BOSTON – A Haverhill nurse was sentenced in federal court in Boston today for tampering with patients’ morphine.

Brianna Duffy, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In July 2019, Duffy pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud or deception.

On March 17 and 18, 2019, while working as a registered nurse at Hunt Nursing and Rehab in Danvers, Duffy tampered with morphine sulfate prescribed to an 89-year old hospice patient. In an attempt to avoid detection, she replaced the extracted medication with another liquid, diluting the morphine to just 26% of the prescribed concentration. The hospice patient received the diluted morphine and suffered unnecessary pain.

From December 2016 until July 2017, while working as a registered nurse at Maplewood Care and Rehabilitation Center in Amesbury, Duffy diverted morphine from two bottles that were prescribed to a 68-year old patient. Duffy subsequently diluted the remaining morphine with another liquid, leaving only 1.2%-2.5% of the declared concentration of morphine. Duffy tested positive for morphine on July 18, 2017.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office on Investigation; and Acting Commissioner Margret Cooke of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elysa Wan and Patrick Callahan of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

DAVENPORT, Iowa—On September 11, 2020, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Hunter Morgan Uhde, age 24, of Thornton, Iowa, to 160 months in prison for Receiving and Distributing Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Uhde was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund and $27,000 in restitution, and comply with sex offender registry requirements upon release.

On February 14, 2020, Uhde pleaded guilty to Count One of a two-count Indictment. The investigation began in February 2019 with a tip from the Homeland Security Cyber Crimes Center based on activity through the “Kik” app in relation to a username associated with Uhde between November and December 2018. A search warrant was conducted on Uhde’s residence in Coralville, Iowa. Agents found multiple electronic devices containing child pornography.

Uhde admitted to possessing child pornography on his phone and participating in illicit activities involving child pornography. After forensic examination of Uhde’s devices, Uhde was found to have possessed 1,400 images and two videos of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by United States Department for Homeland Security and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

BOSTON – A former Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) employee was sentenced today for embezzling nearly $70,000 in VA funds.

Michael Donaher, 41, of Lakeville, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to time served (approximately one day), three years of supervised release with the first six months to be served in a sober house, and ordered to pay $69,720 in restitution. The government recommended a sentence of one year and one day incarceration. In May 2020, Donaher pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft of public money, property or records after being arrested and charged in January.

Donaher worked as an Inventory Management Specialist for the Veterans Affairs Medical Facility in Brockton and was responsible for purchasing various equipment necessary for use in the facility. Donaher conducted fraudulent transactions using his government-issued purchase cards and routed the proceeds to his personal bank account. He attempted to conceal these fraudulent purchases by making it appear as if the purchases were made through a large company that the VA frequently used for legitimate business, when, in fact, they were actually made through a company Donaher created through a mobile payment company. These purchases were not for actual items ever received by the VA. Furthermore, Donaher attempted to hide this fact by annotating the items as having been received within the VA’s accountability system. Donaher fraudulently routed approximately $70,000 of VA funds to his personal account since the scheme began in 2016.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – With the sentencing of three Houston men today, all four convicted for their roles in the robberies/attempted robberies of six local banks are now headed to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Gregory Babers, 30, Julien Francis, 29, and Jarrick Hoskins, 31, had previously pleaded guilty. A federal jury deliberated for two hours before convicting Eric Beverly, 31, Feb. 26, following a less than two-day trial. He was convicted of five counts of aiding and abetting the robbery of local banks and aiding and abetting the attempted robbery of another as well as six counts of aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during the commission of the robberies.

Today, U.S. District Lynn N. Hughes imposed total sentences of 84, 51 and 100 months for Babers, Francis and Hoskins, respectively, representing terms for the underlying robberies and additional penalties for the respective firearms convictions. Last week, the court ordered Beverly to serve 42 years for the firearms charges in addition to five years for the robberies and attempted robberies. The sentences are all to be served consecutively. The total 47-year-sentence will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At Beverly’s hearing, the court heard additional evidence that he was a leader/organizer of the armed robbery crew. In handing down the sentences, the court noted teach member of the robbery crew was responsible for the actions of the others.

“For almost a year, these individuals endangered Houston citizens by committing over 20 bank robberies in our area,” said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI. “Their arrests are a testament to the teamwork displayed by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force. As we continue protecting our citizens, the FBI hopes these sentencings will bring closure for the victims, as well as an opportunity for the defendants to pay their debt to the community.”

During trial, the jury heard Beverly and other members of his crew committed six armed bank robberies and had robbed three of the banks more than once. The take-over style robberies occurred between Aug. 25, 2014, and May 2, 2015. During the crimes, two or more men wore masks and entered the banks while at least one of them brandished a firearm and put people’s lives in jeopardy. While in the banks, one or more of the men demanded money from employees at gunpoint, jumped over teller counters and grabbed money from teller drawers.

Jurors also heard testimony that Beverly participated in an attempted robbery. He did not get any money due to the bank’s bullet-proof bandit barriers.    

At trial, the jury saw videos and photos from each of the robberies and heard testimony from five bank tellers explaining how the armed robbers wore masks and gloves. The jury also considered phone records showing how the robbers used their cell phones to communicate with each other.

At the time of their pleas, Babers, Francis and Hoskins admitted to their respective roles as lookouts, drivers and inside-men.

The FBI Violent Crime Task Force, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Wirsing and Jill Stotts are prosecuting the case.

Law enforcement officers seized nearly two dozen firearms from Gregg's residence.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Bates City, Missouri, man has been charged in federal court after law enforcement officers seized nearly two dozen firearms and illegal drugs from his residence.

Daniel Dewayne Gregg, 57, was charged in a two-count criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Friday, Sept. 11. The federal criminal complaint charges Gregg with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, law enforcement officers identified Gregg as a major supplier of methamphetamine trafficking following several controlled drug purchases. Officers executed a search warrant at Gregg’s residence on Friday, Sept. 11, and placed him under arrest.

Gregg told officers that he had been dealing crystal methamphetamine continuously for at least the past six months, the affidavit says. Gregg stated that he was a kilogram-level dealer of crystal methamphetamine and had sold, at a conservative minimum, at least 12 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine per month for the past six months. Gregg stated he had several large-scale customers who purchased at least a half-kilogram of methamphetamine from him at a time. Gregg said he purchased methamphetamine for $12,000 per kilogram and sold it for about $13,000 per kilogram.

Officers located a large firearms safe in the basement of Gregg’s residence that contained 22 firearms and a large amount of cash. Officers also searched Gregg’s vehicle and found 151.6 grams of methamphetamine, 436.5 grams of marijuana, and 207 prescription pills in unlabeled pill bottles. Officers also found methamphetamine inside a fanny pack. They found a loaded Smith and Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on top of the fanny pack. Gregg told officers he had the firearm because he had been threatened by individuals wanting to do him harm, the affidavit says, and Gregg stated he had the firearm in case those individuals came to his residence to harm him.
 
The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Operation LeGend
Operation LeGend is a federal partnership with local law enforcement to address the increase in homicides and violent crime in Kansas City, Mo., in 2020. The operation honors the memory of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, one of the youngest fatalities during a record-breaking year of homicides and shootings. Additional federal agents were assigned to the operation from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man previously convicted of multiple felonies admitted today to possessing a firearm and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Sharif Clarke, 38, of Irvington, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to a superseding indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Dec. 3, 2018, Clarke knowingly possessed a Glock .40-caliber handgun loaded with nine rounds of Remington ammunition. At that time, Clarke had previously been convicted in Essex County Superior Court of resisting and eluding arrest and of possession of a controlled substance on school property, both of which are felonies.

The charge to which Clarke pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2020.

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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, and the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the leadership of Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah A. Sulkowski of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pled guilty to an escape charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Sean Anthony Nalle, 35, pled guilty to walking away from a halfway house earlier this year.

“Bad idea. Nalle was about a month away from his release. Now he faces up to five years in prison,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Nalle admitted that in February 2020, he left Dismas Charities, Inc., a Bureau of Prisons residential reentry facility, without permission and did not return. He had been confined at Dismas because of a previous federal gun crime conviction.

Nalle faces up to five years imprisonment when sentenced on November 10, 2020.

The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Negar Kordestani 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. 2:20-cr-00089.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pled guilty to a child pornography offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Trent S. Davis, 29, pled guilty to possession of child pornography involving minors.

“Davis planned his deviant acts,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “He believed he was communicating with the parent of young girls. It is wrong on so many levels to think that is okay. He went further to make arrangements to meet the minors. The investigation also uncovered images and videos of younger children on his cell phone and computer that are too appalling to imagine.”

Davis admitted that on April 27, 2020, he arranged with a person he believed to be the parent to two minor females, ages 12 and 14, to travel from his job in Eleanor, West Virginia to Ashland, Kentucky, in order to engage in sexual activity with both minor girls. On the way to the meeting location, Davis stopped to purchase condoms to use during the sexual activity. Davis was arrested when he arrived at the meeting location in Ashland. A subsequent search of his cell phone revealed numerous images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, including videos depicting the sexual abuse of toddlers and images and videos depicting sadistic conduct. A search of Davis’ residence located additional computer equipment that also contained child sexual abuse materials. 

Davis faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on December 14, 2020. If convicted he will be required to register as a sex offender.

The Ashland (Kentucky) Police Department and the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald and law student intern Makeia Jonese are handling the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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. 3:20-cr-00072.

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Princeton woman pled guilty to conspiring with another person to distribute child pornography, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Elizabeth Kaye Haway, 43, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute child pornography.

“Protecting our children is my highest priority,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “My office takes all Project Safe Childhood cases very seriously and prosecutes them to the fullest extent possible. That being said, even among those cases, this one stands out for the considerable degree of lifelong physical and mental trauma that Haway has inflicted on this young victim.”

Haway admitted that she began talking with codefendant Randall Peggs, of Wheeling, on Facebook in November 2018. Over the course of several months, Haway and Peggs conspired to distribute child pornography of Victim 1, a 5-year-old female minor child. The majority of their communications occurred on Facebook Messenger and conversations focused on Haway’s desires to touch and sexually violate Victim 1 while recording it to send to Peggs. Peggs encouraged Haway to record and send him nude videos of Victim 1 and told her that he would watch anything she sent him. Ultimately, Haway recorded a video of child pornography depicting a nude Victim 1 and sent the video to Peggs twice via Facebook in February 2019.

Haway faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on December 14, 2020. Haway currently is serving a state prison sentence for first degree sexual assault, sexual abuse and incest involving the same minor female child. Peggs previously pled guilty on August 3, 2020 to a federal child pornography charge arising out of this incident. His sentencing is scheduled for November 9, 2020.

This case was investigated by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is handling the prosecution.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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. 1:19-cr-00304.

Follow us on Twitter:SDWVNewsand USAttyStuart

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Assistant U. S. Attorneys Emily W. Allen (619) 546-9738, Oleksandra Johnson (619) 546-9769, and Randy Grossman (619) 546-6761

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY– September 14, 2020

SAN DIEGO – Mendel Goldstein, the owner of a videography business based in Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court today to tax evasion charges relating to a long-running conspiracy with his brother, Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein.

Until around 2018, Yisroel Goldstein was the director and head rabbi at Chabad of Poway, a tax-exempt organization that the brothers used to divert Mendel Goldstein’s income and conceal more than $700,000 in earnings from the IRS.  They hid the money by depositing it into Chabad accounts, then secretly funneling it back to Mendel Goldstein by writing checks to fictitious names like “Mr. Green,” “Mr. Gold,” or “Mr. Fish.”

According to his plea agreement, beginning in 2012, Mendel Goldstein agreed with his brother Yisroel Goldstein that Mendel Goldstein could deposit his freelance videography income directly into bank accounts owned by Chabad of Poway. This allowed Mendel Goldstein to avoid reporting his entire income to the IRS.  In return, the brothers agreed that Yisroel Goldstein would keep 10 percent of Mendel Goldstein’s income as his fee—amounting to about $70,000.  Mendel Goldstein saved approximately $155,881 in taxes he should have paid to the IRS.

As Mendel Goldstein admitted today, the conspiracy operated for several years until December 2018. At that time, Yisroel Goldstein discovered that he was under investigation for tax evasion and other crimes.  He warned Mendel Goldstein about the investigation and encouraged him to conceal his tax evasion by filing delinquent tax returns.

In July 2020, Yisroel Goldstein, along with five other associates, pleaded guilty to fraud charges, admitting that he participated in a complex, years-long, multi-million dollar tax-evasion scheme and other financial deceptions involving theft of public money. Among the schemes he admitted as part of his guilty plea, Yisroel Goldstein outlined the tax avoidance conspiracy he operated with Mendel Goldstein.  Yisroel Goldstein has agreed to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant on April 26, 2021.

“People who cheat on their taxes are cheating all honest taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “We will not tolerate the exploitation of non-profit and religious organizations to line the perpetrators’ pockets at society’s expense.”

“The law clearly states that income is subject to tax and must be reported, from whatever source derived, including compensation for services,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Mr. Mendel Goldstein admitted that he broke the law by hiding over $700,000 in income and willfully evading his taxes for over six years. His tax crime is made even more egregious because he exploited the tax-exempt status of Chabad of Poway to cheat the United States. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that the IRS will diligently continue our important enforcement efforts despite the ongoing challenges posed by Covid-19. We will work alongside our law enforcement partners in a collective effort to enforce the law and ensure the public trust.”

“This investigation uncovered a conspiracy of crimes involving fraud, deception and evasion that used the cloak of a tax-exempt religious organization, the Chabad of Poway, for personal financial benefit,” said Suzanne Turner, Special Agent in Charge of FBI's San Diego Field Office.  “The FBI takes seriously the harm that financial crimes have on our country. We are all expected to follow the rule of law, and the FBI is charged with enforcing these laws.   Today, Mendel Goldstein has been reminded of this important lesson, as he acknowledged with his guilty plea.”

Judge Bashant presided over today’s arraignment and guilty plea. Mendel Goldstein is next scheduled to appear at a sentencing hearing on December 14, 2020 at 9 a.m.

NEW DEFENDANT AND SUMMARY OF NEW CHARGES

Mendel Goldstein, Case Number 20CR2772-BAS            Age: 63           Brooklyn, NY

Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 371

Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison

PREVIOUSLY CHARGED DEFENDANTS AND SUMMARY OF CHARGES                   

Yisroel Goldstein, Case Number 20CR1916-BAS             Age: 58           Poway

Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 371

Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison

Alexander Avergoon, Case Number 19CR2955-BAS       Age: 44           San Diego                  

Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 1343

Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison

Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, USC 1028A

Maximum Penalty: Two years minimum consecutive term in prison

Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, USC 1956(a)(1)(B)(i)

Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison

Bruce Baker, Case Number 20CR1912-BAS                     Age: 74           La Jolla

Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and file false tax returns, in violation of Title 18, USC 371

Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison

Bijan Moossazadeh, Case Number 20CR1893-BAS         Age: 63           San Diego

Filing a False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, USC 7206(1)

Maximum Penalty: Three years in prison

Yousef Shemirani, Case Number 20CR1895-BAS            Age: 74           Poway

Filing a False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, USC 7206(1)

Maximum Penalty: Three years in prison

Boris Shkoller, Case Number 20CR1913-BAS                  Age: 83           Del Mar

Filing a False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, USC 7206(1)

Maximum Penalty: Three years in prison

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Katherine Decker, 49, of Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to three years and seven months in prison for a disability benefits fraud and identity theft scheme, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, between June 14, 2013, and May 1, 2017, Decker and co‑defendant Angela Stubblefield, 49, of Tacoma, Washington, formerly of Martinez, participated in a scheme to defraud the State of California by filing fraudulent claims for disability insurance benefits with the California Employment Development Department (EDD). In furtherance of the scheme, Decker and Stubblefield used Decker’s position as an employee with the EDD to file fraudulent claims for disability benefits and to fraudulently extend existing disability claims, using the names and identities of real persons with and without their knowledge. In total, the conspiracy resulted in 15 fraudulent disability claims, resulting in a loss to the EDD of approximately $373,566.

This case is the product of an investigation by EDD’s Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shea J. Kenny and Amy S. Hitchcock are prosecuting the case.

On Feb. 10, Decker and Stubblefield pleaded guilty to the fraud scheme. Stubblefield is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Mueller on Nov. 9. A hearing to determine the restitution amount is also scheduled for Nov. 9.

United States Attorney Trent Shores today announced the results of the September 2020 Federal Grand Jury B. The grand jury returned 55 unsealed and eight sealed indictments.

“We have experienced another first in our District with more than 60 indictments being returned by the federal Grand Jury. I could not be any prouder of the diligent work of my entire team. Our attorneys, support staff, and administrative staff have worked tirelessly to pursue our mission of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “This month we were also lucky to have the help of federal prosecutors and support staff from other U.S. Attorney’s Offices who volunteered to work in Tulsa for the next six months. They were essential to our efforts this month and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.”

The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

Dalton Wayne Abel. Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Possession of a Firearm While Addicted to a Controlled Substance. Abel, 23, of Owasso, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Ruger 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol. Abel was previously convicted in 2015 for Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance. Abel is also charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm while being addicted to methamphetamine. The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.

Mark Paul Adlawan. False Statement to a Firearms Dealer.Aldawan, 56, of Afton, is charged with knowingly making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. According to court documents, Aldawan falsely filled out an ATF Form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record, to the effect that he had not previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, whereas in fact, he had been convicted of Domestic Abuse – Assault and Battery in 2002. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the investigative agency.

Juan Alaniz. Possession of a Firearm by an Alien Illegally in the United States;Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. Alaniz, 46, of Tulsa, is charged with being an alien unlawfully in the United States in possession of a Mossberg International .22LR caliber rifle and ammunition. Alaniz is also charged with reentry of a removed alien, having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported on or about June 2, 2011, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Terrance Alexis Anderson. Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, Dating Partner in Indian Country; Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle or Suffocate in Indian Country; Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Anderson, 40, of Bristow, is charged with assaulting his partner by strangling and stabbing her, causing substantial bodily injury. The FBI and Bristow Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Joshua Dale Armstrong. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child in Indian Country. Armstrong, 33, of Tulsa, is charged with sexual abuse of a minor. From Jan. 1, 2018 to April 16, 2020 Armstrong knowingly engaged in sexual acts with a child under the age of 12. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Jarrod Dale Armstrong.Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Armstrong, 39, of Jennings, is charged with being a felon in possession of Japanese 7.7mm caliber bolt-action rifle; a Kessler Arms Corp. 16 gauge bolt-action shotgun; a Winchester .25-20 caliber lever-action rifle; a Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (Mossberg) .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle; a Remington 12 gauge pump-action shotgun; a Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle; a Smith and Wesson .40 S&W caliber semi-automatic pistol; and associated ammunition. Armstrong has been convicted of five previous felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the investigative agency.

Joshua Aaron Attocknie. Possession of Stolen Vehicle in Indian Country.Attocknie, 38, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle. Attocknie unlawfully and knowingly possessed a 2016 black Audi A5 and a 2020 black Chevrolet Silverado previously stolen from a dealership and rental company by unknown parties. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Richard Howard Barnett III. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of a Firearms During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Barnett, 24, of Tulsa, is charged with possession of methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute. Barnett is further charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and using a place for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and using methamphetamine and heroin. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Alvaro Bazan. Aggravated Identity Theft; Misuse of Social Security Number; False Statement in Application for Passport. Bazan, age unknown, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly using another individual’s identification without lawful authority. Bazan is also charged with knowingly making a false statement in an application for a passport by attempting to use a social security number that was not his own. The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General is the investigative agency.

Davion Marque Beard. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Beard, 32, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock GMBH 9 x 19mm caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. Beard was previously convicted of second degree murder while committing a felony. The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.

Dustin Grover Bruner. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Bruner, 38, of Sapulpa, is charged with assaulting a man by stabbing him with a knife. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Philip Thomas Burris.Felon in Possession of Firearm. Burris, 32, of Miami, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Samsun Defense S.A. (Canik) 9 x 19mm caliber semi-automatic pistol. Burris is a 5-time convicted felon. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Miami Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Quapaw Tribal Marshal Service are the investigative agencies.

Kendal Jane Copeland. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Copeland, 26, of Tulsa, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency.

Desmond Lee Cousino. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Cousino, 24, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock GMBH 9x19mm caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Glock GMBH .40 S&W caliber semi-automatic, and ammunition. Cousino is a six-time convicted felon. The FBI is the investigative agency.

Ibanga Etuk; Olusola Ojo. Bank Fraud Conspiracy; Bank Fraud. Etuk, 40, of Tulsa, and Olusola Ojo, 41, of Owasso, conspired together and with others to commit bank fraud from April 1, 2020 to August 4, 2020. Etuk and Ojo created 18 businesses entities that would fraudulently apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under false pretenses such as the number of employees, payroll expenditures, taxes paid during previous months, details of business ownership, and a false representation of their relationship with one another. During this time, Etuk and Ojo submitted multiple applications for the same businesses to several different banks, without disclosing to those banks that they were submitting duplicative applications. They conspired to obtain loans in the total approximate amount of $5,130,585 and actually obtained funding from banks in the total approximate amount of $995,385. The Federal Reserve Board-Office of Inspector General (OIG); Small Business Administration-OIG, and FBI are the investigative agencies.

Jared Andrew Evans. Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, Dating Partner in Indian Country; Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle or Suffocate in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Evans, 28, of Sapulpa, assaulted his dating partner by strangling her, hitting her to the ground, and kicking her with his feet. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Parris Deshaunte Evitt. Cyber Stalking. Evitt, 30, of Tulsa, violated a protective order issued against him when he allegedly cyber stalked a female victim from October 29, 2018 through September 3, 2020, placing the victim in fear of death and serious bodily injury and causing substantial emotional distress.  The FBI is the investigative agency.

Sheriah Shae Fox. Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Fox, 24, of Sapulpa, is charged with assaulting another woman with a knife. The FBI and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Bradley Don Goodin. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor under 12 in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child under 12 in Indian Country. Goodin, 46, of Sapulpa, from January 1, 2019 to October 5, 2019, engaged in sexual acts with an Indian minor under the age of 12. The Sapulpa Police Department, Creek County Sheriff’s Office and FBI are the investigative agencies.

Randy Alan Hamett. Kidnapping in Indian Country; Carjacking; Possessing and Receiving a Stolen Firearm and Stolen Ammunition;Possession of a Firearm While Subject to a Domestic Violence Protective Order; Burglary in the Second Degree in Indian Country; Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Stalking in Indian Country; Domestic Violence in Indian Country; Interstate Violation of a Protective Order;Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Hamett, 63, of Choctaw, allegedly violated a protective order by stalking his former spouse, breaking into her home, and assaulting and kidnapping her on April 25 and April 26, 2017.  He is also charged with brandishing a firearm during the crime, carjacking, possessing a stolen firearm and ammunition, and possessing firearms and ammunition while subject to a protective order. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Broken Arrow Police Department, Siloam Springs Police Department, and the Rogers State University Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Harlan Frank Hardiman. Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. Hardiman, 50, of Tulsa, is charged with voluntary manslaughter after getting in a fight with another male and killing him by punching him in the head. The FBI is the investigative agency.

Sha-Lisa Harlin. Murder in the First Degree in Indian Country (count 1); Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country (counts 2-3);Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (count 4).Harlin,39, of Tulsa, is charged with deliberately shooting and killing a male victim on May 22, 2020. Harlin is further charged with attempting to assault two females. Finally, Harlin is charged with being a felon in possession of a .25 Auto caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Michael Charles Hicks.Carjacking. Hicks, 50, of Tulsa, is charged with stealing a 2015 Cadillac Escalade from its owner by force, violence, and with the intent to cause the victim serious harm. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Imari Jamil Hines. Felony Child Abuse in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury of a Child under the Age of Sixteen in Indian Country. Hines, 34, of Tulsa, on April 28, 2020, willfully injured a twelve year old boy by striking him repeatedly with a belt. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 

Carl John Irons Jr. Murder—Second Degree in Indian Country. Irons, 19, of Tulsa, is charged with second degree murder after killing a juvenile male using a firearm. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Christopher Allen King. Felon in Possession of Firearm; Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. King, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Mossberg 12 gauge pump-action shotgun and multiple round of various ammunition. Further, King is charged with being in possession of two destructive devices not registered to him in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record, specifically, an incendiary bomb contained in a 99 butterscotch bottle and an incendiary bomb contained a tequila rose bottle. King is an 8-time convicted felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Arthur Ray Kratz.Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country. Kratz, 38, of Tulsa, on March 11, 2020, allegedly broke into the victim’s home to commit a crime and assaulted the victim with a metal bar. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 

Redex Lester Jr. Murder in the Second Degree in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Lester, 53, of Tulsa, is charged with second degree murder and assault after he killed one man and seriously injured another in a multi-vehicle car accident. At the time of the accident, Lester was allegedly intoxicated, speeding, and driving with a suspended license from a previous DUI conviction. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Kelsey Dawn Lipp. First Degree in Indian Country Felony-Murder; Robbery in Indian Country. Lipp, 25, of Tulsa, allegedly caused the unlawful killing of Dustin Michael Barham when she and others robbed the victim at gun point. In the commission of the robbery, Barham was murdered. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies.

Tymalk Quane Love; Anthony Ward Irving; Casey Joe Eastwood. Drug Conspiracy (counts 1-2); Importation of a Controlled Substance- Fentanyl (count 3); Smuggling Goods Into the United States (count 4); Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility (counts 5-34); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (counts 35 and 36). From approximately January 2018 through February 2019, Love, 30, of Tulsa; Irving, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona; and Eastwood, 34, of Purdy, Missouri, conspired to distribute heroin and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (count 1). According to the indictment, Love organized the conspiracy using contraband cell phones from inside the Oklahoma Department of Corrections where he was an inmate. Other members of the conspiracy allegedly included a “Wholesaler,” defendant Irving, a bulk distributor from Arizona who sold the drugs to the facilitator; a “Facilitator” who purchased drugs from bulk distributors and sold the drugs to mid-level drug dealers; and a “Distributor”- defendant Eastwood, who bought drugs from the facilitator.  Love profited by selling drugs to mid-level drug dealers at higher prices than what Love had paid the wholesaler. Love is further charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl (count 2); importing/smuggling fentanyl into the United States (count 3 and 4); using a cell phone to direct his illicit drug operation (counts 5-27); and possessing a Taurus 9 mm pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes on Jan. 31, 2018 and Feb. 7, 2019 (Count 35-36). Finally, Eastwood is charged with using a cell phone as part of the drug conspiracy (counts 28-34). The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Kung-Gi Lowe. Attempted Robbery in Indian County; Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian County. Kuna-Gi Lowe, 35, of Bixby, is charged with attempted robbery in Indian Country and with attempted assault of a female victim using a knife. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Robert Joseph Marder. Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country. Marder, 30, is charged with breaking and entering another’s dwelling with intent to commit a crime and with assaulting an individual present in the dwelling. The FBI is the investigative agency.

Franklin Thomas Markwardt. Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country. Markwardt, 42, of Broken Arrow, is charged with breaking and entering another’s dwelling with intent to commit a crime while those residing in the home were present. The FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Adam Raymond Mason. Murder in the First Degree in Indian Country; Arson in Indian Country. Mason, 29, of Bristow, is charged with the premeditated murder of his daughter. He is also charged with maliciously setting a fire to a structure in Bristow. You can find the initial press release here. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department, and the Creek County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies.

Douglas Eugene Norris. Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Norris, 56, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Norinco, 7.62x39 mm caliber rifle. Norris has 10 previous felony convictions. Norris is also charged with breaking and entering another’s residence with the intent to commit a crime, including theft. The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.

Shana Larena Osborne. Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft. Osborne, 44, of Tulsa, is charged with devising a scheme to defraud Sam’s Club through the unauthorized use of a stolen membership card. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency.

Luis Ernesto Pando. Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute. Pando, 22, of Borger, Texas, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The Tulsa Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration are the investigative agencies.

Sarah Michelle Presley. Sexual Contact in Indian Country. Presley, 26, is charged with having sexual contact with the victim without permission. The FBI is the investigative agency.

Bobby Ray Prouty. Indecent Exposure in Indian Country. Prouty, 43, knowingly exposed his genitals and masturbated in public. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Jarrett Wayne Raby. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country; Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Raby, 47, of Sapulpa, is charged with assaulting a male victim by striking him with his fist and brass knuckles, resulting in serious bodily injury. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Chase Wayne Rider. Sexual Abuse in Indian Country.Rider, 25, of Broken Arrow, is charged with knowingly sexually abusing a female victim while she was incapable of consenting to the act. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Randy Paul Shelby. Information About Bombs in Courthouse. Shelby, 40, of Sand Springs, is charged with conveying false and misleading information by making a telephone call to the Tulsa Police Department stating that another individual had planned to make a bomb and blow up the Tulsa Country Courthouse. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Thomas Jason Smith. Burglary in the Third Degree in Indian Country;Felon in Possession of Firearm. Smith, 40, of Copan, is charged with breaking and entering a pickup truck belonging to another person with intent to steal property. He is further charged with being a felon in possession of an Armsan (Tri-Star) 12 gauge, semi-automatic shotgun. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Devin Charles Staller. Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Staller, age unknown, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Montgomery Ward Savage 16 gauge, pump-action shotgun. Staller was previously convicted of 10 felonies. The FBI is the investigative agency.

Jason Robert Terry, Sr. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Terry, 44, of Tulsa, is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from May 1, 2018, to May 21, 2020. The Tulsa Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service are the investigative agencies.

Bobby Brian Thompson. Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, Dating Partner in Indian Country; Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle or Suffocate in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Thompson, 39, of Bristow, is charged with assault by strangling, striking, throwing to the ground, and kicking a female victim. The FBI and Bristow Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Thiyagarajah Thurairajah. Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Thurairajah, 48, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting a male victim with a knife. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

James Douglas Valdez. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.Valdez, 38, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Taurus 9mm, semi-automatic pistol and associated ammunition. Valdez was previously convicted of seven felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Broken Arrow Police department are the investigative agencies.

Jerrick Lee Wadley; Story Christopher Smith. Conspiracy-Armed Robbery in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country. Wadley, 20, and Smith, 21, both of Tulsa, conspired to commit robbery. On Sept. 2, 2019, the defendants identified a victim and his residence as a robbery target. According to the indictment, Story forcibly entered the front door while Wadley served as lookout. Story then allegedly pointed a firearm at two victims demanding their keys, wallets, drugs and cell phones. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Craig Alan Morrison; Amanda Lyn Walker. Child Abuse in Indian Country; Enabling Child Abuse in Indian Country. Morrison, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with abusing and injuring a child. Walker, 41, of Tulsa, is charged with enabling Morrison to abuse the child. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Sean Wasson. Possession of Heroin With Intent to Distribute.  Wasson, 27, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute heroin. The Drug Enforcement Administration is the investigative agency.

Johnny Ray Watson. Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute. Watson, 39, of Glenpool, is charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Blake Clifton Williamson. Possession of an Unregistered Rifle Having a Barrel of Less Than 16 Inches in Length. Williamson is charged with knowingly possessing a rifle having a barrel length of less than 16 inches, that is, an Anderson Manufacturing multi-caliber short-barreled rifle, not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.

Jason Ray Willis. Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. Willis, 44, of Pryor, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Beretta .40 S&W caliber, semi-automatic pistol. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.

Devante Joe Youngblood. Felon in Possession of Firearm; Possession of an Unregistered Weapon Made From a Rifle Having a Barrel of Less Than 16 Inches in Length. Youngblood, 27, of Stroud, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Heritage Repeating Arms Co., .22LR caliber weapon made from a rifle. The firearm, made from a rifle having a barrel of less than 16 inches in length, was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Youngblood was previously convicted of six felonies. The Bristow Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.

ST. GEORGE, UT – A St. George man will serve 24 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a financial fraud scheme that took advantage of the trust of a couple who were members of a church congregation he attended. The sentence includes an enhancement for causing substantial hardship to the victim.

U.S. District Judge David Nuffer, who imposed the sentence Thursday, also ordered Gregory Moats Sampson, age 46, to pay $250,000 in restitution to the couple and to serve 36 months of supervised release when he finishes the prison sentence.

“Affinity fraud continues to hurt Utahns. Scammers will use any social connection available to gain your trust and take your money,” said Chris Parker, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce. “We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the cooperative effort with our Division of Securities.”

“Many of our federal fraud prosecutions focus on losses in the millions. With this case, Utah fraudsters should take note of the stiff penalties that await them in smaller cases, as well. There is no sweet spot in fraud loss where schemers can fly under the radar and get away with it,” U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said today.  “Once again, we remind Utah investors to beware of the risks associated with big promises from purported friends and neighbors.”

 According to documents filed in court by federal prosecutors and a plea agreement reached in the case, Sampson met the victims, identified as J.S. and K.S., around 2012 when he was their real estate agent.  J.S. had $250,000 to invest after selling a home in Australia.  Sampson, according to the court documents, told them he had invested funds for others in the past and he could help them invest the $250,000.  

J.S. and K.S. were not sophisticated investors and believed they could trust Sampson based on other relationships they had with them. He told them that by investing with him, they could realize a return of $1 million in 8 to 10 years and that they would receive stock certifications in a company.  He told them that since they were friends, he would not charge them for their investment. 

The victims trusted Sampson and in February 2014, they wrote him a check for $250,000 to Sampson’s business account as an investment for retirement.

Sampson spent the money for his own personal use rather than investing it as promised.  He used $98,320.19 to pay off a personal loan; transferred $82,000 to a company owned by his brother, and transferred $20,000 to a company he owned that had nothing to do with an investment. In fact, Sampson used all of the $250,000 of the victims’ investment within one month, federal prosecutors said.

When the victims sought documentation showing a portfolio of investments, Sampson did not provide any.  However, he consistently told them their investment was performing well.  According to documents filed in court, when J.S. and K.S. eventually confronted Sampson and demanded documentation or their money back, he told them “And you know who gets screwed in the deal?  You do…and it’s not to say that I’m trying to protect my own ass because I’m not going anywhere, I promise you, if I need to disappear, I would have already been gone.  I’ve got enough money that I can disappear if I need to…”  

Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.  Investigators with the Utah Division of Securities investigated the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury today has indicted Charles Couser, age 27, of Baltimore, Maryland, on the federal charges of carjacking, using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.

According to the five-count indictment, on January 31, 2020, Couser carjacked an individual at gunpoint.  The next day, the indictment alleges that Couser possessed cocaine and fentanyl with intent to distribute the drug.  Further, the indictment alleges that Couser possessed a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol and 14 .40-caliber jacketed flat point cartridges in furtherance of his drug distribution.  Finally, the indictment alleges that Couser knew that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a previous felony conviction.

If convicted, Couser faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for carjacking; a mandatory seven years and a maximum of life in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence; a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl; a mandatory five years and a maximum of life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  Couser is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore in the near future.  He is currently detained on related state charges.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Goldsticker, who is prosecuting the case.

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TEXARKANA, Texas – A 49-year-old Cass County, Texas, man has pleaded guilty to a federal drug violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.

Bryan Lee Simmons pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. Magistrate Judge Roy S. Payne, agreeing to be sentenced to four years in federal prison and not to engage in the practice of law for at least three years thereafter.

According to information presented in court, beginning in July 2019 and continuing through August 2019, Simmons agreed with others to distribute methamphetamine in the Cass County Jail. Specifically, on August 29, 2019, he entered the Cass County Jail under the guise of meeting with a client. When he entered the jail, he had methamphetamine hidden on his body, which he intended to distribute to an inmate. Simmons had smuggled drugs into the jail on at least two prior occasions. When Simmons drove to the jail that day, he was carrying a Colt MK IV 0.45 caliber pistol.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Simmons with federal drug trafficking crimes on March 18, 2020. Under federal statutes, Simmons faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers Division, with assistance from the Cass County, Texas, District Attorney’s Office and the Cass County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan R. Hornok.

ASHLAND, Ky. - A Dayton, Ohio man, Robert Amos, 33, was sentenced in federal court on Monday, to 140 months in prison, before U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for possession with intention to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to his plea agreement, Amos admitted that when he was stopped by law enforcement, he was in possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl for distribution. 

Amos pleaded guilty in May 2020.           

Under federal law, Amos must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.  Upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for six years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and J.T. Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by DEA and the FADE Drug Task Force.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker. 

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

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ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – Jonathan Neal Sexton, a Bristol, Virginia man, who corresponded with and sent lewd pictures to an FBI employee he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 144 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to a series of charges related to the distribution and possession of child pornography. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and David W. Archey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.

Sexton, 33, pleaded guilty in June 2020 to two counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.

According to court documents, between February 2020 and May 2020, Sexton used the chat application KIK to correspond with who he believed to be a 14-year-old female. The 14-year-old was actually an undercover employee of an FBI Human Trafficking & Child Exploitation Task Force. During these chats, despite the “teen” being in the “clean area” of the KIK app, Sexton engaged the “teen” in conversations about masturbation, sex toys, sexual intercourse, and other topics. He also sent pictures of sex toys and videos of himself masturbating. He routinely asked the “teen” to send him nude pictures and referenced the time when they could see each other and engage in sexual conduct.  On multiple occasions, Sexton sent the “teen” pictures of prepubescent females nude and engaging with prepubescent males in sexual conduct.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Virginia State Police, United States Marshal’s Service, and the Bristol, Virginia Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary T. Lee and Lena Busscher prosecuted the case for the United States. 

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 exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

United States Attorney Drew H. Wrigley announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota completed its investigation and entered into settlement agreements with Joe Black’s Bar and Grill and the Hub Pub to resolve allegations that these restaurants violated the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"). Both restaurants are owned and operated by Dennis Blackmun and Joe Schneider and are popular establishments in downtown Grand Forks.

The settlement agreements resolve ADA complaints alleging that Joe Black’s Bar and Grill and the Hub Pub were not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. During its investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office found that neither establishment offered dining spaces or black jack gaming spaces to accommodate wheelchairs. As part of the settlement agreements, Joe Black’s Bar and Grill and the Hub Pub will provide accessible dining tables in both restaurant facilities, and both restaurants will also provide an accessible black jack gaming space to accommodate customers using wheelchairs. The Hub Pub, which created an accessible entrance during its 2016 renovations, will provide signage to patrons communicating the location of its accessible entrance.

Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of "public accommodation," including restaurants and bars, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or raises issue of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.

U.S. Attorney Wrigley noted the owners of Joe Black’s Bar and Grill and the Hub Pub cooperated throughout this investigation and he commended their commitment to the ADA. "The corrective measures agreed to by Joe Black’s Bar and Grill and the Hub Pub will give individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy two prominent downtown Grand Forks restaurants, as is required by the ADA. We hope other proprietors will proactively comply with this important civil rights law. Our Office remains committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities will have full and equal access to places of public accommodation in North Dakota."

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa H. Burkland of the District of North Dakota.

2020 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. The Justice Department will continue to use its enforcement and technical assistance tools to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in North Dakota is not accessible to persons with disabilities may file a complaint online at www.ada.gov or contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 701-297-7400.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Marion County, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Mark William Osburn, 39, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release by U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut.

According to court documents, on September 23, 2018, an Oregon state trooper stopped Osburn after observing him commit several traffic violations. Osburn gave the trooper a fraudulent Washington State driver’s license in another man’s name. A records check revealed that the other man had an Oregon concealed handgun license, proving that the license Osburn produced was a fake. Troopers searched Osburn’s car and found ten fentanyl pills, approximately 74 grams of methamphetamine, and a pistol.

In a separate incident in December 2018, Salem Police officers executed a search warrant at a local motel room after receiving information that Osburn and his girlfriend were selling drugs out of the room. Officers found and seized methamphetamine, user quantities of cocaine and heroin, digital scales, several firearms, ammunition, counterfeit currency, fake identification cards, and $2,300 in cash, among other items. Officers also found a shotgun in Osburn’s vehicle.

Osburn told investigators that he and his girlfriend had been living in the motel room for two months. He admitted to using and selling methamphetamine, and claimed to have sold up to a kilogram of methamphetamine in a 24-hour period. He further admitted to trading drugs for firearms.

Osburn was charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; two counts of felon in possession of a firearm; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and one count each of possession of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. On February 8, 2020, Osburn pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. Osburn has an extensive criminal history that includes six prior state convictions for delivering methamphetamine

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Oregon State Police, and the Salem Police Department. It was prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Regional Office of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), Patrick J. Freaney, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the United States Secret Service (“Secret Service”), and Roberta Reardon, Commissioner of the New York Department of Labor, announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging CHRISTOPHER FERRERA and ASHLEY BOURDIER with operating a scheme to fraudulently file for unemployment insurance under the names of other people.  FERRERA and BOURDIER were arrested this morning and will be presented and arraigned later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker.

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As alleged, Christopher Ferrera and Ashley Bourdier fraudulently applied for and received unemployment benefits by using the identities of other people.  Thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners, the defendants are now facing prosecution for their alleged crimes.”

DOL-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Michael C. Mikulka said:  “Investigating fraud involving the Unemployment Insurance Program is an important part of the mission of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, particularly now when our nation is providing billions of dollars in unemployment benefits to American workers in need due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate unemployment insurance fraud.”

Secret Service Deputy Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Freaney said:  “The U.S. Secret Service remains dedicated to working with our partners in combatting identity theft and financial fraud.  These alleged criminal actions have a lasting effect on the victims by undermining their most basic sense of security by stealing their identities to perpetrate financial crimes.  I would like to commend the investigative efforts of the New York Department of Labor and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Labor in working with the U.S. Secret Service in bringing today’s charges.”

New York Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said:  “Unemployment Insurance fraud is something that we fight every day. However, for these criminals to use a pandemic for their personal gain while millions of New Yorkers legitimately need this assistance is even more despicable.  I applaud the work of all of our law enforcement partners including the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Secret Service for helping to keep money out of the hands of these thieves. We will continue to work with them to combat unemployment insurance fraud and hold these criminals accountable.”

As alleged in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

From March 2020 through August 2020, CHRISTOPHER FERRERA and ASHLEY BOURDIER engaged in a scheme to obtain unemployment insurance by fraudulently filing for benefits using the names and social security numbers of more than 25 other people.  As a result of their scheme, FERRERA and BOURDIER received over $200,000 of unemployment insurance benefits from at least three different states.

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FERRERA, 25, of the Bronx, New York, and BOURDIER, 27, of New York, New York, are each charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  FERRERA is also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Ms. Strauss praised the work of DOL-OIG, the Secret Service, and the New York Department of Labor.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Thomas S. Burnett is charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.