PHILADELPHIA – Garrett Marcus Matthews, 32, of Reading, was charged today by indictment^[1] with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. According to the indictment, on March 25, 2017, Matthews was in possession of aGlock GmbH, Model 23, caliber .40 S&W, semi-automatic pistol with serial number PVP005, and a Glock GmbH, Model 27, caliber .40 S&W, semi-automatic pistol with serial number LPH954.

If convicted, Matthews faces a mandatory-minimum term of 15-years’ imprisonment, a maximum term of life imprisonment, up to five-years of supervised release, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a $100 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney José R. Arteaga.

BOSTON - A Mexican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for a federal immigration crime.

Felipe Bautista-Guerrero, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien before U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV, who sentenced Bautista-Guerrero to 21 months in prison. Bautista-Guerrero will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.  

On Dec. 28, 2015, law enforcement officers encountered Bautista-Guerrero - who was already on supervised release out of Texas for an illegal reentry conviction - in Boston and determined that he was again unlawfully present in the United States. Bautista-Guerrero had been deported on two previous occasions, on March 22, 2011, and Nov. 24, 2012.  

Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”),, announced today the arrest of JAMIE FRIERSON in connection a robbery spree involving at least seven banks in Manhattan, during which thousands of dollars were stolen.  FRIERSON was arrested on August 30, 2017, and was presented today in Manhattan federal court before the Honorable Kevin Nathaniel Fox, where he was held without bail.

Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said:  “As alleged, Jaime Frierson went on a one-man crime spree, brazenly attempting to rob seven Manhattan banks in broad daylight in less than two weeks. Frierson allegedly threatened the lives of bank tellers to get away with thousands of dollars in cash. This alleged conduct endangered the safety of New Yorkers and traumatized bank employees, and I commend our partners at the FBI for their terrific work in apprehending this defendant.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “We have to assume as law enforcement that anyone who allegedly threatens violence during a bank robbery is capable of carrying out that threat. No one can predict an alleged criminal’s behavior, and the uncertainty increases the urgency to solve the robberies. The FBI/NYPD Violent Crimes Task Force worked tirelessly tracking down the suspect in this alleged crime spree to prevent someone getting hurt in the next one.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed in Manhattan federal court:[1]

On August 29, 2017, at approximately 3 o’clock in the afternoon, FRIERSON entered a bank on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and handed a bank teller a note claiming that he was armed, demanding money, and threatening to kill the teller.  In response, the teller gave FRIERSON over $8,000 in United States currency.  FRIERSON then fled.  In addition, between August 16 and August 29, 2017, FRIERSON robbed or attempted to rob six other banks in Manhattan, during which he used a similar modus operandi.

*          *          *

FRIERSON, 47, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of bank robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Acting U.S. Attorney Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New York Police Department’s Violent Crimes Task Force.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Aline R. Flodr and Sheb Swett are in charge of the prosecution.

The charge contained in the Complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Acting United States Attorney Steve Butler of the Southern District of Alabama announces that United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions will be the keynote speaker at the 30th annual Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC) conference.  The United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern, Northern, and Middle Districts of Alabama are sponsoring the conference.  The Southern District is hosting the event.                   

Attorney General Sessions will be speaking at 11:00 a.m., September 1, 2017, in the Grand Ball Room of the Perdido Beach Resort, 27200 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL. 

The media is invited to attend this portion of the conference only.  Preset for the media will take place at 10:00 am and final access is set for 10:30 am.  For further information, contact Eric Day (USAO Public Information Officer) at 251-709-6565 or Tommy Loftis (FBI Public Affairs Specialist) at 251-654-7104.

BOSTON – A dual citizen of Canada and China was arrested and charged today in connection with attempting to steal trade secrets and computer information from a Raynham-based medical technology company.

Dong Liu, a/k/a Kevin, 44, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of attempted theft of trade secrets and one count of attempted access to a computer without authorization and in excess of authorized access with the intent to obtain information from a protected computer. Liu was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon.

According to the charging documents, Medrobotics Corporation, which is headquartered in Raynham, Mass., manufactures and markets a unique robot-assisted device that provides surgeons with access to, and visualization of, hard-to-reach places in the human body for minimally invasive surgery. The company has invested millions of dollars in next-generation robotics technology that is not yet patented.

It is alleged that around 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 28, 2017, Medrobotics’ CEO spotted a man, later identified as Liu, sitting in a conference room inside the company’s secured space with what appeared to be three open laptop computers. He was not a company employee or contractor, so the CEO asked Liu whom he was there to visit. Liu named one company employee whom the CEO knew was out of the country for a few weeks; Liu then identified another employee whom the CEO knew had not scheduled such a meeting; Liu then named the CEO himself, which the CEO knew was not to be true.

Liu allegedly claimed to be working with a Chinese patent law firm. He showed the CEO his LinkedIn biography, in which Liu claimed to lead his firm’s intellectual property practice in medical devices, among other things. When police responded to the CEO’s call and talked with Liu, Liu gave conflicting explanations about how he had entered the building. A check of Medrobotics’ visitor log book revealed that neither Liu nor any other visitor had signed into the building that day, despite a company policy that requires visitors to log in.

According to charging documents, Liu told the CEO that he had entered Medrobotics just before 5:00 p.m. Further investigation revealed that Liu had been seen in the company’s lobby taking a video of a monitor displaying public corporate information around 5:00 p.m. and again around 6:00, well before he was discovered in the conference room. The investigation also revealed that Liu had been contacting Medrobotics employees via LinkedIn.

When Liu was arrested by the local police for trespassing, he possessed two laptop computers, an iPad, two portable hard drives, 10 cellphone SIM cards, two digital camcorders, at least two flash drives, and other data equipment. Some of these types of equipment can be used to obtain data from computer networks and to video record otherwise-secret physical documents and products. Further investigation will be required to reveal whether Liu’s attempts to obtain computer information or trade secrets were successful.

The charge of attempted theft of trade secrets provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the financial gain or loss, restitution, and forfeiture. The charge of attempted access to a computer to obtain information unlawfully provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the financial gain or loss, restitution, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Raynham Police Chief James W. Donovan; and Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn made the announcement today. Medrobotics cooperated with authorities during the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott L. Garland of Weinreb’s National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced today that DORIS S. PITCHER, age 66, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge James J. Brady to theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. As a result of her conviction, PITCHER faces a potential prison term of up to ten years as well as restitution.

PITCHER’s mother received monthly Retirement Survivor Insurance (“RSI”) benefit payments from the United States Social Security Administration (“SSA”). In approximately 1989, PITCHER became the authorized payee of these benefit payments on behalf of her mother. As the authorized payee, PITCHER was supposed to use the funds to assist in paying for her mother’s food, housing, clothing, medical expenses, personal items, and other expenses. Another of PITCHER’s responsibilities was to inform SSA when her mother died so that they could terminate the benefit payments.

In May 2000, PITCHER’s mother died; however, PITCHER did not notify the SSA about her death. Instead, from approximately 2000 through 2015, the defendant continued to receive the monthly RSI benefit payments in Baton Rouge on behalf of her mother. The monthly payments from the SSA ranged from $244 to $296 per month. In total, the defendant received $49,863 on behalf of her mother, after her mother’s death.

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated: “Federal benefit fraud continues to be a tremendous problem in the United States. When criminals steal funds intended for legitimate purposes, their conduct victimizes not only our federal agencies but also all taxpayers. Our office will continue to work in conjunction with the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General to aggressively identify and prosecute defendants like this who mistakenly believe that their theft of government money will go undetected.”

This investigation was handled by the United States Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Brady Casey.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty today to an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Juan Us-Sajbin, 36, entered his guilty plea to illegally reentering the United States.

Us-Sajbin admitted that he was not lawfully present in the United States when he was encountered by Department of Homeland Security agents on May 19, 2017. He was identified when agents were looking for another individual residing near Kanawha State Forest. Agents conducted surveillance, confirmed the identity of Us-Sajbin, and then placed him under arrest. Us-Sajbin had not formally applied for permission to legally reenter the United States and was not otherwise in the United States by any legal process. He was previously removed in 2013 after being convicted of misdemeanor assault in Mahoning County, Ohio.

Us-Sajbin faces up to two years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 17, 2017. He is also subject to deportation proceedings at the conclusion of the criminal case. 

The Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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Earlier today, an indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging Dilshod Khusanov with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and al-Nusrah Front, both designated foreign terrorist organizations.  The defendant, arrested earlier this morning in Villa Park, Illinois, is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman at the U.S. Courthouse, 219 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois.

The charges were announced by Bridget M. Rohde, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Dana J. Boente, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New York Field Office, Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chicago Field Office, and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD).

“Those who seek to fight for foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Nusrah Front cannot accomplish their goal without financial support,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Rohde.  “This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will work tirelessly to identify and hold accountable individuals like the defendant who provide such financial support, as well as to eliminate such support.” Ms. Rohde expressed her gratitude to the Chicago FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Chicago Police Department, and the Illinois State Police for their assistance during the investigation.

“As alleged, Khusanov conspired to provide funding enabling multiple terrorists to attempt travel to Syria to join groups like ISIS or al-Nusrah.  The FBI has a long history of successfully targeting not only the associates of criminal groups, but also group leadership,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.  “This case is no different.  It demonstrates the Joint Terrorism Task Force’s unwavering commitment to arresting and convicting both those seeking to join terrorist groups and those who conspire to support their efforts.”

“This is the latest example of the work the Joint Terrorism Task Force does every day in New York City to protect us from those seeking to join terrorist organizations or fund their operations,” said Police Commissioner O’Neill. “I’m thankful to the work by the detectives, agents, and prosecutors whose work on this case—and many like it—led to today’s arrest.”
                       
As alleged in the indictment and other court filings, Khusanov belonged to a group of like-minded individuals who provided financial support for persons in the United States to travel to Syria to join ISIS or al-Nusrah Front.   Four other members of this support group and two persons who attempted to travel to Syria to join ISIS have been indicted in a separate related case.  The investigation began when Abdurasul Juraboev, one of Khusanov’s co-conspirators, came to the attention of law enforcement.  Juraboev posted on an Uzbek-language website that propagates ISIS’s ideology his offer to engage in an act of martyrdom on U.S. soil on behalf of ISIS, such as killing then-President of the United States Barack Obama.  The investigation subsequently revealed that Juraboev and another co-conspirator, Akhror Saidakhmetov, planned to travel to Turkey and then to Syria for the purpose of waging violent jihad on behalf of ISIS.  Saidakhmetov was arrested on February 25, 2015, at John F. Kennedy International Airport where he was attempting to board a flight to Istanbul, Turkey.  Juraboev had previously purchased a plane ticket to travel from New York to Istanbul and was scheduled to leave the United States in March 2015.  Abror Habibov, Dilkhayot Kasimov, Azizjon Rakhmatov, and Akmal Zakirov were charged in the related case with funding Saidakhmetov’s efforts to join ISIS.  Juraboev pleaded guilty on August 14, 2015; Saidakhmetov pleaded guilty on January 19, 2017; and Habibov pleaded guilty on August 29, 2017 – all to charges of conspiring to provide material support to ISIS.

As alleged in the indictment and other court filings, Khusanov helped to fund the efforts of Saidakhmetov and others to join ISIS or al-Nusrah Front.  In particular, Khusanov and Zakirov discussed providing their own money to cover Saidakhmetov’s travel expenses.  Khusanov also agreed to raise money from others to fund Saidakhmetov’s travel.  In the week leading up to Saidakhmetov’s scheduled departure, Khusanov transferred money into Zakirov’s personal bank account, which funds were intended to facilitate Saidakhmetov’s travel to join ISIS.  Khusanov and others also provided financial assistance for other persons from the United States to join either ISIS or al-Nusrah Front.

If convicted, Khusanov faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.  The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Solomon, Douglas M. Pravda, Peter W. Baldwin, and David K. Kessler are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance provided by Assistant United States Attorneys Barry Jonas and Peter Flanagan of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, and Trial Attorney Steven Ward of the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division of the Department of Justice.

The Defendant:

DILSHOD KHUSANOV

Age:  31

Nationality: Uzbekistan
 

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-475 (WFK)

DAVENPORT, IA – On August 30, 2017, Bradley James Ries, 51, the owner of the Sure Shot Gun Shop in Clinton, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to two concurrent six-month prison terms for the transfer of a firearm without a National Instant Criminal Background Check, and knowingly making a false statement required by firearms law, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Ries will serve one year of supervised release following his imprisonment, to include an additional six months of home confinement, a $5,500 fine, and a $50 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund. At sentencing, Judge Goodgame Ebinger emphasized these violations were more than just bookkeeping errors, and were knowing violations of federal firearms laws.

On December 20, 2014, Ries submitted a firearm transfer request using the National Instant Background Check System (NICS). Licensed dealers are required to have purchasers fill out Form 4473 prior to submitting a NICS request under federal firearms regulations. Knowing the purported purchaser was a felon, Ries failed to have the purchaser fill out a Form 4473 for the firearm purchase. Although NICS denied the transaction, Ries called and informed the felon he could purchase firearms. On February 4, 2015, a federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agent contacted Ries and requested the required Form 4473 transaction. Ries falsely claimed gun bluing chemical was spilled on the form.

In April of 2015, ATF conducted a federal firearms compliance inspection at Sure Shot and noted several violations. In September of 2015, ATF held a warning conference in Des Moines and again discussed these violations with Ries.

On November 4, 2015, Ries sold a Taurus Circuit Judge .45/.410 caliber rifle to a prohibited person. Ries transferred the firearm prior to obtaining sale authorization from NICS. NICS denied the purchase based on the buyer having a no contact order, which prohibited this buyer from purchasing firearms under federal law. When contacted by an ATF agent on or about December 14, 2015, Ries falsely claimed the firearm transfer to this buyer involved a Remington 870 20-gauge shotgun. Ries also faxed certain pages of a purported Form 4473 for an apparent Remington 870 20-gauge shotgun purchase by this buyer, but the form’s information was false.

In January of 2016, Ries directed the prohibited buyer of the Taurus Circuit Judge .45/.410 caliber rifle to provide false information to the ATF. In February of 2016, after being warned by an ATF agent it was a federal crime to make a false statement to the agent, Ries again falsely stated this buyer wanted to purchase a Remington 870 shotgun and was upset when the transaction was denied. In April of 2016, after a search warrant at Sure Shot, Ries admitted he had lied to federal agents.

As part of his plea agreement, and as ordered by the District Court as a supervised release condition, Ries agreed to: surrender his Federal Firearm’s License (FFL), and to not reapply for a FFL, or serve as a responsible person or officer of any federal firearm’s licensee; not apply through any individuals or corporations presently holding any listed licenses, through the officers or directors of such corporations, or through any surrogates acting on behalf of any entities or individuals holding the license; and, not to deal in firearms or obtain employment with a business whose primary business is the sale, distribution, use, or firing of firearms following the surrender of his FFL or aid, abet or otherwise conspire with others to actually or constructively possess firearms or ammunition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

-END-

Learn more about this release by calling Jason Griess at 515-473-9300, or by emailing him at Jason.Griess@usdoj.gov.

Anchorage, Alaska – Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that four individuals associated with drug trafficking in Kodiak have been indicted by a federal grand jury for various drug trafficking and related crimes:

• Christopher Arndt, 38, is currently charged with distribution of methamphetamine, drug conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy, and was arrested in Kodiak on Aug. 18, 2017;

• Santos Lopez, 41, is currently charged with distribution of methamphetamine, and was arrested in Kodiak on Aug. 23, 2017;

• Leigh Ann Massengill, 42, is currently charged with distribution of methamphetamine, drug conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy, and was arrested in Anchorage on Aug. 30, 2017;

• James Gerrity, 30, is currently charged with drug conspiracy and remains at large.

In connection with this investigation, a federal grand jury has previously indicted four other individuals for drug trafficking and firearms crimes from Kodiak:

• Ann L. Vega, 40, is currently charged with possession of methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute;

• Nathan Gambrell, 44, is currently charged with felon in possession of firearms;

• Jose Alberto "Bird" Rodriguez, 30, is currently charged with attempted possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;

• Wahyu "Kodiak Mike" Sanjoyo, 36, is currently charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Coast Guard Investigative Service, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Alaska State Troopers, Kodiak Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have been working together to investigate these matters and to combat drug trafficking and violent crime in Kodiak.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

ActingU.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announces the return of an Indictment charging five Brazilian citizens with crimes related to a bank card skimming ring that was uncovered earlier this month.

The Indictment names Joao Freire Da Silva Neto, age 33, Andre Lion Goncalves Pereira, age 28, Herik Lucian Enedino Dos Santos, age 31, Fernando Finatto Minguzzi, age 21, andRubens Eleuterio de Almeida Junior, age 28. All of the defendants are Brazilian nationals.

According to the Indictment, Joao Freire Da Silva Neto, Andre Lion Goncalves Pereira, Herik Lucian Enedino Dos Santos,and Fernando Finatto Minguzzi were arrested by members of the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force on August 3, 2017, at a hotel in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans. They were found in possession of re-encoded credit cards, embossers, encoders, ATM skimmers, false identification, and other contraband. In the course of this investigation, U.S. Secret Service agents learned that de Almeida was mailing skimmers, pinhole cameras, and other tools for credit card fraud from Oklahoma City to the four New Orleans-based members of this conspiracy. de Almeida was arrested in Midwest City, Oklahoma, in possession of counterfeit credit cards, blank credit cards, an ATM skimmer, pinhole cameras, memory cards, an embosser, and other items used to create counterfeit credit cards.

The Indictment charges all five defendants with conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices and to possess fifteen or more counterfeit access devices, which carries a penalty of up to five years of imprisonment. It also charges all five defendants with conspiracy to possess and traffic in device-making equipment, which carries a penalty of up to seven and a half years in prison.

The Indictment further charges Joao Freire Da Silva Neto, Andre Lion Goncalves Pereira, Herik Lucian Enedino Dos Santos,and Fernando Finatto Minguzzi with one count of possession of fifteen or more counterfeit access devices, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. Those four defendants are also charged with possession and trafficking in device-making equipment, which carries a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Drug and Enforcement Administration, the Amtrak Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Sharon D. Smith is in charge of the prosecution.

LAREDO, Texas – A Laredo man has entered a guilty plea to a conspiracy charge for his role in the importation of methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.

Ricardo Garcia, 41, admitted he knowingly possessed 20.9 kilograms of methamphetamine within 18 aloe vera juice bottles contained in his vehicle. At the time of his arrest, he admitted he was supposed to receive $6,000 for transporting the bottles of liquid methamphetamine from Mexico to San Antonio.

LAREDO, Texas – A Laredo man has entered a guilty plea to a conspiracy charge for his role in the importation of methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.

Ricardo Garcia, 41, admitted he knowingly possessed 20.9 kilograms of methamphetamine within 18 aloe vera juice bottles contained in his vehicle. At the time of his arrest, he admitted he was supposed to receive $6,000 for transporting the bottles of liquid methamphetamine from Mexico to San Antonio.

U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker accepted the plea and a sentencing date will be set in the near future. At that time, Garcia faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher A. dos Santos is prosecuting the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Chi Meng Yang, 31, of Montague, and his sister Gaosheng Laitinen, 36, of Mt. Shasta View, were charged today for conspiring to commit bribery, bribery of a public official, conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, and manufacturing marijuana, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to the criminal complaint, on May 17, 2017, Yang met with Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey in Yreka. During the meeting, Yang offered $1 million to the Sheriff in exchange for his assistance with an interstate marijuana distribution business that Yang and others were in the process of organizing. Yang explained his role to be that of a representative for several families, himself included, that were currently cultivating marijuana in Siskiyou County. After the meeting, the Sheriff immediately reported it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Federal agents asked the Sheriff to continue meeting with Yang.

At the request of, and in conjunction with the FBI and DEA, the Sheriff contacted Yang and indicated a willingness to work with him and the marijuana growers he represented. The subsequent meetings were audio and video recorded by the FBI. Laitinen attended some of those meetings. During those meetings, Yang and Laitinen talked with the Sheriff about how he could assist them. Because Yang’s offer of $1 million was contingent on Yang securing and profiting from certain out-of-state marijuana licenses, Yang and Laitinen promised to pay the Sheriff a total of $80,000 if he would exempt eight properties from the Siskiyou County ban against outdoor marijuana grows. They sought protection from raids or other law enforcement actions on these eight properties where outdoor marijuana was being grown. In furtherance of this plan, Yang and Laitinen gave the Sheriff several initial payments, totaling $10,500 in cash. These funds were immediately turned over to the FBI as evidence.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), North State Marijuana Investigation Team (NSMIT), Tehama Interagency Drug Enforcement (TIDE), Shasta Interagency Narcotics Task Force (SINTF), Siskiyou Unified Major Investigations Team (SUMIT), and California Highway Patrol (CHP). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael M. Beckwith is prosecuting the case.

Yang was arrested today and is scheduled to make an initial court appearance on September 1, 2017, in Sacramento. If convicted of the charges in the complaint, Yang and Laitinen face the following maximum statutory penalties: (1) five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge; (2) 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the bribery charge; and (3) a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine for the drug charges. Any sentence, however, would 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.

The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

LAREDO, Texas – A 31-year-old Mexican National has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to import methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.

Sergio Aguilar-Hernandez conspired with others and imported methamphetamine from Mexico into Laredo on June 15, 2017. On that date, Aguilar-Hernandez arrived at the Columbia Solidary Bridge driving a 2007 Freightliner tractor. During a search of the vehicle authorities discovered 10.26 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine that was concealed in aloe vera bottles.

Sentencing will be set at a later date. At that time, Aguilar-Hernandez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno is prosecuting the case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans, announced that ROY RIVAS-PALMAS, age 34, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty to a one-count indictment for illegal re-entry of removed alien.

According to the court documents, on June 15, 2017, RIVAS-PALMAS was found in the United States after having been deported previously on October 31, 2013. RIVAS-PALMAS has a prior felony conviction for possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and has been deported on multiple occasions.

ROY RIVAS-PALMAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years and a fine of $250,000, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set sentencing for November 9, 2017.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in investigating this matter.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL TATE, age 30, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to misprision of a felony.

According to court documents, MICHAEL TATE knew that his brothers, TERRELL and GEREME TATE, had committed the crimes of being felons in possession of a firearm, and MICHAEL TATE did not disclose that fact to law enforcement.

TERRELL AND GEREME TATE, who previously pled guilty to being felons in possession of a firearm, were sentenced to 60 months and 24 months respectively.

Today, U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced MICHAEL TATEto 20 months incarceration to be followed by 1 year of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih and Trial Attorney Joseph K. Wheatley, of the Department of Justice, Organized Crime and Gang Section, are in charge of the prosecution.

HOUSTON - Representatives from numerous federal and state law enforcement agencies have formed a working group to investigate and prosecute illegal activity related to Hurricane Harvey.

Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez made the announcement along with Acting U.S. Attorney Corey R. Amundson of the Middle District of Louisiana who serves as the Acting Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), Harris County District Attorney (DA) Kim Ogg, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Director Shamoil T. Shipchandler of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) - Fort Worth Regional Office, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI, Special Agent in Charge David Green of the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Special Agent in Charge D. Richard Goss of IRS – Criminal Investigations (CI), Special Agent in Charge Douglas W. Thigpen of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Regional Director Dama Brown of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“This disaster has brought and will continue to bring unprecedented human and financial loss to our communities, and victims of this event have already suffered staggering devastation,” said Martinez. “The last thing that victims of this damage need is to be victimized again. Under the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, we bring a comprehensive law enforcement focus to combat any criminal activity arising from the tragedy of Hurricane Harvey and the rebuilding efforts underway.”

While each of these agencies has a history of working together, bringing them together into one focused group is an optimal way to address the varied threats resulting from Hurricane Harvey. The working group will involve all levels of law enforcement and includes representatives from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, NCDF, Harris County DA’s Office, Texas Attorney General’s Office, SEC, FBI, DHS-OIG, HSI, IRS-CI, USSS, FTC and the ATF.

Authorities are already receiving calls about scams in our area and have forwarded complaints to the relevant agencies.

“We intend to use all of the resources at our disposal to both help our registrants and to hold those accountable who try to use this disaster to take advantage of other people,” said Chairman Jay Clayton of the SEC. “There is no place for fraud or shady practices in the rebuilding and recovery of the communities in Texas and Louisiana that have been affected by Hurricane Harvey.”

"As we all work to rebuild the Houston/Gulf Coast region and look for ways to help, it's important to perform due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to provide assistance to those affected by Harvey, whether the solicitations are in person, via email or telephone,” said Turner. “The FBI is dedicated to investigating and preventing this type of fraud, especially when it involves preying on individuals during times of great need.”

“As we have witnessed throughout this disaster, the best of the American spirit shines through with neighbors and strangers helping one another. Sadly, at the same time, these situations also bring out those that would try to prey upon those who are willing to give of themselves to help out,” said Dawson. “Rest assured that HSI will, in coordination with our fellow law enforcement partners, bring its investigative resources to bear to stop those that would seek to take advantage of this situation for their personal and illegal gain.”

Natural disasters often bring out the best in human compassion and spirit, they can also lead to unscrupulous individuals and organizations taking advantage of those in need of and/or providing government services. Examples of typical illegal activity under the jurisdiction of each of the agencies in the working group include:

· Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials

· Identity theft

· Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government

· Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving

· Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns from profits from recovery and cleanup efforts

· Price gouging

· Theft, looting, and other violent crime

Consumers also can report scams and other consumer issues to the FTCand get help if they think they may be a victim of identity theft.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact the NCDF to report all types of disaster fraud. The U.S. Department of Justice established the NCDF following Hurricane Katrina when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster and includes more than 30 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The team includes law enforcement agents who review those reports and make referrals to the appropriate investigative agencies. The NCDF provides de-confliction, coordination and expertise in handling disaster fraud matters and is focused on protecting disaster victims and any funds dedicated to disaster victims.

The Disaster Fraud Hotline is 1-866-720-5721 and is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members of the public can also send an email or fax information to 225-334-4707.

In addition, the Texas Attorney General’s Office is asking Texans to please contact their Consumer Protection Division and file a complaint if they feel they have encountered price gouging or have been scammed or fall victim to a charities fraud. They can call the toll-free hotline at 800-621-0508, send an emailorfile a complaint on via the web.

The SEC provided this informationyesterday and continues to monitor the market impact of Hurricane Harvey and encourage affected entities and investment professionals to contact Commission staff with questions and concerns.

For additional information, you may also visit FEMA’s Hurricane Harvey resource page.

The Department of Justice also announced yesterday Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes.

Various personnel will also be available for any additional information, comments or interviews regarding this effort. Members of the media wishing to speak with anyone are asked to send an email with your request and preferred times and the office will respond accordingly.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie K. Pierson

(619) 546-7976

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY– August 30, 2017

SAN DIEGO– Chula Vista resident Yon Pon Wong pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally importing $3 million of abalone.

In pleading guilty, Wong, doing business as Lucky Company, admitted that he imported the abalone using commercial invoices that falsely identified the seller. The 43 importations Wong referred to occurred between February of 2012, and July of 2015, and involved a total of approximately 67,500 kilograms (148,500 pounds) of abalone. The invoices falsely stated the seller to be Exportadora De Mariscos De Mexico, SA de CV, at the false address of Calle Cubilete No 110, Fracc Capistrano, Tijuana, Mexico. As part of his plea, Wong agreed to forfeit $500,000 of proceeds of the illegal importation.

Abalone is a highly regulated fishery in Mexico. The laws of Mexico require that commercial invoices have sufficient information on them to allow tracking of the seafood to its lawful origin. An invoice lacking the true name and address of the vendor does not permit authorities on either side of the border to trace the origin of the product.

“NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement is committed to the prevention, deterrence, and elimination of illegal trafficking of marine species,” said James Landon, Director of NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement. “It is our priority to protect species, such as abalone, that are listed by NOAA Fisheries as species of concern, or that are identified as threatened or endangered.”
 

“Wong’s guilty plea represents the commitment of our agents to bring to justice the individuals and companies seeking to defraud the government,” said Dave Shaw, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “HSI hopes that the prosecution of seafood import companies and its principals will send a strong message to others seeking to violate U.S. trade laws. HSI will continue to work with its local and international law enforcement partners to enforce these laws.”

“One of the highest priorities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement is to investigate individuals and companies that are involved in the unlawful commercial trafficking and smuggling of protected animals and plants here and around the world,” said Dan Crum, Assistant Special Agent in Charge. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with our agency partners, will work tirelessly to dismantle wildlife trafficking schemes, and ensure that those engaged in the illegal black market are held accountable.”

Wong was ordered to appear before U.S. District Court Judge Larry A. Burns on November 20, 2017, at 9:00 am for sentencing.

DEFENDANT Criminal Case No. 17cr2443-LAB

Yon Pon Wong Age: 65 Chula Vista, California

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

False Labeling, 16 U.S.C. § 3372(d)(1) and 3373(d)(3)(A)(i)

Maximum penalty: 5 years’ prison, fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss caused by the offense, restitution, forfeiture of proceeds generated from the, three years of supervised release.

AGENCIES

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Law Enforcement

Homeland Security Investigations

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement

Assistant U. S. Attorney Alessandra P. Serano (619) 546-8104 or Joseph Orabona (619) 546-7951

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY– August 31, 2017

SAN DIEGO – Seven alleged gang members and associates of the Westside Crips and one hotel manager of two national brand hotels in Oceanside entered guilty pleas in federal court today, admitting to their participation in a racketeering conspiracy involving narcotics trafficking, prostitution of women and other crimes. One other member pleaded guilty to the same charge last week.

Ameer Roby (aka “Tiny Dum Dum”), Michael Sullivan (aka “Du-Low”), Shane Anderson (aka “Tiny Westwood and aka “Tiny West”), Demetrius McFarland (aka “Mechii Ruu”), Richard Cleveland (aka “Face”), Umesh Oza (aka “Kevin”), and Larry Monroe admitted to their respective membership and association with the Westside Crips, who primarily operated in Oceanside and elsewhere. Peter Miranda (aka “Fat Boy,” “Baby Rocks,” and “Lil’ Burger”) pleaded guilty on August 24, 2017 and admitted to his role in the racketeering conspiracy. Sentencing for all defendants is scheduled for November 27, 2017 before District Judge John A. Houston.

According to court documents, the members of the conspiracy were involved in drug trafficking, prostitution, attempted murder, assaults, and robberies. Their criminal activity primarily occurred between 2004 through February 2017. According to court documents, members of Westside Crips are akin to a crime family, where all members work together committing various crimes for the purpose of making money. The indictment alleges that the defendants took on different responsibilities within the criminal enterprise. Some sold narcotics. Others managed prostitutes and transported them all over the country. The hotel manager provided a safe haven for the alleged gang members to conduct their illegal activities.

For that reason, the defendants are charged with racketeering conspiracy—the statute traditionally used for organized-crime syndicates and mobsters. But as members, associates, and facilitators of criminal street gangs such as these, join forces and become more sophisticated and prolific in their illicit business pursuits, this statute is an effective tool to address all aspects of the criminal conduct.

The four remaining defendants involved in the racketeering conspiracy with the Westside Crips criminal street gang are scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge John A. Houston on September 22, 2017 for a status hearing.

“Gang members and associates and those who assist them continue to plague our community with violence, drugs and other crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alana W. Robinson. “Our office will continue to use any and all resources to combat the problem.”

“The members of this violent organization were involved in drug trafficking as well as violent crimes,” said DEA San Diego Special Agent in Charge William R. Sherman. “Combining law enforcement resources and getting these violent drug traffickers off the streets is, and will continue to be a DEA priority.”

“The Oceanside Police Department would like to thank the U.S. Attorney's Office and other law enforcement agencies for their collaboration and hard work during this operation,” said Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy. “It is collective efforts like this that highlight why the San Diego Region is a model for other law enforcement agencies to emulate, to keep their communities safe.”

“For over a decade, this sophisticated street gang terrorized the streets of Oceanside and the surrounding areas for profit,” said IRS Criminal Investigation’s Special Agent in Charge R. Damon Rowe. “Our agency plays a unique role in federal law enforcement’s resolve to dismantle the criminal gang enterprises terrorizing our streets. Our agents target the profit and financial gains of these organizations, following the money in an effort to disrupt these organizations and bring their members to justice.”

DEFENDANTS Case Number 17cr0270-JAH

Ameer Roby aka “Tiny Dum” Age: 36 Oceanside, CA

Michael Sullivan aka “Du-Low” Age: 33 Oceanside, CA

Peter Miranda aka “Lil’ Burger” Age: 33 Oceanside, CA

Shane Anderson aka “Tiny West” Age: 25 Oceanside, CA

Demetrius McFarland aka “Mecchi Ruu” Age: 23 Oceanside, CA

Richard Cleveland aka “Face” Age: 37 Oceanside, CA

Larry Monroe Age: 59 Oceanside, CA

Umesh Oza aka “Kevin” Age: 32 Oceanside, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 18, United States Code, Section 1962(d) - Conspiracy to Conduct Enterprise Affairs Through a Pattern of Racketeering Activity; Title 18, United States Code, Section 1963 - Criminal Forfeiture

Maximum Penalties: 20 years’ incarceration, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release

As to Defendant Monroe only:

Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a) – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

Maximum Penalties: life in prison with a mandatory minimum 10 years’ incarceration, a fine of $10,000,000, five years of supervised release

AGENCIES

North County Narcotics Task Force

Drug Enforcement Administration

Oceanside Police Department

Internal Revenue Service

*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.