BOISE – Gabe Crow Inglis, 27, of Boise, Idaho, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced.  A federal grand jury indicted Inglis on October 12, 2017.  

According to court records, Inglis was pulled over for a traffic violation on December 14, 2016 by an Idaho State police officer.  During the course of the stop, the officer smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.  Inglis admitted to the officer that he had smoked marijuana and had possessed marijuana earlier that day.  Subsequently, the officer searched the vehicle and found two mason jars filled with a white flakey substance in the trunk.  The officer sent the substance to the Idaho State Police Forensics Lab for testing. A lab analyst determined that the substance was tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, a Schedule I controlled substance.

Sentencing is set for April 18, 2018, in front of U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Boise. 

The crime of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, at least three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Idaho State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

FRESNO, Calif. — In separate cases, two defendants were sentenced today for drug trafficking on the dark-web marketplace AlphaBay, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

Chief U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill sentenced David Ryan Burchard, 40, of Merced, to six years and eight months in prison. He sentenced Emil Vladimirov Babadjov, 33, a Bulgarian and U.S. dual-national formerly residing in San Francisco, to five years and 10 months in prison.

Dark web sites such as AlphaBay operate on “The Onion Router” or “TOR” network, a special network of computers on the internet, which are distributed around the world. The network is designed to conceal the true Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of computers that access the network, and thus the locations and identities of the network’s users and the computer servers hosting the websites, which are referred to as “hidden services.” The “hidden services” have complex web addresses generated by a computer algorithm ending in “.onion” and can only be accessed through specific web browser software designed to access the TOR network. AlphaBay was shut down by U.S. law enforcement on July 5, 2017, and is no longer in operation.

According to court documents, Burchard, using the moniker “Caliconnect,” was a major narcotics vendor on the Silk Road and other dark-web marketplaces, including Agora, Abraxas and AlphaBay. Burchard accepted orders for marijuana and cocaine on the dark web and then mailed the narcotics from post offices in Merced and Fresno County to customers located throughout the United States. Burchard was paid primarily in Bitcoin. Burchard conducted sales in excess of $1.4 million on the Silk Road before that marketplace was closed, at which point Burchard transferred his narcotics business to Agora and then to AlphaBay.

In a separate case, Babadjov, using the monikers “Blime-Sub” and “BTH-Overdose,” was a heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine trafficker on the dark-web marketplace AlphaBay. Babadjov accepted orders for drugs on AlphaBay and then mailed the drugs from a post office in San Francisco to customers throughout the United States. On October 20, 2016, law enforcement agents made an undercover purchase of heroin from “Blime-Sub,” which was delivered to a post office box in the Eastern District of California. The parcel contained a mixture of fentanyl and heroin.

The Burchard case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Fresno Police Department. The Babadjov case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant B. Rabenn prosecuted the cases.

Babadjov is currently in federal custody, and Burchard was ordered to surrender to federal custody on April 12, 2018.

These cases were part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.

BOSTON – A Dominican national, who led a large-scale heroin and fentanyl trafficking organization in southeastern Massachusetts, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston.

Dedwin Cruz-Rivera, 41, a Dominican national residing in Fall River, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Cruz-Rivera will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In July 2017, Cruz-Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.  

In October 2015, Cruz-Rivera was arrested and charged, along with 24 others, for leading a heroin and fentanyl trafficking organization in southeastern Massachusetts. Cruz-Rivera obtained large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from local drug suppliers, including his brother Manuel Romero-Gonsalez, and Eric Matos, who distributed in and around Fall River and Providence, R.I.  Cruz-Rivera used co-defendant Cristian Sostre as a courier and stash house operator in order to decrease the likelihood that he would be detected by law enforcement.  During the course of their investigation, federal agents seized 295 grams of fentanyl that were  en route to Cruz-Rivera. 

An April 2016 superseding indictment brought the total number of defendants charged in the case to 26. All of the 26 defendants charged in the case have pleaded guilty, and 23 have been sentenced, including Romero-Gonsalez and Matos, who are serving 66 months and 121 months in federal prison, respectively.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Kanwit, Karen Beausey, Katherine Ferguson and Ann Taylor of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the cases.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart will visit Lily’s Place tomorrow for a tour of the facility and to meet with officials administering the specialized care provided by this organization. Lily’s Place provides treatment for newborns suffering from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS is a group of problems that occurs in a newborn after being exposed to illegal drugs and/or the misuse of prescription drugs while in the mother’s womb. Lily’s Place offers observational, therapeutic, and pharmacological care to infants with prenatal drug exposure.

While the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focused on confronting the drug epidemic through aggressive prosecution of drug dealers and suppliers, it is understood that prosecution is only part of the comprehensive approach. Treatment for addicts is an important aspect of fighting the drug epidemic, and treatment for newborns, the most vulnerable in our communities, is essential to combat the scourge of drug abuse.

“Lily’s Place is on the front lines of the epidemic. My heart bleeds for every innocent newborn suffering from the scourge of drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “No one sees the devastation of drug abuse first-hand like the professionals who staff that facility. Their work caring for newborns is critical, and I look forward to meeting with the treatment team.”

WHO:            

• United States Attorney Mike Stuart
• Lily’s Place Executive Director Rebecca Crowder
• Officials and staff from Lilly’s Place

WHAT:         

• Meeting with Lilly’s Place officials and tour of facility

WHEN:         

• Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. 

WHERE:     

• Lily’s Place
• 1320 7th Avenue
• Huntington, WV  25701

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         LOS ANGELES– A Los Angeles County deputy sheriff who allegedly agreed on two occasions to oversee the delivery of narcotics and other contraband in exchange for cash payments was arrested this morning, along with three other men, on federal narcotics charges.

         Special agents with the Federal Bureau Investigation this morning arrested Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Collins and the other three after they arrived in Pasadena, allegedly to provide “security” for the transport of nearly 45 pounds of cocaine and more than 13 pounds of methamphetamine. During the FBI’s undercover investigation, Collins allegedly agreed that he and his team would accompany the narcotics and take calculated steps to prevent legitimate law enforcement from intercepting the drugs – in exchange for cash payments as high as $250,000.

         Collins and two other men were charged in a federal criminal complaint filed last week. Collins and these two co-defendants allegedly provided security in November for the transport of what they thought was six kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as marijuana and counterfeit cigarettes.

         In justifying the high fees for his services, Collins allegedly told an undercover FBI agent “we’re cops” and “all of our transports make it through.”

         Those named in the complaint are:

• Deputy Sheriff Collins, 50, of Chino;
• David Easter, 51, of the Hyde Park District of Los Angeles; and
• Grant Valencia, 34, of Pomona.

         The fourth man arrested this morning – Maurice Desi Font, 56, of South Los Angeles – is expected to be charged by federal prosecutors in a second criminal complaint later today.

         The four defendants – who are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances – are expected to make their first court appearances this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

         “Deputy Collins sold his badge to assist an individual he thought was a drug trafficker,” said United States Attorney Nicola T. Hanna. “The deputy allegedly used his status as a law enforcement officer as a guarantee when he promised safe travels for large quantities of illegal narcotics. This case is part of our long-standing and ongoing commitment to root out corruption, particularly when it involves sworn law enforcement officers.”

         “Deputy Collins used his position of trust and appropriated his authority to conduct lucrative criminal activity with others at the expense of Los Angeles County residents,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department address many crime areas jointly and share the goal of identifying and addressing internal problems when they arise. Sheriff McDonnell, who continues to reform the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, cooperated fully with the investigation. While our investigation continues to determine whether others may have been involved, this should not be viewed as an indictment of the many dedicated servants at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, some of whom brought this unlawful activity to our attention. Today’s arrest exemplifies the FBI’s commitment to weeding out corruption by public officials and restoring trust in our law enforcement professionals.”

         The affidavit in support of the complaint filed last week outlines a scheme in which Collins agreed to accept tens of thousands of dollars in cash in exchange for his “team” providing security during the transportation of large quantities of drugs from the Los Angeles area to Las Vegas, Nevada.

         On November 14, after Collins negotiated a $25,000 payment in exchange for providing security during the transport of contraband, Collins, Easter and Valencia participated in a caravan that traveled to Las Vegas.

         The trio was arrested this morning after allegedly agreeing to provide security for the transport of 20 kilograms of cocaine, six kilograms of methamphetamine and cash from Pasadena to Las Vegas, in exchange for $250,000. During negotiations, Collins said he would bring a larger team than used during the November transport, and those additional members would include other law enforcement officers. When the team arrived this morning at the pre-determined location, Font was the fourth member of the team.

         According to the affidavit, the FBI had been investigating Collins in relation to a scheme to accept cash payments in exchange for providing security for illegal marijuana grow facilities, as well as assisting in the distribution of controlled substances.

         An undercover FBI agent – who was posing as a family member of a wealthy investor looking to finance an illegal marijuana grow house – first met with Collins in August 2017. Collins offered to provide security for an illegal marijuana grow house and claimed to have three “teams” that already provided security for drug operations across San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties.

         During one of the August meetings, Collins displayed his Sheriff’s Department badge and lifted his shirt to reveal a firearm hidden in his waistband, which investigators believe was to emphasize that he was a law enforcement officer and his services therefore were more valuable to a drug organization. According to the affidavit, this meeting concluded with the undercover agent paying Collins $5,000 in “good faith” money for future services.

         Over the course of several meetings, Collins also offered to “fix problems” for the undercover agent, including by physically assaulting people, in exchange for cash.  According to the affidavit, Collins claimed to have a very “professional” “team” comprised of “cops” who “travel...with guns.” He described how he and two others recently “handled” a situation for a “client” in Boston by setting a luxury truck on fire.

         During a meeting in September, the undercover agent told Collins that he was having an “issue” with a person in Northern California, and, in exchange for $2,000, Collins performed and delivered a “work-up” on that person, which included obtaining that person’s home address and driver’s license number, according to the affidavit. When Collins delivered the “work-up” in early October, the deputy sheriff allegedly said that he could provide additional services in relation to the Northern California person: “We can definitely, you know, kind of impact him a little bit.”

         As part of negotiations with the undercover agent, Collins also facilitated the sale of two pounds of marijuana to the agent, which Easter delivered. If this smaller “test run” sale of marijuana went well, Collins offered to facilitate the sale of up to $4 million worth of marijuana every month to the agent, according to the affidavit.

         In relation to the November transport of what Collins and his co-conspirators understood to be methamphetamine and marijuana, Collins provided a team of three – one of whom drove ahead of the transport vehicle to scout for law enforcement, one of whom accompanied an undercover agent driving the drug transport vehicle, and Collins in a follow car. According to the affidavit, Collins and his team received a total of $25,000 for this transport.

         Following the success of the November transport, Collins discussed with the primary undercover agent another, larger shipment. During a meeting on January 5, Collins agreed to bring Easter and Valencia – as well as other team members – to oversee the transport of 20 kilograms of cocaine, six kilograms of methamphetamine and cash. Although the undercover agent initially offered $75,000 as payment to Collins and his team, according to the affidavit, Collins pushed for more, saying that his “guys” are used to providing security for “bigger loads.” Collins ultimately agreed to provide his team’s services in exchange for $250,000.

         When they arrived at the agreed-upon location this morning where the drug transport was to begin, FBI agents arrested Collins and the other three men without incident.

         A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

         If they were to be convicted of the drug trafficking conspiracy alleged in the criminal complaints, each defendant would face a sentence of up to life in prison.

         The case against Collins and his co-defendants is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

         This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Detroit men pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. JaJuan Thrasher, 30, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. In a separate prosecution, Charles Duncan Pippins, 30, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin. U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart commended the investigation of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force for the Thrasher case, and also commended the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department for the investigation of Pippins.

On September 14, 2015, members of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 2317 Lincoln Avenue in Huntington. When investigators executed the warrant, they located Thrasher and two additional individuals inside the residence. Investigators subsequently seized approximately 18 grams of heroin that was packaged for distribution from Thrasher’s pocket. Thrasher admitted that he had been distributing heroin in the Huntington area. As part of his plea, Thrasher also admitted that he and others used the Lincoln Avenue apartment to distribute heroin between the summer of 2015 and September 14, 2015. Thrasher faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 16, 2018. 

In a separate prosecution, on September 12, 2016, deputies with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department used a confidential informant to make a controlled purchase of heroin from Pippins. The informant traveled to the Days Inn Hotel located on U.S. Route 60 in Huntington, where Pippins distributed heroin to the informant. Deputies executed a search warrant on his room, and as agents entered, Pippins flushed heroin down the toilet. During the search of the room, deputies seized approximately 6 grams of heroin that Pippins admitted he intended to sell. An analyst with the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed that the heroin was mixed with fentanyl, a powerful opiate painkiller. Pippins faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 30, 2018. 

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling these prosecutions. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearings.

These cases were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Debra Martin, 34, of Parkersburg, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams of more of heroin. In a separate prosecution, Schauwne Martin, 36, of Dunbar, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the collaborative investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Parkersburg Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and the Police Departments of the cities of Parkersburg, Vienna, and Williamstown for the Debra Martin case. U.S. Attorney Stuart also commended the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force for the investigation of Schauwne Martin.

Debra Martin admitted that from December 2016 until her arrest in November 2017, she was involved with several individuals in distributing heroin at various locations throughout the Parkersburg area. In addition, Debra Martin admitted to selling heroin to a confidential informant working with the Parkersburg Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on numerous occasions. Debra Martin and her co-conspirators were involved in the distribution of a total of between one and three kilograms of heroin. Debra Martin faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 5, 2018.

In a separate prosecution, Schauwne Martin admitted that on February 28, 2017, law enforcement found a loaded .380 caliber, semiautomatic handgun, approximately 94 grams of pure methamphetamine, and digital scales in his kitchen in Dunbar. Martin, who has previously been convicted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in Kanawha County, also admitted that he possessed another handgun, and that he had sold methamphetamine to informants on seven other occasions. Martin faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 5, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of the Debra Martin prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj is responsible for the prosecution of Schauwne Martin. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin is presiding over these cases.

These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Dunbar felon who possessed a firearm in February 2017 was sentenced today to three years and four months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Amanda Renee Taylor, 40, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigation of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

On February 7, 2017, Taylor possessed two firearms, a Lorcin .380 caliber pistol and a High Standard .22 caliber revolver, when she was arrested for stealing mail. Taylor admitted that she stole the mail and possessed methamphetamine and counterfeit United States currency found when she was arrested. Taylor was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 2009 felony drug conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court.

Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

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

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CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
 
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that on January 4, 2018, Jeffrey Brown, 43, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and an $8,000,000 fine. As part of his guilty plea in federal court, the defendant also agreed to plead guilty in New York State Court for his role in a 2016 homicide.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that on November 17, 2016, law enforcement officers conducting a drug investigation requested that a cooperating individual place a controlled telephone call to Brown and order a specified quantity of heroin.

Shortly after the call was placed, the defendant and a female driver drove to the location at which the drugs were to be delivered. Brown was taken into custody as he walked on the front sidewalk. Officers seized a plastic bag containing suspected heroin after the defendant dropped the bag at the time of his apprehension. Subsequent investigation determined that the defendant had previously purchased 700 grams of heroin.

This morning, Brown pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the 1st Degree in New York State Court.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 19, 2018 before Judge Vilardo.

Brown is scheduled to be sentenced in State Court on April 23, 2018. 

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
 
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Panagiota Loukisas, 57, of North York, Ontario, Canada, who was convicted of bank fraud, was sentenced to 14 months by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth R. Moellering, who handled the case, stated that in November 2014, the defendant opened accounts at five banks in Niagara Falls, NY. Loukisas deposited checks drawn on a Canadian bank account held by her company, PM Global Consulting Services, into the five U.S. accounts. The defendant then withdrew significant sums of money from the Niagara Falls bank accounts before the checks were returned to the banks for insufficient funds. Loukisas is accused of fraudulently depositing non-sufficient fund checks valued at more than $83,000 and withdrawing more than $52,000 from the accounts before the scheme was discovered.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by Special Agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Austin Campbell, 45, of Smyrna, Delaware, pleaded guilty, before U.S. District Chief Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., to the crime of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The offense carries a maximum possible sentence of a term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that between June 15, 2017, and August 22, 2017, the defendant, began communicating on a social networking application with an undercover agent employed by the Department of Homeland Security. At the time, Campbell believed the agent was a 15-year-old female from Buffalo. The defendant engaged in very graphic sexual conversations with the agent via chat messages.  During them, Campbell discussed traveling to Buffalo to engage in sexual activity.

On August 21, 2017, the defendant indicated that he would be in Buffalo on August 23, 2017.  He and the undercover agent discussed the details of how they would meet. On August 23, Campbell traveled from the State of Delaware to a truck stop located in Cheektowaga, NY. After arriving at the truck stop, the defendant sent the agent a message to come and meet him in the parking lot. Campbell was arrested at that time. 

The plea is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 5, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. before Chief Judge Geraci.

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy announced today that Luis Montanez, 39, of Buffalo, NY, was sentenced, by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., to serve 151 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who handled the case, stated that between March 2014, and June 2015, the defendant conspired with Daniel Molina-Rios, Orlando Rios, and Jose Andujar, and others to distribute heroin on the West Side of Buffalo. Rios managed a wide-scale drug trafficking organization and supervised several street-level dealers who used a series of cellular telephones to conduct daily sales with customers seeking to buy heroin.

During the last three weeks or so of the conspiracy, defendant served as a heroin source of supply for the drug trafficking organization.  The Buffalo Police Department and New York State Police conducted 66 undercover heroin purchases from individuals subordinate to the defendant in the organization.

The defendant also maintained a premise at 221 Gorton Street in Buffalo for distributing heroin. A search of that residence on June 18, 2015, revealed a box of glassine bags for heroin distribution and two digital scales indicative of drug traffickers.

Of the 14 defendants charged in connection with this case, Montanez is the 13th to be sentenced.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Major David Krause and Lieutenant Kevin Reyes, CNET West Commander; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.   

WASHINGTON– Virginia-based home furnishings company, Bassett Mirror Company, has agreed to pay the United States $10.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly making false statements on customs declarations to avoid paying antidumping duties on wooden bedroom furniture imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Justice Department announced today.   

The United States alleged that between January 2009 and February 2014, Bassett Mirror evaded antidumping duties owed on wooden bedroom furniture that the company imported from the PRC by knowingly misclassifying the furniture as non-bedroom furniture on its official import documents.  Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on the U.S. market at prices below cost.  The Department of Commerce assesses, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection collects, these duties to protect U.S. businesses and level the playing field for domestic products.  Imports of PRC-made wooden bedroom furniture have been subject to antidumping duties since 2004.  At the time of the alleged conduct in this case, wooden bedroom furniture from the PRC was subject to a 216 percent antidumping duty; non-bedroom furniture was not subject to an antidumping duty.

“Those who import and sell foreign-made goods in the United States must comply with the laws meant to protect domestic companies and American workers from illegal foreign trade practices,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler for the Justice Department’s Civil Division.  “The Department of Justice will pursue those who seek an unfair advantage in U.S. markets by evading the duties owed on goods imported into this country.”

“This Office will not tolerate anyone who seeks to stack the deck against American workers and products,” said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine for the Southern District of Georgia.  “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, as well as our colleagues in the Civil Division, to pursue those who believe that their own profit justifies evasion of federal antidumping duties.”

“CBP is appreciative of information received from the public regarding fraudulent trade activity.  This type of blatant disregard for trade laws and regulations severely impacts the US economy by giving these bad actors an unfair advantage over legitimate importers,” said Donald F. Yando Director of Field Operations for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Atlanta Field Office. “CBP is committed to working with our partners both inside and outside the government to help bolster the US economy by putting an end to this type of illegal activity.”

The settlement with Bassett Mirror resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery.  The civil lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Georgia and is captioned United States ex rel. Wells v. Bassett Mirror Company, Inc. et al., Civil Action No. 4:13-CV-000165.  As part of today’s resolution, Ms. Wells will receive approximately $1.9 million.

The investigation was handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.   

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

BOSTON - A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for an immigration crime.

Manolo Sosa-Nieves, 45, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to one year and one day in prison and three years of supervised release.  Sosa-Nieves will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.  In August 2017, Sosa-Nieves pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry after deportation.

On April 14, 2017, Sosa-Nieves was arrested in Lawrence on unrelated state charges and determined to be unlawfully present in the United States; he had previously been deported on Aug. 21, 2002.    

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling's Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Bryan Fish, age 23, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 108 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for making false declarations before a federal grand jury investigating an arson that killed four people in Schenectady.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C, Jaquith and Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).

In pleading guilty on May 31, 2017, Fish admitted that he lied under oath to a federal grand jury investigating the fire, which occurred on or about May 2, 2013 at 438 Hulett Street in Schenectady, New York, and caused the deaths of David Terry and three young children, seriously injured another child, and destroyed the building and the personal property inside.

Fish admitted that on May 24, 2013, he provided false testimony regarding his brother, whom Fish claimed: 1) drove him, Jennica Duell, and another man from Saratoga Springs to the vicinity of 438 Hulett Street in the early morning hours of May 2, 2013, 2) popped the trunk so that the other man could remove a gas can, and 3) later drove part of the way back to Saratoga Springs.

Fish is the fourth person to be sentenced for lying to the federal grand jury investigating the 438 Hulett Street fire.

• On March 17, 2016, Edward Leon, age 45, of St. Johnsville, New York, was sentenced to 10 years in prison following a jury trial.
• On September 12, 2016, Duell, age 29, of Schenectady, and the mother of the children who died, was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in prison following a guilty plea.
• On May 31, 2017, Richard Ramsey, age 48, of Saratoga Springs, New York, was sentenced to 87 months in prison following a guilty plea.

United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith said: “Bryan Fish, Jennica Duell, Edward Leon, and Richard Ramsey lied to a grand jury investigating one of the worst crimes in the Capital Region in recent memory. The sentences reflect the horror of the underlying crime and the defendants’ disregard for the law and the innocent lives lost.  We will not let lies stand in the way of securing justice for the victims and their families, and of bringing to justice the person or people responsible for this deadly arson.  We remain committed to continuing the investigation until justice is done.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict said: “The fire in Schenectady at 438 Hulett Street caused death and destruction that will affect families forever.  Fish and the other individuals sentenced for lying to a federal grand jury will not prevent us from determining who was responsible for this heinous crime.  The victims and their families will not be forgotten.  I would like to extend my gratitude to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecuting the case. I would also like to thank the Special Agents of ATF, the Schenectady Police Department and the Schenectady Fire Department for working tirelessly on this investigation.”

This case resulted from an ongoing investigation being conducted by the ATF, the Schenectady Police Department, and the Schenectady Fire Department. The case was prosecuted by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Assistant United States Attorney Wayne A. Myers.

The ATF notes that there is a reward of up to a total of $40,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the arson that occurred on May 2, 2013 at 438 Hulett Street in Schenectady, resulting in personal injury and death. All information will be treated confidentially and the callers will remain anonymous if requested. Anyone having information is encouraged to call ATF at 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473), or email ATFTips@atf.gov, or contact ATF through its web site at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips may also be submitted to ATF through the “report it” app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew has sentenced Yolanda Camara (49, Brandon) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for her role in operating and managing a pill mill. The Court also ordered her to pay a money judgment of $124,285.64, which are proceeds of the offenses.

Camara pleaded guilty on July 13, 2017. 

According to court documents, Camara co-owned and managed Family Medical Express Center, Inc. in Brandon, Florida. She and her co-conspirators operated Family Medical as a purported medical clinic used to sell unlawful prescriptions to individuals who did not need them and to individuals who diverted them for sale in the community on a per-pill basis. In some cases, Camara’s co-conspirator, Dr. Anil Sahijwani, wrote prescriptions at Camara’s or another co-conspirator’s request in the names of individuals he never examined, never met, and, in some cases, who did not actually exist. During the sentencing hearing, Camara was held responsible for conspiring to illegally prescribe over 28,000 oxycodone pills and nearly 6,000 alprazolam (Xanax) pills.     

Camara and her co-conspirators have all pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and drug distribution charges. Camara also pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators. In total, six defendants have been sentenced in this and related cases. Jonathan Wainwright, a “sponsor” who paid people to go to the clinic and obtain prescriptions for pills he could sell, was sentenced to 9 years and 2 months’ imprisonment. Dr. Anil Sahijwani was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in federal prison. Justin Oliveira, Camara’s son and clinic employee, and Jeremiah Foor, a patient/co-conspirator, were each sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment. And, David Arbogast, a patient/co-conspirator, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel George.

          Three key players in a drug distribution ring that operated over a large swath of Washington State were sentenced late Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle to long prison terms, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.  The leader of the drug distribution ring BALTAZAR REYES-GARCIA 45, of Camano Island, Washington, was sentenced to eighteen years in prison; HECTOR CONTRERAS-IBARRA, 33, of Pasco, WA, was sentenced to fifteen years in prison; and ANGEL SERRANO-CARRENO, 30, of Mt. Vernon, WA was sentenced to thirteen years in prison.   The drug ring distributed heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine in King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom Counties.  At the sentencing hearing for BALTAZAR REYES-GARCIA, U.S. District Judge James L. Robart said the quantities of drugs involved is “immensely alarming” and noted that REYES-GARCIA was a “major drug supplier.”

            “The kilograms of heroin, meth and cocaine that these defendants sold ultimately became hundreds and thousands of doses of poison in addicts’ hands,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “Make no mistake – these drugs kill or otherwise destroy lives.  I commend our federal, state and local law enforcement partners for working together to arrest and convict these defendants who earned their living off the misery of Western Washington residents.”

            All three defendants were convicted in October 2017, following a ten-day jury trial. The conspirators operated stash houses on Camano Island and in Mount Vernon, as well as in Yakima and Franklin Counties.  The organization had broad connections spanning from Mexico to Nevada, Arizona and California, and north to British Columbia. Fourteen other co-conspirators charged in the case pleaded guilty in the months following their arrests in November 2016. These other defendants in the case have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to twelve years in prison.

            As court records and evidence admitted at trial demonstrate, law enforcement investigated the drug ring in late 2015, and early 2016, utilizing pole cameras, confidential sources, wiretaps and undercover officers to document the drug distribution activity, and identify the leaders of the ring.  In November 2016, law enforcement served search warrants on more than two dozen locations seizing two kilos of cocaine, more than $180,000 cash, and more than 20 firearms – including a loaded AK47.  Those totals were in addition to the seizures made during the investigation: eight kilos of methamphetamine, two kilos of cocaine, nearly a kilo of heroin, and more than $117,000 in cash. 

            The investigation was named “Operation Car Wash” as some of the conspirators would meet up to conduct their deals at a Mount Vernon car wash. 

          This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved.  The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in conjunction with the FBI, Whatcom Gang& Drug Task Force and Skagit County Inter-Agency Drug Task Force.  The investigation was supported by the Auburn Police Department, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Snohomish County Regional Drug & Gang Task Force, Mt. Vernon Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, Everett Police Department and Seattle Police Department.  Additional assistance was provided by HSI; CBP, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

          The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kate Vaughan and Steven Masada.

          If you, or someone you know, would like information about resources for those suffering from a heroin or other substance abuse addiction, you can call the 24 hour Washington Recovery Helpline at 866-789-1511, or go to the University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Institute website (link is external). If you are between 13 and 20 years old you can also call Teen Link at 1866TEENLINK (866-833-6546) to talk to a teen volunteer.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BERNARD HARRIS, 33, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in two fraud schemes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the first scheme involved the theft of postal money orders.  Marc Anthony Alexander, formerly of Stratford and Oxford, and his wife, Rachael Alexander, also known as Rachael Vierling, devised a scheme to steal blocks of blank postal money orders from the U.S. Post Office in Old Greenwich.  The Alexanders and others then imprinted the money orders with various denominations using a computer font designed to make them appear to be authentic.  The Alexanders recruited HARRIS into the scheme to organize others to cash the money orders, or deposit them into numerous bank accounts, either at an ATM or at a teller window.  HARRIS recruited at least five individuals and paid them a portion of the proceeds.  He then turned the bulk of the money over to the Alexanders.  The Alexanders compensated HARRIS by giving him additional money orders that he cashed and converted to his own use.

The loss from this scheme was $313,570.

HARRIS, Marc Alexander and Rachael Alexander were charged by indictment and arrested on April 26, 2016.  On September 8, 2016, HARRIS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

On December 30, 2016, while he was released on bond, HARRIS went to a Waterbury check cashing business and presented a $3860 check that was allegedly issued by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.  HARRIS provided his driver’s license as identification and provided two references, including the name of his federal pretrial services officer and his federal public defender.  He also cashed a second check from DCF.

On May 8, 2017, HARRIS pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud stemming from the fraudulent check scheme and was remanded into custody.

Marc and Rachael Alexander pleaded guilty to charges related to the postal money order scheme and a separate scheme that involved the fraudulent sale of financed vehicles.  On April 11, 2017, Marc Alexander was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment.  Rachael Alexander awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force¸ U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Westport Police Department and Greenwich Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Franklin County School will present a BLAST Program event on Thursday to approximately 50 students.

Event: BLAST Program

Location:
Franklin County School

1250 Hwy 98
Eastpoint, Florida 32328

Date: Thursday, January 18, 2018

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST
Press: Please RSVP to Amy Alexander at amy.alexander@usdoj.govif you plan to attend.

The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with law enforcement officers in a familiar setting.  Law enforcement officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.

The schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate in role play with law enforcement officers.  (Students with media permissions will be identified.)

• Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
  This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.

• Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which law enforcement officers respond to a domestic disturbance.  Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to law enforcement.
  This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
   
•  Traffic Stop Simulation:Participants and officers alternate playing the roles of civilians and officers in a traffic stop.  Discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers and vehicle occupants face during a traffic stop.
  This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
   
•  Use of Force:Facilitators and students will discuss when law enforcement officers may use force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation.
  This session is closed to the media and public.  Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.

Participating agencies include:

• United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
• Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
• Franklin County School
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
• Homeland Security Investigations
• United States Postal Inspection Service
• Florida Highway Patrol

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.  For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

ALBUQUERQUE – Luciano Garcia, 42, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 135 months in prison for his conviction on a methamphetamine trafficking charge.  Garcia will be on supervised release for five years after completing his prison sentence.

Garcia and co-defendants Antonio Marco Bustillos, 43, and Jason Ulibarri, 43, both of Albuquerque, were arrested in Aug. 2017, on a criminal complaint charging them with methamphetamine trafficking and firearms offenses.  According to the complaint, Garcia, Bustillos and Ulibarri were arrested after attempting to sell approximately 1.03 kilograms (2.27 pounds) of methamphetamine contained in two bundles to another individual.  Incident to his arrest, a fully loaded firearm was allegedly recovered from Bustillos’ rear pocket. 

The co-defendants were subsequently charged in a three-count indictment on Aug. 22, 2017.  Garcia, Bustillos and Ulibarri were charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Aug. 10, 2017, in Bernalillo County, N.M.  Bustillos was charged individually with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Aug. 10, 2017, in Bernalillo County.  Bustillos was prohibited from possessing firearms of ammunition because he previously had been convicted of robbery. 

On Sept. 14, 2017, Garcia pled guilty to Count 1 of the indictment charging him with possession of more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute without the benefit of a plea agreement.

Bustillos and Ulibarri have both entered pleas of not guilty to the charges against them.  Charges in complaint and indictments are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.  

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec.