United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.  

Shaun Shorter, age 31, was charged on July 23, 2020.  Shorter appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 12, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. 

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Shorter possessing a prohibitively-shortened 12 gauge shotgun in April 2019 at Rapid City that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required.  The charge is merely an accusation and Shorter is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.

Shorter was released pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man was sentenced in Pierre federal court on August 17, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Devon Wayne Saul, age 27, was sentenced to 102 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Saul was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to court documents, on August 18, 2019, Saul knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a victim while the victim was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct and was physically incapable of declining participation in and communicating her unwillingness to engage in the sexual act, and Saul knew the victim was incapacitated.  In early morning hours of August 18, the victim was drinking with friends.  The victim drank too much and became incapacitated.  Saul and one other person carried the victim to his vehicle and placed her inside the vehicle.  After placing the victim in his vehicle, Saul left the others and was alone with the victim when he perpetrated the sexual assault inside his vehicle. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.   

Saul was remanded to custody to serve his sentence.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on August 17, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Richard Peneaux, age 26, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Peneaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 16, 2020.

Peneaux was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in March 2014.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  On December 19, 2019, Peneaux absconded from the Community Alternatives of the Black Hills Corrections Center in Rapid City, South Dakota.  As a result, federal warrants were issued to have Peneaux arrested.  On January 7, 2020, Rapid City Police Officers arrested Peneaux, after he led them on a foot pursuit and provided a false name and social security number.  Between the time Peneaux absconded through the time of his arrest, Peneaux failed to properly register as a sex offender.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender and Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.

Dustin Marrowbone, a/k/a Dustin Condon, age 30, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 14, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on May 12, May 26, and June 14, 2020, in Dewey County, South Dakota, Marrowbone unlawfully assaulted his intimate partner by strangulation and suffocation after having been previously convicted on at least two previous occasions of assaulting a spouse or intimate partner.

The charges are merely accusations and Marrowbone is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.   

Marrowbone was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 18, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Patrick Cummings, age 34, was sentenced to 86 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Cummings was also ordered to forfeit ownership of a handgun seized during the investigation.

Cummings was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2019.  He pled guilty on August 18, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a traffic stop that occurred on July 4, 2019, in which Cummings possessed with the intent to distribute 127 grams of methamphetamine.  Also found during the stop was a Smith & Wesson .380 AUTO caliber, semi-automatic pistol.

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

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

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/projectguardian.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on August 17, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Jocelyn Chasing Hawk, a/k/a Jocelyn Bear Eagle, age 39, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Chasing Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 23, 2019. A three-count Superseding Indictment was filed on June 1, 2019.  She pled guilty on June 4, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning in 2017 and continuing through 2019, wherein Chasing Hawk, knowingly and intentionally, conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation, and in Rapid City, South Dakota.

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

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

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Brandi M. Whitford, 24, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. to maintaining a drug-involved premises. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $500,000 fine.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between September 2019 and October 23, 2019, the defendant and co-defendant Richard E. Kinsey Jr. used a residence on Newland Avenue in Jamestown, to manufacture, distribute, and use methamphetamine. On September 6, 2019, investigators executed a New York State search warrant at the residence, recovering three firearms. A fourth firearm was thrown from the residence during the execution of the search warrant. Investigators also recovered methamphetamine throughout the residence, approximately $12,045 in US currency, assorted ammunition, and drug paraphernalia, including scales and packaging material. 

Charges remain pending against defendant Kinsey. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; and the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Acting Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury.

Thomasine Noela Charging Bear, age 35, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 17, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on June 19, 2020, Charging Bear assaulted an individual with a sharp edged instrument with the intent to do bodily harm and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

The charges are merely accusations and Charging Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.   

Charging Bear was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a joint sex trafficking operation during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  The operation began on August 7, 2020, and continued through August 13, 2020.  

As a result, the following eight men were arrested:

Robert Lee Goodwill, Jr., 20, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor

Cody Wayne Hopkins, 29, Montgomery, PA - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

Michael Ray Hudson, 32, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

Travis John McDonald, 28, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

William Nicholas Riley, 60, Sturgis, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

Kevin William Clements, 22, Claysville, PA - Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor

Darren Wilber Harrison, 25, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

Christopher Covey Dale Truax, 33, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor is 15 years if victim is under 14 years of age, and 10 years if between 14-17 years of age, up to life in federal prison; a $250,000 fine; any term of years, not less than 5, up to lifetime supervised release; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; and a $5,000 assessment if not indigent.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet is 10 years up to life in federal prison; any term of years, not less than 5, up to lifetime supervised release; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; and a $5,000 assessment if not indigent.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges are merely accusations and all eight defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The Agencies involved in the operation were DCI, HSI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

The cases are being federally prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to extend its appreciation to all law enforcement partners involved in the investigations for their efforts and continued cooperation.

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams released the following statement today regarding the recent assault of a motorist in Downtown Portland and continued violence citywide:

“Like many Oregonians, I was sickened by the video circulating online showing a man being pulled from his truck in Downtown Portland and beaten and kicked until he lies on the pavement unconscious. While the circumstances leading up to this brutal assault are still under state and federal review, I must condemn, in the strongest possible terms, this depraved violence.

We must all continue to work together to achieve peace in the streets of Portland. If we are not successful, I fear one day soon we will wake up to news that a Portlander has been killed. We cannot let this happen.”

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

ROCHESTER, NY – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. is thanking President Trump for pardoning Susan B. Anthony today, on the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

U.S. Attorney Kennedy stated, “On behalf of the citizens of Western New York, I commend and thank President Trump for his decision to pardon, Susan B. Anthony, our courageous native sister who, from our little corner of this great Nation, launched the Suffrage movement and spent her adult-life fighting tirelessly for abolition, educational reforms, and women’s rights. Anthony’s efforts transformed our Constitution and, with it, our country, and the President’s pardon of her on the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment reminds us that Anthony’s quest for equality, freedom, and justice is one that continues today.”

Susan B. Anthony, 1820 – 1906, moved to upstate New York in 1826 and spent most of her life pursuing recognition of women’s rights, and particularly the right to vote. Anthony campaigned for women’s suffrage for over 50 years.  Her tireless advocacy, passion, perseverance, leadership, and ultimately persuasive effect was such that the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting women the right to vote became known as the Susan B. Anthony amendment. A fighter to the end, Anthony’s last speech, a month before her death, concluded “failure is impossible!” 

Anthony was able to vote in a state or federal election only once in her life, and it resulted in her criminal conviction.

An indictment returned by a grand jury in Albany on January 24, 1873, charged Anthony with voting in Rochester (then) in the Northern District of New York, on November 5, 1872, “for a Representative in the Congress of the United States . . . without having a lawful right to vote in said election district (the said Susan B. Anthony being then and there a person of the female sex).”

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ward Hunt presided at the trial, conducted July 17-19, 1873 in U.S. Circuit Court for the Northern District of New York in Canandaigua . Three witnesses testified that: Anthony had been permitted to register to vote upon her claim that her right to do so rested not on the New York Constitution, which excluded women, but on the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; when Anthony voted on November 5, 1872, her right to do so was not challenged; Anthony’s counsel had advised her, before the election, that the laws and Constitution of the United States authorized her to vote and to do so if the inspectors would receive her vote; and, Anthony had testified in a preliminary proceeding that she had no doubt of her right to vote and would have done so had she not consulted her counsel.

Justice Hunt instructed the jury that: “Assuming that Miss Anthony believed she had a right to vote, that fact constitutes no defense if in truth she had not the right. She voluntarily gave a vote which was illegal, and thus is subject to the penalty of the law. Upon this evidence I suppose there is no question for the jury and that the jury should be directed to find a verdict of guilty.” 

Anthony had not been allowed to testify, but was afforded an opportunity to speak before sentence was pronounced.  She said to Justice Hunt: “in your ordered verdict of guilty, you have trampled under foot every vital principle of our government. My natural rights, my civil rights, my political rights, my judicial rights, are all alike ignored. Robbed of the fundamental privilege of citizenship, I am degraded from the status of a citizen to that of a subject; and not only myself individually, but all of my sex, are, by your honor's verdict, doomed to political subjection under this, so-called, form of government. . . Your denial of my citizen's right to vote, is the denial of my right of consent as one of the governed, the denial of my right of representation as one of the taxed, the denial of my right to a trial by a jury of my peers as an offender against law, therefore, the denial of my sacred rights to life, liberty, property.”

Justice Hunt sentenced Anthony to pay a $100 fine and the costs of prosecution. She responded, “I shall never pay a dollar of your unjust penalty.”  Justice Hunt replied, “Madam, the Court will not order you committed until the fine is paid.”  The nature of the trial and sentence meant there could be no appeal.   
Eleven other women were indicted for voting illegally, but a nolle prosequi was entered for each of them. The three elections inspectors who had received the votes were convicted at trial after Anthony’s.  They were fined but refused to pay and eventually were jailed and then pardoned by President Ulysses S. Grant. 

In January of 1874, Anthony petitioned Congress to remit her fine, but a bill to do so did not pass.

Anthony continued to advocate for women’s suffrage for 32 more years, including serving as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association from 1892-1900. On August 18, 1920, fourteen years after Anthony’s death, her goal was achieved by the ratification of the 19th Amendment, providing that: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

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TYLER, Texas – A 44-year-old Longview, Texas, man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.                

Correy James Rider was found guilty by a jury on Nov. 6, 2019, of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and crack cocaine.  Rider was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle.

According to information presented in court, in 2017, law enforcement began an investigation into drug trafficking activities in Longview, Texas.  During the investigation, police obtained an undercover recording of Rider participating in the sale of methamphetamine and a firearm at a Longview motel.  In January 2018, Rider and a co-defendant were arrested at a different motel in possession of methamphetamine, cocaine base, surveillance equipment, digital scales, and other distribution paraphernalia.  Further investigation revealed that Rider and his co-conspirators used various motels and residences throughout the city to conduct illegal drug transactions.  Rider and 11 others were indicted by a federal grand jury on June 21, 2018, and charged with violations of federal law.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Dallas Division, Longview Police Department, Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement (CODE) Unit and Texas Department of Public Safety and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lucas Machicek and Ryan Locker.

            Montgomery, Alabama– On Tuesday, August 11, 2020, a federal jury convicted Kemond Jareuz Fortson, a 35-year-old from Montgomery, Alabama, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr.

            The trial evidence showed that, on October 31, 2017, the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force went to an apartment in Montgomery to serve Fortson, who was previously convicted of murder, with an arrest warrant for a probation violation. Inside the apartment, they found Fortson and his girlfriend, along with nearly 40 grams of methamphetamine strewn along the floor, into the bathroom, and in the toilet. Agents also discovered a digital scale, a large black gun case, and a set of car keys. Agents then obtained a search warrant for a car and found a loaded AR-15, around 40 more grams of methamphetamine, another digital scale, plastic bags, and a Ruger 9mm pistol in the trunk.

            Following these convictions, Fortson is facing a sentence of five years to life in prison. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for December 9, 2020. There is no parole in the federal system.

            “Guns and drugs are a deadly mix, it’s like storing gasoline next to the fireplace” stated U.S. Attorney Franklin. “At the time of this offense, Mr. Fortson had been convicted of one violent crime and was a fugitive from justice. Apparently, Mr. Fortson decided that his latest criminal act would be using and carrying a firearm while distributing narcotics. The only reason dealers use and carry firearms is to protect their product, protect their money, and protect themselves, without any regard for the safety of others. My office places a priority on ridding our communities of violent offenders that refuse to obey the law, and I am grateful to the jury for their verdict in this case.”

            The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Marshals Service-led Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Davidson and Brandon Bates are prosecuting the case.

            Montgomery, Alabama– On Monday, August 17, 2020, Walter James, III, a 49-year-old from Montgomery, Alabama, and former Montgomery Public Schools employee, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr., FBI Special Agent in Charge James Jewell, and Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall.

            According to court documents, while he was employed by the Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) system, James held himself out to be the owner of a consulting company, "ED-ONE Professional Development Services." He then collaborated with others at his high school and the MPS central office to submit fraudulent invoices for consulting or professional development services. The invoices listed vague descriptions of the types of services that the vendor supposedly rendered. For example, the invoices would include descriptions such as “books & materials,” “consulting,” or “three-day workshop.” However, James did not provide any professional development services or products of any kind to MPS, nor did any of the purported consulting companies on the corresponding invoices that James submitted for payment. As a result of this scheme, the submission of false invoices from August 2016 to April 2019 gave rise to a loss of more than $250,000.00 to MPS.

             James was charged with wire fraud on March 3, 2020. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the next few months and he is facing up to 20 years in prison and a significant fine. He will also be subject to an order of restitution for the stolen money.

            The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Alabama Ethics Commission, and the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas Govan and Jonathan Ross are prosecuting the case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Robinson Township, Pennsylvania, waived indictment and pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal child exploitation laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Anthony Bellisario, 57, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that as a result of a large-scale, international investigation into the Darknet site "Welcome 2 Video", which offered child sexual exploitation images and videos for sale using the cryptocurrency bitcoin, Bellisario was identified as a user of this Website. Namely, from January 21, 2017 through February 27, 2018, Bellisario downloaded approximately 1,673 files of child sexual abuse material (commonly referred to as child pornography) and uploaded approximately six files to the Website and in return received credits to obtain "free" videos of child sexual abuse material. The Court was further advised that on March 27, 2018, during the execution of a federal search warrant at Bellisario’s residence, law enforcement seized two laptops owned by Bellisario. On these laptops, law enforcement found 1,000 unique videos and 443 unique images of child sexual abuse material; as well as 769 unique videos and 9,340 unique images of child erotica. Bellisario further admitted hat he used a Virtualized Private Network (VPN) in an effort to mask his identity online because he "[knew] what [he was] doing was illegal. That way people can’t find you for doing things that are illegal."

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for January 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five and not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the North Strabane Police Department, Robinson Township Police Department and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bellisario.

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

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Timothy Stanley Wilkins, 41, of Bethlehem, PA was arrested last night in Miami, Florida. Wilkins was a fugitive from justice on federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses. After being charged, Wilkins fled the country and was apprehended by federal agents at Miami International Airport, while attempting to re-enter the United States.

On March 11, 2020, Wilkins was charged in a three-count Indictment with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to have his initial appearance today in the Southern District of Florida and then will be extradited to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

“As alleged in the Indictment, charging him with firearms and drug offenses, Wilkins has a brazen disrespect for the law,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “In response to the charges, he fled the country, but all that did was postpone the inevitable. If you are charged in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with a federal offense, there is no place to hide, here or abroad. We will not rest until we find you and hold you accountable.”

“I would like to take an opportunity to recognize the cooperation among our law enforcement agencies responsible for getting a dangerous drug dealer off the streets,” said Northampton County District Attorney Terence P. Houck. “It is important for people to know that together, we will investigate, arrest and convict these law breakers by exhausting all federal and state efforts in the pursuit of this cause.”

“Timothy Wilkins fled to evade prosecution on state charges brought against him,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Now he’s in the federal system, indicted on these drug and gun charges and safely in custody. The FBI and our partners at the Bethlehem Police Department will continue to work together to protect our community from those engaged in illegal and dangerous activity.”

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum 15 years imprisonment, 8 years supervised release, a $1,500,000 fine, and a $300 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Allentown Resident Agency, the City of Bethlehem Police Department, and the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly A. Lewis Fallenstein.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

COLUMBUS, Ga.– A veteran who reaped federal monetary benefits for faking a mental health condition and who falsely claimed to have earned two of the highest honors bestowed for military service was sentenced to the top of his sentencing guideline range and will pay restitution for his crimes, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.

Gregg Ramsdell, 61, of Columbus, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, the top of his federal sentencing guideline range, three years supervised release and was ordered to pay $76,000 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by U.S. District Judge Clay Land on Tuesday, August 18 after pleading guilty to one count of false statements and one count of violation of the Stolen Valor Act. There is no parole in the federal system. 

“Ramsdell’s conduct does a disservice to all of those who exhibit true valor, serving honorably and courageously in our nation’s armed forces.  He will pay the penalty for claiming to be the hero he was not, and reaping monetary benefits reserved for our nation’s true heroes,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the FBI for unraveling his lies, and working alongside us and the VA to protect the integrity of a system built only for those who have sacrificed for and served our country.”

“The sentenced imposed on Ramsdell sends a clear message that anyone who falsely claims to have received our Nation’s most valorous medals earned through combat and service will be held accountable. VA OIG is resolute in investigating allegations of ‘Stolen Valor’ and holding those who attempt to besmirch the heroic service of our military for personal gain responsible for their deceitful acts,” said David Spilker, Special Agent in Charge, VA Office of Inspector General.

"Anyone who lies about serving our country to illegally take tax payer money from federal programs that help deserving veterans must be held accountable to the full extent of our laws," said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "Hopefully Ramsdell's sentence will bring solace to every veteran insulted by his actions, particularly those who suffered physical and mental trauma for their commitment and valor."

Ramsdell admitted that he falsely claimed to have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when he applied for disability payments from the VA on September 7, 2014. Ramsdell wrote that he witnessed horrible atrocities during deployment in Afghanistan from October 2008 to March 2009. Among other stressors, he stated he had seen "men, women and children being executed. Women holding babies while detonating themselves. IED explosions causing severe bodily injuries and death. Retrieving body parts and bagging them. Having blood and body excrements being blown onto my uniform." He also falsely claimed that these experiences made him “unable to live a normal life.” As a result of Ramsdell’s false claims, the VA gave him added PTSD benefits retroactive to his military discharge date of June 1, 2014 totaling $76,000. In truth, Ramsdell was not in Afghanistan during that period of time that he claimed to witness the atrocities that supported his false PTSD claim, and he admitted to investigators that he lied about having PTSD. In addition, Ramsdell applied for and attained a coveted civilian position at U.S. Army Fort Benning in 2017, in part because his resume listed that he was both a Silver Star and Purple Heart with Cluster recipient. He never received these honors.

The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 makes it a crime for people to pass themselves off as war heroes in order to claim money, employment, property or other tangible benefits. The Silver Star medal is the third highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Army. The Purple Heart medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed in battle. An additional Oak Leaf Cluster is given to Army and Air Force service members to indicate being wounded in combat on more than one occasion.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melvin Hyde is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced today that a federal grand jury in Cleveland has returned a four-count indictment charging Walter Ray Poindexter, age 32, of Cleveland with false information and hoaxes.

According to court documents, on March 14, 2020, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) Police Officers responded to calls of an intoxicated individual aboard a downtown trolley, later identified as Poindexter. The defendant was subsequently arrested and transported to the Cuyahoga County Jail due to an outstanding warrant in Franklin County. During the processing of the defendant for public intoxication and a parole violation warrant, the defendant allegedly claimed that he had difficulty breathing and that he had the coronavirus. As the GCRTA officers attempted to carry the defendant into the jail, the defendant is accused of purposefully coughing into the police officers’ faces. The defendant is also accused of intentionally coughing in the direction of the Cuyahoga County Jail nurse after repeatedly claiming that he had coronavirus.

The defendant was then transferred to MetroHealth hospital for medical evaluation. Upon arrival in the emergency room, the defendant is alleged to have repeatedly claimed to have coronavirus and once again began coughing and spitting in the direction of the paramedics, police officers and hospital staff. It is alleged that while the paramedics attempted to move the defendant from the gurney to the hospital bed, the defendant sat up and spat directly in the face of a paramedic.

The defendant and paramedic were later administered a COVID-19 pathogen test that came back as negative for the virus.

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

If convicted, the defendant's sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant's prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.

In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of the FBI and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Om Kakani and Jerome J. Teresinski.                

PROVIDENCE – A second Rhode Island man has been charged and arrested for his alleged involvement in the burning and destruction of a Providence Police cruiser during a riot in downtown Providence in the early morning hours of June 2, 2020.

Nicholas L. Scaglione, 30, of Cranston, was arrested on Tuesday, charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with attempted malicious destruction of a vehicle by fire, and released by the court on unsecured bond, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, and Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr.

On Friday, Luis Joel Sierra, 34, of Providence, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging him with attempted malicious destruction of a vehicle by fire. He was ordered detained in federal custody.

According to court documents, an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, Providence Police, and United States Attorney’s Office investigation determined that Sierra allegedly set a Providence Police car on fire by leaning inside the cruiser and igniting a fire with lighter fluid.

According to information presented to the court, it is alleged that Scaglione squirted a flammable liquid into the vehicle, causing the fire to intensify. The cruiser became fully engulfed and was destroyed.

According to court documents, both Sierra and Scaglione allegedly shared information with others about their alleged individual roles in the burning of the cruiser. According to court documents, among text messages allegedly written by Scaglione is a text message where he wrote, “But that police cruiser that went up in flames last night can be replaced... I was pissed. I've been pissed. That was pent up years of rage and frustration with the way I've seen and been treated by police. That cop car can be replaced. People’s lives cannot... Then I go out fighting and standing up for s**t I believe in. Cuz I know for a fact if it was you or anyone else I was close to I'd burn the whole police force down and not even blink."

As alleged in court documents, Sierra told another individual that he was one of the individuals responsible for the arson of the Providence Police Department vehicle by applying a flammable liquid to the interior of the vehicle and then using a lighter to ignite the fire. Law enforcement was also provided with several videos allegedly taken on Snapchat off Sierra’s phone and a recorded conversation with Sierra during which Sierra allegedly detailed his actions igniting the fire.

A significant amount of information into each man’s alleged role into the burning of Providence Police cruiser in the form of emails, telephone calls, text messages and video clips was brought to the attention of law enforcement following the publication of an FBI poster seeking information of two persons of interest in the June 2, 2020 arson of the Providence Police Department vehicle.

The two men depicted in the poster have been identified as Luis Joel Sierra (#1) and Nicholas L. Scaglione (#2).

Attempted malicious destruction of a vehicle by fire is punishable by statutory penalties of 5-20 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.

United States Attorney Aaron Weisman thanks the Rhode Island Fusion Center for their assistance in this investigation.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shanique Hall, age 29, of Mount Rainier, Maryland, was sentenced on August 18, 2020, by the U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to three years of probation for making false statements when purchasing firearms.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Hall previously pleaded guilty to falsely stating that she was a resident of Pennsylvania when she purchased multiple firearms in central Pennsylvania in 2018.  Hall admitted that she provided this false information when, on four occasions, she purchased or attempted to purchase a total of eight firearms.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the 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.

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