United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of MICHAEL MORRIS 66, to 208 months in prison for his role in operating a massive international sex trafficking organization that was responsible for coercing hundreds of Thai women to engage in commercial sex acts across the United States. MORRIS was sentenced by Senior Judge Donovan Frank in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Following a six-week trial, on December 12, 2018, a federal jury convicted MORRIS and four other defendants for their roles in operating the sex trafficking enterprise. Thirty-one defendants pleaded guilty prior to the 2018 trial. To date, 29 defendants have been sentenced.

“Sex trafficking continues to be a repugnant local, national, and international crime that preys on vulnerable populations,” said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “This case demonstrates the dedication and relentlessness of law enforcement across multiple jurisdictions to bring those who commit these crimes to justice.”

As proven at trial, the sex trafficking organization coerced hundreds of women from Bangkok, Thailand, to engage in commercial sex acts in various cities across the United States, including Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Houston, Dallas, Seattle, and Austin. The trafficking victims were forced to participate in the criminal scheme through misleading promises of a better life in the United States and the ability to provide money to their families in Thailand. Once in the United States, the victims were sent to houses of prostitution, including the three that MORRIS ran in southern California, where they were forced to have sex with strangers – every day –having sex with up to ten men a day. The victims were isolated from the outside world, and their families in Thailand were threatened.

As proven at trial, the organization also engaged in widespread visa fraud to facilitate the international transportation of the victims and engaged in rampant and sophisticated money laundering in order to promote and conceal illegal profits. During the extensive investigation, law enforcement traced tens of millions of dollars to the organization. 

Multiple agencies assisted in this investigation over the past five years including: Homeland Security Investigations; the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS; the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit; the St. Paul Police Department; the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force; the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office; the Cook County (Illinois) Sheriff’s Office; the State Department Diplomatic Security Service; and the International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center (IOC-2). United States Attorney MacDonald also thanks the Thai Community Development Center for the support and advocacy they have done on behalf of the victims of this sex trafficking organization.

Assistant United States Attorneys Melinda Williams, Laura Provinzino, and Craig Baune are prosecuting the case.

This case is filed as United States v. Michael Morris, et al., 17-cr-107 (DWF/TNL) and United States v. Sumalee Intarathong, et al., 16-cr-257 (DWF/TNL).

Defendant Information:

MICHAEL J. MORRIS, 66

a/k/a “Bill”

Seal Beach, Calif.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, 1 count
• Sex trafficking by use of force, fraud, and coercion, 1 count
• Conspiracy to commit transportation to engage in prostitution, 1 count
• Conspiracy to engage in money laundering, 1 count
• Conspiracy to use a communication facility to promote prostitution, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 208 months in prison
• 5 years supervised release
• $750,000 in restitution

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

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

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jonathan Singletary, a/k/a Freeze, 38, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to obstructing an official proceeding. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin G. Bish, Charles J. Volkert, Jr., and Meghan A. Tokash, who are handling the case, stated that in January 2010, the defendant informed his New York State parole officer that he had information concerning the murder of Jabril Harper, which occurred on December 16, 2009, and the robbery of Morris Singer, which occurred on January 4, 2010.

On January 11, 2010, Singletary provided a signed, sworn statement to the Buffalo Police Department. In the statement, the defendant said that Rodshaun Black came to his house on December 23, 2009, and told him that he and Ernest Green had robbed and killed Jabril Harper in Roosevelt Park after the victim began fighting them. Singletary also told the detectives that Black admitted the murder of Jabril Harper was part of a $10,000 contract killing. The defendant shared these details once again on December 6, 2011, while testifying before a federal grand jury.

On October 25, 2017, representatives of the United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI met with Singletary to prepare Singletary for testimony in the trial of Rodshaun Green and Ernest Black. An Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) reviewed the January 11, 2010, sworn statement the defendant made to the Buffalo Police Detectives and the defendant’s sworn grand jury testimony from December 6, 2011. Singletary expressed reluctance to testify and did not want to read his prior Buffalo Police statement or his grand jury testimony, so the AUSA read it to the defendant and Singletary agreed that both his Buffalo Police statement and his grand jury testimony were true and accurate.

On November 29, 2017, representatives of the United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI again met with the defendant prior to his trial testimony scheduled for that day. Singletary again expressed reluctance to testify, but agreed to do so. The defendant told the government representatives that he had a problem testifying in front of Rodshaun Black’s mother because he had known her for a long time. Singletary then refused to review his grand jury testimony from December 6, 2011, and the statement he gave to Buffalo Police detectives on January 11, 2010, but said he was not worried because everything he had said previously was true.

On November 29, 2017, the prosecution called Singletary as a witness in United States v. Rodshaun Black and Ernest Green, et al., an official criminal trial proceeding in United States District Court for the Western District of New York. The defendant was sworn and then testified falsely and evasively. Specifically, Singletary: denied ever speaking to Rodshaun Black about the Jabril Harper murder; denied knowing Rodshaun Black’s mother; denied discussing his relationship with Rodshaun Black’s mother with an FBI agent and an AUSA earlier that day in preparation for his trial testimony; denied that he learned about Jabril Harper’s murder directly from Rodshaun Black; and testified that his prior statement to the Buffalo Police Department consisted of information he was told to say by the detectives who interviewed him.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci. 

Sentencing is scheduled for November 12, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Geraci.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Akron, Ohio man who participated in a conspiracy which saw large quantities of methamphetamine transported from Akron and distributed in the Southern District of West Virginia pled guilty today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Lennie T. Whisenant, Jr., 25, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

“I’ll tell you a secret: WV is not the place to seek drugs. Another one from Akron. Incredible how these out-of-state drug dealers keep coming to West Virginia to peddle their poisons. We’ll keep arresting them and prosecuting them,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Whisenant admitted that during the months of April and May of 2019, he participated in a conspiracy with multiple individuals to distribute methamphetamine in the Southern District of West Virginia. Whisenant and others used a residence located at 1235 25th Street in Huntington to store methamphetamine after it was shipped from the Akron area. Whisenant and others then distributed the methamphetamine to various customers in the Huntington and Charleston areas. Whisenant also made reports back to sources in Akron regarding amounts of methamphetamine that had been sold and amounts that remained in Huntington. As part of his plea, Whisenant admitted that he was responsible for distributing up to 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.    

Whisenant faces 10 years to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 30, 2020. 

The joint investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Other agencies which participated and assisted in the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, the United States Marshals Service, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Akron, Ohio Police Department, and the Brecksville, Ohio Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-00245.

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Memphis, TN – Patrick Vaughn, 35, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.

According to information presented in Court, on January 4, 2019, detectives with the Memphis Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit were conducting surveillance on a possible carjacking suspect, Patrick Vaughn, driving a black 2006 Kia Amanti near Poplar Ave and Hollywood Street. Attempting to avoid the surveillance, Vaughn made several U-turns on Poplar; detectives then called for additional patrol officers.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Vaughn continued to flee on Poplar at a high rate of speed; he ran several red lights while striking other vehicles. Vaughn then left his vehicle and fled on foot for a short distance before being taken into custody. During the search of the vehicle, officers recovered a black Ruger .380 caliber handgun.

Vaughn later waived his Miranda rights and admitted to being a felon in possession of a handgun. As a result of his prior felony convictions, including a carjacking offense in 2008, Vaughn is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.

The defendant pled guilty on August 24, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on November 18, 2020, where Vaughn faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms such as convicted felons present a known and immediate risk of violence to the community at large. In order to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law, we must remove firearms from the hands of prohibited persons and remove dangerous felons from our streets."

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Florida man pled guilty to participating in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Thomas Drew Bess, 39, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

“Florida to LA to WV. Keeping this shipment of 96% pure and amazingly powerful meth from hitting the streets is a big win for law enforcement, the people of Charleston and all West Virginians,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are using every available resource to stem the tide of meth that is coming into our communities. Great work by the Postal Inspection Service, DEA, the National Guard and my office. That’s called real teamwork.”

On September 1, 2019, Bess flew from Florida to Los Angeles, California. While there, he mailed a package that contained approximately 18.25 pounds of methamphetamine to Charleston. The package was picked up by a John Harvey Bush, Jr., and the methamphetamine was intended to be sold in the Charleston area. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) intercepted the package on September 4, 2019. Upon obtaining a search warrant for the package, they discovered over 18 pounds of methamphetamine inside. The majority of the methamphetamine was removed, except for 11.2 grams, which remained inside the package in order to conduct a controlled delivery. As law enforcement was delivering the package, the National Guard provided helicopter surveillance of the area. Bush was recorded driving to the residence and taking the package from the front porch. He then drove the package to his girlfriend’s residence, where he unloaded and opened the package, and discovered only 11.2 grams of methamphetamine. He attempted to flush the shipping label to the package. Shortly afterwards, law enforcement knocked on the front door of the girlfriend’s residence. Bush saw them through the window and was arrested as he tried to flee out the back door. Bush’s cell phone was seized and searched pursuant to a federal search warrant, where it became apparent that Bess had told Bush of the contents of the package, its tracking number, and when it would be arriving. 

The methamphetamine was sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory, where it tested 96% pure. Bess was subsequently arrested in Florida and brought to the Southern District of West Virginia on an indictment. Bess’ phone was searched pursuant to a federal warrant, wherein evidence of drug trafficking and distribution were discovered.

Bess faces life in prison when sentenced on December 8, 2020. Bush pled guilty on January 27, 2020. He faces up to 40 years in prison when sentenced on September 21, 2020.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) conducted the investigation. The West Virginia National Guard assisted law enforcement with the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner is handling the prosecution.

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) is an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 1982, OCDETF is the keystone of the Attorney General’s strategy to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics throughout the United States using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. OCDETF agents and prosecutors nationwide handle complex investigations and prosecutions of the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States.  OCDETF facilitates joint operations by focusing its partner agencies on priority targets, by managing and coordinating multi-agency efforts, and by leveraging intelligence across multiple investigative platforms.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00024.

Follow us on Twitter:SDWVNewsand USAttyStuart

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CHICAGO — A man has been arrested on a federal criminal charge for allegedly robbing a United Parcel Service delivery truck in Oak Park last week.

DARIUS D. YOUNG was one of three individuals who robbed the UPS truck on the afternoon of Aug. 21, 2020, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  The driver of the truck had parked in the 1100 block of South Highland Avenue to make a delivery when a vehicle pulled up behind it, the complaint states.  The driver heard a male voice approach him from behind and state words to the effect of, “Get on the ground, stay down,” the complaint states.  The driver laid face down in the street behind the truck, looking up long enough to observe what appeared to be the handle of a handgun in the waistband of one of the offenders, the charges allege.  Young and the two others allegedly removed numerous boxes from the UPS truck and drove off.

Young, 24, of Berwyn, is charged with one count of robbery.  He is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Friday at 11:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheila M. Finnegan.

The arrest and complaint were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and LaDon Reynolds, Chief of the Oak Park Police Department.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Albert Berry III and Charles W. Mulaney.

The federal charge was brought under Operation Legend, a Department of Justice initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement to fight violent crime.  As part of Operation Legend, Attorney General William P. Barr directed ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and DEA to significantly increase resources in the Chicago area to help state and local officials fight violent crime, particularly firearm-related offenses.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  The charge in the complaint is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

EUGENE, Ore.—The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that it has filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that the owner of residential rental housing in Florence, Oregon, made discriminatory statements, preventing a foster parent from applying to rent a home, in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act.

“Under the Fair Housing Act, owners and managers of rental housing must ensure their properties are open to families with children,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Our office will vigorously enforce this important civil rights protection to provide relief for families victimized and deter future discrimination.”

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Eugene, alleges that Kathie Carmer, 74, of Florence, engaged in unlawful familial status discrimination in connection with a single family home in Florence that she had advertised for rent on Craigslist. The civil complaint alleges that a prospective tenant called Carmer in November 2018 to inquire about the rental and disclosed that she was looking for a residence suitable for herself and her four foster children. Carmer then allegedly made discouraging and discriminatory comments to the prospective tenant about her intent to leave the children with a babysitter while she is working, a carpeted house not being suitable for children, and the tenant not being a good fit for the rental. Carmer did not provide the prospective tenant an opportunity to continue with a rental application.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) investigated this case after receiving a complaint from the prospective tenant. The department concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that Defendant violated the Fair Housing Act.

The filed complaint asserts three allegations against Carmer of discrimination against families with children, based upon the findings of HUD’s investigation: (1) refusing to rent or to negotiate for the rental of the advertised property because of familial status; (2) discriminating in the terms, conditions, or privileges of the rental of a dwelling because of familial status; and (3) making discouraging and other discriminatory statements to a potential renter with children.

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, a civil penalty, and a court order barring future discrimination and harassment. While the complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct; the allegations must be proven in federal court.

The United States is being represented in this matter by Adrian Brown, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. Individuals who believe they may have been victims of familial status discrimination or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Carmer, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, are asked to contact the United States Attorney’s Office at 503-727-1000 and request to speak to the Civil Rights Coordinator.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jack Ray Snyder, 63, of Truckee, pleaded guilty today to one count of tax evasion, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to the plea agreement, Snyder failed to report significant income for tax years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Each year, Snyder underreported his income to his tax preparer and took deductions for expenses that were not deductible business expenses. For the 2011 tax year, Snyder earned outside income as an equine veterinarian in addition to his salary as a professor at the University of California, Davis. He endorsed outside client payment checks to directly pay credit card bills. He failed to report $212,953 in income for the 2011 tax year. According to the plea agreement, the additional tax due for 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 tax years was $134,497.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Yang is prosecuting the case.

Snyder is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb on Nov. 16. Snyder faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

URBANA, Ill. – A Bourbonnais, Ill., couple, Raymond and Angie Adamee, owners of a Kankakee liquor store, were each sentenced today to 12 months in prison, followed by 12 months of home confinement for under-reporting income in filed tax returns. Both were ordered to pay restitution to the IRS and the Illinois Department of Revenue in the amount of $642,736.

The court ordered that Raymond Adamee, 53, serve his sentence first and was ordered to surrender to the federal Bureau of Prisons on Dec.1, 2020. Angie Adamee, 51, was ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons on Jan. 4, 2022.

The couple each pleaded guilty on Feb. 10, 2020, to under-reporting gross receipts of their business, Kankakee Plaza Liquors, 1623 E. Court St., Kankakee, Ill., for the calendar years 2012 through 2016, by approximately $1.6 million.

The couple has operated the retail liquor store, predominately as a cash business, since 1989. The under-reporting of the approximate $1,621,779 in income received by the business and its owners, resulted in their failure to pay $409,117 in federal income tax that was due and owing. The under-reporting also resulted in failure to pay $233,619 in income tax, replacement tax, and sales and use tax to the State of Illinois.

In 2017, the IRS uncovered the tax fraud when the couple used a business broker to list KPL for sale for $600,000. An IRS-Criminal Investigation Division undercover agent contacted the broker to request more information about KPL and learned that KPL’s reported income to the IRS was substantially lower than represented in the sale advertisement. When IRS-CI agents executed a search warrant at the couple’s home and business location on Nov. 29, 2017, they found tens of thousands of dollars in cash kept in a safe at the their residence.

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller represented the government in the prosecution.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Sacramento couple pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States by submitting false claims for income tax refunds to the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, between March 29, 2012 and Feb. 14, 2015, William Bennett, 42, and Christina Bennett, 38, conspired with Bridget Coilton, 50, also of Sacramento, to defraud the IRS by submitting false claims for income tax refunds for themselves and for others.

According to the plea agreements, Coilton allegedly provided William Bennett with personally identifying information (PII) of other people, and he would file tax returns for those people claiming false, inflated tax refunds based on false statements he added to the returns. The false returns usually fell into similar categories and contained similar false claims. For example, the tax returns filed as a part of the conspiracy contained false and fraudulent statements regarding employment, income, withholdings from income, and dependency exemptions. Some of the federal tax returns also sought tax credits to which the individuals on the returns were not entitled, such as the American Opportunity Credit.

The fraudulent statements resulted in refunds that were often directed to be deposited into bank accounts the Bennetts or Coilton controlled. After the IRS issued the refunds, the co‑conspirators divided the proceeds amongst themselves, sometimes providing the tax filer with a small portion of the refund. If the refund was deposited into one of the Bennett’s bank accounts, Christina Bennett would often withdraw some of the tax refunds deposited in cash and then deliver the withdrawals to Coilton.

The charges against Coilton are pending. She is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rosanne Rust is prosecuting the case.

William Bennett and Christina Bennett are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on Dec. 7. They each face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

SAN JOSE –Jennifer Yang was sentenced to 46 months in prison for her role—and Daniel Wu, her business partner, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for his role—in a conspiracy to commit mail fraud and visa fraud along with a number of related crimes, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson; U.S. State Department, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), San Francisco Field Office Special Agent in Charge Matthew Perlman; and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Lucy H. Koh, U.S. District Judge, following a trial in which the defendants were found guilty of crimes related to a scheme to defraud foreign investors in connection with the United States’ “EB-5” immigrant visa program.  The EB-5 program allows individuals to apply for permanent residence in the United States if they invest a substantial sum of money in a new commercial enterprise, enabling that business to create at least ten jobs in this country.

After the four-week trial in this case, the jury found that Yang, 52, of Palo Alto, and Wu, 56, of Las Vegas, submitted to the government fraudulent visa applications that claimed they had used investor money to create the required number of jobs when, in fact, the defendants had misused investor money and failed to create the jobs that they claimed.

“The EB-5 program is intended to create jobs and spur investment.  The investors in this program should not suffer fraud,” U.S. Attorney Anderson stated.  “Yang and Wu broke their promises to investors and lied to the government.  They will now spend time in prison to pay for their crimes.”

“The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is pleased with this successful prosecution. These hard-fought convictions send a clear message that criminals who attempt to exploit the U.S. visa process for illegal profit will be punished,” said Special Agent in Charge Perlman.  “DSS, alongside our federal partners, is committed to rooting-out and prosecuting criminal enterprises involving U.S. travel documents.” 

“Fraudulent schemes like these threaten our National Security and public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge King. “They also have substantial impacts on the victims of these callous crimes.  HSI special agents work diligently to not only protect National Security interests, but also the victims of fraud.”

Evidence at trial showed that Yang, a lawyer and licensed member of Bar of the District of Columbia, held herself out as a legal specialist for persons interested in applying for EB-5 visa benefits.  Yang and Wu solicited six- and seven-figure investments from foreign individuals interested in lawful permanent residency in the United States, promising those individuals that their investments would be used to create jobs and qualify them for EB-5 visas.  Nevertheless, instead of using the investors’ money to create jobs as promised, the evidence at trial showed that the defendants diverted the money for other purposes including personal expenditures such as the purchase of cars, stays in luxury hotels, college tuition for a family member, and the cash purchase of a $2.5 million house for Yang and her family.  When it came time to submit visa applications on behalf of the investor victims, Yang and Wu falsely represented that the money had been used properly and the jobs had been created.  In some cases, the false information about bogus job positions was created using the personal identifying information of third parties without those individuals’ knowledge or consent.  Between 2007 and 2016, the defendants filed fraudulent EB-5 visa petitions for at least seven foreign investors who supplied Yang and Wu with approximately six million dollars intended for use as EB-5 investments.

A federal grand jury indicted Yang and Wu on October 19, 2017, charging both with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit visa fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft, all in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371; three counts of visa fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a); two counts of mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1341; and two counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A.  In addition, Yang was charged with two counts of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957. The jury convicted Yang and Wu of mail fraud, visa fraud, and conspiracy to commit these and other offenses. 

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Koh ordered the defendants to pay $5,951,813.00 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release following their prison terms.  

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Delahunty and John Bostic are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lakisha Holliman, Mimi Lam, Susan Kreider, and Tong Zhang.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fraud Detection and National Security Office.
 

Assistant U. S. Attorney Michelle L. Wasserman (619) 546-8431

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY– August 24, 2020

SAN DIEGO – Herbert Gutierrez, former warehouse manager at the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command Warehouse in San Diego and 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, was sentenced in federal court today to 24 months in custody for stealing more than $2.5 million worth of goods from the Navy warehouse where he worked.  Gutierrez was also ordered to forfeit $57,656.69 and pay $2,536,293.63 in restitution to the United States Navy.

Sentencing documents reflect that Gutierrez began stealing from the warehouse for his own personal gain a few months after he started working there. For approximately nine months, between July 2018 and April 2019, Gutierrez advertised items from the warehouse for sale online, including through such websites as eBay, and then allowed private individuals into the MSC warehouse yard during work hours and after hours to take the government property, load it onto trucks, and haul it away. 

In February 2019, Gutierrez permitted a utility truck and a tractor-trailer to enter the MSC warehouse after hours and drive away with more than $1 million in stolen copper nickel tubing. 

That same month, Gutierrez sold numerous Caterpillar parts from the warehouse to a company he found online.  Once again, Gutierrez allowed a private freight company to enter the MSC warehouse yard and load the items, which filled four pallets.  He created fraudulent government paperwork to conceal his criminal activity.  

In April 2019, Gutierrez again allowed two individuals to enter the MSC warehouse in broad daylight, and he loaded up their vehicle with stolen government property, accepting thousands of dollars in cash in exchange.  The two men were – unbeknownst to Gutierrez – undercover agents.  At the time, Gutierrez told the undercover agents that “I’m looking at volume. I’m not looking at making a million-dollar profit, I’m looking at volume. I’m trying to keep this stuff going, that’s how I get paid.” 

Gutierrez was paid for the stolen goods in cash and via PayPal. Gutierrez admitted in his plea agreement that the total aggregate value of the items that he stole from the United States and resold for personal profit was $2,536,293.63. 

“This defendant was running a massive and brazen scheme that fleeced the Navy of millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “This conduct was outrageous and illegal, and he is now appropriately going to prison for it. The excellent work of prosecutor Michelle Wasserman and NCIS agents brought justice for the Navy and taxpayers.”

“NCIS exposed Mr. Guiterrez's scheme to steal and sell government property,” said NCIS Southwest Field Office Special Agent in Charge Garrett Waugh. “This result highlights how critically important it is for our military personnel and family members to remain vigilant and always report suspected fraud. It also represents an outstanding effort by Special Agents assigned to the NCIS Southwest Field Office to bring a criminal to justice for threatening Navy readiness and wasting taxpayer money.”

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 19CR4552-W                       

Herbert Gutierrez                                            Age: 54                                   San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Theft of Government Property – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 641

Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine

AGENCY

Naval Criminal Investigative Service

SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Kiandrew McFan, 23, of Shreveport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. for Illegal Possession of Stolen Explosives Material. McFan was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. McFan pled guilty to the charge in United States District Court on September 25, 2019.

According to evidence introduced in court, on February 17, 2019, a member of the Shreveport Police Department S.W.A.T. Unit reported that his unmarked vehicle was burglarized in front of his Shreveport residence. A flash bang, which is a small explosive device utilized by the S.W.A.T. during a dynamic entry of a dwelling to distract and disorient subjects in the dwelling, was stolen. The flash bang produces a loud audio explosion and an intense flash of light when detonated. On February 22, 2019, Shreveport Police Department officers obtained a warrant and discovered the flash bang at McFan’s residence. McFan admitted to the theft and possession of the explosive material.

The ATF and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Christopher D. Watson, 40, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. for failing to register as a convicted sex offender, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. Watson was sentenced to 37 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Watson previously pled guilty to the charge on February 3, 2020. According to evidence introduced in court, Watson was convicted of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree in the State of Oregon in February 2008 and was required to register as a convicted sex offender in the State of Oregon for life. Watson moved to Utah and lived there from 2011 until 2018 and while there was arrested multiple times for failing to register as a sex offender.

In August 2018, Watson moved from Utah to Shreveport, Louisiana. In October 2018, Watson was arrested by law enforcement officers in Bossier City following a complaint. After learning he was a convicted sex offender, officers advised Watson to register as a sex offender in Louisiana. In December 2018 while responding to a complaint, Bossier City Police officers had another encounter with Watson and he was advised a second time to register as a registered sex offender as required by law and was cited to appear in Louisiana state court for failing to register as required.

On October 9, 2019, Shreveport Police officers encountered Watson and learned that he had not registered as a convicted sex offender. Watson was placed under arrest for failing to register as required. Under federal law, a convicted sex offender is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The United States Marshals Service, Bossier City Police Department, and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case.

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DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that Aurora resident and Mexican national Felix Missael Alva has been charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm.  Alva made his initial appearance this afternoon where he was advised of his rights and the charge pending against him.  The Denver ATF and the Denver Police Department joined in this announcement. 

According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, on May 30, 2020, a Denver Police detective was working in downtown Denver during demonstrations when a white Jeep stopped nearby him.  The detective was approximately 10 feet from the Jeep when he saw a male passenger produce a large black semi-automatic handgun, and from the open passenger window, heard him say, “This ain't no peaceful protest.”  The male pointed to the sky with his left hand and then opened fire into the air while a Denver Police Department helicopter and a news media helicopter that were flying overhead.  The detective heard approximately 6 to 10 gun shots.  Another Denver detective and an officer were near the Jeep during this shooting and observed the passenger fire his weapon into the air.  The driver of the Jeep then sped off.

On June 2, 2020, law enforcement went to an address where the white Jeep was found.  The vehicle was impounded and searched pursuant to a search warrant for the Jeep.  The technicians observed protest signs in the vehicle as well as a large box of artillery shell fireworks.  Then on June 4, 2020, the Aurora SWAT Team executed a search warrant at Alva’s residence.  The Denver detective who observed the shooting on May 30^th approached Alva and recognized him as the individual who fired a handgun into the air on May 30, 2020.  During the search, officers located a firearm and firearm accessories in a shed behind the residence.  The firearm found on June 4, 2020 has an appearance consistent with the black semi-automatic handgun that the detective observed being fired into the air on May 30, 2020. 

Law enforcement record checks revealed that Alva was not a native or citizen of the United States and that he had previously been deported from the United States.  In February 2010, he was deported from the United States to Mexico pursuant to a removal order.  It was determined that Alva had not made any lawful entries to the United States, and on May 30, 2020, he was present in the United States illegally.  As he was not in the United States legally, he was prohibited from possessing weapons. 

This case was investigated by the Denver ATF and the Denver Police Department.  The defendant is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dorothy DiPascali. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

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. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from Project Guardian partners.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.  Related court documents can be found on PACER by searching for Case Number 20-mj-114.

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

DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that Eric Coleman, age 43, and a leader of the Rolling 60s Crips, was sentenced to serve 188 months (over 15 years) in federal prison for bank robbery and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Coleman appeared remotely in custody and was remanded at the hearing’s conclusion.  The FBI joined in today’s announcement. 

According to the stipulated facts contained in his plea agreement, as well as the government’s argument at sentencing, Coleman was a member and leader of the Rolling 60s Crips, and a mastermind of a multi-defendant bank robbery operation.  Coleman actively recruited and manipulated juveniles to carry out the actual robberies.  He made juvenile and younger gang members put on makeup and use a firearm to rob the banks. 

For example, on March 14, 2018, the ENT Federal Credit Union in Colorado Springs, Colorado was robbed.  After the robbery, law enforcement learned that Coleman had picked up the robber -- a co-defendant -- from the credit union, driving them away from the scene.  The four individuals involved in these robberies, including Coleman, met up at a fast food restaurant where the robber gave the firearm to Coleman and the money was divided.   

On April 30, 2018, law enforcement stopped four individuals who were planning to commit another bank robbery.  Officers found an individual wearing makeup. The manner in which the makeup was being worn matched several recent bank robberies and business robberies.  During interviews following the stop, law enforcement learned that Coleman would hand the bank robber a firearm for the robbery.  A subsequent search of Coleman’s residence resulted in officers finding three firearms, including one in a bag with Mr. Coleman's prescription medication, directly tying him to the weapon. 

All seven of the defendants have pleaded guilty, and three of the seven defendants have been sentenced. 

In addition to the bank robbery, Coleman was a felon in possession of three firearms, including:  a .38 caliber revolver; a .40 caliber pistol; and a 9mm rifle. Prior to the firearms being discovered, Coleman had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, making it illegal for him to have possessed the firearms.     

“Bank robbery, especially with a weapon, is a violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.  “In this case, Mr. Coleman used his position as a gang leader to recruit minors to do his dirty work.  He will now serve a lengthy prison sentence appropriate for someone who orchestrated and led others to commit these crimes.” 

“The success of this investigation is largely attributed to the close working relationships between federal, state, and local law enforcement and our Southern Colorado Safe Streets Task Force,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “The collaborative effort to address violent crimes, such as bank robberies, within our local communities is just one example of how highly the FBI values its partnerships and the critical role these relationships play in making our community safer.”

The sentence was pronounced by U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martinez on August 19, 2020.  The guilty plea was entered on March 5, 2020.  This case was investigated by the Colorado Springs FBI.  Local law enforcement, including the Colorado Springs Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, assisted with the investigation.  The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt Bohn.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.  Related court documents can be found on PACER by searching for Case Number 18-cr-360.

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

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jacob Quinlan Navarrette, age 28, of Eufaula, Oklahoma was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment, 10 years of supervised release, and pay $3,000.00 in restitution for Possession Of Certain Material Involving The Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and 2252(b)(2). Once released from incarceration, the Defendant must register as a sex offender, complete sex offender treatment and comply with conditions of that treatment including polygraphs to determine compliance, the Defendant may not possess any type of pornography, and he must submit to examinations of his computers.  The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about January 2018, and continuing until on or about May 2, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly possessed and accessed with the intent to view, and attempted to possess and access with the intent to view, a visual depiction of a prepubescent minor under the age of twelve engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and said visual depiction was of such sexually explicit conduct and had been transported in interstate commerce by computer. 

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The horrific acts committed against children by the criminals who produce child pornography is made profitable by the criminals that purchase, possess, and share it. I commend the FBI for its diligent efforts to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who are involved in despicable acts against children.”            

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Gerome William Davis, age 22, of Beggs, Oklahoma was sentenced to 25 months’ imprisonment, and 3 years of supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Firearm And Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The charges arose from an investigation by the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office, the District 25 District Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”) effort in the Eastern District of Oklahoma to reduce violent crime. 

The Indictment alleged that on or about December 2, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and knowing of said conviction, knowingly possessed in and affecting commerce a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Enforcing federal firearms laws removes guns from violent offenders and makes communities safer. The Project Safe Neighborhoods project is such a valuable initiative because it brings state, local, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies together to focus on reducing violent crime.” 

“The FBI is committed to keeping firearms out of the hands of convicted felons like Mr. Davis," said Melissa Godbold, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Oklahoma City Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work closely together to investigate those who violate federal firearms statutes.”
                
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States at the sentencing hearing.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Nigerian National residing in Indianapolis, Ismaila Fafunmi, pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday, before U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to money laundering charges related to a romance fraud and grant fraud scheme.

According to his plea agreement, Fafunmi admitted that, beginning in June 2018, he worked in conjunction with others, who communicated through online chats, about a scheme to defraud U.S. citizens through a romance scheme.  In furtherance of this scheme, Fafunmi and his co-conspirators would set up fake profiles on dating websites profiling American men, often military members.  Fafunmi’s co-conspirators would engage in conversations with victims, typically women older than 50, through the dating website, making the victims believe they were in a romantic relationship with the individual in the fictitious profile.

Fafunmi and his co-conspirators would then convince these unsuspecting women to send money for various reasons.  One victim of the scheme lived in Kentucky, and sent more than $200,000 to a person she believed to be her boyfriend. In another scheme, Fafunmi received funds from another female over 50, who believed she was being awarded a large grant and had to pay fees up front in order to receive her award.

In either scam, if the victims sent money by bank deposit, the conspirators would create bank accounts, in various names, to retrieve the fraudulent funds. Fafunmi and others would retain a portion of the victim funds, and then converted the remainder to wires transfers, to be sent back to co-conspirators in Nigeria. Victims also sent money in the form of postal money orders to addresses belonging to Fafunmi and his co-conspirators. Fafunmi and his co-conspriators had to convert those funds to wires to be sent back to co-conspirators in Nigeria as well.           

Fafunmi was indicted in October 2019.

“Internet-based romance scams and grant fraud scams, like the ones perpetrated here, prey on vulnerable individuals and frequently consist of nothing more than promises that are too good to be true and despicable efforts to cheat people out of their money,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  “Unfortunately, these scams remain prevalent; so all of us need to remain vigilant when communicating online, especially if we are asked to send money to someone we do not really know.  The outstanding work of FBI personnel led to the capture and conviction of the defendant, and allows us to hold these fraudsters accountable for their crimes.” 

“Nothing is as painful as a broken heart which makes romance scams particularly egregious,” said James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office. “Fraudsters who target our most vulnerable citizens online will continue to draw the full attention of the FBI.”

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Anderson.

Fafunmi is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2020.  He faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s efforts to identify and prosecute those persons who facilitate elder financial exploitation. The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Mission, being carried out through the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force, is to seek justice for victims of elder financial exploitation.  Anyone who knows someone who may be a victim of an elder financial exploitation, is encouraged to contact law enforcement.

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LONDON, Ky. — A Corbin, Ky., man was convicted Friday, by a federal jury sitting in London, of armed methamphetamine trafficking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

After two hours of deliberation, following a three-day trial, the jury convicted John Helton of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of that conspiracy, possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm by convicted felon.  The jury acquitted Helton of possessing a firearm found at his mother’s residence.  

The evidence at trial established that, on June 9, 2019, deputies with the Knox and Laurel County Sheriff’s Offices searched the residence that Helton shared with his wife, Anita, seizing over 300 grams of crystal methamphetamine and four firearms, including three that were loaded.  Helton then directed his wife to go to his mother’s residence, to get money to bond him out of jail.  When law enforcement searched that residence, they found over $8,000 secreted in a closet.  A search of a child’s playhouse on the property revealed over 800 grams of additional crystal methamphetamine and another firearm.  The Kentucky State Police had previously made a controlled purchase of methamphetamine that was arranged with Helton but delivered by his wife. 

Anita Helton previously pled guilty to conspiring with Helton to distribute methamphetamine and possessing firearms in furtherance of that offense. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 17, 2020.

Helton is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2021. He faces a statutory minimum of 20 years in prison.  Under federal law, Helton must serve 85 percent of his sentence.  Helton’s minimum sentence was enhanced as a result of a previous felony conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine. 

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jeffrey T. Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Rodney Brewer, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police; Sheriff Mike Smith, Knox County Sheriff’s Department; and Sheriff John Root, Laurel County Sheriff’s Department, jointly announced the verdict.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA, KSP, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew H. Trimble.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities.  It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.           

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. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

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