Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TREVOR MURPHY, also known as “Snookie,” 29, of West Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 360 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for murdering Joseph Zargo on December 23, 2011.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2014, ATF and the New Haven Police Department began “Operation Red Side” through a series of controlled narcotics purchases and firearms seizures.  The investigation revealed that members and associates of the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang based in New Haven, were engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies.  In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, the investigation indicated that members and associates of the RSGB, under the direction of Jeffrey Benton and others, transported the drugs to Bangor, Maine, and sold them in Bangor and its surrounding communities.  The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms, brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members.

MURPHY was a member of RSGB.  According to court documents and statements made in court, MURPHY ordered a quantity of ecstasy from Joseph Zargo as part of a plan to rob him of drugs and cash.  Just after midnight on December 23, 2011, MURPHY met Zargo on Houston Street in New Haven.  After MURPHY took ecstasy pills from Zargo, MURPHY pulled out a firearm.  When Zargo reached into his pocket, MURPHY shot Zargo once in the chest.  Zargo died later that morning.

MURPHY has been detained since his arrest on September 30, 2015.  On February 8, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery, and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

As a result of this investigation, 21 members and associates of the RSGB were convicted of federal charges in Connecticut and Maine.  The investigation has resolved seven murder cases, four attempted murders and four armed robberies that occurred in 2011 and 2012.

On October 4, 2017, Benton was sentenced to 480 months of imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Daly noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentenced term of imprisonment and are not eligible for parole.

This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hamden Police Department.  The New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office also provided critical assistance in the investigation.

An instrumental component of the investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.

This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Spector, Peter Markle and Jocelyn Kaoutzanis.  A related case in the District of Maine is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.

ATLANTA – Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several Department of Justice actions to reduce the rising tide of violent crime in America. Foremost of those actions is the reinvigoration of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

In announcing this recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Attorney General issued a memo directing United States Attorneys to implement an enhanced violent crime reduction program that incorporates the lessons learned since Project Safe Neighborhoods launched in 2001.

“According to the FBI, the violent crime rate has risen by nearly seven percent over the past two years, and the homicide rate has risen by more than 20 percent. We cannot be complacent or hope that this is just an anomaly: we have a duty to take action,” said United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

“Fortunately, we have a President who understands that and has directed his administration to reduce crime. The Department of Justice today announces the foundation of our plan to reduce crime: prioritizing Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that has been proven to work.”

“Let me be clear – Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just one policy idea among many. This is the centerpiece of our crime reduction strategy.”

“Taking what we have learned since the program began in 2001, we have updated it and enhanced it, emphasizing the role of our U.S. Attorneys, the promise of new technologies, and above all, partnership with local communities. With these changes, I believe that this program will be more effective than ever and help us fulfill our mission to make America safer,” Sessions said.

“The Northern District of Georgia has actively participated in Project Safe Neighborhoods since its inception,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn.  “PSN produced a marked reduction in violent crime in communities in metro Atlanta, where it has been implemented.  Just last year, the PSN program awarded a $499,899 grant to the Brookhaven Police Department, Chamblee Police Department, and the DeKalb County Police Department to reduce gang violence in those jurisdictions.  The strategy is data-driven and our research partner, Applied Research Services, has a long history of involvement with this program.  Finally, the grant includes funds for Rehoboth Baptist Church to provide services to youth to try to prevent them from becoming involved with gangs and crime.”

“The PSN strategy has proven to be effective in reducing gun crime and gang violence.,” said Chief Gary Yandura, Brookhaven Police Department.  “The Brookhaven Police Department has used the PSN grant funds received last year to strengthen our anti-gang strategy.  Joining forces with Chamblee Police Department and the DeKalb County Police Department, as well as our federal partners and our research and prevention partners, has resulted in significant and strategic investigations that will ultimately reduce gang violence in our communities.”

The Attorney General also announced the following Department of Justice initiatives to help reduce violent crime:

• Additional Assistant U.S. Attorney positions to focus on violent crime – The Department is allocating 40 prosecutors to approximately 20 United States Attorney’s Offices to focus on violent crime reduction.

• More Cops on the Streets (COPS Hiring Grants) – As part of our continuing commitment to crime prevention efforts, increased community policing, and the preservation of vital law enforcement jobs, the Department will be awarding approximately $98 million in FY 2017 COPS Hiring Grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

• Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) National Gang Strategic Initiative –The National Gang Strategic Initiative promotes  creative enforcement strategies and best practices that will assist in developing investigations of violent criminal groups and gangs into enterprise-level OCDETF prosecutions.  Under this initiative, OCDETF provides “seed money” to locally-focused gang investigations, giving state, local, and tribal investigators and prosecutors the resources and tools needed to identify connections between lower-level gangs and national-level drug trafficking organizations.

• Critical Training and Technical Assistance to State and Local Partners –The Department has a vast array of training and technical assistance resources available to state, local and tribal law enforcement, victims groups, and others.  To ensure that agencies in need of assistance are able to find the training and materials they need, OJP will make available a Violence Reduction Response Center to serve as a “hot line” to connect people to these resources.

• Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC) – The Department has provided grant funding to support a comprehensive approach to identifying the most violent offenders in a jurisdiction, using new technologies such as gunshot detection systems combined with gun crime intelligence from NIBIN, eTrace, and investigative efforts.  These FY 2017 grants were awarded to Phoenix, AZ, and Kansas City, MO. 

• Expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program – The Department will expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program nationwide by the end of the year.  Through this program, any firearm submitted for tracing that is associated with a NIBIN “hit” (which means it can be linked to a shooting incident) will be designated an “urgent” trace and the requestor will get information back about the firearm’s first retail purchaser within 24 hours, instead of 5 to 6 business days.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several Department of Justice actions to reduce the rising tide of violent crime in America. Foremost of those actions is the reinvigoration of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

In announcing this recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Attorney General issued a memo directing United States Attorneys to implement an enhanced violent crime reduction program that incorporates the lessons learned since Project Safe Neighborhoods launched in 2001.

In a statement on the program, the Attorney General said:  “According to the FBI, the violent crime rate has risen by nearly seven percent over the past two years, and the homicide rate has risen by more than 20 percent. We cannot be complacent or hope that this is just an anomaly: we have a duty to take action.

“Fortunately, we have a President who understands that and has directed his administration to reduce crime. The Department of Justice today announces the foundation of our plan to reduce crime: prioritizing Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that has been proven to work.

“Let me be clear – Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just one policy idea among many. This is the centerpiece of our crime reduction strategy.

“Taking what we have learned since the program began in 2001, we have updated it and enhanced it, emphasizing the role of our U. S. Attorneys, the promise of new technologies, and above all, partnership with local communities. With these changes, I believe that this program will be more effective than ever and help us fulfill our mission to make America safer.”

R. Brian Tanner, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, commented, “Of necessity, our Office and many of our local law enforcement partners have already developed aggressive programs within the district to address violent crime, including, for example, the End Gun Violence initiative here in Savannah.  Those programs draw in many ways on principles that are at the heart of the Attorney General’s reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN): strong federal involvement, the cultivation of partnerships with local law enforcement and community stakeholders, targeted enforcement in those areas most affected by violent crime, and outreach efforts designed to prevent violent crime before it occurs.  PSN 2.0 will serve to bolster our existing efforts with additional federal resources, expertise, and training.  I continue to pledge our full support and commitment to this critically important work.”

Chatham County District Attorney Meg D. Heap stated, “I fully support the U. S. Attorney’s Project Safe Neighborhood program.  It continues to provide tools to the Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department and my office that are integral in fighting violent crime in our community.  This teamwork has already seen an improvement in violent crime.  This initiative just renews and strengthens our commitment to the partnership.” 

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Chief Joseph H. “Jack” Lumpkin stated, “The SCMPD is certainly pleased and proud of the exemplary crime fighting partnerships we have established with our local, state, and federal partners.  The U. S. Attorney’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office are integral to our crime reduction efforts and sustaining crime decreases.  We are making a difference.”

The Attorney General also announced the following Department of Justice initiatives to help reduce violent crime:

-Additional Assistant United States Attorney Positions to Focus on Violent Crime – The Department is allocating 40 prosecutors to approximately 20 United States Attorney’s Offices to focus on violent crime reduction.

-More Cops on the Streets (COPS Hiring Grants) – As part of our continuing commitment to crime prevention efforts, increased community policing, and the preservation of vital law enforcement jobs, the Department will be awarding approximately $98 million in FY 2017 COPS Hiring Grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

-Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) National Gang Strategic Initiative –The National Gang Strategic Initiative promotes creative enforcement strategies and best practices that will assist in developing investigations of violent criminal groups and gangs into enterprise-level OCDETF prosecutions.  Under this initiative, OCDETF provides “seed money” to locally-focused gang investigations, giving state, local, and tribal investigators and prosecutors the resources and tools needed to identify connections between lower-level gangs and national-level drug trafficking organizations.

-Critical Training and Technical Assistance to State and Local Partners –The Department has a vast array of training and technical assistance resources available to state, local and tribal law enforcement, victims groups, and others.  To ensure that agencies in need of assistance are able to find the training and materials they need, OJP will make available a Violence Reduction Response Center to serve as a “hot line” to connect people to these resources. 

-Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC) – The Department has provided grant funding to support a comprehensive approach to identifying the most violent offenders in a jurisdiction, using new technologies such as gunshot detection systems combined with gun crime intelligence from NIBIN, eTrace, and investigative efforts.  These FY 2017 grants were awarded to Phoenix, AZ, and Kansas City, MO. 

-Expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program – The Department will expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program nationwide by the end of the year.  Through this program, any firearm submitted for tracing that is associated with a NIBIN “hit” (which means it can be linked to a shooting incident) will be designated an “urgent” trace and the requestor will get information back about the firearm’s first retail purchaser within 24 hours, instead of 5 to 6 business days.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEMEECO SAMPSON, also known as “Meeco,” 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.  Judge Thompson also ordered SAMPSON to perform 100 hours of community service.

This matter stems from a joint investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s North End.  SAMPSON and others targeted during the investigation were affiliated with groups and gangs who have been involved in acts of violence.  The investigation revealed that SAMPSON and others sold crack cocaine in the area of Edgewood Street and Albany Avenue.  In June and July 2015, law enforcement made controlled purchases of crack from SAMPSON and his associates. 

SAMPSON has been detained since his arrest on December 2, 2015.  On January 25, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

SAMPSON’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Canadian man was sentenced today to 168 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to traffic 100 kilograms of cocaine from Chicago to New Jersey and then on to Canada, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.

Sezayir Bulaman, 49, of Hemmingford, Canada, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert Kugler to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiring to distribute more than five kilograms or more of cocaine. Judge Kugler imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.

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

Between October 2012 and Nov. 29, 2012, Bulaman conspired with others to pick up 100 kilograms of cocaine in Chicago, Illinois, transport it to a warehouse in New Jersey and then transport it to Canada. He was indicted in 2012, but fought extradition to the United States. The FBI seized the cocaine as part of the operation.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler sentenced Bulaman to five years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara F. Merin of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit and Andrew J. Bruck of the Economic Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.                                             

Defense counsel: Richard Sparaco Esq., Cherry Hill, New Jersey 

NEWARK, N.J. – A former accounting specialist in the Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, office of an insurance broker was arrested today and charged with allegedly defrauding her employer of approximately $900,000, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.

Violeta McGough, 55, of Bergenfield, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud. U.S. Postal Inspectors and criminal investigators with the U.S. Attorney’s Office arrested McGough at her home this morning. She is scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion in Newark federal court.

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

From 2008 through October 2015, McGough allegedly made numerous fraudulent accounting entries to steal funds that her employer – identified as “Victim-Company 1” in the complaint – collected as insurance premiums. The premiums were for policies underwritten and issued by Victim-Company 1 on behalf of a United Kingdom-based insurance syndicate that actually held the risk. As part of her employment duties, McGough tracked premiums collected by Victim-Company 1 and its monthly payments to the syndicate.

McGough repeatedly used her access to Victim-Company 1’s books to divert a portion of those payments to her personal use. McGough disguised the stolen funds as reimbursed premiums for cancelled policies. She caused Victim-Company 1 to generate checks payable to a person identified in the complaint as “Individual 1,” who suppossedly worked for a premium financing company, but did not actually work there. McGough personally deposited the checks into Individual 1’s bank account and the bulk of the funds were transmitted back to McGough’s bank account.

The single wire fraud count is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited postal inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James V. Buthorn, and criminal investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Feder of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty

The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that Mickayla Peters, 19, of Newport, VT and Kenneth Seales, 40, of New York, were charged yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. Peters is awaiting sentencing on a July 2017 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base. Peters and Seales appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Conroy and were ordered detained pending hearings next week.

On October 3, 2017, the Northeast Vermont Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations arrested Peters, Seales and Tyler Before, 31, of Vermont, after Peters’s vehicle was stopped by Vermont State Police in Barnet, VT. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of over 100 grams of heroin, 300 grams of cocaine and 2 grams of suspected fentanyl. Before faces state charges for heroin trafficking, transportation into the state, and cocaine possession. He was released on citation and is scheduled to appear in Caledonia County Court in December.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the complaint against Peters and Seales is merely an accusation and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.

If convicted, Peters and Seales face up to 20 years of imprisonment on the drug charge and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.

Peters is represented by Michael Straub. Jean-Claude Charbonneau represents Seales. The prosecutor on the case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Fuller.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Wallington, New Jersey, man today admitted purchasing live child sex shows from individuals overseas, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.

Stephen Hallett, 66, made his initial appearance and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court to an information charging him with receipt of child pornography. Hallett was released on $125,000 unsecured bond.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court.

Hallett purchased live child sex shows from individuals located in the Philippines. He admitted that on Feb. 4, 2015, he received a webcam transmission of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Hallett also admitted purchasing live webcam shows of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct on dozens of occasions between 2013 and 2015.   

The receipt of child pornography charge to which Hallett pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Hallett will be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2018.

Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Debra Parker in Newark, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Alfonzo Walsman of the U.S. Attorney’s Criminal Division in Newark.

Defense counsel: Michael A. Robbins Esq., West Orange, New Jersey

BOSTON - A Longmeadow man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to concealing from the Internal Revenue Service an Irish bank account he held with a balance of over $2 million.

Michael Fitzgerald, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of violating the foreign bank reporting requirements. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Jan. 3, 2018. 

United States citizens and residents who have a financial interest in a foreign bank account with a value of more than $10,000 must file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.  From at least 2005 through 2012, Fitzgerald, the owner and operator of a local roofing company, held bank accounts with the Bank of Ireland in the Isle of Man.  In 2012, those bank accounts held a combined balance of over $2.3 million. 

The charge provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Fitzgerald has agreed to pay a penalty of $1,115,320, which represents 50 percent of the account balance. 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 and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement today.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla of Weinreb’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Westover, West Virginia woman and a Fairmont, West Virginia man have admitted to drug distribution charges, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Anna May Martin, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Martin admitted to using a phone to distribute and assist in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. The crime occurred in Monongalia County in March 2017.

Thomas Keener, II, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Keener admitted to using a phone to distribute and assist in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone in Monongalia County in February 2017.

Martin and Keener each face up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

DALLAS— Brian Anthony Adams, 28, of Euless, Texas, appeared in federal court today and pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.

Adams faces up to 10 years imprisonment for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and at least 5 years and up to life imprisonment, which must be served consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Adams has been in custody since the time of his arrest in July 2016.  Sentencing is set for January 10, 2018.

According to documents filed in the case, on April 7, 2016, officers with the Irving Police Department executed a search warrant at an apartment in Euless, Texas.  Adams was at the apartment when the officers executed the search warrant and Adams was arrested.  During the search of the apartment, officers found digital scales, drug distribution paraphernalia and a bag containing approximately 51 grams of cocaine.  Officers also found two loaded firearms strategically placed on top of the cabinets in the kitchen and another firearm in a bedroom.

Prior to April 7, 2016, Adams had been convicted on March 31, 2009 of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in Tarrant County, Texas, an offense he committed on June 3, 2008.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Irving Police Department.  Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Tromblay and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Hoxie are in charge of the prosecution.

# # #

Memphis, TN - Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several Department of Justice (DOJ) actions to reduce the rising tide of violent crime in America. To help combat the rise in violent crime, the DOJ is reinvigorating Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program first started in 2001 that successfully reduced violent crime.

In announcing this recommitment, the Attorney General directed that United States Attorneys implement an enhanced violent crime reduction program that incorporates the lessons learned since Project Safe Neighborhoods launched. The violent crime reduction program includes an emphasis on enhancing partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence.

The PSN program uses the full range of data and technologies to identify the most violent locations in the district and the individuals who drive the violence in our cities. PSN partners then use all potential investigative tools and resources to develop and bring cases against those who commit violent crimes. Ultimately, the coordinate effort ensures that the most violent offenders in our district are prosecuted in the legal venue that provides the most certain and appropriate penalty.

The Attorney General said: "Taking what we have learned since the program began, we have updated it and enhanced it, emphasizing the role of our U.S. Attorneys, the promise of new technologies, and above all, partnerships with local communities. With these changes, I believe this program will be more effective than ever and help us fulfill our mission to make America safer."

U.S. Attorney Mike Dunavant said "This office remains committed to implementing policies to enhance Project Safe Neighborhoods framework. Since PSN’s inception, the program has been instrumental in reducing violent crime throughout the Western District

of Tennessee. We look forward to continuing this important work with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to proactively target criminal organizations and aggressively remove violent offenders from the streets."

The Attorney General also announced the following Department of Justice initiatives to help reduce violent crime:

Additional Assistant United States Attorney Positions to Focus on Violent Crime – the Department is allocating 40 prosecutors to approximately 20 United States Attorney’s Offices to focus on violent crime reduction.

More Cops on the Streets (COPS Hiring Grants) – As part of our continuing commitment to crime prevention efforts, increased community policing, and the preservation of vital law enforcement jobs, the Department will be awarding approximately $98 million in FY 2017 COPS Hiring Grants to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies.

Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) National Gang Strategic Initiative – The National Gang Strategic Initiative promotes creative enforcement strategies and best practices that will assist in developing investigations of violent criminal groups and gangs into enterprise-level OCDETF prosecutions. Under this initiative, OCDETF provides "seed money" to locally-focused gang investigations, giving state, local, and tribal investigators and prosecutors the resources and tools needed to identify connections between lower-level gangs and national-level drug trafficking organizations.

Critical Training and Technical Assistance to State and Local Partners – The Department has a vast array of training and technical assistance resources available to state, local and tribal law enforcement, victim’s groups, and others. To ensure that agencies in need of assistance are able to find the training and materials they need, OJP will make available a Violence Reduction Response Center to serve as a "hot line" to connect people to these resources.

Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC) – The Department has provided grant funding to support a comprehensive approach to identifying the most violent offenders in a jurisdiction, using new technologies such as gunshot detection systems combined with gun crime intelligence from NIBIN, eTrace, and investigative efforts. These FY 2017 grants were awarded to Phoenix, Arizona and Kansas City, Missouri.

Expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program– The Department will expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program nationwide by the end of the year. Through this program, any firearm submitted for tracing that is associated with a NIBIN "hit" (which means it can be linked to a shooting incident) will be designated an "urgent" trace and the requestor will get information back about the firearm’s first retail purchaser within 24 hours, instead of 5 to 6 business days.

BILLINGS – Steven Neil Hopper, 29, of Billings was sentenced today to 70 months in prison and three years on supervised release for being a felon in possession of firearms.  The charge stemmed from a one-count indictment in April of this year.  Hopper entered a guilty plea to the single count in June.  U.S. District Court Judge Susan Watters issued the sentence.

Had the case proceeded to trial, the United States was prepared to prove that on June 5, 2016, staff at a motel in Laurel, Montana, cleaned out Hopper’s room and found two rifles, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.  Hopper was interviewed and admitted that he found the two firearms in his motel room.  He handled them and wrapped them up.  He had the only key to the motel room and everything in the room was his – except the firearms and drug paraphernalia.  He could not explain how the firearms got into the motel room.

According to witnesses in the case, Hopper possessed two firearms when Hopper stayed at the Days Inn in Billings, days before he moved into the Laurel motel, and he possessed the same two firearms in his Laurel motel room.   The firearms and ammunition taken into law enforcement custody in this case are: a Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, a Remington .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, and 135 rounds of assorted .40 caliber, .38 caliber, and 12 gauge ammunition.

Hopper was previously convicted of felony Impersonating a Public Servant and felony Robbery in violation of Montana law in February 2016 in Yellowstone County. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Laurel Police Department, along with the Montana Probation and Parole Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart.

HONOLULU -- Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several Department of Justice actions to reduce the rising tide of violent crime in America. Foremost of those actions is the reinvigoration of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

In announcing this recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Attorney General issued a memo directing United States Attorneys to implement an enhanced violent crime reduction program that incorporates the lessons learned since Project Safe Neighborhoods launched in 2001. 

In a statement on the program, the Attorney General said:

According to the FBI, the violent crime rate has risen by nearly seven percent over the past two years, and the homicide rate has risen by more than 20 percent. We cannot be complacent or hope that this is just an anomaly: we have a duty to take action.

Fortunately, we have a President who understands that and has directed his administration to reduce crime. The Department of Justice today announces the foundation of our plan to reduce crime: prioritizing Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that has been proven to work.

Let me be clear – Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just one policy idea among many. This is the centerpiece of our crime reduction strategy.

Taking what we have learned since the program began in 2001, we have updated it and enhanced it, emphasizing the role of our U.S. Attorneys, the promise of new technologies, and above all, partnership with local communities. With these changes, I believe that this program will be more effective than ever and help us fulfill our mission to make America safer.

The Attorney General also announced the following Department of Justice initiatives to help reduce violent crime:

• Additional Assistant United States Attorney Positions to Focus on Violent Crime – The Department is allocating 40 prosecutors to approximately 20 United States Attorney’s Offices to focus on violent crime reduction.
• More Cops on the Streets (COPS Hiring Grants)– As part of our continuing commitment to crime prevention efforts, increased community policing, and the preservation of vital law enforcement jobs, the Department will be awarding approximately $98 million in FY 2017 COPS Hiring Grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
• Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) National Gang Strategic Initiative–The National Gang Strategic Initiative promotes creative enforcement strategies and best practices that will assist in developing investigations of violent criminal groups and gangs into enterprise-level OCDETF prosecutions. Under this initiative, OCDETF provides “seed money” to locally-focused gang investigations, giving state, local, and tribal investigators and prosecutors the resources and tools needed to identify connections between lower-level gangs and national-level drug trafficking organizations.
• Critical Training and Technical Assistance to State and Local Partners– The Department has a vast array of training and technical assistance resources available to state, local and tribal law enforcement, victims groups, and others. To ensure that agencies in need of assistance are able to find the training and materials they need, the Office of Justice Programs will make available a Violence Reduction Response Center to serve as a “hot line” to connect people to these resources.
• Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC) – The Department has provided grant funding to support a comprehensive approach to identifying the most violent offenders in a jurisdiction, using new technologies such as gunshot detection systems combined with gun crime intelligence from NIBIN, eTrace, and investigative efforts. These FY 2017 grants were awarded to Phoenix, AZ, and Kansas City, MO.
• Expand ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Urgent Trace Program – The Department will expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program nationwide by the end of the year. Through this program, any firearm submitted for tracing that is associated with a NIBIN “hit” (which means it can be linked to a shooting incident) will be designated an “urgent” trace and the requestor will get information back about the firearm’s first retail purchaser within 24 hours, instead of 5 to 6 business days.

Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several Department of Justice actions to reduce violent crime in the United States.  Foremost of those actions is the reinvigoration of "Project Safe Neighborhoods," a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  According to the FBI, violent crime rates, including homicides, have risen the past two years.  "As a former Project Safe Neighborhoods and Violent Crime Coordinator, I am pleased by the Attorney General’s commitment to reducing violent crime, an endeavor all Oklahomans can embrace," said Mark A. Yancey, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

In announcing this recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Attorney General issued a memo directing United States Attorneys to implement an enhanced violent crime reduction program that incorporates the lessons learned since Project Safe Neighborhoods launched in 2001.

In a statement on the program, the Attorney General said, in part:

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"We cannot be complacent or hope that [a rising violent crime rate] is just an anomaly: we have a duty to take action."

"Fortunately, we have a President who understands that and has directed his administration to reduce crime.  The Department of Justice today announces the foundation of our plan to reduce crime:  prioritizing Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that has been proven to work.

"Let me be clear – Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just one policy idea among many.  This is the centerpiece of our crime reduction strategy.

"Taking what we have learned since the program began in 2001, we have updated it and enhanced it, emphasizing the role of our U.S. Attorneys, the promise of new technologies, and above all, partnership with local communities.  With these changes, I believe that this program will be more effective than ever and help us fulfill our mission to make America safer."

          Additional information and the Attorney General’s full remarks are available at: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-sessions-announces-reinvigoration-project-safe-neighborhoods-and-other.

DALLAS —Bryce Edward Hansen, 44, of Dallas, Texas, who pleaded guilty in February 2017 to one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay to 300 months in federal prison.  U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas made the announcement today.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made on the record at his sentencing hearing today, on June 3, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a storage unit located near an elementary school in Dallas, Texas.  A search of the unit resulted in the discovery of approximately 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, three firearms, and evidence of a laboratory used in the production of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Numerous drug scales and unused small zip lock baggies were also discovered in the storage unit.  Law enforcement discovered that Hansen, who has been previously convicted of several drug offenses, leased the storage unit. 

Following the search of the storage unit, law enforcement searched Hansen’s residence and found more methamphetamine and GHB along with U.S. currency and another firearm.   

The Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie L. Hoxie prosecuted.

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Earlier today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program first launched in 2001 designed to reduce violent crime across the country.  Working with federal, state, and local partners through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa has been prosecuting violent crime and the most serious offenders for the past sixteen years.

United States Attorney Peter Deegan, Jr. and Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman will be available on Friday, October 6, 2017, for interviews regarding Project Safe Neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids.  To schedule an interview with Mr. Deegan or Chief Jerman, please contact Tony Morfitt at 319-363-6333. 

Branch Chief Tim Duax and Sioux City Police Chief Rex Mueller will also be available on October 6, 2017, for interviews regarding Project Safe Neighborhoods in Sioux City.  To schedule an interview with Mr. Duax please contact him at 712-255-6011.  To schedule an interview with Chief Mueller, please contact him at 712-898-4572.

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[WASHINGTON] – Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several Department of Justice actions to reduce the rising tide of violent crime in America. Foremost of those actions is the reinvigoration of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

In announcing this recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Attorney General issued a memo directing United States Attorneys to implement an enhanced violent crime reduction program that incorporates the lessons learned since Project Safe Neighborhoods launched in 2001.

In a statement on the program, the Attorney General said, “According to the FBI, the violent crime rate has risen by nearly seven percent over the past two years, and the homicide rate has risen by more than 20 percent. We cannot be complacent or hope that this is just an anomaly: we have a duty to take action.  Fortunately, we have a President who understands that and has directed his administration to reduce crime. The Department of Justice today announces the foundation of our plan to reduce crime: prioritizing Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that has been proven to work.

“Let me be clear,” the Attorney General continued, “Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just one policy idea among many. This is the centerpiece of our crime reduction strategy.  Taking what we have learned since the program began in 2001, we have updated it and enhanced it, emphasizing the role of our U.S. Attorneys, the promise of new technologies, and above all, partnership with local communities. With these changes, I believe that this program will be more effective than ever and help us fulfill our mission to make America safer.”

“For the past sixteen years this office has demonstrated its commitment to reducing violent crime through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program,” said United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr.  “Through training, outreach, and working with our federal, state, and local partners, we have focused our efforts on violent crime in Northern Iowa.  With this recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, we will continue to prosecute the most dangerous criminal offenders, including those who illegally purchase, possess, and use guns.”

“The Cedar Rapids Police Department is very fortunate to have a solid relationship with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa,” said Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman.  “The federal prosecution of violent offenses committed with guns has meant that dangerous individuals are off the streets and our community is safer.  Police officers in Cedar Rapids seized nearly 100 guns from individuals who were in illegal possession of the firearms over the past year.  Working with the United States Attorney’s Office, we are making sure that individuals who possess these weapons and use them while committing criminal acts are held accountable.  With the cooperation of the community, quality patrol and investigative work, and the assistance of local and federal prosecutors, we can continue to reduce the rate of violent crime in Cedar Rapids.”

“The Sioux City Police Department is excited to hear Attorney General Session’s renewed support for Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Sioux City Police Chief Rex Mueller.  “This program, with its focus on violent crime and illegal possession and use of firearms, is needed now more than ever.  In coordination with our federal partners we have been able to successfully take violent criminals off the streets of Sioux City. For example, Jamal Dean, a violent armed robber who shot and wounded one of our officers was successfully prosecuted with Dean receiving a life sentence.  Another example is the Canfield murder case in which three violent individuals who murdered a local Sioux City man were brought to justice. We look forward to the Attorney General’s support and a continuation of our successful partnership.”

The Attorney General also announced the following Department of Justice initiatives to help reduce violent crime:

Additional Assistant United States Attorney Positions to Focus on Violent Crime– The Department is allocating 40 prosecutors to approximately 20 United States Attorney’s Offices to focus on violent crime reduction.

More Cops on the Streets (COPS Hiring Grants)– As part of our continuing commitment to crime prevention efforts, increased community policing, and the preservation of vital law enforcement jobs, the Department will be awarding approximately $98 million in FY 2017 COPS Hiring Grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) National Gang Strategic Initiative –The National Gang Strategic Initiative promotes  creative enforcement strategies and best practices that will assist in developing investigations of violent criminal groups and gangs into enterprise-level OCDETF prosecutions.  Under this initiative, OCDETF provides “seed money” to locally-focused gang investigations, giving state, local, and tribal investigators and prosecutors the resources and tools needed to identify connections between lower-level gangs and national-level drug trafficking organizations.

Critical Training and Technical Assistance to State and Local Partners–The Department has a vast array of training and technical assistance resources available to state, local and tribal law enforcement, victims groups, and others.  To ensure that agencies in need of assistance are able to find the training and materials they need, OJP will make available a Violence Reduction Response Center to serve as a “hot line” to connect people to these resources. 

Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC)– The Department has provided grant funding to support a comprehensive approach to identifying the most violent offenders in a jurisdiction, using new technologies such as gunshot detection systems combined with gun crime intelligence from NIBIN, eTrace, and investigative efforts.  These FY 2017 grants were awarded to Phoenix, Arizona, and Kansas City, Missouri. 

Expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program– The Department will expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program nationwide by the end of the year.  Through this program, any firearm submitted for tracing that is associated with a NIBIN “hit” (which means it can be linked to a shooting incident) will be designated an “urgent” trace and the requestor will get information back about the firearm’s first retail purchaser within 24 hours, instead of 5 to 6 business days.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY McKENZIE, 56, of Manchester, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department that targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in Hartford’s North End that was distributing crack and powder cocaine.  The investigation revealed that David Gil-Grande, of Manchester, received shipments of cocaine, secreted in sealed coffee cans, from Puerto Rico.  He then supplied the cocaine to Anthony Shelton, also known as “Pretty,” Gerard Brown, also known as “Goldie,” and others, who converted much of the cocaine into crack and distributed both forms of the drug in the area of Barbour Street in Hartford. 

Shelton and Brown are McKENZIE’s sons.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Shelton and Brown supplied distribution quantities of crack cocaine to McKENZIE, who then sold the drug to his own customers in the Manchester area.

Twenty individuals were charged and convicted as a result of the investigation.

McKENZIE was arrested on February 2, 2016.  On December 22, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

McKENZIE’s criminal history spans approximately 40 years and includes multiple convictions and periods of incarceration.

Gil-Grande, Shelton and Brown have pleaded guilty to related charges.  On January 31, 2017, Gil-Grande was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment.  Shelton and Brown await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration have provided valuable assistance to the investigation. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

DAYTON – The government unsealed an indictment today in which a federal grand jury has charged seven defendants, including a corrections officer, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Col. Paul A. Pride, Superintendent, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Gary Mohr, Director, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and members of the Warren County Drug Task Force announced the indictment returned last week.

The indictment charges James Barlage, Jr., 31, of Chillicothe, Mario Evans, 40, formerly of Dayton, Edward E. Bellman, 45, formerly of Miamisburg, Moses M. Stevens, 53, formerly of Xenia, Jon Christopher Birt, 50, of Dayton, Jamie L. Naegele, 47, of Brookville and Anthony Scott Blankenship, 32, of Columbus, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Barlage and Blankenship are also charged with one count each of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The indictment alleges that Barlage was employed as a corrections officer at Chillicothe Correctional Institute (CCI) in June and July 2017. At the same time, Evans, Bellman and Stevens were inmates at the prison.

According to the indictment, it was the object of the conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine to CCI for distribution within the prison.

Birt, an alleged methamphetamine distributor for the Dayton area, would obtain the drugs from his suppliers and he and Naegele would arrange for the delivery of the methamphetamine to the prison.

On at least one occasion, Barlage received the drugs from Birt for the purpose of redistributing within CCI.

“The defendants allegedly used at least one unauthorized cell phone within the prison to coordinate payment for the drugs and exchange of the drugs for transportation to CCI,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “They also allegedly used Western Union to transfer funds for the drugs.”

The indictment was returned September 28. Birt, Barlage, and Naegle have been arrested and have made their initial appearances. Arrest warrants have been issued for the remaining defendants. 

Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine are each crimes punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Warren County Drug Task Force, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Dominick S. Gerace and Amy M. Smith, who are prosecuting the case.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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