HOUSTON – A 46-year-old Houston resident has admitted to fraudulently obtaining more than $7,000 in disaster relief, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Latoya Romar entered a guilty plea to a scheme to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in connection with the severe storm that struck Houston May 4, 2015.

Romar applied for disaster relief, falsely claiming the storm damaged her residence and personal property. As part of her plea, she admitted she submitted forged documents to FEMA to substantiate her false claims.

As a result of her fraudulent claims, FEMA paid Romar $7,124.33 in disaster relief that she was not entitled to receive.

U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen accepted the plea and set sentencing for Aug. 16. At that time, Romar faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine. She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin R. Martin 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 a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Jun N. Martinez, 28, of Jamestown, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, maintaining a premises for drug use and distribution, and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine on premises where an individual under 18 was present and resided. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Misha Coulson, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed criminal complaint against Martinez’s girlfriend and co-defendant Antasia Babcock, on October 16, 2020, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force executed a New York State search warrant at the  Wescott Street residence they shared with their children. During that search, law enforcement officers seized one pound of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $62,000 in cash.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.

Antasia Babcock has also been indicted in this case. 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.

# # # #

BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for heroin and fentanyl possession and distribution charges.

Juan Santos Roque, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 63 months in prison and two years of supervised release. In October 2020, Santos Roque pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

In 2019, Santos Roque’s co-defendant, James De La Cruz, arranged for the sale of 10 kilograms of fentanyl and six kilograms of heroin to a confidential informant at a hotel in Peabody. On Oct. 21, 2019, Santos Roque and De La Cruz drove from New York and arrived separately at the meeting location. Santos Roque had stored 16 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl in a hidden compartment in his vehicle. When Santos Roque arrived at the hotel parking lot, he met with the confidential informant and handed over the 16 separate drug packages. Agents then took both men into custody.

De La Cruz pleaded guilty on May 7, 2021 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Peabody Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case. 

RICHMOND, Va. – A Glen Allen man was sentenced today to 34 months in prison for defrauding both a Pennsylvania-based bank and the Export-Import Bank of the United States in connection with a $1.6 million loan.

“For over two years, the defendant deliberately deceived financial institutions to fraudulently obtain a $1.6 million government-backed loan,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “As this case demonstrates, those who defraud American taxpayers and seek to undermine the integrity of our financial system will be held accountable for their criminal conduct.”

According to court documents, Tae Il Lee, 41, was the Managing Director of New World Group, a Richmond-based company engaged in the business of exporting American snacks and other food stuffs to international buyers (typically South Korean companies). In April 2016, Lee sought what eventually became a $1.6 million loan from First National Bank of Pennsylvania, relying on the “Working Capital Program” offered by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank). Under the program, EXIM guaranteed to provide financial backing for the loan in the event that New World Group defaulted.

Over the next two years, Lee regularly provided First National Bank, and the bank’s auditing firm, with financial documents that purported to show New World Group’s accounts receivable, banking statements, and financial statements. These documents reflected that New World Group was a growing, thriving export company, grossing more than $6 million in export sales in 2017 and another $6.3 million in just the first few months of 2018.

Those financial documents, however, were false. Specifically, Lee had created fictitious accounts receivable and financial statements, and doctored New World Group’s actual bank statements to show non-existent, high-dollar transactions that never took place. During the course of his fraud scheme, Lee also created a fictitious intermediary—a purported employee of New World Group—in order to account for delays in Lee’s communications with First National Bank.

In the spring of 2018, First National Bank issued a demand letter for the $1.6 million loan to New World Group. New World Group never completed any payments to First National Bank, which requested that EXIM cover the defaulted loan. EXIM did so, absorbing the $1.6 million loss.

Lee pleaded guilty to committing wire fraud and making false statements to a federally insured bank.

Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jennifer Fain, Acting Inspector General for the Export-Import Bank of the United States, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas A. Garnett and Kaitlin G. Cooke prosecuted the case.

This matter was investigated by the EXIM Office of Inspector General (OIG). EXIM is the official export credit agency of the United States and assists in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets. Complaints and reports of waste, fraud, and abuse related to EXIM programs and operations can be reported to the OIG hotline at 888-OIG-EXIM (888-644-3946) or via email at IGhotline@exim.gov.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-2.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland has returned an indictment charging a Beaverton, Oregon, man for his role in a scheme to steal and resell customer account credentials for popular internet streaming services including Netflix, HBO Max, and Spotify Premium.

Samuel Joyner, 30, has been charged with conspiracy to commit computer and access device fraud, trafficking and use of unauthorized access devices, and possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices.

“I applaud the thorough investigative effort and international law enforcement coordination resulting in these charges and today’s arrest of Mr. Joyner. Hacking and access device fraud are serious crimes that significantly impact companies large and small. Our office will continue to prioritize these and other internet crimes,” said Scott Erik Asphaug, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“Cyber crime shows how small of a world we live in these days. The subjects and the victims can live next door or half a world away. In this instance, FBI agents in Omaha, Nebraska, launched an investigation that would stretch all the way to Australia and back to Oregon. Without their hard work, we wouldn't have this successful arrest today,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “As for consumers - this is a good reminder to check your accounts and change passwords to unique and complex passphrases.”

“This investigation spanned across the Pacific to our shores in Australia, showing that while crimes may be borderless, our law enforcement response is united across countries. Following a referral of information from our FBI law enforcement partners, the Australian Federal Police arrested, charged and secured a conviction against a Sydney man, and we also seized more than a million dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency assets which were the proceeds of his crime,” Australian Federal Police cybercrime operations case officer Joanna Kondos said. “Cybercrime is not a victimless crime – this case uncovered stolen account details from millions of people around the world, and we work to investigate these crimes on behalf of those who have had their personal details scammed for someone else’s profit.”

According to the indictment, between February 2018 and March 2019, Joyner and an accomplice, Evan McMahon, 23, of Sydney, Australia, conspired with one another to create and operate an online service called AccountBot. AccountBot offered a paid subscription service where customers could obtain account credentials to access popular internet streaming services at a greatly reduced rate.

Joyner and McMahon illegally acquired usernames and passwords to the various streaming services through credential stuffing attacks, a computer hacking technique where individuals obtain large sets of account credentials, often made available as a result of large data breaches, and, using an automated tool, repeatedly enter credentials into a website or internet-based service to verify their authenticity. Verified credentials obtained via credential stuffing can then be used to access online user accounts without authorization.

AccountBot customers paid a fee, ranging from $1.79 to $24.99, depending on the type of service and access duration needed. These customers paid Joyner and McMahon in fiat or cryptocurrency. Joyner and McMahon were equal partners of AccountBot, but fulfilled distinct tasks. McMahon was primarily responsible for drafting computer code for the service’s website and managing customer payments. Joyner acquired the majority of stolen user credentials and was responsible for AccountBot customer service.

By March 2019, AccountBot purported to have over 52,000 different registered customers and more than 217,000 unique sets of stolen account credentials.

Joyner was arrested without incident today by the FBI and made his initial appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and released pending a five-day jury trial scheduled to begin on July 13, 2021.

Conspiracy to commit computer and access device fraud is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. Trafficking and use of unauthorized access devices and possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices are each punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison.

McMahon was prosecuted for similar offenses in the District Court of New South Wales in Sydney. In April 2021, he was sentenced to two years and two months to be served by way of intensive corrections order, the most serious, non-custodial sentence imposed in New South Wales.

Acting U.S. Attorney Asphaug and Special Agent in Charge Ramsey made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Australian Federal Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Quinn P. Harrington is prosecuting the case.

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

Malicious cyber activity threatens the public’s safety and our national and economic security. The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating cyber attacks and intrusions, collecting and sharing intelligence and engaging with victims while working to unmask those committing malicious cyber activities, wherever they are. Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself from cyber criminals, how you can report cyber crime, and the FBI’s efforts in combating the evolving cyber threat.

Gulfport, Miss. – A Guatemalan national was sentenced yesterday to 16 months in federal prison for  unlawful reentry by an alien removed after conviction of a felony, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.

According to court documents, Gerber Estif Pineda-Sierra, 34, was arrested in November 2020 by agents with the U.S. Border Patrol following an investigation which determined that Pineda-Sierra, who had been previously removed from the United States, was residing in the Gulfport, Mississippi area.  Record checks documented that in 2018, Pineda-Sierra had been physically removed from the U.S. after being ordered removed by a U.S. Immigration Judge.  Thereafter, he reentered the U.S. and was convicted in the Northern District of Florida in 2019 for the felony offense of illegal reentry into the U.S. of a previously deported alien.  Pineda-Sierra was again removed from the U.S.  In January 2020, he was arrested again by the Border Patrol, and was returned to Guatemala in February 2020. 

Pineda-Sierra was sentenced today to 16 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  He may also face Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings.  If he is removed from the United States following his prison sentence, Pineda-Sierra could face additional penalties if he were to unlawfully return to the United States, in addition to further prosecution.  As a result of this felony conviction, if Pineda-Sierra were to unlawfully return to the United States, he could face up to ten years in federal prison.  Pineda-Sierra was convicted after pleading guilty on February 23, 2021.   

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Darren J. LaMarca, praised the investigative work of the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.

Ronyel Pena, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Sterns then sentenced Pena to one year and one day in prison and four years of supervised release.

According to court documents, beginning in the spring of 2019, federal agents began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in the Lawrence area. Between April and June 2019, federal agents made five controlled purchases of fentanyl from the DTO. Pena delivered the fentanyl for four of the five controlled purchases. 

Pena was charged as part of a coordinated enforcement operation in the Merrimack Valley dubbed “Operation Devil’s Highway.” The operation targeted the distribution of opioids, including fentanyl and heroin, and resulted in charges against a total of 40 people for federal drug offenses, with at least a dozen more individuals facing state charges.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. The Massachusetts State Police and the Lawrence Police Department assisted in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –RUDY GUNAWAN, age 40, a citizen of Indonesia, pleaded guilty on May 11, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to a one-count indictment that charged him with possession of fraudulent immigration documents, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.  GUNAWAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years, three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2021.

According to court documents, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents received information that GUNAWAN was in the United States illegally and using a Social Security card bearing the name and number of another person.  On September 28, 2020, CBP agents encountered GUNAWAN at his place of employment, Samurai Sushi (Slidell, Louisiana). An agent asked for identification and GUNAWAN produced a U.S. Social Security card.  GUNAWAN claimed to be a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico.  He admitted that he knew the U.S. Social Security card was falsely made and that he had obtained the card from an individual in Memphis, Tennessee for $700.  GUNAWAN also admitted that the name and number on the card were not lawfully issued to him and that he purchased the fraudulent documents in order to be able to stay within the United States and work.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of United States Customs and Border Protection and Social Security Administration agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.

                                                                                                                              *   *   *

Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Mark Lisser pleaded guilty to securities fraud conspiracy for lying to customers about investments in shares of several companies prior to the initial public offering (IPO) of those companies.  The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge A. Kathleen Tomlinson.

Mark J. Lesko, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty plea.

“With today’s guilty plea, the defendant admits to personally profiting from the false representations he made to his customers about the nature of their investments in valuable pre-IPO companies,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Lesko.  “This Office and its law enforcement partners are committed to preventing dishonest advisors like the defendant from taking advantage of the investing public.”  Mr. Lesko thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, New York Regional Office, for their assistance. 

Between October 2018 and January 2019, Lisser was a partner in Knightsbridge Private Partners LLC (Knightsbridge), which operated a series of websites and call centers used to solicit investments in purported pre-IPO shares of companies (the Pre-IPO Companies).  Employees of Knightsbridge, including Lisser, solicited these investments by falsely telling investors and potential investors that Knightsbridge owned the shares it was selling, that Knightsbridge was on the capitalization table of the pre-IPO Companies, and that Knightsbridge and its employees did not earn any commissions or fees until after the shares were issued to the public and the investors made money.  In reality, as Lisser knew, Knightsbridge did not directly own any pre-IPO shares in the Pre-IPO Companies, and was not on the capitalization table of any of the Pre-IPO Companies.  Lisser also knew that he and other Knightsbridge employees earned money, including commissions, from the investments at the time they were made.  As a result of this scheme, Lisser misappropriated more than $700,000 in investors’ funds to make payments to companies controlled by Knightsbridge employees, pay salaries and sales commissions, pay his personal credit card bill, and make payments on a mortgage.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Mathew S. Miller and David Gopstein are in charge of the prosecution. 

The Defendant:

MARK ALAN LISSER
Age:  40
Massapequa, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-210 (JMA)

GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who admitted distributing methamphetamine on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 20 months in prison and to four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Dakoda Blu Wade Iron Shirt, 28, pleaded guilty on Feb. 4 to distribution of meth.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

The government alleged in court documents that in August 2019, a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI bought about a half ounce of meth from Iron Shirt in a controlled purchase. Additional witnesses identified Iron Shirt as a meth distributor on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Cut Bank Police Department, Big Sky Safe Trails Task Force and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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.

XXX

Director of Media Relations Kelly Thornton (619) 546-9726

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY– May 12, 2021

SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury indictment was unsealed in San Diego today against alleged Mexican drug cartel leader Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas in connection with suspected heroin and fentanyl trafficking. Penuelas was also the target of sanctions imposed today by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The indictment, returned on January 27, 2017, charges Gonzalez Penuelas with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Intended for Importation, and Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances. On January 30, 2017, the Clerk of the Court issued a sealed warrant for his arrest. Gonzalez Penuelas remains a fugitive.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas and the Gonzalez Penuelas Drug Trafficking Organization (Gonzalez Penuelas DTO) as Significant Foreign Narcotics Traffickers pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act).  Please see https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0172.

Gonzalez Penuelas is the alleged leader of the Gonzalez Penuelas DTO, which is one of the largest raw opium gum and heroin sources of supply in northern Mexico, and increasingly a major distributor of fentanyl. The Gonzalez Penuelas DTO operates primarily in Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico, various ports of entry in the United States, as well as numerous U.S.-based distribution cells in California, Texas, Colorado, Washington, Utah, and Nevada. The upper echelons of the Gonzalez Penuelas DTO hierarchy consist of Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas’ family members. The Gonzalez Penuelas DTO cooperates with other DTOs within Mexico, to include acting as an enforcement arm for the various Mexican DTO’s trafficking routes and is aligned with Mexican drug traffickers Fausto Isidro Meza Flores and Rafael Caro Quintero. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Asset Control designated Fausto Isidro Meza Flores in January 2013 for his role in narcotics trafficking. The President identified Rafael Caro Quintero as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Kingpin Act in 2000.

“This indictment and the Treasury Department sanctions announced today show that the Department of Justice, together with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate and prosecute the most significant cartels and kingpins who import illegal drugs into the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman. Grossman praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Sutton, HSI and DEA agents and all law enforcement partners for their excellent work on this case.

“This important Kingpin designation is an example of the effectiveness of our local and national law enforcement partnerships to help bring justice to drug smuggling organizations who benefit the most from smuggling dangerous drugs across the border,” said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, CA.  “The nation’s opioid epidemic continues affect our local communities and our agents are working tirelessly with our partners to disrupt the flow of these and all illegal narcotics.”

“DEA and our law enforcement partners continue to target organizations that are fueling the American opioid epidemic,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge John W. Callery.  “The indictment and the Department of Treasury sanctions against Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas serve as a warning to others causing the deaths of Americans through drug trafficking: we will utilize every resource available to disrupt your drug trafficking organization and bring you to justice.”

The indictment in this case marks the conclusion of the initial phase of a multi-year OCDETF investigation. This joint Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation targeted the leadership elements, lieutenants, associates, and money launderers connected with the Rafael Caro-Quintero DTO and Beltran Leyva Organization.

Acting U.S. Attorney Grossman also praised the outstanding work of the federal team from HSI Calexico / DEA Imperial County in the culmination of this investigation. Acting U.S. Attorney Grossman also thanked Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs, and the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for their ongoing assistance in this investigation.

This prosecution 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.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Sutton.

DEFENDANT                                                                              Case Number: 17CR00217-CAB

Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas, aka Chuy Gonzalez                                   Age: 51           Sinaloa, Mexico

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances for Purpose of Unlawful Importation, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960 and 963; Term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life imprisonment, $10 million fine and 5 years supervised release.

Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960 and 963. Term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life imprisonment, $10 million fine and 5 years supervised release.

AGENCIES

Homeland Security Investigations

Drug Enforcement Administration

Department of Homeland Security, Joint Task Force – Investigations

Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations

United States Marshals Service

Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations

Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado

United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon

Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control

Customs and Border Protection, Office of Border Patrol

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations

El Centro Police Department

Brawley Police Department

Imperial County District Attorney’s Office

Imperial Valley, Law Enforcement Coordination Center

*An indictment or complaint is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the Government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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 acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

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.

          ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Fred J. Federici 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.”

          “During National Police Week, our Nation stands to honor all fallen officers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty to ensure the safety of communities throughout our country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Fred J. Federici. “This is a time to celebrate and recognize the brave men and women of law enforcement who put themselves at risk each day in the service of their communities.  For their hard work, dedication and service, we salute them.”

          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 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 p.m. EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to Oct. 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for Oct. 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.

              ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jerod Walker, 22, of Española, New Mexico, was sentenced in federal court on May 6 to two years and three months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

              Walker pleaded guilty to these offenses on July 22, 2020. According to the plea agreement, on Feb. 1, 2020, Walker was in possession of a handgun and cocaine base (also known as crack cocaine) in a bag located inside his girlfriend’s vehicle. The incident occurred in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. Due to his drug addiction, Walker is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

              Upon completion of his prison sentence, Walker will be subject to three years of supervised release.

              The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Albuquerque Resident Agency, the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Probation Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle prosecuted the case.

NEW ORLEANS– CHARLES WILLIAMS, JR. (“WILLIAMS”), age 51, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, Untied States Code, Section 1343.

According to documents filed in Federal Court, the defendant was elected Senior Warden of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (“St. Luke’s”) located at 1222 North Dorgenois Street in New Orleans. In his role as Senior Warden, WILLIAMS was responsible for paying all of St. Luke’s bills including insurance, salaries, and utilities.  WILLIAMS took over the finances of the church and reduced or eliminated other church members’ access to church finances shortly after becoming the Senior Warden at St. Luke’s. During his tenure, WILLIAMS embezzled approximately $89,000 from St. Luke’s in his capacity as Senior Warden. WILLIAMS did not share church bank statements with other church members in an effort to conceal his embezzlement of church funds and he transferred church funds from one bank account to another account before withdrawing the funds.   WILLIAMS deposited much of the money into his various Chase accounts and used some of the stolen money to support his pizza restaurant located in the Esplanade Mall.

On August 29, 2018, FBI special agents interviewed WILLIAMS. During the interview, WILLIAMS made three false statements to the FBI agents. Specifically, WILLIAMS said he used cash withdrawn from a St. Luke’s account to fund a $2,500 Chase cashier check dated February 21, 2018, with Remitter: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church/Operating Account. When the agents specifically asked whether bank records would show the money for the cashier’s check came from a St. Luke’s account, he denied that bank records would show the $2,500 coming from the church account. Further, he told the agents that the $2,500 had come from his personal account. The statements were false because WILLIAMS knew that on February 21, 2018, he had withdrawn $2,900. from St. Luke’s operating account and then used $2,500 of those funds to purchase the above described cashier’s check made payable to the Esplanade Mall for the benefit of his pizza restaurant.  WILLIAMS also lied to the agents when he told them he had invested St. Luke’s money with a particular company. Lastly, he lied when he claimed he had not used any of St. Luke’s money for his business or for personal use. The FBI’s investigation determined that all of these assertions were in fact false.

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced WILLIAMS to 12 months and 1-day imprisonment, followed by 2 years of supervised release and payment of a $100 special assessment fee.  WILLIAMS was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $89,000.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Detroit, Michigan man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kaleb Wuopio, 26, was involved in a drug distribution enterprise operating in Kanawha County from April through June 2018. Wuopio admitted that he distributed fentanyl, heroin and cocaine base in exchange for cash during that timeframe. On June 21, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Wuopio’s Charleston residence. During the search, the officers located heroin, cash proceeds from drug sales, other drug distribution tools, such as scales, and two loaded handguns.

Wuopio pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on August 19, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Tessman and Negar M. Kordestani are handling the prosecution.

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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-00115.

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SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Joey F. Edgbert, 59, of Auburn,  New York pled guilty today to damaging government property at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Syracuse, New York,  announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Lauren S. Seburn, Chief of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police in Syracuse.

As part of his guilty plea today, Joey F. Edgbert admitted that he struck with his hand and destroyed a 17-inch computer monitor on November 23, 2020, while he was at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Syracuse receiving treatment.

At sentencing Edgbert faces up to one-year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, and a term of probation of up to five years. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police-Syracuse, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on May 11, 2021, Brian Larry, age 59, of Clark’s Summit, Pennsylvania, was convicted following a seven-day jury trial held before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion of mail fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and false statement offenses. 

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Larry was charged with defrauding his former employer, a Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, from approximately January 2014 through October 2018.  Larry was convicted of stealing the personal information of warranty policy owners and providing it to his coconspirators, who created false invoices for nonexistent automobile repair work supposedly performed at various garages in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, including by forging the policy owners’ signatures on the paperwork.  The false and forged documentation was then sent to the warranty company, where Larry approved payment of the invoices.  During the course of the scheme, Larry and his coconspirators obtained approximately $400,000 paid out by the warranty company pursuant to the false invoices, including thousands of dollars in repair work for Larry’s personal vehicle that he charged to other policy owners.  The evidence at trial showed that Larry then falsified internal warranty company documents in an attempt to conceal his crimes.

The jury returned a guilty verdict after approximately two hours of deliberation.  Larry was convicted of every count in his indictment: one count of conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; four counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud; five counts of aggravated identity theft; and one count of making a false statement to the FBI when he denied receiving cash kickbacks in exchange for his participation in the scheme.

Three of Larry’s coconspirators previously pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme, and are awaiting sentencing:

1. Matthew Gershkoff, age 64, of North Providence, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud, and to aggravated identity theft, and is awaiting sentencing.  Gershkoff was convicted of preparing false invoices for nonexistent automobile repairs at multiple automobile repair shops located in Rhode Island and in Massachusetts, and for forging policy owners’ signatures.  Gershkoff pleaded guilty on May 18, 2020, to causing between $250,000 and $550,000 of fraudulent loss to the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, and has agreed to repay restitution.
2. Jason Pannone, age 39, of North Providence, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, and to aggravated identity theft, and is awaiting sentencing.  Pannone was convicted of processing false invoices for nonexistent automobile repairs through his Providence, Rhode Island automobile detailing shop, Platinum Auto Services, and through a North Attleboro, Massachusetts automobile repair shop, Ultra Auto Services.  Pannone pleaded guilty on March 23, 2021, to causing between $150,000 and $250,000 of fraudulent loss to the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, and he has agreed to repay over $128,000 in restitution.
3. Herman Cabral, age 62, of Cranston, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud.  Cabral was convicted of processing false invoices for nonexistent automobile repairs through his Providence, Rhode Island automobile repair shop, A Plus Collision Center.  Cabral pleaded guilty on July 23, 2019, to causing between $150,000 and $250,000 of fraudulent loss to the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, and he has agreed to repay over $211,000 in restitution.        

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo and Jeffrey St John prosecuted the case.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the fraud offenses are 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  The aggravated identity theft charges carry a mandatory, consecutive two-year minimum.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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ATLANTA – In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine 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.”

“Each day, law enforcement officers work hard to keep our citizens safe, and we want to take this opportunity to honor their service during National Police Week,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine.  “We also want to recognize the brave men and women in law enforcement who have been injured or lost their lives to protect our communities.  My office is extremely grateful for the continued commitment and sacrifices they make for our communities.”

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 Northern District of Georgia, seven officers died in the line of duty.  

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.

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.

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.