Jackson, Miss – Ronnie Antwoine Arnold, 20, of Jackson, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and crack-cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

On December 19, 2018, Jackson police officers stopped a car driven by Arnold.  Inside the car, Arnold possessed a backpack that contained methamphetamine, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine, all individually wrapped.  In addition to the narcotics, Arnold possessed $1,290 cash.  Arnold was arrested by Jackson police and later released by the State on bond. 

On June 25, 2019, Arnold was indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  On June 27, 2019, Arnold again sold drugs, this time crack cocaine. Arnold was subsequently arrested by the FBI and ordered to be detained until trial on the federal indictment.  While detained and awaiting trial, Arnold was indicted by a federal grand on February 12, 2020, for possessing with intent to distribute the crack cocaine he sold while out on  bond in June 2019.

Arnold remains in federal custody and will be sentenced on July 27, 2021, by Judge Jordan.  He faces a penalty of up to 40 years in prison and up to $4,000,000 in fines.

These cases were investigated by the Jackson Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway is the lead prosecutor.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry, and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.

              ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Steven Barbone, 38, of To’hajiilee, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced to six years and four months in prison on April 12 for assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country.

              Barbone pleaded guilty to this offense on May 12, 2020. According to the plea agreement and other court documents, in Sept. 2019, Barbone arrived under the influence of alcohol at his estranged wife’s home on the Navajo Nation and held Jane Doe against her will for two days. Barbone admitted to punching Jane Doe and using a taser to cause bodily harm. At some point, Barbone injected Jane Doe with methamphetamine under threat and without her consent. Jane Doe was hospitalized for three days to treat and recover from her injuries.

              Upon his release from prison, Barbone will be subject to three years of supervised release.

              The Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fredrick T. Mendenhall prosecuted the case.

PORTLAND, Ore.—Aumontae Wayne Smith, 27, a known Hoover Criminal Gang member and resident of Portland, is facing federal drug and gun charges for his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug.

On April 6, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Smith with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and testimony, Smith and an unnamed accomplice conspired with one another to distribute fentanyl disguised as oxycodone pills in and around Portland. Smith advertised selling the fake oxycodone pills and guns via Snapchat posts that were observed by law enforcement. Investigators seized six firearms from Smith and his accomplice and, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Further investigation revealed Smith purchased 16 firearms since 2019 that linked to 17 different shootings in the Portland area between April and December 2020.

Smith voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement today and made his initial appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned and pleaded not guilty. A three-day jury trial is scheduled to begin on June 15, 2021.

This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau, FBI, and ATF. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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.

PLANO, Texas – A jury in Plano, Texas has convicted two Florida men of drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.

Omar Daniel Garcia-Agosto and Steven Thomas Mathis were found guilty by a jury for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine following a week-long trial before U.S. District Judge Sean Jordan.

“Today’s guilty verdict sends a clear message to drug traffickers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  “The Eastern District is dedicated to dismantling their organizations—from top to bottom—and disrupting the flow of illegal drugs through the State of Texas.  We appreciate the hard work of the DEA as well as our state and local partners in putting this case together.”

According to evidence presented in court, from at least January 2019, and continuing until their arrests in December 2019, Garcia-Agosto, 46, of Deltona, FL, and Mathis, 34, of Orlando, FL, were involved in a drug trafficking operation that was responsible for distributing hundreds of kilograms of cocaine through the United States, including the North Texas area.  Supplied by members of the Cartel Del Noreste in Mexico, the cocaine was sent to Laredo, Dallas, and Houston, Texas.  From there, couriers transported the multi-kilogram shipments by car to Florida and locations in New York.  The defendants then purchased and distributed cocaine throughout the United States.  The investigation included the seizure of approximately 30 kilograms of cocaine and more than $300,000 in currency.

Following their conviction at trial, each defendant faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life 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 effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Rockwall Police Department, the Mesquite Police Department, Lewisville Police Department, the Collin County Sheriff’s Office and the North Texas Criminal Interdiction Unit.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ernest Gonzalez and Colleen Bloss and Special Assistant United States Attorney Bethany R. Pickett.

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier this week, an Indictment was unsealed charging six defendants with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a scheme to fraudulently acquire personal protective equipment and event tickets, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. 

On April 8, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a sealed Indictment against STEVEN MESROP, 29, of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada; MIRNA MAHROUS HABIB, 24, of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; ROBERT VINNIK, 26, of Ontario, Canada; KATAYUN OSKOI, 24 of Ontario, Canada; CAROLINA MESROP, 23, of Ontario, Canada, and DIJON CORNELIUS SHEPARD, 27, of Los Angeles, California.  All defendants were charged with conspiracy.  In addition, Steven Mesrop and Vinnik are charged with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the Indictment, Mesrop and his associates operated a scheme to use stolen credit card and identity information to induce businesses to provide goods and services, such as event tickets and personal protective equipment, to resell for a profit.  At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is alleged that the conspirators began targeting U.S.-based businesses selling goods that were scarce due to the pandemic.  The conspirators allegedly used stolen credit card information to purchase items such as nitrile gloves, masks, and gowns and to resell them to third parties.  The Indictment alleges the conspirators operated the scheme from Canada, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Greece, and Dubai.  The Indictment alleges the conspirators targeted sports teams and event venues throughout the United States and Canada, including Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The Indictment further alleges that Mesrop and his associates used 21 different alias email accounts and information from 52 stolen credit cards to purchase over 1,800 tickets to Oklahoma State University athletic events between November 2019 and January 2020.  In March 2020, the conspirators allegedly used stolen credit card information to purchase approximately $18,000 worth of toilet paper from a paper supply company in Oklahoma City.

Mesrop was arrested on March 18, 2021, in Georgia.  On March 24, 2021, Mesrop was ordered to be detained pending trial.  On April 16, 2021, Shepard was arrested in Los Angeles, California.  The other defendants remain at large. 

If convicted of conspiracy or any wire fraud count, each defendant faces a term of imprisonment on each count up to 20 years.  If convicted of aggravated identity theft, each defendant faces an additional two years in prison per count, to be served consecutively to a sentence on any other count of conviction.  Each count of conviction also includes a fine up to $250,000. 

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations New York’s El Dorado Task Force, the New York City Police Department, and the Irvine (California) Police Department, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Farrior.

The public is reminded these charges are merely accusations and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  Attached is the Indictment the federal grand jury returned in this matter.

Reference is made to court filings for further information.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that an Aberdeen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Distribution of Child Pornography.

Charles Chambers, age 36, was indicted on April 6, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on April 13, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about February 23, 2021, Chambers knowingly distributed and attempted to distribute child pornography that has been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

The charge is merely an accusation and Chambers is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Aberdeen Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Black Hawk, South Dakota, man convicted on two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, District Judge.

Dana Greening, age 26, was sentenced on April 15, 2021, to 100 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The charges relate to Greening, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Glock, model 19, 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Hi-Point, .40 caliber pistol, both with obliterated serial numbers.  The Glock pistol was among the 24 firearms that were stolen by two other individuals from The Rooster sporting goods store in Rapid City in August 2018.  During the investigation, 22 of the 24 stolen guns were recovered by law enforcement.

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

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.  

James McKinstry, age 73, was indicted on February 19, 2021.  McKinstry appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 24, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 5 up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to McKinstry receiving and possessing child pornography between September 2016 and July 2020 at Rapid City.   The charges are merely an accusation and McKinstry is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is a joint effort between the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.

McKinstry was released on conditions pending trial.  A trial date has been set for June 1, 2021. 

Smith, Chanthapannha and Wood were initially charged by the Fremont County Attorney’s Office. After consultation with local prosecutors, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming undertook their federal prosecution. All three defendants entered guilty pleas in lieu of going to trial and were sentenced as follows: Smith received a total of 216 months’ imprisonment – 156 months for the drug conspiracy and a consecutive 60 months for possession of a firearm during the conspiracy; Chanthapannha received a total of 190 months’ imprisonment – 130 months for the drug conspiracy and a consecutive 60 months for possession of a firearm during the conspiracy; and Wood received 21 months’ imprisonment.

“It’s disheartening to see people like the defendants not only succumb to their addictions, but to then watch them profit from selling large quantities of meth and heroin to members of their community, ultimately destroying people’s lives,” said Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray. “We will not sit idly by and let criminals like Smith, Chanthapannha and Wood wreak havoc on the Fremont County communities and the Wind River Reservation by peddling drugs that cause a vicious cycle of addiction and crime. Instead, our office will remain steadfast in bringing these types of traffickers to justice and we will do so with the help or our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners.”

This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lander Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy W. Gist.

PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury in Providence on Friday returned a 17-count indictment charging a local man, who used the moniker “Mr. Vacation,” with using stolen Social Security numbers and personal identifying information of numerous individuals to apply for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funded unemployment insurance compensation from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor  and for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration.

It is alleged in the indictment that beginning in March 2020, Courtney Hilaire, 28, obtained from the Internet personal identifying information, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth of numerous individuals, then accessed commercial public records data bases to obtain additional information about the identity of his victims. In July 2020, using the stolen identities, Hilaire filed a least six applications for unemployment insurance payments from the State of Pennsylvania. On at least seven occasions beginning in August 2020, Hilaire withdrew fraudulently obtained CARES Act unemployment funds from bank accounts he accessed through ATMs in Rhode Island.

It is also alleged in the indictment that Hilaire, using the moniker “Mr. Vacation,” solicited the assistance of another individual to defraud the Small Business Administration by fraudulently seeking CARES Act Economic Injury Disaster Loans, a program which provides economic relief to small businesses that have experienced a temporary loss of revenue during the pandemic. It is alleged that Hilaire filed at least twenty-eight fraudulent applications with the Small Business Administration for Economic Injury Disaster Loans if he was not entitled to receive.

Hilaire, charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 14 counts of wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft, is the latest individual charged in federal court in Providence with allegedly running schemes to defraud CARES Act programs. Earlier this month, the United States Attorney’s Office publicly detailed investigations and charges brought against fraudsters who collectively have targeted more than $31 million in CARES Act funding.

To date, the United States Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island has charged 24 individuals with allegedly defrauding state unemployment agencies in Rhode Island and elsewhere and the Small Business Administration, of CARES Act relief funds made available to assist American families and business in need due to the pandemic. Several investigations are ongoing.

The indictment of Courtney Hilaire is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, Warwick Police Chief Colonel Bradford Connor, and Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.

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

The investigation that resulted in an indictment being brought against Hilaire for CAREs Act fraud was conducted by the Warwick Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department Special Squad, and Homeland Security Investigations.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William F. Ferland.

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A Cedar Falls man who illegally acquired and possessed firearms after shooting a man in the face in 2017 was sentenced today to more than 5 years in federal prison.

DeShaun Anthony Bullock, Jr., age 29, from Cedar Falls, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 2020 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a drug user.

Evidence at sentencing showed that Bullock shot a Waterloo man in the face in March 2017.  Bullock was acquitted of a charge related to the March 2017 shooting in state court; however, after the acquittal, he admitted to the shooting in text messages.  In July 2018, Bullock fraudulently obtained a state permit to carry weapons by lying about his drug use on the application form.  In March 2019, Bullock possessed a firearm during a drug transaction.  After officers observed the drug transaction, they conducted a traffic stop on Bullock’s vehicle and seized the firearm and marijuana.  A month later, in April 2019, Bullock fraudulently and illegally obtained a second firearm by lying about his drug use on an ATF form required to purchase the firearm.  In July 2019, officers executed a search warrant at Bullock’s residence and seized the firearm he bought in April 2019 and marijuana.  Bullock admitted to officers that he had been a user of marijuana since he was 13 years old. 

Bullock was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Bullock was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/page/file/1217186/download.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department. 

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

The case file number is 20-CR-02018.

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CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury has charged a Cincinnati man with impersonating a federal employee and making fake IDs claiming he was a Special Agent with Homeland Security and an employee of the Defense Logistics Agency, which is the Department of Defense’s combat logistics support agency.

David Lomache, 61, was arrested by federal agents on April 16 and his case was unsealed today. He is scheduled to appear in federal court for a detention hearing at 1:30pm on Wednesday. 

According to the indictment, Lomache fraudulently obtained a United States Federal Contractor badge in order to impersonate a civilian contractor technician for the Defense Logistics Agency.

In January of 2021, Lomache allegedly produced fake identification documents for both the Defense Logistics Agency and for Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”).

He is charged with two counts of fraud in connection with identification documents, a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and one count of impersonating a federal officer, which carries a potential maximum prison sentence of up to three years in prison.

Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Vance Callender, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations; and Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Gaffney Painter is representing the United States in this case.

Homeland Security Investigations has established a tip line for any additional victims. Anyone who believes they may be a victim of fraud in relation to this investigation is asked to call 866-347-2423 (TTY for hearing impaired: 802-872-6196) or visit the website at https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Acting U.S. Attorney William T. Stetzer joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and

celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 18-24 and features the theme, “Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.”

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of NCVRW by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. OVC supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond     forfeitures.

“National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time to honor and remember the millions of Americans who have suffered the shock and trauma of criminal victimization. We stand by these brave survivors and their families,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer. “This week, we also recognize and commend the thousands of victim advocates who serve crime victims with dedication and work tirelessly to advance victims’ rights, and support survivors with skill and compassion.”

The United States Attorney’s Office will commemorate the advancement of victims’ rights and highlight issues surrounding victimization by holding a Virtual Ceremony on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 11:00 am. This program is co-hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina, the Victim Services Interagency Council of North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Justice, and the Durham and Raleigh Police Departments. The keynote speaker is Ms. Deanna Walters, a survivor of intimate partner violence whose abuser was prosecuted by this office. Ms. Walters’ story was also featured on the 2014 award winning documentary titled “Private Violence.” Those interested in joining the event can register using this link:  https://usao.webex.com/usao/onstage/g.php?MTID=e0bb75a52a534a276abd6c3647b5a5d67.

For additional information about this year’s NCVRW and additional ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at https://www.ovc.ojp.gov/.

PROVIDENCE – A federal indictment returned by a grand jury on April 2, 2021, and unsealed on April 16, 2021, charges three individuals with having been in possession of dozens of fraudulent drivers’ licenses, fraudulent credit cards, equipment to produce credit cards, and lists of individuals stolen personal identifying information.

It is alleged in the indictment that Courtney Hilaire, 28, of Providence, Hugh A. Martin, 32, of Pawtucket, and Shawn K. Hilaire, 30, of Avon, MA, possessed devices and equipment used to create fraudulent credit cards with the use of stolen credit card numbers and personal identifying information, such as names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers.

According to information presented to the court following the arrest of Courtney Hilaire on April 5, 2021, a Warwick Police Department Captain discovered the three men reclined in a vehicle parked in a hotel parking lot in the early morning hours of  July 3, 2020. It was determined that the license plate on the vehicle was allegedly stolen from Norwood, MA.

After removing the individuals from the vehicle, Warwick Police allegedly discovered 33 counterfeit credit cards, numerous fraudulent drivers’ licenses from multiple states, equipment used to read and transfer information onto credit card magnetic strips, listings of  individuals identities and personal identifying information, and approximately $13,000 in crisp, clean $100 and $50 dollar bills.

The indictment charges the three men with conspiracy to possess fifteen or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, possession of fifteen or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, possession of device-making equipment, and aggravated identity theft.

Since the issuance of the indictment, further investigation into Courtney Hilaire’s alleged criminal activity has resulted in the return of 17-count indictment charging Courtney Hilaire with using stolen Social Security numbers and personal identifying information of numerous individuals to apply for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funded unemployment insurance compensation from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor  and for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration.

Courtney Hilaire is currently detained in both state and federal custody at the ACI. Arrest warrants have been issued for Hugh A. Martin and Shawn K. Hilaire.

The indictment of Hugh A. Martin, Courtney Hilaire, and Shawn K. Hilaire is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, Warwick Police Chief Colonel Bradford Connor, and Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland.

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Warwick and Pawtucket Police Departments.

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SOUTH BEND – Lafiamma Orona, age 33, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon his plea of guilty to possession of stolen mail, mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell. 

Orona was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, during the spring of 2020, Orona stole mail from mailboxes near Elkhart, Indiana.  The mail contained, checks, check books, debit and credit cards, and personal information of victims. Orona then forged checks, fraudulently used victims’ debit and credit cards, and opened new credit card accounts using victims’ stolen personal information. In May 2020, a description of the car stealing mail was broadcast to all local police departments.  On May 6, 2020, the car was located in Bristol, Indiana. Orona was driving the car and possessed fake drivers’ licenses with his own photo and victims’ names, stolen checks and check books, other stolen mail items, a handgun holster and a box of ammunition. On the road nearby, police found a loaded handgun that was thrown out of the car. The following day, police searched a house in Michigan where Orona was residing.  Police found more stolen mail items, stolen checks and check books, a printer with more fake drivers’ licenses, tools for forging checks, notebooks with victims’ personal information, handgun ammunition, and narcotics paraphernalia. In total, Orona had stolen items and checks valued at more than $226,000, stolen mail from approximately 46 victims, and the personal information of approximately 253 people.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department; Bristol Police Department; Cass County Sheriff’s Department (Michigan); and Cassopolis Police Department (Michigan).  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

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PROVIDENCE –  A Virginia truck driver detained by Naval Station Newport Police on April 2, 2021, when a routine background check conducted prior to his being allowed to enter the Navy base determined that he was wanted in Texas for felony assault of a child, appeared today in federal court in Providence on a charge of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity.

David Romero Reyes, 50, of Stafford, Virginia, was charged in U.S. District Court in Providence after an FBI and Rhode Island State Police investigation determined that Reyes allegedly had sexual contact in several states with a 15-year-old girl who was discovered in the sleeping compartment of his tractor-trailer by Naval Station Newport Police. The girl was reported missing from her Virginia home in July 2020, when she was 14 years old.

The girl entered the United States as an unaccompanied minor in February 2020.  She was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and placed in a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) facility.  HHS documents found in the truck indicate that in May 2020 she was removed from a Houston, Texas, HHS-funded facility by Reyes, who, according to HHS documents, identified himself as the girl’s distant relative. An FBI and Rhode Island State Police investigation determined that Reyes is a long-time friend of the girl’s father who lives in El Salvador and a distant cousin of the girl.

According to court documents, the girl resided in the Houston, TX, area with her mother and other relatives for several weeks after leaving the immigration detention center. The young teenager eventually left Texas with Reyes and began living in Virginia with a relative of Reyes. Shortly after moving to Virginia, when it became known by a family member that Reyes and the girl allegedly had a sexual relationship, the family member reported Reyes to law enforcement. Shortly thereafter, in July 2020, the girl left the home on a bicycle and was picked up nearby by Reyes. She was reported missing and had not been seen since. According to court documents, during the week the two travelled together in trucks driven by Reyes. On weekends they stayed at hotels or at an apartment rented by Reyes.

According to court documents, during interviews with law enforcement, Reyes and the now 15-year-old admitted to traveling together and engaging in sexual contact in multiple states. Investigators determined that Reyes, using the name David Romero, traveled in or through Rhode Island on at least six dates between February 1, 2021, and April 2,2021, the date of his arrest.

Reyes, detained in state custody since his arrest, appeared today in federal court in Providence on a criminal complaint charging him with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity and was ordered detained, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Newport Naval Station Police Chief Lieutenant Ruben Gutierrez, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.

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

Transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity is punishable by statutory penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment and lifetime federal supervised release.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.

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Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN GRINNELL, 36, of Lakewood, Ohio, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to distribution of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2020, Grinnell posed as a 15-year-old girl and met a female, who at the time was under the age of 12, on Omegle, an online chat website and mobile application that allows users to interact with strangers.  Shortly thereafter, he began communicating with the minor victim on Snapchat.  Grinnell told the minor victim to take sexually explicit photos and videos of herself and send them to Grinnell over Snapchat.  After the minor victim began to feel threatened by Grinnell, she unfriended and blocked Grinnell’s account.

Grinnell subsequently contacted a friend of the minor victim on TikTok and stated that unless the minor victim got in touch with him, he would post a video of the minor victim naked on TikTok.  Grinnell then posted sexually explicit videos of the minor victim on TikTok.  When a friend of the minor victim, who is also a minor, begged Grinnell not to post additional videos of the minor victim, Grinnell stated “I want a video of you begging me to not put them up. And you have to be topless in the video. If you don’t want any more of your friend stuff going out.”  After the friend told Grinnell that they would call the police, Grinnell responded “How are they gonna find me?”  Grinnell then proceeded to post another video of the minor victim on TikTok.

Grinnell has been detained since his arrest on September 23, 2020.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for July 19 at which time Grinnell faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Canaan Police Department, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Prosecutor’s Office and Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted byAssistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and Sarala V. Nagala through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

NEW BERN, N.C. – Jerome Davis, 39, of Brunswick County, was sentenced on Friday to 240 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, heroin, and crack cocaine, distribution of a quantity heroin, possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, cocaine base (crack) and marijuana, possession of firearm by convicted felon, and possession a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking.

According to court documents and evidence presented in court, on May 25, 2016, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office made a controlled purchase using a confidential informant of heroin from Davis in the area of Princess Place Drive in Wilmington, North Carolina.  Between March and September 2019, the Wilmington Police Department made several controlled purchases from Davis of either cocaine or a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl.

On September 27, 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wilmington Police Department conducted a search of Davis’ residence in Leland, North Carolina.  During the search, deputies found a loaded 9mm handgun, crack cocaine, cocaine, marijuana, and $27,000 in cash.  Davis was present during the search.  A storage unit used by Davis was also searched and a shotgun with a ten drum magazine and a stolen .357 handgun were recovered.  Davis is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Davis had prior convictions for felony burglary, assault inflicting serious injury, possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine and marijuana, conspiracy to sell or deliver heroin, sale of schedule I and II controlled substances, and felony resisting an officer with violence.

G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wilmington Police Department and the Brunswick and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Offices investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo  prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-cr-00183-FL.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Thursday, April 15, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Geneva Kristine Hudson, age 28, of Iowa City, to 270 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, distribution of five grams and more of methamphetamine, and distribution of 50 grams and more of methamphetamine announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Hudson was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow her prison term as well as pay $300 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation of Hudson began in 2019 when she was identified as having supplied heroin to individuals in Coralville. Hudson conspired with Bryant Smith, Jeffrey Goins, and Heather Simmons in the Iowa City and Coralville areas to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs. Hudson was arrested in Coralville in February of 2020 and was convicted after a jury trial held in Davenport in October of 2020.

This matter was investigated by the Johnson County Drug Task Force and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Thursday, April 15, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Tykeese McCray, age 44, of Iowa City, to three months in prison for Health Care Fraud and False Statements announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. McCray was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow her prison term and pay restitution in the amount of $118,943.19 and $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation revealed as early as 2011, McCray fraudulently completed application paperwork for the Section 8 housing assistance program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). On the initial application, as well as the annual recertification forms filed every year, McCray purposefully did not list her husband as a household member, nor did she include his income for purposes of determining her eligibility. McCray also falsified benefit forms by indicating she was single when, in fact, she was married. In addition to defrauding HUD, McCray also falsified forms for food assistance benefits (aka SNAP), childcare assistance, and medical insurance through Medicaid. As a result of falsifying records, McCray agreed she received $54,032 in entitled housing assistance, $31,385 in unentitled food assistance, $31,835.73 in unentitled medical assistance, and $1,690.46 in unentitled medical assistance for a total loss amount of $118,943.19.

This matter was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General and the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.