A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on August 2, 2017, to more than 15 years in federal prison.

Andrew Smith, 32, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 7, 2017, guilty plea.

In a plea agreement, Smith admitted to having conspired to distribute over 5 kilograms of methamphetamine from 2012 through 2016. In or around August 2014, Smith received approximately 6.5 pounds of methamphetamine from his source. From the summer to fall of 2015, Smith received quantities ranging from an ounce to a half-pound of methamphetamine on numerous occasions, and distributed the methamphetamine to multiple customers in the Fort Dodge area.

Smith was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Senior Judge Mark W. Bennett. Smith was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn Wehde and Special Assistant United States Attorney Ajay Alexander and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Criminal Division, and the Fort Dodge Police Department.

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

The case file number is 16-3048.

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A Russian citizen was sentenced today for his participation in a criminal enterprise that installed and exploited malicious computer software (“malware”) on tens of thousands of computer servers throughout the world to generate millions of dollars in fraudulent payments. Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Gregory G. Brooker of the District of Minnesota and Special Agent in Charge Richard T. Thornton of the FBI's Minneapolis Field Office made the announcement.

U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schlitz of the District of Minnesota sentenced Maxim Senakh, 41, of Veliky Novgorod, Russia, to 46 months’ imprisonment. Senakh pleaded guilty on March 28, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. He was indicted on Jan. 13, 2015, and was subsequently arrested by Finnish authorities, who extradited him to the U.S. in February 2016.

According to admissions made in connection with the plea agreement, the malware, which is known as Ebury, harvested log-on credentials from infected computer servers, allowing Senakh and his co-conspirators to create and operate a botnet comprising tens of thousands of infected servers throughout the world, including thousands in the U.S. Senakh and his co-conspirators used the Ebury botnet to generate and redirect internet traffic in furtherance of various click-fraud and spam e-mail schemes, which fraudulently generated millions of dollars in revenue. As part of his plea, Senakh admitted that he supported the criminal enterprise by creating accounts with domain registrars that helped develop the Ebury botnet infrastructure and personally profited from traffic generated by the Ebury botnet.

“The defendant and his co-conspirators sought to turn a network of thousands of infected computers in the United States and around the world into their personal cash machines,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Blanco. “But cybercriminals like Mr. Senakh should take heed: they are not immune from U.S. prosecution just because they operate from afar or behind a veil of technology. We have the ability and the determination to identify them, find them, and bring them to justice.”

“Working within a massive criminal enterprise, Maxim Senakh helped create a sophisticated infrastructure that victimized thousands of Internet users across the world,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brooker. “As society becomes more reliant on computers, cybercriminals like Senakh pose a serious threat. This Office, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to detecting and prosecuting cybercriminals no matter where they reside.”

“The sentence handed down today sends a strong message to international cyber criminals who mistakenly believe they can prey on the American people with impunity,” said Special Agent in Charge Thornton. “The FBI is committed to working closely with our global law enforcement partners to investigate criminal enterprises such as this and hold those responsible to account for their crimes wherever they may be.”

The FBI Minneapolis Field Office investigated this case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Ueland of the District of Minnesota and Senior Counsels Aaron Cooper and Benjamin Fitzpatrick of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section prosecuted the case. The government of Finland, the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), CERT-Bund and the cyber security firm ESET all provided substantial assistance in this case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided substantial assistance.

Defendant Information:

MAXIM SENAKH, 41

Veliky Novgorod, Russia

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to Violate the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and to Commit Wire Fraud, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 46 months in prison

   

   

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  United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

LAKE CHARLES, La. –Acting U.S.Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Lake Charles man was sentenced Wednesday to 130 months in prison for distributing cocaine and possessing firearms.

Kevin Ardoin, 36, of Lake Charles, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to the May 3, 2017 guilty plea, law enforcement agents recorded Ardoin selling cocaine on June 22, 2016 in Lake Charles. Agents searched his home and found 1.9 ounces of crack cocaine, .5 ounces of powder cocaine, 13 Xanax pills, 14 grams of marijuana and $2,265. The next day, agents learned there were more drugs in Ardoin’s home than was previously found. They searched his home again and found $87,070, 432 grams of cocaine, and four firearms, which included a loaded Taurus .410 caliber pistol, a Masterpiece Arms .45 caliber pistol, a Taurus .40 caliber pistol, and a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver.

The FBI and Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Taskforce conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph prosecuted the case.

ATLANTA – Siblings Jonathan and Stephanie Dupiton have been sentenced for using stolen identities to steal over $395,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The defendants illegally obtained SNAP benefits for themselves, and then cashed them at stores they owned in several Georgia communities.

“These defendants subverted the SNAP program to line their own pockets and also used hundreds of stolen identities to commit their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn. “They used the SNAP system as an ATM for their personal gain, diverting critical benefits that help those who need assistance in our communities.”

“The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General- Investigations, actively investigates allegations of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud. These defendants stole unsuspecting people’s identities, used those identities to fraudulently acquire EBT cards, and misused thousands of dollars worth of SNAP benefits to enrich themselves at the expense of American taxpayers. Collectively, this type of fraudulent activity undermines this vital program by misdirecting millions of dollars of taxpayer funds from the purposes they were intended,” said Karen Citizen-Wilcox, Special Agent-in-Charge, USDA-OIG. “We would like to thank U.S. Attorney’s Office for aggressively prosecuting perpetrators of fraud and sending a strong message that illegally profiting by defrauding USDA programs will not be tolerated.”

“This investigation was a great example of partnership and cooperation between our Department and federal authorities,” said Georgia Department of Human Services Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden. “DHS has zero tolerance for fraud, waste and abuse in the programs it administers. After internal efforts to detect fraud, DHS was able to work with the U.S. District Attorney’s Office in bringing these individuals to justice. Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens need these valuable resources, and we are committed to ensuring the integrity of SNAP in Georgia.”

According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the charges and other information presented in court: From July 2014 through October 2015, Jonathan and Stephanie Dupiton owned and operated two convenience stores in Cobb County, Georgia; J. Good Groceries in Mableton, and Stephanie’s Groceries in Austell. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service manages and funds SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, with the purpose of alleviating hunger and malnutrition among low-income families. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the SNAP program.

The defendants used stolen identities to apply for SNAP benefits instead of accepting SNAP benefits from qualified recipients to purchase food. These SNAP benefits were loaded on EBT cards, which are similar to debit cards. The defendants directed DHS to mail hundreds of EBT cards to addresses they controlled. The Dupitons then collected and swiped the fraudulent SNAP cards at their convenience stores. Over $800,000 in SNAP payments were deposited in the defendants’ bank accounts. DHS and USDA were able to link $395,000 of those funds to 321 fraudulent SNAP accounts.

Jonathan Dupiton, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years, nine months in prison, and Stephanie Dupiton, 24, also of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to six months in prison. Both defendants were also sentenced to three years of supervised release, a special assessment of $100, and ordered to pay $395,388.01 in restitution. Both defendants were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud in April 2017, after pleading guilty to these charges. Jonathan Dupiton was also convicted of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the Georgia Department of Human Services investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Brown prosecuted the case.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the home page for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

ALBUQUERQUE – Luther Whelan, 42, of Las Cruces, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to 84 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for his conviction on methamphetamine trafficking charges.

Whelan was arrested in Sept. 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with methamphetamine trafficking offenses. According to the complaint, law enforcement officers seized approximately 101.5 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia from Whelan on Feb. 7, 2015, and approximately 24.4 grams of methamphetamine and 2.8 grams of heroin from Whelan on July 23, 2015.

Whelan was subsequently indicted on Dec. 9, 2015, and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Feb. 7, 2015, and July 23, 2015. According to the indictment, Whelan committed the offenses in Dona Ana County, N.M.

On March 4, 2016, Whelan pled guilty to Count 1 of the indictment charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In entering the guilty plea, Whelan admitted that on Feb. 7, 2015, he possessed approximately 102 grams of methamphetamine with the intention of selling it to others.

This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brock E. Taylor of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.

ALBUQUERQUE – In Aug. 2016, a multi-agency investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) concluded with the filing of 59 federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint charging 104 Bernalillo County residents with federal firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses. To date, 68 of the 104 defendants charged as the result of this investigation have entered guilty pleas and 31 of them have been sentenced.

The investigation was undertaken in support of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution primarily based on their prior criminal convictions with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.

Dwayne Cunningham, 49, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to 60 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his conviction on a methamphetamine trafficking charge.

Cunningham and his co-defendants, Devell Devoual, 35, and Cedric Laneham, 39, were arrested in July 2016, on an indictment charging them with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine between May 16, 2016 and June 2, 2016; Devoual and Laneham with distributing methamphetamine on May 17, 2016; and Devoual and Cunningham with possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute on June 2, 2016. According to the indictment, the defendants committed the offenses in Bernalillo County, N.M.

On May 2, 2017, Cunningham pled guilty to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine on May 17, 2016. Co-defendant Devoual also has entered a guilty plea and remains in custody pending his sentencing hearing.

Co-defendant Laneham has entered a not guilty plea and remains in custody pending his trial, which is scheduled for Sept. 1, 2017. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of ATF and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Walsh and Norman Cairns.

       Montgomery, Ala. – Twenty-six suspected drug traffickers with ties to East Alabama were arrested in a joint federal, state, and local narcotics investigation, announced A. Clark Morris, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Thirteen suspects were arrested on federal narcotics and money laundering charges. An additional thirteen suspects were arrested on state narcotics charges.

       According to the six-count federal indictment, the suspects listed below conspired to possess with intent to distribute or did distribute a variety of drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, Xanax and methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (also known as MDMA or ecstasy). In addition to the drug charges, the indictment alleges four of the defendants committed the crime of money laundering.

       The thirteen federal suspects are:

       1) Alfred Lorenzo Cole – 36 years old, Santa Rosa, California;

       2) Sakeya Monique Donaldson, 38 years old, Atlanta, Georgia;

       3) Leanne Grimmett, 31 years old, Auburn, Alabama;

       4) Jermichael Lamar Hart, 31 years old, Auburn, Alabama;

       5) Worldly Dieago Holstick – 35 years old, Auburn, Alabama;

       6) Mackenzie Leigh Keith, 23 years old, Auburn, Alabama;

       7) Tyesha Lanise Lockhart – 20 years old, Auburn, Alabama;

       8) John Willie Maddox, Jr. - 27 years old, Auburn, Alabama;

       9) Marquis Lanez Miller – 36 years old, Auburn, Alabama;

       10) Timothy Lamar Spinks, 42 years old, Auburn, Alabama;

       11) Erin Kristen Turner – 23 years old, Auburn, Alabama;

       12) Lateasha Lashun Williams, 30 years old, Auburn, Alabama; and

       13) Lester Stephen Young, 34 years old, Auburn, Alabama;

       For the conspiracy count, defendants Holstick, Miller, Maddox, Cole, Lockhart, Turner, Donaldson, Young, Spinks, and Hart are facing no less than 5 years imprisonment, and not more than 40 years. In addition, they are subject to a fine of not more than 5 million dollars.

       For the money laundering conspiracy, defendants Holstick, Turner, Cole and Grimmett face not more than 20 years imprisonment. In addition, they are subject to a fine of not more than $500,000.00 dollars.

       Defendants Maddox, Williams, Keith and Miller face not more than 20 years imprisonment for distribution charges. In addition, they are subject to a fine of not more than 1 million dollars.

       The following suspects are facing state charges of criminal conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime.

       1) Shedrick Taryl Cannon, Notasulga, Alabama;

       2) Travis Lamar Dowdell, Auburn, Alabama;

       3) Carlton Antonio Goodman Jr., Dadeville, Alabama;

       4) Blakely Elizabeth Kilgore, Huntsville, Alabama;

       5) Samson Jermon Logan, Auburn, Alabama;

       6) Keuntae Rajhun Mabson, Tuskegee, Alabama;

       7) Adam Lee McPheeters, Auburn, Alabama;

       8) Antonio Jermaine Mitchell, Opelika, Alabama;

       9) Eric Kendall Smith, Auburn, Alabama;

       10) Alexander White Jr., Thomasville, Alabama; and

       11) Caleb Andrew Whitworth, Notasulga, Alabama.

       Two more individuals are facing state charges: Eric Lamar Kellum of Opelika, Alabama is being charged with distribution of a controlled substance, and Quentin Eugene Turner of Auburn, Alabama is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

       An indictment is merely a method of charging a defendant. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

       These cases are being investigated by the following agencies: DEA – Montgomery Resident Office, Auburn Police Division, Eufaula Police Department, Prattville Police Department, Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Alabama Law enforcement Agency, Alabama HIDTA Task Force, Alabama National Guard, Autauga County Sheriff’s Office, Central Alabama Drug Task Force (CADTF), Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, Millbrook Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County District Attorney’s Office, Opelika Police Department, Troy Police Department, and the United States Marshals.

       The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Verne Speirs and John Geer. The state case is being prosecuted by the Lee County District Attorney’s Office.

HOUSTON – A tax return preparer who operated a local business under various names has been convicted of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of a false U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, announced acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.

According to the criminal information and plea agreement filed in the record of the case, Albert Bobby Daniels Jr. was in the business of preparing income tax returns and operated that business under various names including Home Based Business Tax Services in Houston. Daniels admitted he willfully placed numerous false items on his clients’ income tax returns in an attempt to generate excessive refunds.

The tax return Daniels prepared that served as the factual basis of today’s plea resulted in a tax loss to the United States of $7,263. As part of the plea, Daniels admitted that the total loss to the National Treasury was at least $257,590 for the approximate 45 fraudulent tax returns he prepared. Daniels has agreed to make full restitution to the IRS.

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett, who accepted the guilty plea, has set sentencing for Oct. 12, 2017. At that time, Daniels faces up to three years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.

The Austin office of IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jimmy Sledge Jr. is prosecuting the case.

St. Thomas, USVI – Betel Rosario Paulino, 18, of the Dominican Republic pleaded guilty on July 27, and Helwood Paris, 20, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty on Monday in District Court for their roles in the armed robbery of the McDonald’s restaurant on St. Thomas, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Paris pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and the territorial charge of robbery in the first degree and Paulino pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and discharge of a firearm during a federal crime of violence. Sentencing is set for November 30, 2017.

According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on March 25, 2017, members of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) responded to reports of a robbery in progress at the McDonald’s restaurant in the Lockhart Shopping Center. Paris and Paulino were arrested after the investigation revealed that they were involved in the planning, execution and attempt at covering up the robbery. Two other men, Junior Feliz and Hanselo Recio, previously entered guilty pleas based on their roles in the robbery. Their sentencing hearing is set for October 5, 2017.

Paris faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the two counts: conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and the territorial charge of robbery in the first degree.

Paulino faces up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and a mandatory 10-year consecutive sentence for discharge of a firearm during a federal crime of violence.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and VIPD. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte and Criminal Chief Christian A. Fisanick.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Tyler C. Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in New England, announced that STEPHEN CRAIG, 66, of Essex, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to one count of making a false statement to the federal government.

According to court documents and statements made in court, STEPHEN CRAIG owned Boston Lead Company LLC (BLC), a Connecticut corporation that provided industrial hygiene and safety services. Doing business as Environmental Training and Assessment (ETA), BLC offered a variety of training courses to individuals working with lead paint and asbestos. STEPHEN CRAIG was the training manager and a primary instructor for those courses, and his son, Matthew Craig, provided hands-on instruction and assisted with course administration, including the grading of examinations.

ETA’s lead and asbestos training courses were subject to regulation under the training provider accreditation requirements of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). TSCA allowed states to obtain U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorization to administer and enforce the standards, regulations and other requirements of the TSCA’s lead and asbestos programs, including the approval of training courses. The State of Connecticut received such authorization for all lead and asbestos programs except the lead program that covered renovations, repairs and painting. Individuals in Connecticut who perform lead abatement activities must be certified by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH). To obtain certification, an individual must successfully complete an approved 32-hour lead abatement worker initial training course. ETA applied for and received approval from CT DPH to offer a wide range of lead and asbestos training courses, including lead abatement worker initial and refresher courses.

In August 2011, ETA offered a lead abatement training course at its Middletown facility. STEPHEN CRAIG was the training manager and primary course instructor, and Matthew Craig provided the hands-on training and graded the exams. An undercover EPA agent attended the course under the fictitious identity, seeking a lead abatement worker initial course completion certificate. The agent skipped the first two days of the course, and was two hours late on the third day. Thereafter, the agent attended the course for a total of approximately 15 hours, including approximately three hours of hands-on training. STEPHEN CRAIG was aware that agent did not attend the full training course.

At the conclusion of the course, the agent paid STEPHEN CRAIG $525 in cash and allowed him to sit for the lead abatement worker examination, which was proctored and graded by Matthew Craig. The agent intentionally failed the examination. Although Matthew Craig knew that the agent had failed the examination, Matthew Craig completed questions that the agent had left blank and corrected a sufficient number of incorrectly answered questions to bring the examination grade to a passing grade of 80 percent.

On August 12, 2011, ETA issued a false Certificate of Completion to the agent that stated that the agent had successfully completed a 32-hour lead abatement worker initial training course and passed an examination in accordance with CT DPH standards.

“Asbestos and Lead removal training providers, like Stephen Craig’s businesses, are entrusted with keeping safe the supervisors, workers and the public that hire them,” stated Special Agent in Charge Amon. “Sham trainers will continue to be a focus for EPA enforcement since they pose too great a risk to the public health.”

Judge Bryant scheduled sentencing for November 2, 2017, at which time STEPHEN CRAIG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Matthew Craig previously pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement and, on March 14, 2013, was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA– The last of six defendants was sentenced this week for conspiring to distribute heroin and other drug-related charges. The sentences were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The defendants are:

• Joe Lee McQuay, 39, Ocala, 240 months in prison (180 months for the heroin conspiracy to be served consecutively to a 60-month sentence for a prior narcotics trafficking offense);

• Ivan Jermaine Wims, 41, Gainesville, 144 months in prison;

• Jordan Christopher Wims (Ivan’s son), 22, Gainesville, 36 months in prison;

• Albert Devon Kitchen, 35, Gainesville, 240 months in prison;

• Ticco Earl Wright, 33, Gainesville, 120 months in prison; and

• Danielle Nicole Duncan, 36, Gainesville, 24 months in prison;

The DEA began this drug trafficking investigation in June 2013. The investigation revealed that McQuay supplied heroin to distributor Ivan Wims. After Ivan Wims was arrested on an unrelated case in April 2014, he continued to coordinate his drug activities from custody, directing his son Jordan Wims and Albert Kitchen how to obtain, process, and distribute heroin to the customers. Duncan and Wright were two of these customers. The undercover agent purchased heroin from Jordan Wims, Kitchen, Duncan, and Wright on multiple occasions.

In the fall of 2016, Ivan and Jordan Wims, Kitchen, Wright, and Duncan pled guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin. Ivan Wims and Jordan Wims and Kitchen were responsible for more than one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of heroin in the conspiracy, and Wright and Duncan were responsible for quantities of 100 grams or more of heroin. Additionally, Wright pled guilty to possessing a firearm while trafficking in heroin. In January 2017, McQuay pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.

These cases resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gainesville Alachua County Drug Task Force, comprised of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Gainesville Police Department, and the University of Florida Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory P. McMahon prosecuted the cases.

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 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.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Timothy Alan Overcash, 52, of Gold Hill, N.C. was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr. to 150 months in prison for enticement of a minor using a means and facility of interstate commerce, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Judge Conrad also ordered Overcash to register as a sex offender and to serve the rest of his life under court supervision after he is released from prison.

U.S. Attorney Rose is joined in making today’s announcement by John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division.

According to court documents and today’s court proceedings, Overcash responded to an online posting soliciting individuals interested in engaging in sexual contact with a minor. From August to September 2016, Overcash had multiple communications with an FBI undercover employee posing as the minor’s parent, during which Overcash discussed his interest in engaging in sexual contact with the minor and made arrangements to meet the minor. Law enforcement arrested Overcash when he arrived at the agreed-upon location to meet whom he thought was an 11-year-old girl, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activities.

Overcash pleaded guilty in February 2017 to one count of online enticement of a minor. He is currently in federal custody and he will be transferred to custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. Federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.

The investigation was led by the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is in charge of the prosecution.

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

LAREDO, Texas – Two Mexican nationals convicted of attempting to import crystal methamphetamine from Mexico have been ordered to federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Juan Jose Acevedo-Azua, 38, and Veronica Rios-Rojas, 37, pleaded guilty Aug. 8 and 10, 2016, respectively.

Today, U.S. District Judge George P. Kazen ordered Acevedo-Azua and Rios-Rojas to serve 120 and 98 months, respectively. Not U.S. citizens, both are expected to face deportation proceedings following their release from prison. In handing down the sentence, Judge Kazen noted that Acevedo-Azua’s higher sentence was due in part because he admitted this was his second or third trip for the same smuggler.

On April 12, 2016, Acevedo-Azua and Rios-Rojas entered the U.S. from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and approached the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge and Gateway to the Americas International Bridge, respectively. Acevedo-Azua had almost 54 kilograms of the crystal methamphetamine concealed within the Ford F-150 he operated, while Rios-Rojas had approximately 34 kilograms within her Nissan Altima. The investigation revealed that each worked for the same individual in Mexico.

Both have been in custody since their arrests where they will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.

A former Summit County councilwoman was sentenced to five years in prison for taking bribes in exchange for trying to influence court proceedings and investigations, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Tamela Lee, 58, of Akron, was convicted by a jury earlier this year on all six counts: conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud, honest services mail fraud, Hobbs Act conspiracy, violating the Hobbs Act, obstruction of justice and making false statements to law enforcement.

“This is a public official who used her office to collect cash, cigarettes, home repairs and other things that average citizens have to pay for,” Sierleja said. “She violated the public’s trust and is now being held accountable for her actions.”

"Tamela Lee, a community councilwoman elected by the citizens she was supposed to lawfully represent, was motivated by her own self- interests and greed,” Anthony said. “The FBI is pleased Ms. Lee is being held accountable for these criminal actions. The FBI will continue to root out public corruption, whether it is elected officials that violate their oath and the law or citizens that bribe them to do so.”

Lee solicited and accepted things from Omar Abdelqader, including money, loans, campaign contributions, home improvements, home maintenance and consumer goods. These were provided directly by Omar Abdelqader, or through Bi-Rite and totaled more than $6,500, according to court documents and testimony.

In return, Lee performed and promised to perform official acts for Omar Abdelqader and other businesses in Akron for which he served as a conduit to Lee. These actions included helping Omar Abdelqader and his designees navigate government bureaucracy, achieve favorable outcomes in judicial and administrative proceedings and obtain streamlined access to information, according to court documents and testimony.

Omar Abdelqader was affiliated with several convenience stores and other businesses in the Akron area, including the Bi-Rite on Diagnonal Road. Abdelrahman Abdelqader is his brother and Samir Abdelqader is his nephew, according to court documents.

On June 8, 2014, Omar and Samir Abdelqader discussed Samir obtaining a bond regarding criminal charges he was facing. About 40 minutes later, Omar and Lee discussed the councilwoman emailing or calling the judge. On June 12, Lee called Judge 2’s chambers several times. The next day Lee asked Omar for money, and he directed her to the Bi-Rite to collect the money, according to court documents and testimony.

On June 14, 2014, Lee sent a text message to Omar informing him that the judge and bailiff returned her call. She then sent a text message to Omar stating: “I am going to bed, I am angry and frustrated and broke…bye,” according to according to court documents and testimony.

Later that day, Omar instructed Lee to send her daughter to the Bi-Rite to pick up cash. Three days later, Lee spoke to Judge 2 and told the judge she was related to Samir Abdelqader, according to court documents and testimony.

In July 2014, Lee and Omar spoke repeatedly about fundraising for her campaign. Omar told Person 9 that he had collected $800 in donations for Lee. Omar explained the Lee provided service. “In other words, I am keeping her because we need her, man,” Omar told Person 9, who responded: “She is better than an attorney to us!” according to court documents and testimony.

Omar Abdelqader, of North Canton, Abdelrahman Abdelqader, of Canton, and Samir Abdelqader, of Fairlawn, have pleaded guilty to crimes related to this case.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Linda Barr and Elliot Morrison following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Akron Police Department.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to two years and nine months in federal prison for a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Re’Shaun Lamonte Wilborne, 31, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Wilborne admitted that on October 13, 2016, he possessed a Taurus, Model PT92AF, 9x19mm semiautomatic pistol and several boxes of ammunition. An officer with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team discovered the handgun in Wilborne’s backpack in a Motel 6 on MacCorkle Avenue in Charleston. Three days later, on October 16, 2016, a Charleston Police Department officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Central Avenue in Charleston in reference to two individuals behind a bar fighting, one of whom was later identified as Wilborne. When Wilborne saw the officer, he began to flee. The officer caught up to Wilborne around the 400 block of Elm Street and in a search of Wilborne incident to arrest, law enforcement recovered a Glock, Model 29, 10mm semiautomatic pistol. After a check of the gun’s serial number, law enforcement confirmed that the firearm was stolen. Wilborne was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a conviction for second degree sexual assault in 2004 in Fayette County Circuit Court. As part of the plea agreement, Wilborne admitted to all of the criminal conduct charged in the indictment.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Charleston Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

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Jackson, TN – A Jackson, Tennessee Gangster Disciple was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison. Lawrence J. Laurenzi, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

On July 31, 2017, Daniel Lee Cole, a/k/a "D-Money," 38, was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison for conspiracy to participate in racketeering activities. As part of his plea of guilty entered in December 2016, Cole admitted that he was a past Governor of the 731 region (Jackson, TN) and was also Literature Coordinator. Cole admitted to conspiring to distribute narcotics with the other 15 Gangster Disciples who were included in the indictment.

Cole further admitted to attacking and injuring a rival gang member in 2002; to pointing a handgun at a victim in 2014, while another Gangster Disciples struck the victim with a beer bottle and threatened to kill that victim for witnessing Gangster Disciples criminal activity; and to being involved in an incident where Gangster Disciples assaulted a victim for refusing to recant prior statements made to law enforcement that incriminated a senior member of the gang in 2015. During this last incident, Cole admitted that one of the gang members shot at a vehicle containing the witness and several passengers.

The Gangster Disciples is a highly-organized criminal street gang with nationwide reach. In addition to Tennessee, the gang reportedly operates in more than 35 states. The Gangster Disciples were organized into different positions, including board members, and governor-of-governors who each controlled geographic regions; governors, assistant governors, chief enforcers and chief of security for each state or regions within the state where the Gangster Disciples were active; and coordinators and leaders within each local group. The indictment alleges that the Gangster Disciples members and associates participated directly in the criminal activities of the enterprise – including murder,

kidnapping, assault, intimidation of witnesses and victims, narcotics distribution and weapons trafficking.

On the same day that Cole was sentenced, two other Gangster Disciples, Tommy Lee Wilkins, a/k/a "Tommy Gunz" and Byron Montrail Purdy, a/k/a "Ghetto," who were charged in the same indictment, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. Wilkins and Purdy are the third and fourth of the 16 indicted defendants to plead guilty. Wilkins is scheduled to be sentenced by the Honorable John T. Fowlkes Jr., on November 17, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. and Purdy will be sentenced before the same Judge on December 1, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.

This case was investigated by the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; JPD Gang Enforcement Team; Memphis Police Department; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; 28th District West Tennessee Drug Task Force; 26th, 25th, and 30th Judicial District Attorney’s General’s Offices; Sheriff’s Offices for Tipton, Desoto, Madison, and Fayette Counties; and the Police Departments of Bartlett, Germantown and Columbia.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Boswell and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stringfellow prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that David R. Parker, age 39, of Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with sex trafficking involving a minor.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the criminal information alleges that from June 1, 2010 to August 31, 2010, Parker engaged in sex trafficking involving a minor.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski is prosecuting the case.

The Criminal Information was filed pursuant to a plea agreement, which is subject to approval by the court, wherein it is indicated that Parker be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 360 months, sexual offender registration, and a lifetime of supervision by a probation officer following his release.

This case was brought as 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 the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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 is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 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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St. Louis, MO – Darren Small, 51, and Jayna Small, 40, husband and wife of Kinloch, MO, have entered pleas of guilty to charges in connection with their theft of funds from the Kinloch Fire Protection District.

Jayna Small was President of the Board of Directors of the District. While she was President of the Board, she and her husband Darren Small, who was Chief of the Kinloch Fire Department and Mayor of the City of Kinloch, conspired to divert funds from the District’s bank account for their own personal use, including to purchase clothing, food, liquor, cigarettes, and other items. They also used funds from the District to pay for their personal household utility bills. Jayna Small also admitted that she diverted funds from the District by writing a check from the District’s bank account in the amount of $7,200.00 and using the funds from the check to pay for the funeral expenses of a relative.

Darren Small appeared today before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry and pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of access device fraud. Sentencing has been set for October 25, 2017.

Jayna Small appeared before Judge Perry on July 24, 2017 and pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud. Sentencing has been set for October 17, 2017.

Conspiracy to commit access device fraud carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Access device fraud and interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud each carry a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Reginald Harris is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Maurice Donnell Williams, aka Reecy, 23, of Nashville, Tenn., was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court, to 18 years in prison, for gun and drug crimes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jack Smith of the Middle District of Tennessee.

Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2017 and pleaded guilty in May of this year.

“This is an example of the importance of citizens being engaged in efforts to reduce crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jack Smith. “Here, a citizen saw a concerning post on social media and reported it. The rapid response and investigation by law enforcement has now resulted in a dangerous criminal being removed from the community for a long period of time. Removing repeat offenders from our communities enhances our ability to combat street gangs and the violence often associated with illegal guns and drugs. I encourage our citizens to continue to assist law enforcement by reporting criminal activity when they become aware of it.”

According to court documents, Williams is a Bloods street gang member and had been convicted at the state level in 2012 for facilitation of aggravated robbery and in 2014 he was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Williams was sentenced to prison on these charges and was released in March 2016.

In October 2016, Williams was arrested by Metropolitan Nashville Police Officers after fleeing a traffic stop near the East Community Center and the Explore! Community School in East Nashville. While fleeing from police, Williams discarded a jacket which held a loaded Kel-Tec 9mm pistol, cocaine, marijuana and digital scales.

On December 28, 2016, while out on bond for the October arrest, Williams was again arrested in the Cayce Homes area, after Nashville Police Officers found him with a loaded Ruger pistol in his pants. Officers had been monitoring surveillance cameras in the area after a Facebook Live video was forwarded to the Mayor’s Office, which showed several youths with multiple firearms in the Cayce Homes area. After this arrest, Williams again posted bond and was released from custody.

A subsequent review of the Williams’ charges and criminal history, as part of a joint effort by local and federal law enforcement to reduce violent crime in public housing areas, resulted in the federal indictment and Williams was held in federal custody without bond.

“Williams’ prior arrests and convictions over the years obviously did not dissuade him from continued criminal activity, which put persons in the Cayce community at risk,” Chief Steve Anderson said. “I am grateful to the United States Attorney’s Office and the ATF for their valued partnership as we address violent felons who pose a danger to our citizens.”

In imposing the 18-year prison sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw noted the prior convictions for violent offenses and the danger Williams posed to the public, due to his history of repetitive armed offenses.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sunny A.M. Koshy.

Amauris Ventura Alberto Castro, a/k/a “Amauris Castro,” a/k/a “Edison Hernandez,” of Philadelphia, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about June 29, 2017, Alberto Castro, an alien, and native and citizen of the Dominican Republic, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about March 18, 2014.

If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of twenty years.

The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney M. Beth Leahy.

An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.