TYLER, Texas – A 29-year-old Kilgore, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.

Andrew Jonathan Hearnsberger pleaded guilty on May 16, 2017, to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark.

According to information presented in court, on Jan. 10, 2017, law enforcement agents executed a federal arrest warrant for Hearnsberger in Kilgore as a result of an investigation into illegal drug trafficking in the area. The arrest resulted in the seizure of $14,624 in cash, heroin, marijuana, and multiple firearms. Hearnsberger was indicted by a federal grand jury on Dec. 14, 2016, and charged with federal drug trafficking violations.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Gregg County CODE Unit, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kilgore Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Ann Cozby.

ROCKFORD — A Rockford man was sentenced Tuesday in federal court by U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Kapala for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

DEONTA M. NEWTON, 29, was sentenced to 103 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Newton pleaded guilty to the charge on March 17, 2017.

According to a written plea agreement, Newton on July 18, 2016, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by another individual on the way to a convenience store on the west side of Rockford. When the other individual went into the store, a blue minivan pulled in the store’s parking lot and someone inside the van fired several shots at Newton while he was in the car. Newton grabbed a .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, got out of the car with the gun in hand, and ran away. The minivan left and shortly thereafter Newton returned to the parking lot and got back in the passenger side of the vehicle. The other individual got back in the vehicle and drove to his residence with Newton, where Newton took the pistol inside and hid it in the basement. The pistol was later located and seized by officers of the Rockford Police Department.

Newton was charged in federal court as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an intensive, cooperative effort between local, state and federal law enforcement to attack gun crimes. Additional information about Project Safe Neighborhoods may be found at: www.psn.gov.

The sentencing was announced by Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Celinez Nunez, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Joseph Bruscato, Winnebago County State’s Attorney; and Dan O’Shea, Chief of the Rockford Police Department.

The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Pedersen.

TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man appeared in federal court today to face charges that he operated a $530,000 check-kiting scheme using stolen Social Security numbers, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.

Daniel White, 51, of Manalapan, New Jersey, was charged by complaint with one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Arpert in Trenton federal court.

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

From February 2015 to June 2016, White opened or directed others to open 413 accounts at TD Bank, using 133 different Social Security numbers, 84 of which belonged to other individuals. White then wrote or caused others to write 472 checks totaling more than $530,000 addressed to himself or the owners of the newly opened accounts, knowing that the accounts against which the checks were written did not contain sufficient funds. White and others deposited those checks into the newly opened accounts and withdrew money before the checks bounced.

The count of bank fraud with which White is charged carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The count of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed.

Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt; the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato; and the Manchester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Lisa D. Parker, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah M. Wolfe of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man pleaded guilty today to receipt of child pornography.

According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Alfredo Martinez, 49, was identified in an online undercover operation as sharing images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In May 2017, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at his house in Norfolk. Martinez was found in possession of numerous items of electronic media that contained images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including a cell phone, external hard drives, and three different computers. Martinez was arrested at the time of the search warrant and was later by indictment by a federal grand jury.

Martinez faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on November 21. 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.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:17-cr-98.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan man was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Bryan Keith Lewis, 25, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Lewis admitted that on November 9, 2015, while carrying a Smith & Wesson, Bodyguard, .380 caliber pistol, he entered a residence in Logan by kicking the door open and motioned for a victim in the residence to give over any money. The victim resisted and a struggle began. During the struggle, Lewis admitted that he shot the victim several times. Despite the gunshot wounds, the victim stabbed Lewis multiple times with a box cutter. Lewis fled the house and dropped the gun on the way out. The victim crawled to pick up the firearm and when Lewis returned to the house to retrieve the gun, the victim shot Lewis.

Lewis was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2014 conviction in Logan County Magistrate Court for domestic assault.

The Logan Police Department, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin 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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MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that AMBER LUANA SMALL, age 25, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment, and 4 years of supervised release for POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.

The Indictment alleged that on or about August 30, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The charge arose from an investigation by the District 27 Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the nonparoleable sentence will be served.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Hammer represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that JESSE KENT COX, age 35, of Coweta, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment, and 3 years of supervised release for WIRE FRAUD, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $52,250.00.

The Indictment alleged that from on or about January 1, 2016, and continuing until on or about March 28, 2016, the defendant, JESSE KENT COX, devised and intended to devise a scheme to defraud, and to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the nonparoleable sentence will be served.

Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.

BIRMINGHAM – A Birmingham man pled guilty today in federal court to selling heroin last year that caused the death of one person and seriously injured another, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bret Hamilton.

MICHAEL DEWAYNE “Big Boi” JOHNSON, 32, appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala and pled guilty to one count of distributing heroin in Jefferson County on July 28, 2016, and that a 31-year-old Cullman man died as a result of using that heroin. Johnson also pled guilty to distributing heroin that day that caused serious bodily injury to a then 18-year-old Cullman man who overdosed from using the drug. Johnson pled guilty to one count of distributing heroin in Jefferson County on Aug. 3, 2016. Johnson is scheduled for sentencing Dec. 13.

“The opioid epidemic continues to cause overdose deaths and near deaths in our communities,” Town said. “This guilty plea today sends a very loud message that if you are dealing in heroin or fentanyl, we are coming for you and will bring you to justice. Enforcement of drug-trafficking laws is a top priority of the Department of Justice and we are working in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement to bring the most serious available charges against the most dangerous drug dealers.”

“Heroin-related overdoses are becoming a national epidemic, including here in Birmingham, as people addicted to prescription pills become desperate to feed their addictions,” Hamilton said. “DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to make it a priority to ban together to identify and investigate those who distribute drugs that result in overdose and death. This case should send a message to anyone who would illegally distribute drugs that behind every overdose, law enforcement is looking for the drug dealer responsible.”

The penalty for distributing heroin that causes death or serious bodily injury is 20 years to life in prison and a maximum $2 million fine. The maximum penalty for distributing heroin is 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

DEA investigated the case, which the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama is prosecuting.

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Acting United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced the indictment of JULIE ANN LEE, 53, former controller of the Town & Country Club in St. Paul, Minn., on four counts of wire fraud and six counts of filing false tax returns. LEE is expected to make her initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis later this week.

According to the indictment, from 2008 through 2016, LEE was the controller of the Town & Country Club (“TCC”), a private golf club in St. Paul, Minn. In her role, LEE was responsible for managing TCC’s finances and had authority to sign and issue checks on behalf of TCC as well as signing authority on TCC’s bank accounts, including a line of credit TCC had with Alliance Bank. LEE used her position as controller to devise a scheme to embezzle more than $1 million from TCC over the course of eight years.

According to the indictment, as part of her embezzlement scheme, LEE fraudulently issued herself more than 50 checks totaling more than $150,000 directly from TCC’s bank accounts. LEE also stole approximately $250,000 in cash from TCC, which she deposited into her personal bank account. As part of the scheme, LEE also made payments on her personal credit cards directly from TCC bank accounts totaling approximately $600,000. LEE spent the funds she embezzled on things unrelated to TCC, including personal travel, home improvements and her mortgage, a 2013 Dodge Charger, a 2015 GMC Sierra K3500 pickup truck, a motorcycle, a recreational vehicle, and 81 acres of land in northern Minnesota.

According to the indictment, LEE attempted to conceal her embezzlement scheme and cover the shortage of money in TCC’s bank accounts by taking advances on TCC’s line of credit at Alliance Bank. As a result ofLEE’s embezzlement, TCC was left without sufficient funds to make its quarterly payroll tax payments to the IRS. In order to conceal the shortage of funds, LEE filed false quarterly payroll tax returns with the IRS understating TCC’s payroll tax liability. At times, LEE also filed TCC’s quarterly payroll tax returns late and made TCC’s quarterly tax payments late, which resulted in TCC paying more than $300,000 in interest and penalties to the IRS.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS, the United States Secret Service, and the Saint Paul Police Department.

Defendant Information:

JULIE ANN LEE, 53

Farmington, MN

Charges:

• Wire Fraud, 4 counts
• Filing false tax returns, 6 counts

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

If convicted, Langlois faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each armed robbery count. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years and a maximum of life in prison on the first brandishing a firearm count, and a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years on the second brandishing a firearm count. Federal law requires that any penalties imposed on the brandishing a firearm charges be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the armed robbery charges. The false statement to a firearms dealer charge has a maximum penalty of five years, and the felon in possession of a firearm charge has a maximum penalty of 10 years.

Antijunti faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.

The charges against Langlois and Antijunti are the result of an investigation by the Wausau and Madison Police Departments and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber.

MadisonMan Charged with Sex Trafficking

Harry Miller, 59, Madison, Wis., is charged with two counts of recruiting and maintaining an individual through force and threats of force to engage in a commercial sex act. The indictment alleges that he trafficked one individual known as Jane Doe 1 from March 2017 to April 2017, and that he trafficked an individual known as Jane Doe 2 from March to June 2017.

If convicted, Miller faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger.

Madison Man Charged with Production & Possession of Child Pornography

Matthew R. Howard, 22, Madison, Wis., is charged with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The indictment alleges that on November 15, 2014 and January 29, 2017, Howard used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. The indictment also alleges that on August 17, 2017, he possessed an external hard drive and SD card that contained child pornography.

If convicted, Howard faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each of the production counts, and a maximum of 10 years on the possession count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force member agencies, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Madison Police Department. The prosecution of this case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger.

Mexican Citizen Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.

Antonio Lopez-Rosales, 36, a citizen of Mexico found in Madison, Wis., is charged with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported. He was found in the United States on August 10, 2017.

The charge against him is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Reinhard.

Acting United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced an indictment charging STEVEN MARKUSEN, 63, and JAY COPE, 58, with multiple counts of wire fraud in a stock trading scheme.[1] MARKUSEN and COPE will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court at a later date.

According to the indictment, MARKUSEN was the sole owner, CEO and managing member of Archer Advisors LLC (“Archer”), which he formed in 2002. COPE was employed by Archer and at various times held the titles of chief operating officer, managing member, and research associate, and whose primary duties were operations, investor relations, and marketing for Archer. The sole business purpose of Archer was to serve as the investment manager for two private hedge funds, the Archer Equity Fund LLC (“Equity Fund”) and the Archer Focus Fund LLC (“Focus Fund”) (collectively, the “Funds”). At their peak, the Funds had more than $36 million in net assets.

According to the indictment, the Funds paid Archer monthly management fees, annual performance fees, and reimbursements for eligible expenses incurred by Archer. All payments to Archer were made through a third-party administrator. To place trades, MARKUSEN and COPE used brokerage firms, including certain brokerage firms that offered what is known as a “soft dollar program,” which is an incentive program where Archer would be credited a percentage of the commission paid by the Funds to the brokerage firms for each trade. Archer could use these commission percentages, called “soft dollars,” for the limited purpose of purchasing third-party research services to help Archer make investment decisions for the Funds.

According to the indictment, in 2008, COPE began submitting monthly invoices to Archer claiming he had performed research for Archer. MARKUSEN would then request reimbursement from the third-party administrator for COPE’S expenses, which were paid to Archer separate from the monthly management fees. Beginning in approximately April 2009, Archer stopped paying COPE’S fees, however, from April 2009 through October 2013,MARKUSEN continued to falsely represent to the third-party administrator that Archer had paid COPE’S fees and to fraudulently request reimbursementswhen, in reality, the defendants had caused soft dollars to be used to pay for COPE’S research fees. Every time Archer executed trades using one of the brokers who offered a soft dollar program, additional soft dollars were generated. MARKUSEN authorized COPE’S monthly research invoices, as well as reimbursements for other purported expenses, to be paid from the soft dollar accounts. Between May 2009 and October 2013, soft dollars were used to pay more than $500,000 in research expenses purportedly incurred by Archer, more than 80 percent of which went to COPE.

According to the indictment, as part of the scheme, MARKUSEN and COPE engaged in fraudulent trading activity that was designed to ensure that the soft dollar accounts contained sufficient funds to cover COPE’S monthly invoices.MARKUSEN and COPE closely monitored the soft dollar balance, and, after learning that it was in arrears, theybegan “day trading,” buying and then selling a position on the same trading day. MARKUSEN and COPE also attempted to artificially inflate the value of the Funds through a market-manipulation scheme known as “marking the close.” Through this scheme, MARKUSEN and COPE purchased large volumes of shares of a thinly traded stock in the closing minutes of the last day of the month, oftentimes at or above the prevailing market prices. Through these efforts, MARKUSEN and COPE were able to cause the stock to close at artificially high prices at the end of numerous months, which resulted in an artificially exaggerated increase in the overall value of the Funds.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John E. Kokkinen and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariella Guardiwith the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Defendant Information:

STEVEN MARKUSEN, 63

Minneapolis, Minn.

Charges:

• Mail fraud, 8 counts

JAY COPE, 58

Victoria, Minn.

Charges:

• Mail fraud, 4 counts

   

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

This morning, federal, state and local authorities arrested a dozen individuals without incident, including San Antonio Eastside-based ringleader Donavin Sanchez, on federal drug charges stemming from a heroin and methamphetamine trafficking investigation announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr.; Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Steve Whipple, Houston Division; and, Texas Department of Safety Director Steve McCraw. Below is a complete list of defendants resulting from this investigation.

Since June 2017, a federal grand jury in San Antonio has returned three (3) indictments charging 38 individuals in connection with this investigation. The indictments, including the latest one which was unsealed today, charges all 38 defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Several of the defendants face additional charge(s), namely, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Upon conviction, the defendants face sentences of either up to 20 years in federal prison, between 5 and 40 years in federal prison, or up to life in federal prison depending on the amount of heroin or methamphetamine involved.

According to the indictments, the defendants were allegedly involved in a scheme to distribute narcotics, namely methamphetamine, heroin and other opioids, in San Antonio. During this investigation, authorities have seized approximately six (6) kilograms of heroin, 14.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, three firearms, and approximately $182,000 in U.S. Currency attributed to this organization.

“Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our communities. DEA, and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in San Antonio and throughout Texas, remain vigilant in our pursuit of drug trafficking organizations who threaten our community safety. These arrests send a strong and unified message that these crimes will not be tolerated in our communities and those who commit these offenses will be brought to justice,” stated DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Steve Whipple.

“Organized crime and drug trafficking are a serious threat to public safety in Texas, and DPS vigilantly works alongside our law enforcement partners to detect, deter and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in our communities,” said DPS Regional Commander Freeman Martin. “This long-term investigation is an ideal example of how law enforcement at all levels works together to put criminals behind bars and protect Texans.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration—San Antonio Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted this investigation together with the Seguin Police Department, Castle Hills Police Department, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, and San Antonio Police Department. 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.

US vs. Donavin Sanchez, et al. SA17cr633            * denotes already in custody prior to today

Name   Age   Residence   Arrest Date   Counts

Donavin Sanchez   23   San Antonio   8.23.17  1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Edwin Jiminez   62   San Antonio   8.23.17   1

John Sallin   47   San Antonio   8.23.17   1

Edward Alejandro   30   San Antonio   8.23.17   1

Melissa Carrera   39   San Antonio    8.23.17   1,2,6,7,8

Roger Troy Sanchez   25   San Antonio   8.23.17   1

Chenille Lujan   84   San Antonio   8.23.17   1

Michelle Sallin   23   San Antonio   8.23.17   1,3,5

Alexander Nichols   26   San Antonio   8.23.17   1,4,5

Marko Cadena   21   San Antonio   8.23.17   1,9

Kenneth Dickens   60   San Antonio   8.23.17   1

Conception Segura   30   San Antonio   8.23.17   1

*Luis Antonio Rodriguez   32   San Antonio   8.4.17   1,10

US vs. Christian Gallegos, et al. SA17cr507

*Christian Gallegos   28   San Antonio   6.2.17   1,3,4

*Edgar Portales   24   San Antonio   6.29.17   1,2,3,4

*Irene Portales   28   San Antonio   6.29.17   1

*Crystal DeLaGarza   25   San Antonio   6.29.17  1

*Yoan Loya-Morales   35   San Antonio   6.2.17   1,3,4

*Larry Ozuna   26   San Antonio   6.2.17   1,3,4

*Roberto Gonzalez   34   San Antonio   6.29.17   1,2

*Adrian Dominguez   20   San Antonio   6.29.17   1

*Issac Cardenas   27   San Antonio   7.17.17   1

*Paul Chacon   46   San Antonio   6.29.17   1

*Alberto Otenco-Ramos   34   San Antonio   6.2.17   1

U.S. v. Mike Flores, Jr., et al. SA17cr632

*Mike Flores, Jr.   45   San Antonio   8.3.17   1,2,4,5,8,9

*Oscar Llanes   46   San Antonio   8.17.17  1,4,5

*Genaro Requejo   61   San Antonio   7.26.17   1,4,5,6,7

*Richard Pierce   48   San Antonio 8  .17.17  1

*Robert Solis   54   San Antonio   8.17.17   1

*Ricardo Hernandez   69   San Antonio 8  .17.17   1

*Adolfo Cruz   42   San Antonio   8.17.17   1,4,5

*Joe Anthony Valenzuela   37   San Antonio   7.20.17   1,2,3

*Christina Maciel   35    San Antonio   8.17.17  1

*Pedro Martinez-Espinoza   32   San Antonio   8.17.17   1,4,5

*Leonidas Ortiz   27   San Antonio   7.29.17   1,4,5,8

*Joseph John Molina   38   San Antonio   7.29.17   1,8

*Charles Ortiz   49   San Antonio   8.3.17   1,10

*Pedro Requejo   68   San Antonio   8.3.17   1,9

TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was indicted Wednesday on charges of brandishing a firearm when he robbed a McDonald’s restaurant, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.

Brendon R. Thompson, 30, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during the robbery. The indictment alleged that on July 19, 2017, Thompson threatened employees with a gun when he robbed a McDonald’s restaurant at 1100 S. Kansas Avenue in Topeka.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the robbery charge, and not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Topeka Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Carlos F. Fernandez-Gonzalez, 28, Yucaipa, Calif., is charged in a superseding indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute 14 kilograms of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 2.25 kilograms of heroin. The crime is alleged to have occurred May 25, 2017, in Russell County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million on each count. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.

Robert P. McConnell, 48, Slippery Rock, Penn., owner of Horseshoe Hill Outfitters, is charged with four counts of violating the federal Lacey Act. The indictment alleges he unlawfully took deer in 2014 and 2014 in Allen County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.

Willie Ben Jordan, Jr., 42, who is in custody, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred July 21, 2017, in Shawnee County.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

Robert Wesley Fox, 54, Marysville, Kan., is charged with failing to register as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. He was found in Marshall County in August 2017.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.

Howard Dale Burchfiel, 31, Topeka, Kan., is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred June 17, 2017, in Topeka, Kan.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.

Juan Carlos Aguilar, 23, Kansas City, Mo., and Saul Lucio-Murillo, 28, Palmdale, Calif., are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred July 30, 2017, in Saline County, Kan.

If convicted, they face not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.

Brandon Valerius, 38, William Hancock, 58, Colbie Clayton, 31, and Treasure McCall, 33, all in federal custody, are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, Valerius and McCall are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Hancock is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and Colbie Clayton is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 4, 2017, in Riley County.

If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

FRESNO, Calif. — Marie E. Sherrill, 56, of Porterville, pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud and one count of aiding the preparation of a false tax return, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to the plea agreement, Sherrill promoted a fraudulent investment program that promised the victims of the scheme that their money would be put into “pooled investments” with the money of other investors, to earn a high rate of return. The money was, in fact, never invested. Instead, it was used to pay Sherrill’s personal expenses, including gambling, and to make lulling payments to earlier investors to make them believe their money was earning a profit. As a result of this scheme, victims were defrauded of at least over $1.3 million.

In addition to the investment fraud scheme, Sherrill also committed tax fraud. According to court documents, Sherrill was a registered tax return preparer operating a bookkeeping and tax preparation business in Porterville under the name Sherrill Financial Services. Between January 2011 and December 2014, Sherrill prepared false tax returns for her clients containing false deductions to maximize their tax refunds, causing a loss to the IRS of approximately $255,900.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. McKeon is prosecuting the case.

Sherrill is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on November 13, 2017. Sherrill faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for wire fraud and three years in prison for the tax charge. She also faces a $250,000 fine on each count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Frank Luo, 49, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to three years in prison for wire fraud related to a nationwide casino and credit card fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between August 2008 and August 2014, Luo participated in a scheme to defraud casinos and credit card companies across the country. The scheme involved using false identities in the names and Social Security numbers of migrant workers to apply for casino credit called “markers” and to open credit card accounts. A marker is a cash advance provided by a casino to a patron, and it is often secured by a check from the patron’s bank account. Luo, working in concert with co-defendant Vivian Wang 54, of Lilburn, Georgia, initially timely repaid several markers at different casinos and several credit cards in order to give the impression of creditworthiness to future casinos and credit card companies. Luo and Wang recruited “clients” to participate in the scheme to induce the casinos and credit card companies to part with even more money under fraudulent pretenses.

Luo and his co-schemers coordinated their gambling activity in order to give the appearance of losing money (and thereby encouraging the casinos to issue future markers) when in fact one schemer would “lose” money while another would gain the same. In other instances, one schemer would surreptitiously deliver the issued gambling chips to another in order to give the appearance of having spent them. At the end of the scheme, Luo and his co-schemers did not repay the casino markers or the significant outstanding credit card balances accrued in a short amount of time once creditworthiness had been established. The combined fraud led to over $1.1 million in losses to casinos and credit card companies.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Gambling Control. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Yelovich is prosecuting the case.

Charges are pending against Wang. She is scheduled for trial in March 2018. The charges against her are only allegations; she is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Michael D. Quattlebaum, age 45, of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i), and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, in violation of  Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(C). United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Quattlebaum to 68 months imprisonment with 3 years of federal supervised release to follow.

Evidence presented at the earlier change of plea hearing established that on April 17, 2016, Quattlebaum attempted to allude officers of the Columbia Police Department during a routine traffic stop. Evidence showed that Quattlebaum left his vehicle and led officers on a foot chase. During the foot chase, officers observed Quattlebaum opening large packages of cocaine and attempting to get rid of the controlled substance. Officers eventually apprehended Quattlebaum and discovered a quantity of cocaine on his person. From the vehicle, officers also recovered a firearm, a Walther PPX, 9mm pistol, ammunition, and various drug paraphernalia, which all belonged to Quattlebaum.  Quattlebaum is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms based upon his prior state convictions and adjudications for pointing and presenting a firearm and assault and battery.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Columbia Police Department and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases.  Assistant United States Attorney Alyssa L. Richardson of the Columbia office handled the case.

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          Concord, New Hampshire – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Lindsey Parziale-McDonald, 28, and Larry Delgado, 29, both of Manchester, New Hampshire, were arrested on charges that they participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in violation of federal law.

          According to the criminal complaint, an undercover law enforcement officer purchased a controlled substance from Delgado and Parziale-McDonald on four separate occasions between July 26, 2017 and August 7, 2017. Each time, the undercover officer entered a vehicle driven by Delgado or McDonald and exchanged money for drugs while inside the car. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the drug involved in two of the transactions was fentanyl. Laboratory analysis is pending with respect to the other transactions. On two occasions, Parziale-McDonald’s two-year-old son was also present in the vehicle.

          Chief Enoch “Nick” Willard is “extremely proud of the dedication and hard work by all involved, especially the undercover detective who worked this case.” Chief Willard also wanted to reiterate the fact that the “Manchester Police Department will continue its efforts to combat the drug epidemic plaguing New Hampshire by working with all state, local and federal law enforcement agencies.”

          The charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Actual sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

          Farley stressed that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

          The case was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that AARON EMIL WEEDEN, age 37, of Wagoner, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment, and 3 years supervised release for FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

The Indictment alleged that on or about November 13, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Wagoner Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the nonparoleable sentence will be served.

Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington represented the United States.

McALLEN, Texas - A 40-year-old Mexican national has been convicted of illegally re-entering the country after removal or deportation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. A federal jury sitting in McAllen deliberated for approximately 30 minutes before finding Rogelio Rodriguez guilty.

During the trial, Border Patrol (BP) agents testified that Rodriguez had been apprehended near Donna on April 24, 2016, and admitted to being a Mexican national. Record checks revealed Rodriguez had been previously removed from the United States on three separate occasions and that he had no lawful status to be in the United States.

U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa presided over the trial and set sentencing for Oct. 27, 2017, at which time Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

He will remain in custody pending that hearing.

U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Rees is prosecuting the case.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – With the sentencing of the final defendant today, 11 members of a smuggling group that operated throughout the Rio Grande Valley have all been ordered to federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.

Manuela Cedillo-Hernandez, 59, of La Feria, was the leader and organizer of the ring. She and her husband - Javier Aranda Velez, 51 - harbored aliens who had entered the United States unlawfully and conspired to transport them farther north into the nation’s interior. Cedillo-Hernandez employed associates in the alien smuggling scheme including her own children.

The investigation into the Cedillo-Hernandez alien smuggling organization began in March 2016. By July 2016, the investigation had revealed an extensive operation including five properties across south Texas involving the smuggling of at least 39 aliens within a few short months.

Cedillo-Hernandez was previously sentenced to 37 months in federal prison. Her home was also seized by federal authorities. The others convicted in the scheme included Francisca Torres, 54, Landsie Rubi Leija, 28, Christopher Ray Vega, 31, and William Adam Leija, 26,all of La Feria; Raquel Flores-Cedillo, 37,and Rogelio Gonzalez, 41, both of Brownsville; Guadalupe Iracheta Obregon, 41,and Bobby Joe Canales, 38, both of Alton; and Jorge Vidales, 39, of Harlingen. The final defendant - Flores Cedillo - was sentenced today to 16 months in prison. The remaining defendants were previously sentenced to a variety of terms up to 37 months imprisonment.

Immigration and Custom's Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations conducted the four-month investigation with assistance from Enforcement Removal Operations, U.S. Marshals Service, Border Patrol, Department of State, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Cameron County District Attorney’s Office, Cameron County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in Brownsville, Harlingen and Mission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Corley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Vince Carroll prosecuted the case.