ARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Medo Hallack, of Inwood, West Virginia, has admitted to this role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Hallack, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Hallack admitted to working with another to sell cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” in August and September 2019 in Berkeley County.

Hallack faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 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.

This case is the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep.  This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally. 

OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

Related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-charged-six-state-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-cocaine

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Burns, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Burns, 34, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Burns admitted to using a phone to help sell fentanyl, cocaine base, and heroin in March 2020 in Monongalia County.

Burns faces not more than four years of incarceration and a fine of not more than to $250,000. 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. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

Related press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/seventeen-people-charged-heroin-and-crack-cocaine-distribution-operation
 

LAREDO, Texas – A businesswoman and her employee have admitted they were responsible for selling parts of a protected species, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Cecilia Castaneda, 63, pleaded guilty today, while Maria Luisa Garza-Salazar, 57, entered her plea Jan. 22. The Laredo women admitted to illegally selling hummingbirds. Castaneda owned and operated Herbario Corpus Christi, a business specializing in herbs and spices. Garza-Salazar was her employee.

Both women were charged under the Lacey Act for selling dried or parts of more than 160 hummingbirds. The Lacey Act still protects the migratory birds although they are no longer an endangered species. The law makes it a crime to import, sell, receive or acquire any wildlife which have been possessed, transported or sold in violation of any law.

Dried hummingbirds, or parts of the birds, are illegally packaged and sold commercially as love charms together with prayer cards. The hummingbirds are typically packaged in a paper sleeve and surrounded with red threads or envelopes.

In a companion case, Maria Guadalupe Garcia, 55, Laredo, admitted to selling more than 200 hummingbirds Oct. 28. She owned and operated Herbario Lupita, an herbal shop located in Laredo. 

“These guilty pleas send a clear message to wildlife traffickers that we and our law enforcement partners are in the business of identifying and apprehending those who exploit protected species for commercial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Phillip Land of the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS-OLE.) “We thank the U. S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas for holding these individuals responsible for their actions.”

Castaneda is set for sentencing Aug. 10, while Garcia’s hearing is scheduled for June 22. At those times, they each face up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

The FWS – OLE conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Game Wardens. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno is prosecuting the case.

ATLANTA – Mamadou Sow, Demarcus Myree, Boubacar Tivalo, and Jacob James, have been sentenced for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft related to purchases of massive quantities of cigarettes from Sam's Club retail locations in metro Atlanta. 

“Identity theft wreaks havoc on the lives of individuals and compromises the financial security of victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine.  “The sentences reflect the egregiousness of their conduct and the harm caused to dozens of victims, including individuals, financial institutions, and the retail establishments.”

“Identity thieves are a serious threat to our community because these scammers can steal so much of your hard-earned money and vanish before you’re ever alerted,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and its partners are constantly working to identify, arrest and prosecute criminals, like these, that are exploiting the security of our financial networks.” 

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Erskine, the charges and other information presented in court: Mamadou Sow, Demarcus Myree, and Boubacar Tivalo obtained Sam's Club memberships and membership cards in their names and aliases. From September 2018 through November 30, 2018, the defendants used dozens of stolen credit cards, issued by various financial institutions, to make unauthorized purchases of cigarettes at Sam's Club retail locations throughout metro Atlanta. In combination with some cash transactions, these three defendants purchased over $1.7 million worth of cigarettes during the scheme. Myree was also charged with possession of a stolen firearm.

From September 2018 to December 2018, Jacob James, who was charged in a separate indictment, purchased over $635,000 worth of cigarettes from Sam’s Club stores using stolen credit cards.

The defendants have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross as follows:

• Mamadou Sow, a/k/a Moussa Sow, 30, of Guinea, was sentenced to two years, six months in prison for access device fraud, to be followed by two consecutive years imprisonment for aggravated identity theft. He was also sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $749,772.31.  Sow was convicted on these charges on July 23, 2019, after he pleaded guilty.
• Demarcus Myree, a/k/a Yuri Markosov, 27, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years, six months in prison for access device fraud and possession of a stolen firearm, to be followed by two consecutive years imprisonment for aggravated identity theft. He was also sentenced to serve two years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $339,545.42.  Myree was convicted on these charges on June 26, 2019, after he pleaded guilty.
• Boubacar Tivalo, a/k/a Tivado Boubacar, 46, of Guinea, was sentenced to two years, six months in prison for access device fraud, to be followed by two consecutive years imprisonment for aggravated identity theft. He was also sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $664,305.52.  Tivalo was convicted on these charges on September 10, 2019, after he pleaded guilty.
• Jacob James, a/k/a Mark Johnson and Joe Johnson, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years in prison for access device fraud, to be followed by two consecutive years imprisonment for aggravated identity theft. He was also sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $635,242.75.  James was convicted on these charged on November 24, 2020, after he pleaded guilty.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
 
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly K. Connors prosecuted the case.
 
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

LAREDO, Texas – A 37-year-old legal permanent resident (LPR) of Mexico has pleaded guilty to participating in a drug importation conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Jose Martinez Torres had been residing in Chicago.

On Feb. 2, Torres attempted to enter the United States at the Juarez–Lincoln Port of Entry in Laredo. An x-ray scan of his vehicle revealed some anomalies in the dashboard which prompted authorities to conduct a search. They ultimately found 13 hidden duct-taped bundles - 11 packages of heroin weighing 12.96 kilograms and two of fentanyl with a weight of 2.22 kilograms.

The narcotics had a combined estimated street value of $350,000.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Aug. 10. At that time, Torres faces up to life in prison. He has been in custody since his arrest where he will remain pending that hearing.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Frenchville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 27 months’ imprisonment and one year supervised release on her convictions of aiding and assisting in the preparation or filing of a false income tax return and criminal contempt and false statement to the government, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Kathy Billotte, age 60, of Frenchville, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Billotte was a tax return preparer and operated a tax return preparation business known as "K B Tax Services" in Clearfield County. She falsified annual income tax returns prepared for at least 15 individuals during the period 2013 through 2017, ensuring the individuals received tax refunds to which they were not entitled. Specifically related to the offense to which she pleaded guilty, Billotte prepared and filed on February 26, 2016, a 2015 federal income tax return for a tax payer identified as "T.G." on which she falsely and fraudulently reported that he/she operated a private business and incurred business expenses, as well as inflated unreimbursed business expenses and charitable donations. The total tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service for all 15 clients was $193,102.15, including interest, and the court ordered Billotte to repay the Internal Revenue Service in full.

While the criminal tax case was pending, Billotte, who had a 1999 felony conviction for fraudulently obtaining U.S. Postal Money Orders, falsified court documents allowing her to serve on a federal grand jury. During her service, it was discovered that she was improperly sharing information that had come before the grand jury.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that Billotte’s conduct was particularly egregious in that she methodically and repeatedly defeated the tax system and then, after being federally charged, she continued to engage in unrelated criminal conduct during which she shared secret grand jury information that could have brought harm to both grand jury witnesses and law enforcement officers.

Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Cindy K. Chung prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigations leading to the successful prosecution of Billotte.

Leonard C. Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ELIEZER PEREZ, also known as “Ka-King,” 42, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Britain Police Department.began investigating individuals who were selling oxycodone pills from Elzier Grocery, located at 1485 Corbin Avenue in New Britain.  Between July and December 2019, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of oxycodone pills from Perez and others at the store.

On February 26, 2020, court authorized searches of the Elzier Grocery and a nearby residence revealed more than 1000 oxycodone pills, drug packaging materials, drug ledgers, and approximately $10,000 in cash.

Perez has been detained since his arrest on December 12, 2020.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for August 3, 2021, at which time Perez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Britain Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN McFARLANE, also known as “Jabari McBurn” and “Dexter Creque,” 43, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for firearm possession and crack cocaine distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 8, 2018, in New Haven, McFarlane possessed a loaded Glock model 43 9mm semiautomatic handgun and approximately 97 grams of crack cocaine.  The firearm had been reported stolen in Florida in 2017.

McFarlane’s criminal history includes a 2004 conviction in Connecticut for sale of a hallucinogen/narcotic, and a 2007 conviction in Florida for murder in the second degree.  He was released from Florida state prison in July 2017.

McFarlane has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on July 11, 2018.  On September 5, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that MATTHEW O. CLASON, 39, of Cheshire, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of wire fraud related to his misappropriation of more than $600,000 from an investment client.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Clason was an investment advisor and a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation, and then LPL Financial LLC.  Beginning in approximately 2015, Clason provided investment services to a 73-year-old Connecticut resident (“the victim”).  The victim had at least five investments accounts with Clason and, in January 2018, Clason and the victim opened a joint bank account.  From 2018 to August 2020, Clason transferred more than $668,000 from the victim’s investment accounts into the joint bank account and, without the victim’s knowledge or authorization, withdrew more than $621,000 in cash from the bank account for his personal use. Clason also transferred $5,000 directly from the joint bank account to his personal bank account, and made two transfers from the joint bank account to pay his personal credit card.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2021, at which time Clason faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. 

Clason is released on bond pending sentencing.       

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.

The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud.  The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers.  Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed.  When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller.  The Hotline’s toll-free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Jonnel Perkins, 43, of Philadelphia, PA, pleaded guilty to the charge of embezzlement by a bank employee.

According to court documents filed today, the defendant was employed as a Retail Relationship Banker at a bank located in Philadelphia. While she was employed in this position, the Social Security Administration (SSA) conducted a routine audit which identified that a customer of the bank branch where Perkins worked was likely deceased but still receiving monthly electronic benefits from the SSA. The SSA suspended the payments to this account, but due to regulation had to wait seven years before the approximately $200,000 in accumulated benefit overpayments by the SSA could be reclaimed.

In the months prior to the time when the reclamation could be initiated, between June and December 2019, Perkins withdrew all of the funds from this dormant account. A subsequent investigation determined that the customer whose account from which the defendant withdrew funds had been deceased since 1999. In total, Perkins plead guilty to embezzling $207,450 from the deceased customer’s account. With the embezzled funds, the defendant made large cash deposits into her personal bank accounts as well as large cash deposits at casinos in Philadelphia and Atlantic City, totaling over $200,000.

“Bank employees are trusted by their customers and employers to handle money with honesty and integrity,” said Acting U. S. Attorney Williams. “Here, the defendant stole hundreds of thousands of dollars while she was employed in a position of trust at a bank which managed the deceased victim’s account. Our Office will continue to investigate and prosecute this type of fraud in order to protect individual bank account holders and all American taxpayers who pay into the Social Security system.”

“We will continue to pursue those who would misuse Social Security funds for personal gain, particularly those in positions of trust,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration.  “I want to thank the FBI for their partnership, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its efforts to bring the charges that led to today’s guilty plea.”

“Jonnel Perkins stole money from someone she figured would never miss it,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “In draining that deceased customer’s account, though, she was ripping off the Social Security Administration and those actually entitled to its benefits. The FBI and our federal partners won’t stand for criminals cheating the U.S. government and the millions of taxpayers who fund it.”

The case was investigated the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Megan Curran.

            CONCORD - Timothy Diggins, 60, of Goffstown, pleaded guilty in federal court to transportation and possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about January 1, 2019, Microsoft’s automated system detected potential child exploitation material on an account belonging to Diggins.  A Cybertip report was sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which referred the matter to law enforcement for investigation. 

            On September 18, 2019, investigators conducted a consensual interview with Diggins at his home.  Diggins confirmed that he used the internet to view child pornography.  Subsequent search warrants revealed over one thousand child pornography images on Diggins’ computer and electronic media.           

            Diggins is scheduled to be sentenced on August 23, 2021.

            “Child exploitation crimes victimize young children and cause unspeakable harm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who engage in child pornography crimes must be held accountable for their actions.  To protect the innocence of our children, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit crimes related to child pornography.”

           “This guilty plea removes another participant from the traumatizing and exploitative cycle of child exploitation online. The coordination across the public, private, and non-profit sectors seen in cases like these are critical to Homeland Security Investigation’s mission to keep children safe online,” said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations, Boston.

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Goffstown Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

             In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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May 9-15 is National Police Week
May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody 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.”

“Every day our brave law enforcement officers face dangerous and difficult situations without reservation or expectation of thanks,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “These courageous individuals serve, not for fame or fortune, but act selflessly to protect their fellow citizens and keep our communities safe. It is fitting and proper to express our unwavering support and appreciation to our law enforcement officers and their families, while remembering those among their ranks who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our nation.”

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.

Two officers from the Northern District of Florida were added this year:

• Detention Deputy Charles Otis Pugh, II, Santa Rosa County, Sheriff’s Office, contracting COVID-19 following a confirmed exposure in the Santa Rosa County Jail.
• Captain William Thomas Etheridge, Pensacola, FL, Pensacola Police Department, died in December of 1908 after being injured while patrolling on his horse.
   

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 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.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.  For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

DENVER --  The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado today announced that the Department of Treasury has designated Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas and the Gonzalez Penuelas Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) as Significant Foreign Narcotics Traffickers.  The designation is pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act and serves to deter the drug trafficking organization’s use of the U.S. financial system to launder illicit proceeds derived from narcotics sales.  In 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office first indicted Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas, charging him with trafficking heroin and cocaine to the United States.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office obtained a superseding indictment in 2018, which included charges against Ignacio Gonzalez Penuelas, a key lieutenant in the drug trafficking organization and the brother of Jesus Gonzalez-Penuelas.  In 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office also charged Adelmo Nunez Molina with various drug trafficking offenses.  Nunez Molina is a raw opium gum source of supply for Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas.  All the defendants are fugitives. 

“Drug traffickers are often motivated by the potential profit from the illegal drug trade,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch.  “The sanctions associated with today’s Significant Foreign Narcotics Trafficker designations are a significant step towards preventing this DTO from profiting from its illegal drug trafficking.”

“These sanctions targeting Gonzalez Penuelas and his associates will go a long way to disrupting the heroin supply flowing across the Southwest Border,” said Deanne Reuter, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Denver Field Division.  “DEA applauds the work of our partners in the United States Attorney’s Office and the Treasury Department in making it harder for Gonzalez Penuelas to commit these crimes that affect our communities.”

According to the announcement from the Department of Treasury, the Gonzalez Penuelas DTOoperates primarily in Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico, various ports of entry in the United States, as well as numerous United States-based distribution cells in Colorado, California, Texas, Washington, Utah, and Nevada.  As a result of today’s designation, interests in property of the designated persons that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC).  OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or persons within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

This matter was investigated by the Strike Force associated with the Denver Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie Podolak and Zackary Phillips are prosecuting this case. 

This prosecution is part of an OCDETF investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Case Nos.  16-cr-217-CMA and 19-cr-89-RBJ

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PROVIDENCE – A Cranston man today admitted to a federal court judge that he led a nine-person conspiracy that participated in a four-state scheme to steal heavy construction equipment, sport boats, jet skis, all-terrain vehicles, and trailers.

According to court documents, Jose A. Montes, aka Jose Rivera, aka “Tuto”, 36, led the group of individuals that broke into businesses in four New England states in order to steal three Bobcat excavators, ten jet skis, three boats, eight all-terrain vehicles, and fourteen trailers, valued at nearly $700,000.

Appearing in federal court in Providence today, Montes admitted that he personally participated in

• The October 22 and 23, 2019, break-in of a Rehoboth, MA, business and the theft of four jet skis and two trailers valued at approximately $64,000. Two of the watercrafts were later recovered in Cranston by Cranston Police.
•  A November 18, 2019, break-in at a South Kingstown marina and the theft of a sport boat and trailer valued at $30,000. The boat and trailer were later recovered by law enforcement in Sarasota, FL.
• A December 28, 2019, break-in at a Tiverton business and the theft of two sport fishing boats and trailers valued at nearly $200,000. The boats were first towed to Johnston. Montes admitted that he removed the engine from one of the boats and then left the boat in Scituate. The engineless boat was later recovered by police. The second boat was towed to Sarasota, FL, to be sold. It was recovered by law enforcement in Sarasota.
• The April 10, and 11, 2020, break-ins at an Auburn, MA, Bobcat dealer and the theft of three Bobcat machines valued at a total of approximately $195,000. Two of the Bobcats were later recovered by Johnston Police. The third stolen Bobcat was recovered by North Providence Police.
• The April 12, 2020, break-in at a Waterford, CT, business and the theft of a jet ski and trailer valued at $17,000. The stolen items have not been recovered.
• The July 17, 2021, attempted break-in at a Vernon, CT, business and the attempted theft of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a three-wheeled sport vehicle, and a trailer. The break-in was interrupted by police. Montes and a person working at his direction fled the area. Later that evening, Montes admitted, he and the second person stole $58,000 worth of items from a Scranton, CT, business, to include an ATV, a jet ski, and two trailers.
• On July 20, 2020, Montes, directed a group of men who travelled together in three vehicles to an Easton, MA, business where they stole three jet skis and three trailers valued at a total of nearly $48,100. The stolen items were transported to Providence.
• On July 29, 2020, Montes and others working at his direction broke-in to a Hampstead, NH, business and stole four ATVs, three jet skis, a three-wheeled sport vehicle, and two trailers, valued at a total of $90,400.

On August 2, 2020, Providence Police located a stolen ATV parked in the rear of a Providence residence. On August 9, 2020, Easton Police recovered a trailer stolen in that town. On that same date, Hampstead, NH, Police recovered an ATV stolen in that town.

Appearing today before U.S. District Court Mary S. McElroy, Montes pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and eight counts of interstate transportation of stolen property, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.

Montes is scheduled to be sentenced on August 3, 2021.

The investigation into the stolen items was launched by the Johnston and North Providence Police Departments, and joined by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and merged with a parallel investigation by Rhode Island and Connecticut State Police, and the Easton, MA,, and Hampstead, NH, Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William J. Ferland and Ly T. Chin.

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McALLEN, Texas – A 46-year-old Alton man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

A federal jury deliberated for approximately six hours before convicting Rosbel Garcia Jr. Jan. 14 following a one-day trial which included seven witnesses.  

Following his conviction, Garcia executed a signed statement admitting to his involvement in the offense and his knowledge of the controlled substances involved.  

Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez took the statement into consideration and handed Garcia a 78-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In imposing the sentence, the court also noted Garcia’s greedy motivation in committing the crime and his recruitment of another individual.

According to the testimony at trial, authorities learned of a possible 20-kilogram cocaine transaction that would be occurring in the Houston area in January 2018. 

The jury heard from Rene Ramos III, the person Garcia had recruited, who explained that he had been previously arrested in Houston while in possession of approximately 60 pounds of marijuana belonging to Garcia in 2012. He claimed that at the time of that arrest, he was also in possession of approximately $90,000 of Garcia’s drug trafficking proceeds.

In early January 2018, Ramos claimed Garcia contacted him and told him he had to begin working for him in order to reduce that drug debt. As part of that involvement, Ramos testified he directed his wife, Christy Leigh Wells, to deliver cocaine to individuals in Houston. 

Testimony revealed Garcia traveled to Houston from the Rio Grande Valley in January 2018 along with Luby Janet Luna. Wells also testified and admitted she delivered 10 kilograms of cocaine to Luna and others Jan. 30, 2018.  

The defense attempted to convince the jury that all involved were just cons who fabricated Garcia’s involvement in the scheme. The jury disagreed and found him guilty as charged.

Wells, 42, Cypress, admitted to her role in the conspiracy.

Luna, 34, Mission, is a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for her arrest. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 956-618-8025 or the Drug Enforcement Administration at 956-992-8400.

Garcia remains in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr. and M. Alexis Garcia prosecuted the case.

ATHENS, Ga. – A former University of Georgia (UGA) professor who admitted to authorities that he possessed hundreds of images of child pornography was sentenced to federal prison and will have to register as a sex offender for life.

James Edward Monogan, III, 39, of Athens, was sentenced to serve 90 months in a federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and more than $40,000 in fines by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Tuesday, May 10. In addition, Monogan will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act. Monogan previously pleaded guilty to one count possession of child pornography. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Monogan, a former professor, will serve more than seven years behind federal prison bars for his crimes against children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Viewing child pornography is a direct assault against the very children who are being exploited on film. We will prosecute individuals engaging in this deviant criminal behavior, and we thank our law enforcement partners for their hard work and vigilance.”

“Taking Monogan off the streets means that his victims can start to heal, and he can no longer hurt our children or share those dreadful images and details with others,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Catching and prosecuting predators is always a victory for the community, but when that predator is in a position of trust and responsibility that victory is even greater. We are thankful for the hard work our law enforcement put into this case.”

“This investigation demonstrates that no matter who you are, you will be held accountable for preying on children. We value our law enforcement partnerships to be able to work together in these type investigations to catch and punish criminals who seek to exploit one of our most vulnerable populations,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds. 

According to the plea agreement, Homeland Security Investigation’s Atlanta Office (HSI-Atlanta) received information in 2019 that KIK user “utbballplaya03” had distributed child pornography to another KIK user in February 2019. KIK, formally known as Kik Messenger, is an internet based instant messaging mobile application. HSI also received a second child pornography distribution complaint for KIK user “texan21225053.” Both KIK usernames belonged to Monogan. On September 5, 2019, HSI, the GBI and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department executed a federal search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Athens, seizing several electronic devices. Monogan’s UGA office was also searched. A forensic review of the defendant’s electronics located 452 images of child pornography and eight videos depicting child sexual exploitation material on his UGA laptop, as well as an additional 119 images of child sexual exploitation material on his cell phone. Some of these images involved minors under the age of 12.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), the GBI and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker is 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Lawrence was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for fentanyl conspiracy charges.

Nieves Guzman, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to time served (approximately 18 months in prison). Guzman will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In January 2021, Guzman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more fentanyl.

On Nov. 2, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at a suspected stash house in Lawrence associated with a drug organization and encountered Guzman, who had a kilogram brick of fentanyl in her purse. At the stash house, investigators also located various drug distribution paraphernalia, including a mixing bowl containing suspected fentanyl, sifters and blenders.

Two of Guzman’s co-defendants, Francis Jimenez Minyetty and Enmanuel Brioso Fabal, have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

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

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Jose A Solis-Pizarro, 35, and Mirelys Camacho Betancourt, 25, both of Buffalo, NY, with narcotics conspiracy and attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on February 1, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant on a USPS Priority Mail Parcel addressed to a residence on Parker Avenue in Buffalo. Inside the parcel was approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine. On February 2, 2021, defendant Camacho Betancourt arrived at the Parker Avenue residence and asked the USPS mail carrier if he had a parcel, specifically an express/priority box. On February 3, 2021, at approximately 11:00 a.m., an investigator attempted to conduct a controlled delivery of the parcel but there was no answer from within the residence. While the investigator was attempting delivery of the parcel, defendant Solis-Pizarro exited a vehicle across the street and approached the investigator, indicating that he lived at the residence and that the parcel was intended for him. Solis-Pizarro took the parcel, walked to the side of the residence, then emerged and got back into his vehicle with the parcel. Solis-Pizarro was taken into custody at that time and the parcel was recovered from the vehicle. Buffalo Police Officers located Camacho Betancourt a short time later in the vicinity of Tacoma and Parker Avenues. She attempted to flee in her vehicle but was taken into custody.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Joshua W. McCallister, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   

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PROVIDENCE – A Hopkinton man arrested and charged in Rhode Island state court in July 2020 on charges that he allegedly arranged online to meet with a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual intercourse, and arrested again in October 2020 after a Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigation determined that he allegedly downloaded and stored child pornography earlier in 2020, has been charged in federal court with possessing child pornography and with allegedly downloading images of child pornography in March of this year while on bail related to his previous arrests.

In April 2021, the ICAC Task Force received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that child pornography had been downloaded in March via an online social media program, using an IP address assigned to an Internet subscriber in Rhode Island. It was determined by the ICAC Task Force that the IP address belonged to a residence where Christopher Leherissier, 36, resides. As a result of further investigation, Leherissier was arrested on Wednesday by ICAC Task Force members and Homeland Security Investigations agents on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of child pornography.

Prior to Wednesday’s arrest, Leherissier had been arrested twice in the past 10 months by members of the ICAC Task Force on sex-related charges involving minors.

In July 2020, Leherissier was arrested by members of the ICAC Task Force when he arrived at a location where he allegedly was to meet and have sexual intercourse with a minor whom he had been communicating with online for several months. The person he was allegedly communicating with was, in fact, a member of the ICAC Task Force. A smart phone seized from Leherissier allegedly contained numerous images of child pornography.

            In a separate investigation, in May 2020, the ICAC Task Force received information from NCMEC that an individual had uploaded seven files of child pornography to a Dropbox storage account. It was determined by members of the task force that the files were allegedly uploaded from an IP address where Leherissier resided. A court-authorized search of the Dropbox account resulted in the discovery of approximately 55 files depicting child pornography. Leherissier was arrested on October 22, 2021 by ICAC Task Force members on a state charge of possession of child pornography. A forensic review of electronic devices seized during Leherissier’s second arrest allegedly resulted in the discovery of 42 mages and 10 videos depicting child pornography.

Leherissier appeared today in U.S. District Court in Providence before Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession and distribution of child pornography. He was ordered detained in federal custody.

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

Leherissier’s arrest and initial appearance in U.S. District Court is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.

The case in U.S. District Court is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.

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

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a five-count indictment charging Shawn Johnson, 33, of West Seneca, NY, with three counts of receipt of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of obstruction of justice. Each of the charges carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, in September 2019, investigators discovered an IP address, traced to the defendant, attempting to download suspected child pornography using the internet. On December 2, 2019, the FBI obtained a search warrant for Johnson’s Angle Road residence. As investigators executed the search, they encountered the defendant standing in his bedroom smashing a laptop computer against the wall and trying to damage it. The laptop, which sustained serious damage, was sent to the FBI's Digital Forensics Analysis Unit Laboratory where much of the data was recovered. The hard drive was found to contain numerous images and videos of child pornography.

The defendant was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and released on conditions.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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