LAS VEGAS, Nev.– A federal jury convicted a Texas woman Monday for her role in a child sex trafficking conspiracy to recruit and exploit a child in multiple states, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI.

“Sex trafficking — especially when it involves preying on children and forcing them into commercial sexual exploitation — subjects victims to appalling cruelty,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chiou. “Combatting human trafficking remains one of our office’s top priorities. Working closely with our law enforcement and community partners, our dedicated prosecutors are focused on bringing traffickers to justice and off the streets, away from victims.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from August 2018 to September 2018, Demecia Shontres Washington, 42, of Dallas, Texas conspired with co-defendant Jimmy David Washington Jr., 35, of Lubbock, Texas, to recruit and coerce a child — who had not yet reached 18 years old — to engage in commercial sex acts and to produce child pornography. Demecia Washington and Jimmy Washington Jr. transported the child from Texas to New Mexico and Nevada with the intent that she engage in prostitution.

After a six-day trial, Washington was found guilty of one count each of: conspiracy to commit sex trafficking; sex trafficking; conspiracy to transport for prostitution or other criminal sexual activity; transportation for prostitution or other criminal sexual activity; conspiracy to sexually exploit children; sexual exploitation of children; and distribution of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the trial and scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 1, 2021.

The statutory maximum penalty for sex trafficking, transportation for purposes of prostitution, and conspiracy to commit those offenses is life in prison, with mandatory minimum penalties of 10 years for each offense. The statutory maximum penalty for sexual exploitation of children and conspiracy to commit that offense is 30 years in prison, with mandatory minimum penalties of 15 years for both offenses. The statutory maximum penalty for distribution of child pornography is 20 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum penalty of five years for that offense.

Co-defendant Jimmy Washington Jr. previously pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor for purposes of prostitution. He was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Burton and Bianca Pucci are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc.

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PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, PA on charges of violating various federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Jamaar Alexander Blakey, 37, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on September 26, 2020, Blakey is accused to have possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The Indictment further alleges that on October 19, 2020, Blakey possessed ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

Tampa, Florida – Joamary Rosario (30, Tampa) today pleaded guilty to knowingly and intentionally distributing a substance containing a mixture of heroin, acetyl fentanyl, and fentanyl to an individual who died as a result of using the substance. Rosario faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, and up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, on November 6, 2018, G.S. contacted Rosario, his regular drug dealer, and ordered 10 bags of heroin. Rosario agreed and a few hours later, she and her supplier delivered to G.S. at his hotel 10 bags of a mixture of heroin, acetyl fentanyl, and fentanyl. That night, G.S. used one bag of the drug mixture and died by overdose. The next day, G.S.’s friend discovered his body and called 911.

Law enforcement officers found the unused bags of drugs in G.S.’s hotel room, along with his cellphones. The officers discovered G.S.’s drug-related text messages with Rosario on one of the phones. Posing as G.S., the officers ordered more of the same drugs from Rosario. A few hours later, Rosario arrived at the hotel as planned and was arrested. Rosario had in her possession several bags of drugs, each containing heroin, acetyl fentanyl, and fentanyl mixed in the exact same proportions as the bags of drugs that Rosario had sold to G.S. the night before.

This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael M. Gordon.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – James Gray, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was found guilty today of a firearms charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

After a one-day trial, the federal jury found Gray, 43, guilty of one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Gray, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, had a .380 caliber pistol in October 2020 in Marshall County.

Gray faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250 ,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Perri and Jennifer T. Conklin are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
 

CAMDEN, N.J. – Two Pennsylvania men who robbed a bank in Carneys Point, New Jersey, in July 2018 while brandishing a firearm were both sentenced today to federal prison, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Antwaine Thomas, 41, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 272 months in prison and Kareem Moore, 31, of North Wales, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 168 months in prison. Both previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez to an indictment charging them with armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a bank robbery. Judge Rodriguez imposed both sentences today in Camden federal court.

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

On July 30, 2018, Thomas and Moore walked into the Fulton Bank in Carneys Point, Salem County. Thomas pointed a loaded handgun at four bank employees while demanding cash. Thomas then handed the handgun to Moore, and Moore also demanded cash while displaying the handgun in such a way that the bank employees could see it. Thomas and Moore took cash from the bank and fled. Responding officers arrived at the bank within minutes of the robbery, and after a brief foot pursuit across the street, they tackled and arrested Moore, who had a portion of the proceeds hidden inside of his pants. Thomas was arrested several hours later, and he was captured on surveillance video in a nearby residential area, disposing of the cash, gun, and his clothing. 

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Rodriguez sentenced both Thomas and Moore to five years supervised release, and ordered them to each to pay $103,444 in restitution. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Salem County Prosecutor John T. Lenahan; officers of the Carneys Point Police Department, under the direction of Chief Dale VanNamee; and officers of the Penns Grove Police Department, under the direction of Lt. Jason Spera, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencings.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Harberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Antoine Miller, 36, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, Miller admitted that on April 28, 2020, he possessed a Ruger 9 mm handgun at Renaissance Circle in Charleston. Miller is prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of a prior federal Hobbs Act conspiracy conviction, for which he spent over 10 years in federal prison.

Miller pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 7, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement.  Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew is handling the prosecution.

The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing.

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-00092.

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Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE NUNEZ-TORRES, also known as “Jose Nunez” and “J-Money,” 21, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven to one count of theft of government property and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 29, 2019, Nunez-Torres and Dominque Perry stole a 2016 Honda Accord from a residence in Newington.  The vehicle was the property of a federal law enforcement agency, and contained fully loaded firearm magazines for multiple weapons, ammunition, handcuffs and other restraints, a ballistic vest and its component parts, and raid jackets.  After stealing the vehicle, Perry drove the Accord to a location in Bloomfield where he Nunez-Torres removed the vehicle’s tires and rims.  Nunez-Torres and Perry subsequently sold the tires and rims, and advertised the sale of loaded firearm magazines, ammunition, ballistic vest and other items.

The vehicle and its tires and rims have been recovered, but some of the law enforcement equipment that was in the car has not been located.

Nunez-Torres was arrested on March 1, 2019, and he was subsequently released on bond.

In the afternoon of November 14, 2020, Nunez-Torres was arrested on state charges after law enforcement officers encountered him sleeping in a stolen car that was parked on an I-91 off ramp in Hartford.  A search of the car revealed two stun guns, a black metal collapsible baton, and distribution quantities of fentanyl and marijuana.  He has been detained since his arrest.

Theft of government property carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Nunez-Torres is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on August 3, 2021, in Hartford.

Nunez-Torres’ federal plea agreement also indicates that he will plead guilty in state court to risk of injury of a minor related to his intending to impair the morals of a minor under the age of 16, and to larceny offenses related to his earlier theft of two additional vehicles, a 2016 Nissan Maxima valued at $17,000 and a 2012 BMW 528 valued at $22,000.

Perry pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property and, on February 3, 2020, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by four months of home confinement.  Judge Chatigny also ordered Perry to pay $1,560 in restitution for the missing equipment.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Newington Police Department, the Hartford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021. 

“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”

“The citizens of the Eastern District of Oklahoma are safer because of our men and women in law enforcement who diligently protect and serve. We owe our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement officers and agents a profound debt of gratitude, and it is only fitting we honor them this week,” said Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.   

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve. 

During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored.  Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19.

Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020.  LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.  

The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 PM EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021. 

Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.

To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.
 

GREAT FALLS – A Havre man accused of beating and strangling a woman on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation pleaded guilty to an assault crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Joseph Tyler Henderson, 28, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. Henderson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Aug. 26.  Henderson was released pending further proceedings.

According to court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Feb. 26, 2020 and into Feb. 27, 2020, Henderson was out drinking alcohol with the victim, a dating partner identified as Jane Doe, and a mutual friend. The three were in a pickup truck, with the friend driving. Henderson and the victim began to argue, and Henderson struck the victim several times. The assault continued after the group reached a residence, and the victim attempted to flee the property. Henderson followed, punched the victim multiple times and strangled her to unconsciousness. The victim was treated for injuries at Northern Montana Hospital in Havre.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Cobell is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Rocky Boy’s Police Department.

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BOSTON – A Miami woman was arrested today in connection with allegedly filing and obtaining fraudulent pandemic-related loans and using those funds for personal expenses.

Danielle Miller, 31, of Miami, Fla., was arrested and charged today in a criminal complaint with one count of wire fraud. Miller will appear in U.S. District Court in Miami tomorrow and will make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Boston at a later date.

According to the complaint, Miller allegedly accessed the online Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) account associated with a Massachusetts resident and then used that victim’s personal identifying information to open a bank account and to apply for a federally-funded Economic Injury Disaster loan (EIDL) through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In August 2020, more than $102,000 in SBA loan proceeds were deposited into that account. 

After receipt of these fraudulent loan proceeds, Miller allegedly used the bank account in the victim’s name to book a private flight from Florida to California, using a counterfeit Massachusetts driver’s license in the victim’s name but bearing Miller’s photograph, and conducted ATM transactions using the bank account in the victim’s name. 

As alleged in court documents, Miller maintains an active social media presence via her Instagram account, which has more than 34,000 followers. Posts to this account include a post showing Miller at various luxury hotels in California where transactions were made using the bank account in the victim’s name. For example, the luxury hotel Petit Ermitage allegedly posted a $5,500 charge to this bank account in September 2020, a few days after Miller’s Instagram account posted a photo of Miller that was geotagged to the Petit Ermitage.

It is alleged that the same IP address used to apply for the fraudulent SBA loan was also used to access the online RMV accounts of other individuals and to apply for more than $900,000 in SBA loans under those other identities.

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security’s Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized field investigative group comprised of personnel from various local, state, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Chief of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old Laredoan has been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to transport illegal aliens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. 

Jose Maria Ramirez pleaded guilty Nov. 24, 2020, while co-conspirator Eloy Martinez-Carranza entered a guilty plea Dec. 8, 2020.

Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered Ramirez to serve a 57-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted how Ramirez has repeatedly broken the law and has had his supervised release revoked multiple times. Judge Marmolejo further explained there was sufficient evidence to show he was heavily involved in the conspiracy and was correctly held accountable for the aliens in the tractor-trailer as well as the stash house.

Martinez-Carranza, 35, of South Carolina, received his sentence April 30. Judge Marmolejo ordered him to 36 months in prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.

On Oct. 1, 2020, Martinez-Carranza approached the US-83 Border Patrol checkpoint driving a semi-truck and trailer. Soon after his arrival, a K-9 alerted to the presence of contraband in the trailer.

Authorities cut the seal on the trailer and found 40 illegal aliens, including three unaccompanied minors. The inside temperature was approximately 109 degrees. Law enforcement also observed coffee grounds scattered around the trailer.

Martinez-Carranza claimed he was traveling to Laredo from South Carolina to work as a trucker. However, he did not have a commercial driver’s license or any training as such.  

Upon further investigation, authorities identified a location suspected to be the stash house for the illegal aliens. Law enforcement conducted surveillance and stopped a vehicle leaving the house with Ramirez as the driver.

Authorities searched the home and found a total of 22 illegal aliens, including more unaccompanied minors.

Ramirez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Harrison prosecuted the case.

MISSOULA – A Missoula man accused of dealing large quantities of methamphetamine in the community and of having nine pounds of the drug at his property and vehicle admitted to a trafficking crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Terry David Starrett, 53, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth as charged in a superseding information. Starrett faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Sept. 2 before U.S. District Court Judge Donald W. Molloy. Starrett was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement served a federal search warrant on Jan. 7 and recovered more than nine pounds of meth from Starrett’s rental property and his vehicle. Nine pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 32,616 individual doses. The government further alleged that Starrett sold an undercover informant about two ounces of meth in December 2020 and that he trafficked meth from Washington to Montana once or twice a week. In addition, in the fall of 2020, Starrett traveled to California with another person and returned to Missoula with about 15 pounds of meth. Fifteen pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 54,360 individual doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, the Missoula Police Department, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri River Drug Task Force.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants

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BOSTON – A Worcester man pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Nicholas Briggs, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 30, 2021. Briggs was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2020.

On July 4, 2020, Briggs was arrested by police for carrying a loaded Glock pistol. Briggs is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions punishable by more than one year in prison.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

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. PSN is part of the Department’s 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 the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

BOISE— In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”

“This is a time for all of us to honor and pay tribute to our law enforcement heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez. “We will never forget their sacrifice and we will keep their families and fellow officers in our hearts and minds. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Bonneville County Deputy Sheriff Wyatt Christopher Maser, whose name was inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year. His death last May was a true tragedy and a reminder of the risk our law enforcement partners take daily.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.

During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19. Here in the District of Idaho, one law enforcement officer died in the line of duty last year. Among the 394 names of law enforcement officers added this year to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., is one Idaho law enforcement officer – Bonneville County Deputy Sheriff Wyatt Christopher Maser (EOW 5/18/2020).

Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020. LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.

The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.

Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.

To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Masood Sharifipour, age 36, of Guilderland, New York, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his role in a marijuana trafficking and money laundering conspiracy.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Acting Inspector in Charge Joshua McCallister, Boston Division, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

Sharifipour pled guilty in March 2019.  He admitted that from December 2013 through June 2017, he worked with others to transport at least 100 kilograms of marijuana through various means, including couriers, the U.S. Mail, and private shippers, from California to the Capital Region.  

Sharifipour further admitted that during the conspiracy, he sent at least 50 packages containing drug proceeds to co-conspirators in California via the U.S. Mail and private shippers.  Sharifipour used Post Office boxes in the Capital Region, as well as residences in Schenectady, Niskayuna, Loudonville, Guilderland, and elsewhere, occupied by himself, or people whom he knew, for the purpose of receiving shipments of marijuana from his co-conspirators in California.

Law enforcement searches of two of his residences, in 2017, recovered approximately 46 pounds of marijuana and $315,000. 

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also sentenced Sharifipour to a 4-year term of supervised release, to begin following his term of imprisonment.

This case was investigated by USPIS, HSI and IRS-CI, with assistance from the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Austin Suarez, age 26, of Hudson, New York, was sentenced today to 100 months in prison for aiding and abetting the theft of firearms from Zero Tolerance Manufacturing, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Ghent, New York.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also sentenced Suarez to a 3-year term of supervised release and ordered that he pay restitution of $624.

Suarez pled guilty on January 11, 2021.  As part of his plea, Suarez admitted that on February 18, 2020, he and co-conspirator Duane Thompson agreed that Thompson would break into and steal firearms from Zero Tolerance Manufacturing.  Suarez aided Thompson in obtaining a pry bar and two-way radios to use during the burglary.  That evening, Suarez drove and dropped off Thompson outside the store, knowing that Thompson would break into the store, steal firearms, and return to Suarez’s car with the stolen firearms.  Thompson did in fact break into the store and stole five (5) AR-style rifles from within the store, and returned to Suarez’s vehicle, at which point they left the area with the stolen firearms.

Thompson, age 26, pled guilty in October 2020 to stealing the firearms from the gun store.  He was sentenced in March to 24 months in prison. 

The stolen rifles were recovered in the course of the investigation.

This case was investigated by ATF, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Neeko Allen, age 29, of Troy, New York, was ordered detained today following his arrest last week on child pornography charges.  The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  

The criminal complaint against Allen, a registered sex offender, alleges that Allen distributed multiple images of child pornography over the internet.  The charge in the criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

The charge against Allen carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a post-release term of supervision of between 5 years and life, and a fine of up to $250,000. 

Allen made his initial appearance on May 7 before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart.  At a hearing conducted today, Judge Stewart ordered Allen detained pending trial. 

This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Rotterdam, Troy, and Colonie Police Departments and the New York State Police.   The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams. 

The case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood.  Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).  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 https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Brian Pickett, age 40, of Troy, New York, was arrested last week on a child pornography charge.  The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  

The criminal complaint against Pickett, who is a registered sex offender, alleges that Pickett possessed multiple videos of child pornography on his electronic devices.  The charge in the criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

The charge against Pickett carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, a post-release term of supervision of between 5 years and life, and a fine of up to $250,000. 

Pickett made his initial appearance on May 7 before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart.  He is detained pending a detention hearing on a future date. 

This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Rotterdam, Troy, and Colonie Police Departments and the New York State Police.   The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams. 

The case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood.  Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices  and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).  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 https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

Assistant U. S. Attorneys Matthew Brehm (619) 546-8983 and Joseph J. Orabona (619) 546-7951

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY– May 11, 2021

SAN DIEGO – After a two-day jury trial, Zachary Alexander Karas of San Diego was found guilty of possessing incendiary devices known as Molotov cocktails at a protest that began on May 30, 2020 in La Mesa. After the jury returned a guilty verdict, Chief District Judge Dana M. Sabraw remanded Karas into custody. Sentencing is set for August 13, 2021, at 9 a.m. before Chief Judge Sabraw.

“No one should bring a Molotov cocktail to disrupt a protest,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This was a serious crime that had potential to cause significant damage.” Grossman commended prosecutors Matthew Brehm and Joseph Orabona, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI, and investigators from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for their excellent work on this case.

“Today’s verdict sends a message to those who utilize lawful, peaceful protests to disguise their criminal acts,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. “Zachary Karas was in possession of a functioning incendiary device which, thankfully, was not used. Regardless, citizens have the right to peacefully assemble without threat of disruption, criminal activity, or violence. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect those who are exercising their constitutional rights as well as protecting the safety of the community.”

“ATF is the Federal agency primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the federal laws pertaining to destructive devices, explosives, and arson,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Monique Villegas. “ATF will use all its resources to ensure destructive devices (Molotov cocktails) are not being used in our communities. We are glad the jury delivered the guilty verdict sending a message to those who consider creating their own devices for criminal use.”

According to evidence presented at trial, on May 31, 2020, at 2:00 a.m., hours after police had declared an unlawful assembly and given numerous dispersal orders, Karas was standing in the middle of the road at the intersection of  Allison Avenue and Spring Street, blocking traffic as part of the protest in La Mesa.

At the time of the protest in La Mesa, several fires had been set, and those fires damaged buildings and  property. In fact, Karas was standing in the street in front of the Chase and Union banks that had been set ablaze. In the early morning hours of May 31, 2020, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers gave orders to the crowd, including Karas, to disperse for an unlawful assembly. However, Karas and others refused, and Karas was arrested for refusing to leave his position in the middle of the street. After his arrest, officers discovered that Karas possessed two glass bottles with wicks that contained gasoline and two smoke bombs.

In video-recorded statements, after being read his Miranda rights, Karas stated that he made the Molotov cocktails and brought them to the La Mesa protest because he intended to use them to set fires, but claimed he ultimately did not cause any fires. Karas explained in the statement, “And I heard of the fires. So I came back out with the, yes, intention to start a fire, but I did not have a part in the fire.” Karas said he got the bottles from a Rite Aid parking lot and used 87 octane gasoline as the fuel. He claimed that he had acted alone.

A chemist with the ATF laboratory in Atlanta, Georgia, tested the liquid found inside Karas’ Molotov cocktails and confirmed it was gasoline. An explosives enforcement officer with the ATF received the chemist’s analysis, inspected the physical evidence, and found that the Molotov cocktails were functioning destructive devices.

A special agent with the ATF inspected the Molotov cocktails and found them to be functioning incendiary devices.

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 20CR1842-DMS                                           

Zachary Alexander Karas                               Age: 29                       San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device – Title 26, U.S.C., Section 5861

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

AGENCIES

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Federal Bureau of Investigation

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A former nursing assistant was sentenced today in federal court for murder and assault charges in the deaths of eight veterans at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Reta Mays, 46, of Harrison County, West Virginia, was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences, one for each murder, and an additional 240 months for the eight victim. Mays pleaded guilty in July 2020 to seven counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of veterans Robert Edge Sr., Robert Kozul, Archie Edgell, George Shaw, W.A.H., Felix McDermott, and Raymond Golden. She pleaded guilty to one count of assault with intent to commit murder involving the death of veteran Russell Posey.

“In a case where we are confronted with the horrific crimes committed by the defendant against those who gave so much of themselves to serve this country, justice is somewhat of an elusive concept. No amount of prison time will erase the pain and loss that the families of these eight brave and honorable men have experienced. These men are heroes in our community, state, and country, and deserved so much more,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bernard. “Mays will now spend every minute of the rest of her life where she belongs, in prison.”

Mays was employed as a nursing assistant at the VAMC, working the night shift during the same period of time that the veterans in her care died of hypoglycemia while being treated at the hospital. Nursing assistants at the VAMC are not qualified or authorized to administer any medication to patients, including insulin. Mays would sit one-on-one with patients. She admitted to administering insulin to several patients with the intent to cause their deaths.

“While responsibility for these heinous criminal acts lies with Reta Mays, an extensive healthcare inspection by our office found the facility had serious and pervasive clinical and administrative failures that contributed to them going undetected,” said VA Inspector General Michael J. Missal. “I hope that the victims’ families can find some measure of solace knowing that Mays was caught and punished, and that steps are being taken to help ensure other families do not suffer the same loss. I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and the West Virginia State Police for their strong partnership throughout this complex investigation.”

“It is beyond disturbing that someone would seek out the opportunity to work as a medical professional to aid the sick, and then twist their duty and willingly end the life of their patients,” said FBI Pittsburgh Acting Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples. “I hope today’s sentence brings peace and closure to the families of these veterans. It certainly sends the message that when you break the trust you are given and, in the process break the law, there are consequences, no matter who you are or what your profession is.”

This investigation, which began in June 2018, involved more than 300 interviews; the review of thousands  of pages of  medical records and charts; the review of phone, social media, and computer records; countless hours of consulting with some of the most  respected forensic experts and endocrinologists; the exhumation of some of the victims;   and the review of hospital staff and visitor records  to assess their potential interactions with the victims.  Today’s sentence was the result of the tireless and comprehensive efforts of both criminal investigators and healthcare experts.  

Mays was also ordered to pay a total of  $172,624.96 to the victims’ families, the VA Hospital, Medicare, and insurance companies. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the FBI investigated. The West Virginia State Police and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, assisted.

U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

Watch the press conferfence here.