PORTLAND, Maine:  A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging a Warren, Michigan man with sexual abuse of a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.

According to the indictment, in August 2009, while at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Matthew Boyd, 32, engaged in two separate sexual acts with a minor who was older than 12, but not yet 16 years old.

Boyd was arrested in Michigan and is expected to have his initial court appearance later today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. If convicted, Boyd faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigated the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Romaine Blunt, age 44, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty yesterday to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and to violating the conditions of his supervised release for a previous conviction.  

The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According to his plea agreement, on February 26, 2009, Blunt was convicted for a violation for possession of prohibited contraband in prison.  Blunt received a sentence of 12 months imprisonment followed by 36 months of supervised release with the condition that Blunt not commit any new state or federal crime. On May 18, 2018, Blunt began his supervised release.  On May 22, 2019, the Court revoked Blunt’s supervised release and sentenced him to six months of imprisonment, followed by a new term of supervised release until May 17, 2021.

As detailed in Blunt’s plea agreement, on the morning of October 8, 2020, a Prince George’s County police officer responded to a residence in Suitland, Maryland based on a report that Blunt was in possession of a firearm outside of an apartment building.  Officers saw Blunt outside the apartment building and as they approached, Blunt reached into a black satchel slung over his shoulder and removed a handgun and dropped the gun in the nearby mulch.  Prince George’s County police officers recovered the gun, a.9mm handgun loaded with approximately eight rounds of .9mm ammunition in the magazine.

Blunt knew that as a result of a previous felony conviction, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.  Blunt’s possession of the firearm and ammunition also violated the conditions of his supervised release, specifically, that Blunt not commit any new state or federal crime. 

Blunt and the government have agreed in the plea agreement, Blunt will be sentenced to jointly recommend at the time of sentencing a sentence of 54 months in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte has scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2021 at 11 a.m. 

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the ATF and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Lenzner thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Fansler and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Wright who are prosecuting the case.

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BANGOR, Maine:  A Bangor man was sentenced today in federal court for robbing a credit union, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.

U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Earl R. Torrence, 44, to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Torrence was also ordered to pay $1,950 in restitution. He pleaded guilty in February 2021. 

According to court records, on June 30, 2020, Torrence entered the Acadia Federal Credit Union in Bangor wearing a surgical mask. He approached a teller, told the teller he had a gun and demanded money. He obtained the money and absconded. Investigators were able to identify Torrence by reviewing security footage taken outside the credit union just prior to the robbery. A short while later, investigators apprehended him in his home with money from the credit union.

The FBI and the Bangor Police Department investigated the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Christopher Kenneth Guy, age 29, of Tampa, Florida, for the federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, access device fraud, possession of unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identity theft.

The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Derek Pickle, of the Washington Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General; Postal Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; and Chief Lisa D. Myers of the Howard County Police Department.

According to the indictment, from May 2020 to August 2020, Guy and his co-conspirators submitted bogus unemployment benefit applications to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission using the personal identifying information of several identity theft victims.  Guy and his co-conspirators allegedly listed mailing addresses, easily accessible to members of the conspiracy, to receive prepaid debit cards through the United States Postal Service.

Due to a heightened financial need caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES ACT) established the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program (FPUC). The FPUC program allotted an additional $600 per week to unemployment benefit recipients.  Allegedly, Guy and his co-conspirators caused the disbursement of more than $176,970 in unemployment and FPUC proceeds.  Guy purportedly expended the sum of the illegally obtained proceeds on personal retail transactions and cash withdrawals.

Additionally, the indictment further alleges that Guy spent more than $10,000 in fraudulent transactions using 15 debit cards issued in seven victims’ names.

If convicted, Guy faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud; a maximum of 15 years in federal prison for access device fraud; a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for possession of unauthorized access devices; and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the U.S. Department of Labor- OIG, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Howard County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Maddox and Sean Delaney, who are prosecuting the federal case.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.  For more information on resources regarding reporting fraud, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Delamon A. Marshall, 41, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced on Thursday, June 10, 2021, to 20 years imprisonment and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher A. Boyko.  Marshall previously pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and two counts of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

“Mr. Marshall’s lengthy prison sentence is a direct result of his own choices and extensive criminal history,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan. “Despite numerous opportunities to steer away from violent criminal conduct, he chose otherwise and will now face 20 years of incarceration.”

“There is no place in our society for those who use firearms for violent, criminal purposes,” said Roland H. Herndon, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division.  “Given Marshall’s history, and his actions in this case that resulted in the death of another person, it is appropriate that he received this lengthy sentence. ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels to investigate and prosecute individuals who show a callous disregard for the safety of our community.”

As set out in court documents and testimony, on February 22 and March 17, 2017, on two separate occasions, Marshall, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm with ammunition and an obliterated serial number.  Marshall is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions for bank robbery and domestic violence.

On February 22, 2017, Marshall was pulled over in a vehicle by police officers with the Akron Police Department.  During the traffic stop, Marshall was arrested for driving under a license suspension and advised officers that he was in possession a firearm and was a previously convicted felon.  Officers searched the vehicle and located a Glock 9mm pistol in the center console.  The firearm contained ammunition and an obliterated serial number.

On March 17, 2017, Marshall was in a confrontation with another induvial in the Akron area.  Marshall and the other induvial exchanged gunfire and each sustained gunshot wounds.  The other individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. After investigating the incident, officers determined that both individuals were carrying a firearm and Marshall was in possession of Ruger 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number.

Marshall has a lengthy criminal history with numerous convictions for drug abuse, domestic violence and firearms offenses.   Marshall’s criminal history qualifies him to be classified as an armed career criminal according to federal law and federal sentencing guidelines.

This investigation was conducted by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Copley Police Department, Akron Police Department, Youngstown Police Department, Bureau of Criminal Investigation for the Ohio Attorney General and the Summit County Coroner’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Damoun Delaviz.

Baltimore, Maryland - The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with Project SAFE and the PROTECT Week Coalition to help seniors in Maryland avoid falling victim to financial exploitation.  PROTECT Week, held June 14-18, 2021, offers opportunities to learn about the many forms of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older Marylanders.  The public outreach events include a virtual press conference, tele-town hall, and educational programming via social media. 

June 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. – Assistant United States Attorney Sean Delaney and FBI Supervisory Special Agent Keith Custer present on financial fraud targeting seniors at Oak Crest Senior Living, an over 55 community in Parkville, Maryland.  ** This event was recorded and will be distributed to other senior living communities.

June 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. – Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner joins Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot at virtual press conference launching PROTECT Week.  Online at www.Facebook.com/aarpmaryland and www.YouTube.com/aarpmaryland

June 15, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. – Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner joins Maryland AARP for Tele-town Hall event focusing on fake COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, government imposter scams, and romance scams targeting seniors.  You can tune in, or register for the robo-call here  https://vekeo.com/aarpmaryland/ or listen on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/aarpmd/

June 17, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. – Assistant United States Attorney Evelyn Cusson and BBB of Greater Maryland Executive Director Angie Barnett present to Civic Works Elder Services via Zoom on how to avoid gift card scams. 

June 18, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. – Assistant United States Attorney Evelyn Cusson and BBB of Greater Maryland Executive Director Angie Barnett host Facebook Live Event “Why Scammers Love Gift Cards.” 

Now in its fourth year, PROTECT Week 2021 coincides with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed on June 15.  PROTECT Week resources, available on www.protectweek.org, will help Marylanders identify financial exploitation so that they may protect themselves and their loved ones from abuse. Visit www.protectweek.org for event details and registration.

About the Partners

The PROTECT Week Coalition includes the following partners:

•           Maryland Department of Aging
•           Maryland Office of the Attorney General
•           The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland
•           Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation
•           Maryland Office of the Comptroller
•           Maryland Department of Human Services
•           Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
•           Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition
•           EverSafe
•           ElderSAFE
•           SAFE: Stop Abuse of Elders
•           Baltimore County Restoring Elder Safety Today – BC REST Coalition
•           AARP Maryland
•           CCCSMD – Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland

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Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Derrick Murphy, 38, of Toledo, Ohio, with sex trafficking and transportation of a minor.

In April 2021, law enforcement officers received information regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor victim in the Toledo and Detroit areas by an individual later identified as the Defendant.  After investigating the information, investigators were able to identify the minor victim and rescue her. 

The Defendant was arrested on April 27, 2021.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, the Defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the Defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the Defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Toledo Resident Agency.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.

BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to false statement and Social Security fraud charges.

Juan Baez, 57, who previously resided in Roslindale, pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of making a false statement relating to health care matters. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Oct. 4, 2021.

Baez used the identity of a Puerto Rican citizen to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses and identification cards. He also used the identity to apply for and receive MassHealth benefits.  Between Jan. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2019, Baez fraudulently received approximately $18,977 in federally funded MassHealth benefits he was not entitled to by using the victim’s identity.

The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of making a false statement relating to health care matters provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Philip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

      LITTLE ROCK—A Little Rock man was sentenced for collecting over $250,000 in Social Security Disability payments when he was not actually disabled. Levell Baltimore, Jr., 45, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.

      In 2005, Baltimore applied for Social Security benefits and claimed to be disabled. He filled out a form stating he could not work or leave his house. He cited seasonal allergies, migraines, asthma, physical limitations, and fatigue as the reasons for his disability. Social Security initially denied his claim, but in further attempts to convince Social Security that he was disabled, he reported that he had not performed any substantial gainful activity in recent years. The Social Security Administration (SSA) eventually approved Baltimore’s claim, and he began receiving benefits in 2007.

      Although Baltimore informed the SSA he had no income, he created and operated at least six businesses during the time he received disability benefits. Two of his businesses obtained contracts with the State of Arkansas. Though he was required to report any income to the SSA, he did not; rather, he continued telling the SSA he was unable to work.

      Baltimore received fraudulent benefits from 2007 through June of 2018 totaling $284,862.25. Judge Moody sentenced Baltimore to pay that money back in restitution and also sentenced Baltimore to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

      Baltimore was charged in May 2018 with one count of theft of government funds and three counts of making false statements. In December 2020, he pleaded guilty to theft of government funds in exchange for dismissal of the other counts.

      “This defendant stole from a system that is designed to support those who truly need help,” stated Acting United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross. “This sentence shows that jail time awaits those whose greed and dishonesty embolden them to commit frauds such as these.”

      “This sentencing sends a strong message that we are committed to protecting the Social Security disability programs and will hold accountable those who obtain benefits by fraudulent means,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General of the Social Security Administration. “For over a decade, this individual willfully concealed his ability to work to collect federal benefits. I thank the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this case.”

      The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary prosecuted the case for the United States.

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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

https://www.justice.gov/edar

Twitter:

@EDARNEWS

SHERMAN, Texas – An Allen man was found guilty by a jury of federal child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.

Clay Melton Denton, 56, was found guilty of distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography today by a jury following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III.

“Those that view and trade child pornography perpetuate a cycle of exploitation and abuse by providing a market for producers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  “The Eastern District of Texas will do whatever it takes to stamp out this terrible industry—and make no mistake, it is indeed an industry—doing so with the help of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.”

“The sheer volume of devices and images recovered by investigators in this case is astounding. I commend the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, the Garland and Plano Police Departments and the North Texas Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory for their diligence in processing evidence to best serve justice in this investigation,” said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno. “With our partners, we are committed to ensuring that distributors of abusive content are held accountable so that we can protect our population’s most vulnerable members.”

“This important collaboration with our local area and Federal law enforcement partners continues to keep catching these criminals in an effort to keep our communities safe,” said Plano Police Chief Ed Drain.  “We are very appreciative all those involved in this case.” 

“I am proud of the work that our police department is doing, and cases like these showcase the importance and effectiveness of working together not only locally but federally,” said Garland Police Chief Jeff Bryan.  “The safety of our communities is the top priority, and these are the types of folks we need off our streets.”

According to the court documents and testimony at trial, in January and March 2018, undercover officers with the Plano Police Department and the Garland Police Department received child pornography, via an online platform, that had been distributed to them by a computer user.  The officers traced the online conduct to the Denton residence in Allen, Texas.  Members of the FBI obtained a search warrant for the residence, which they served on April 25, 2018.  The searching team discovered multiple digital devices in the residence, including server racks, network area storage devices, laptops, hard drives, cellular phones, and digital storage media. Agents testified that the entire second story of the house was filled with floor-to-ceiling book cases storing digital devices, manuals, and peripherals.  Additional testimony revealed that forensic analysis of the seized devices took almost one year.  During this forensic analysis, personnel discovered tens of thousands of images and videos of child pornography.  Specifically, evidence demonstrated that a laptop belonging to Denton and located on one of his desks contained the same software used to distribute child pornography to the undercover officers.  That software was also used to obtain child pornography, which was saved on a different portion of Denton’s computer.  Evidence also revealed that child pornography was located on a 60+ terabyte storage device that Denton owned and possessed.  A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Denton with federal violations on Sep. 11, 2019.

On June 11, 2021, the jury returned a guilty verdict on all counts of the indictment.  Under federal statutes, Denton faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the Plano Police Department, Garland Police Department and the FBI Dallas Child Exploitation Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Miller and Maureen Smith.

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LAREDO, Texas – A 44-year-old physician from Laredo has paid $340,437.68 to resolve allegations he falsely billed Medicare for the use of electro-acupuncture devices, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Dr. Marte A. Martinez Jr. is an anesthesiologist and pain management physician who practices in Laredo. Marte A. Martinez M.D. PLLC is an entity Martinez used to conduct his medical practice. 

From Aug. 23, 2019, to Feb. 12, 2020, Martinez billed Medicare for the implantation of neurostimulator electrodes. These are surgical procedures usually requiring use of an operating room. Medicare pays thousands of dollars per procedure. 

Neither Martinez nor his staff performed surgery. Instead, patients received devices used for electro-acupuncture. This involves inserting needles into patients’ ears with the neurostimulator taped behind them with an adhesive. 

To date, the Southern District of Texas has resolved four other settlements with a Katy anesthesiologist, a Houston pain doctor, a Rockport chiropractor and a Houston chiropractor involving similar allegations of false billing.

The FBI and Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with the assistance of Qlarant, the Unified Program Integrity Contractor for Medicare. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray handled the matter.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Kenneth Blakeney, 29, of Philadelphia, PA, was convicted today at trial for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

In March 2019, Philadelphia Police Officers pulled Blakeney over for a traffic violation in North Philadelphia, and they observed a gun in his car.  The defendant was a convicted felon at the time and was not allowed by law to possess a firearm.  The defendant fled from the police, leading officers on a car chase for multiple blocks until the defendant eventually jumped out of his car and ran. He was arrested several months later and was charged by federal indictment in October, 2019.

“The crime of being a felon in possession of a firearm is a serious offense, particularly in Philadelphia where gun violence is rampant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “As the evidence presented at trial showed, Kenneth Blakeney illegally possessed a gun and then fled from police. Our Office is determined to continue doing everything we can to reduce gun violence in Philadelphia by being ‘All Hands On Deck’ to get criminals like this defendant off the streets for a long, long time.”

“ATF is determined to make our streets safer by working with our local, state and federal partners,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division.  “We will always be committed to identifying and removing armed criminals from our communities.  The conviction of Kenneth Blakeney is an example of the strong partnership between ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department and a credit to the excellent work of the U.S Attorney’s Office.”

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

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Jeanette Kang and Anthony Wzorek.

ABINGDON, Va. – A Russell County woman was sentenced today to 108 months in prison and to pay $455,930.00 in restitution, for conspiring with others to defraud the government of more than $499,000 and to commit mail fraud, and committing aggravated identify theft and for distributing drugs into a prison facility.

According to court documents, Leelynn Danielle Chytka, 31, waived her right to be indicted in March 2021 and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government, one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud with respect to benefits authorized and paid in connection with a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of distribution of suboxone.

“In the midst of a global pandemic, this defendant conspired with others to defraud the Virginia Employment Commission of nearly $500,000 intended for Virginians in need,” Acting United States Attorney Bubar said today. “This was money set aside by the federal government to assist those struggling during the COVID-19 crisis—not meant to line the pockets of fraudsters. I am grateful for the work of the Department of Labor and the IRS for the tireless work the put in to uncovering this fraud and bringing these defendants to justice.” 

“Chytka and her co-conspirators dishonestly obtained nearly half a million dollars in pandemic unemployment compensation. We will continue to investigate those who exploit programs designed to help those struggling through this global pandemic.  There are criminal consequences to personally enriching yourself at the cost of others,” said Darrell J. Waldon, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge of the Washington DC Field Office.

“LeeLynn Chytka defrauded the United States of at least $499,000 by leading a scheme involving more than 35 co-conspirators to include inmates in the custody of the Virginia Department of Corrections, in the fraudulent filing for and receipt of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits. This type of fraud causes significant harm to many citizens. The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and its partners at the Virginia Employment Commission will continue working with our law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue those who commit fraud against the unemployment insurance program,” said Syreeta Scott, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Philadelphia Region, U. S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

Chytka admitted to leading a conspiracy to commit fraud against the United States in connection with a scheme involving the filing of fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits.  

According to court documents, Chytka, and others, conspired to collect personal identification information of more than 35 co-conspirators, including 15 inmates in the custody of the Virginia Department of Corrections, and to file fraudulent claims of pandemic-related unemployment benefits.

Over the course of nine months, Chytka filed fraudulent claims for at least 37 individuals, with a total actual loss to the United States of at least $499,000.

The Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Norton Police Department, and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Daniel J. Murphy prosecuted the case.

Miami, Florida – A South Florida grand jury has charged five additional defendants for their alleged roles in a sophisticated scheme to purchase and distribute millions of dollars in diverted pharmaceutical drugs.  A total of 14 defendants have now been charged in this case (19-cr-20674).

Diverted pharmaceutical drugs are branded medications, produced by the original pharmaceutical developers, that make their way into the underground market through fraud, pharmacy burglaries, and cargo thefts. Diverted pharmaceuticals typically are high-priced medical drugs used to treat conditions such as mental illness, human immunodeficiency (HIV), and cancer. 

The Second Superseding Indictment returned on June 10, 2021, charges South Florida residents Stephen Manuel Costa, 37, Leah Solomon, 51, Rafael Angel Romero, 50, Ruben Reynaldo Rodriguez Diaz, 43, and Phoenix, Arizona resident David Ramirez Garcia, Sr., 58, with money laundering, mail fraud and violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act. It is alleged these defendants and their earlier charged co-conspirators purchased large quantities of diverted pharmaceutical drugs on the unregulated, underground market at a cost well below normal wholesale prices. Then, they used seemingly legitimate wholesale companies and fraudulent paperwork to introduce the diverted drugs back into the legitimate marketplace by selling them to unwitting pharmacies and consumers at big mark-ups, it is alleged. According to the Second Superseding Indictment, the operation was so large that co-conspirators purchased two wholesale pharmaceutical companies and chartered a plane to deliver the drugs. See also prior press release at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-ceos-wholesale-pharmaceutical-companies-and-two-owners-bank-accounts-used-money.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Juan Antonio Gonzalez, FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations’ (FDA-OCI) Miami Field Office Special Agent in Charge Justin Fielder announced the charges.

Costa, Romero, and Rodriguez Diaz were arrested this morning and will have their initial appearance this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lauren Louis, who sits in Miami.  Garcia Sr. and Solomon will have their initial appearances on later dates.   

The prosecution was part of Operation Southern Hospitality, one of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate, and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking and money laundering enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.

FBI Miami and FDA-OCI Miami Field Office investigated this case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of California, the District of Arizona, and the Western District of Washington, the United States Secret Service in Miami, FBI’s Los Angeles, Phoenix and Seattle Field Offices, the U.S. Marshal’s Service in Miami, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution in Fort Lauderdale, and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Tamen and Walter M. Norkin of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture.

An indictment contains mere allegations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Related court documents and information, including charges against other co-conspirators, may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 19-cr-20674.

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Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland returned a six-count indictment charging Christopher Prowell, 61, of Cleveland, with committing multiple robberies throughout the Cuyahoga County area.

According to the indictment, it is alleged that on February 18, 2021, the Defendant robbed a Peoples Bank in Beachwood and a Sunoco Gas Station in Independence.  On February 28, the Defendant allegedly robbed a GetGo Gas Station in Lyndhurst and a BP Gas Station in Brooklyn.

On March 3, 2021, it is alleged that the Defendant robbed a PNC Bank in Shaker Heights and, on March 24, 2021, a Key Bank in South Euclid.  While committing the robbery at the Key Bank in South Euclid and some of the other businesses, it is alleged that the Defendant used a box cutter to threaten employees.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the Defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the Defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI with the help of local police departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott C. Zarzycki.

DEL RIO – Sixteen Partido Revolutionario Mexican (PRM) members and associates, primarily from the Eagle Pass area, face federal drug trafficking charges.

A federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges the following defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance:

The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired since March 2019 to distribute narcotics. All of the listed defendants have been arrested with the exception of Kevin Ritchie and Louis Iglesias who were already in custody. Authorities also seized cocaine, firearms, and cash attributable to the organization.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division; Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division; and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee made today’s announcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Kam is prosecuting this case.  The DEA and FBI led this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation called Operation Tequila Sunset. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, Eagle Pass Police Department, and the Sheriff’s Offices from Maverick, Dimmitt and Val Verde counties assisted with today’s arrests. 

It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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ST. LOUIS – A jury found Ellis C. Brown, III, 32, of High Ridge, Missouri guilty on one count of deprivation of civil rights under color of law following a three-day jury trial. United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig presided over the trial.

The evidence during the trial, which wrapped Thursday, proved Brown used unreasonable force during an encounter with a victim. In his capacity as a St. Ann police officer, Brown repeatedly kicked the victim who lay prone on the parking lot of a US Bank at the corner of Natural Bridge and Kingshighway in the city of St. Louis. The April 2019 incident was captured on video and followed a lengthy high-speed chase during which Brown and other St. Ann Police Department Officers pursued the victim through rush hour traffic for more than twenty minutes, at times reaching speeds exceeding 115 mph.  Two St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officers intervened to stop Brown’s assault.

"Ellis Brown flagrantly abused the trust our community and his peers placed in him,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming. “I hope Brown’s conviction serves as a deterrent for others in law enforcement who might think about abusing their power.”

“Ellis Brown exceeded his authority and used excessive force in securing the arrest of an already compliant subject,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “In doing so, he violated not only the law, but also his oath as a law enforcement officer.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Derek Wiseman handled the case. 

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Today, a Minnesota man was arrested for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Brian Christopher Mock, 42, of Minneapolis, is charged with federal offenses that include assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; and acts of physical violence in any of the Capitol buildings, among other charges. Mock will make his initial appearance in the District of Minnesota this afternoon.

According to court documents, Mock was on the lower west terrace of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, where he was seen on body-worn camera (BWC) footage repeatedly assaulting multiple law enforcement officers who were trying to protect the building from rioters. As alleged, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Mock was seen on BWC footage shoving a U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officer to the ground while another rioter grabbed the officer’s legs and Mock kicked the officer as he lay on the ground. A few minutes later, Mock cornered USCP and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers and shoved another USCP officer to the ground. The crowd continued to advance and assault other officers, and Mock picked up multiple USCP riot shields and passed them back to other members of the violent crowd.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, who identified Mock as #298 in their seeking information photos, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police, with significant assistance provided by the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office.

In the 150 days since Jan. 6, approximately 465 individuals have been arrested on charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, including over 130 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

The charges contained in any criminal complaint or indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Michael Sloan, 26, of Cleveland, with explosive destruction of property.

According to court documents, on May 30, 2020, it is alleged that the Defendant maliciously began a fire inside Rebol Restaurant, located on 101 West Superior Ave in Cleveland.

The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint states that, following the events that occurred in downtown Cleveland on May 30, 2020, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began to review surveillance camera footage from that day.  While examining the footage, investigators observed a subject, later identified as the Defendant, allegedly enter Rebol Restaurant, start a fire, place additional fuel on the fire and then exit the restaurant.  Police officers arrived moments later to extinguish the fire.

The following day, the affidavit states that investigators determined the fire to be incendiary and caused by an open flame applied to combustibles.  Investigators identified the Defendant as the subject who allegedly caused the fire thanks, in part, to tips received from the public after images and video were released to the media.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, the Defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the Defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the Defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

This investigation was conducted by the ATF with the help of the Cleveland Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Joines.