement searched the vehicle after a K-9 detected the presence of drugs in the car.  Law enforcement found approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and twenty-eight grams of cocaine inside a bag on the passenger’s seat.  Lillich intended to sell the methamphetamine in and around Sioux City and other places.  Lillich was a career offender with criminal history that included two prior felony drug offenses, manslaughter, assault, and other crimes.  Lillich admitted at sentencing that he was selling methamphetamine.

Lillich was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Lillich was sentenced to 262 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.

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

The case file number is 19-4022.

Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to federal narcotics charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Erick McCoy, age 25, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Nora Barry Fischer to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute heroin and fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between August 2016 and June 12, 2017, Erick McCoy, conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute heroin and fentanyl.

In furtherance of that conspiracy, on June 12, 2017, McCoy was a passenger in a car while attempting to deliver fentanyl and heroin to a prospective drug customer when stopped by Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers and FBI Agents at a car wash in the City of Pittsburgh. During the car stop, McCoy fled from the vehicle, but was quickly apprehended after being tackled by a City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police narcotics detective. Officers then recovered a large quantity of a heroin and fentanyl mixture in McCoy’s pockets and down his pants. Officers also recovered a large sum of US currency from McCoy.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000 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. McCoy has been detained since his initial appearance in federal court and will remain detained pending sentencing. Co-defendant Antoine Johnson was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison in December of 2018. Co-defendant and leader of the conspiracy, Kimn Booth, was sentenced to 120 months in prison in October of 2019.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opiate Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, Stowe-Rox Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Alison Marie Sheppard, a/k/a “Aiisha Abdullah,” (35, Punta Gorda) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. The court also sentenced Sheppard to a term of 15 years supervised release.

Sheppard had pleaded guilty on May 17, 2019.

According to court documents, from approximately January 2017 until July 18, 2017, Sheppard knowingly attempted to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, by purchasing and shipping 10 cellphones that she intended for ISIS to use to detonate improvised explosive devices.

Beginning in early 2016, Sheppard used Facebook and social media applications to network and find like-minded individuals who supported a Salafi jihadist mindset and ISIS, and she posted videos that she had created to her YouTube channel to instruct her online friends. Sheppard also posted the videos on social media sites in support of her beliefs. Many of these videos broadcasted the teachings of Islamist extremists who supported violent jihad. Among her postings supporting ISIS in social media accounts, Sheppard published screenshots of an online ISIS magazine that contained articles glorifying terrorist acts committed by ISIS members.

 Sheppard also used social media applications to engage in encrypted communications with individuals she believed were supporters of ISIS. One of those individuals was someone Sheppard believed had later traveled to the Middle East to join ISIS. Sheppard sent that person an ISIS e-book detailing how ISIS members travel in and out of Syria, including operational security measures to assist foreign fighters in evading detection in their pursuit to join ISIS. That individual was later apprehended by the FBI and began cooperating with federal law enforcement. Sheppard also began communicating with two other individuals who she believed were ISIS supporters, but who were, in fact, undercover law enforcement officers. During one of those conversations, Sheppard told the undercover officer that she had sworn allegiance to Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, the now-deceased former leader of ISIS.

In June 2017, while engaging in online social media conversations with the cooperating individual and the two undercover law enforcement officers, Sheppard offered to purchase and ship cellphones that ISIS could use to detonate improvised explosive devices. Later, in July 2017, Sheppard purchased 10 cellphones from five stores in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Rotonda West, Florida. She arranged to have the phones mailed to one of the undercover officers, believing that they would be forwarded to the Middle East and that ISIS would use them as timers for “pressure cooker” bombs.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York Police Department Intelligence Section. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland, Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas, and Trial Attorney David C. Smith of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

Anchorage, Alaska – On Monday, June 1, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI will participate in a statewide telephone town hall, hosted by AARP, to protect Alaskans from COVID-19 fraud. Together, the two offices will share resources and take questions to prevent Alaskans from falling victim to scams and other schemes attempting to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Jan. 1-April 15, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 18,000 COVID-19-related fraud reports, and people reported losing $13.44 million dollars. 

Event details:

• Who: Panelists include Bryan Schroder, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska; Ryan Tansey, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska; and Chris Gonzalez, Special Agent with the FBI Anchorage Field Office.
• What: A discussion on identifying and preventing COVID-19 scams and fraud.
• When: Monday, June 1, at 1:00 p.m.
• To participate:
  • Register to be called at vekeo.com/aarpalaska, or
  • Call (855) 286-0294 toll-free.
  • The event will also stream at facebook.com/aarpak.
  • After the event, a recording will be available at vekeo.com/aarpalaska.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate any shameful exploitation of the global health pandemic, and will take swift action to bring these fraudsters to justice,” said Bryan Schroder, U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska.  “This joint effort highlights the importance of collaboration with our law enforcement partners and public service organizations, as we continue to protect Alaskans from these schemes.”

“Despite the challenging times we are all navigating, certain things remain the same, scammers are still doing everything they can to defraud people of their hard-earned money and the FBI is doing everything we can to ensure they don’t succeed,” said Robert Britt, Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Anchorage Field Office. “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the AARP to bring important information to the public in our effort to prevent members of our community from falling victim to these schemes.”

“For over 60 years, AARP has promoted the health and well-being of older Americans including their financial well-being. We’re pleased to be able to bring this empowering information to Alaskans so they can take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Teresa Holt, AARP Alaska State Director. “If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.”

Scammers have already devised numerous methods for defrauding people in connection with COVID-19. Scammers are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms. In particular, U.S. Attorney Schroder and Special Agent in Charge Britt encourage Alaskans to be on the lookout for:

• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
• Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.      

If you or someone you know have been the victim of COVID-19 related fraud, please report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling the National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.  You can also report it to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov, or if it’s a cyber scam, you can submit your complaint to https://www.ic3.gov.

Unsure if something’s a scam? Alaskans can call AARP’s Fraud Watch Network toll-free, (877) 908-3360, to talk over questionable calls or emails. They can also find tip sheets and sign up for fraud alerts at the Fraud Watch Network site, aarp.org/fraud. The service is free and open to all; you don’t have to be an AARP member.

To find out more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit: www.justic.gov/coronavirus. AARP has resources and information at aarp.org/coronavirus, including on caregiving, tax tips, resources specifically for veterans and military families, and Community Connections, where Alaskans can create mutual aid groups and sign up to receive a call from a friendly voice.

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

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jefery Steadman-Loyd, 25, of Rochester, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with Hobbs Act robbery and possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of, and carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to, a crime of violence. The Hobbs Act charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and the firearms charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendant is facing charges for his role in two home invasions in the City of Rochester:

• Late in the evening of March 25, 2020, Rochester Police Officers were dispatched to a residence on Avenue E in Rochester, for the report a home invasion robbery. When officers arrived, the victim indicated that two males forced their way into her residence with handguns and robbed her. The victim stated she was tied up with a bed sheet and the suspects kept asking her where the drugs and money were.
• Just a few hours later, in the early morning hours of March 26, 2020, Rochester Police Officers were dispatched to a residence on Wellington Avenue in Rochester. One of the residents stated that three suspects began asking where the money and drugs were. One of the suspects held a knife to a female victim while the other pointed a gun at a male victim. The suspects eventually left the residence with a Gucci purse, which contained credit/debit cards and two Louis Vuitton wallets, a Sony PlayStation 4, two cell phones, a key fob for a Lexus parked in the driveway, and approximately $2,000.00 in cash.

Also charged in this case are co-defendants Robert Forbes, Jr. and Eric Lowe.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.

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.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe, of the Northern District of Florida,
and Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley announced today that a federal indictment has been
unsealed against Tony M. Streeter, 46, and Betty J. Jackson (a/k/a Betty Joe Streeter), 50, both of
Fort Walton Beach. The indictment alleges that Streeter distributed, and possessed with intent to
distribute, methamphetamine on multiple occasions in August 2019. The indictment also alleges that
Streeter, a multi-convicted drug trafficking felon as alleged in the indictment, possessed a
firearm during the same time frame. It is alleged that these crimes led to conspiratorial acts at
the vehicle impound lot of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on or about September 3, 2019,
which resulted in the malicious burning of a vehicle related to Streeter within said lot.  Another
defendant, William Sims, has already pled guilty to his role in the federal arson charges. These
three defendants, who are charged with the planning and execution of the alleged arson conspiracy,
are all now in federal custody.

“Individuals who feel enabled to attack a law enforcement agency present an extreme threat to our
communities,” said Sheriff Ashley. “With the arrest of the suspects and the steadfast support of
our federal partners and U.S. Attorney Larry Keefe, we are sending a clear message that these
individuals will be pursued, apprehended, and ultimately held accountable.”

“When offenders attack a law enforcement agency, they attack the individuals who protect us and
help maintain law and order in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “The U.S. Attorney’s
Office will use all of the resources at its disposal to vigorously pursue and prosecute those who
commit these types of crimes.”

The defendants appeared in the United States District Court in Pensacola yesterday and a detention
hearing for both has been scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the Winston Arnow
Federal Courthouse in Pensacola. Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting
the case following a joint investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida
Department of Law Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

“These indictments highlight how strong law enforcement partnerships impact both violence and drug
trafficking in our continued efforts to protect the public,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge
Daryl McCrary.

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

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