ALBUQUERQUE – Terrence Shije, 37, an enrolled member and resident of Zia Pueblo, N.M., was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a year and a day in prison for his conviction on a domestic assault by a habitual offender charge.  Shije will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.

Shije was arrested on June 2, 2017, on a criminal complaint charging him with domestic assault of an intimate partner by a habitual offender on May 16, 2017.  According to the complaint, Shije caused the victim to suffer bruising and swelling to her face. 

Shije was indicted on June 28, 2017, and was charged with assault of an intimate partner resulting in substantial bodily injury and domestic assault by a habitual offender.  According to the indictment, Shije committed the crime on May 16, 2017, on Zia Pueblo in Sandoval County, N.M.  Shije was charged as a habitual offender based on his two prior domestic violence convictions in the Pueblo of Zia Tribal Court in June 2015 and Aug. 2016.

On Oct. 6, 2017, Shije pled guilty to Count 2 of the indictment charging him with domestic assault by a habitual offender.  In entering the guilty plea, Shije admitted that on May 16, 2017, he assaulted the victim by slapping her face and punching her eye because he did not want her to leave the residence.  Shije further admitted that as the result of the assault, the victim, who was then pregnant, suffered swelling, bumps and bruising near her eye and eye socket.  Shije also admitted that he previously had been convicted on battery on a household member charges in Zia Tribal Court in June 2015 and Aug. 2016.

This case was investigated by the Southern Pueblos Agency of the BIA, Office of Justice Services.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Nayback and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy B. Solimon pursuant to the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot Project in the District of New Mexico, which is sponsored by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women under a grant administered by the Pueblo of Laguna.  The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project seeks to train tribal prosecutors in federal law, procedure and investigative techniques to increase the likelihood that every viable violent offense against Native women is prosecuted in either federal court or tribal court, or both.  The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project was driven largely by input gathered from annual tribal consultations on violence against women, and is another step in the Justice Department's on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven today sentenced Travis Marcel Hickman (32, Bradenton) to 15 years and 1 day in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He pleaded guilty on June 13, 2017.

According to court documents, on November 17, 2017, deputies from the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on Hickman’s car. He fled, leading the deputies on a chase that resulted in him colliding with another vehicle in a residential neighborhood. Hickman emerged from his car with a backpack containing various narcotics, including morphine and crack cocaine. Law enforcement officers recovered a loaded .40 caliber pistol from his disabled vehicle, and a subsequent search of Hickman’s motel room revealed a loaded 9mm pistol, ammunition, and various narcotics, including opioids, cocaine, and crack cocaine. At the time, Hickman was a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to the armed robbery of a Jimmy John’s restaurant and a carjacking.

Terry K. Rayford, 54, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of armed robbery, one count of carjacking and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The charges stem from two incidents that occurred on April 26, 2017. Rayford brandished a Witness-P .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun when he robbed the Jimmy John’s restaurant, located at 3900 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. Rayford was armed with a Witness-P .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a Jimenez 9mm semi-automatic handgun when he carjacked a 1998 Ford Econoline E350 van earlier the same day.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Rayford has 13 felony convictions for robbery and he was on parole at the time of the thefts.

Both of the firearms were found in Rayford’s vehicle after he was stopped by Independence, Mo., police officers on April 27, 2017. Officers received information about a person matching the description of the suspect in the Jimmy John’s restaurant the day before. A retired major with the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department had seen video of the robbery broadcast on the news and saw Rayford – who appeared to be the robbery suspect – driving in the area of 40 Highway and Crysler in Independence.

Independence police officers responded to the area and stopped Rayford’s vehicle. When they ordered him to get out of his vehicle, officers found the Witness-P .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun lying on the driver’s side floorboard. Rayford was arrested and his vehicle towed. During an inventory of the vehicle, the Jimenez 9mm semi-automatic handgun was found in the back pouch of the front passenger seat.

Rayford told investigators he had stolen both of the handguns from his source for crack cocaine, to whom he owed money. Rayford told investigators he violated the conditions of his parole so he could go back to prison and do the remaining time of his sentence because his parole conditions were hard to follow.

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Rayford will be sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in federal prison without parole, up to a maximum of 30 years in federal prison without parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
 

Jackson, Miss. – Eddie Lee Hunt, 48, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 14 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release and a $1,500 fine for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. He pled guilty to the charge on October 19, 2017.

Hunt traveled from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson, Mississippi, to purchase over 17 pounds of Marijuana. Following a traffic stop of the vehicle Hunt was driving, the marijuana was discovered in the trunk.

This case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed AOperation Pipeline@, which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi that involved the distribution of Methamphetamine and Marijuana. The distribution network encompasses the States of California, Texas and Mississippi.

The investigation was led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Jackson Police Department, and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.

CHICAGO — A federal indictment unsealed this week charges 34 alleged members of the Latin Kings street gang with participating in a criminal organization that murdered its rivals and violently protected its drug-dealing territories in Chicago and the suburbs.

Authorities uncovered the criminal activity through an investigation conducted under the umbrella of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  During the course of the probe, law enforcement agents confiscated 18 firearms.

Original charges in the case were filed in 2016 against 20 alleged members of the Latin Kings.  The superseding indictment unsealed this week adds 14 more defendants and charges numerous acts of violence, including six murders, three attempted murders, and three arsons.  Thirty three of the defendants are charged with racketeering conspiracy, while the 34th defendant faces a firearm charge.

The superseding indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Eddie T. Johnson, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.  Substantial investigative assistance was provided by the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department and Hammond (Ind.) Police Department.  The FBI Task Force investigating the case was comprised of agents and task force officers from the Joliet Police Department, Evergreen Park Police Department, Bolingbrook Police Department, Orland Park Police Department, Cook County Sheriff's Police Department, Will County Sheriff’s Office, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.  Additional support was provided by the Merrillville (Ind.) FBI office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana.

The superseding indictment was returned on Feb. 1, 2018, and ordered unsealed this week.  Several of the new defendants were arrested this week, and arraignments for most of the defendants have been held in federal court in Chicago.

The superseding indictment alleges that members of the Latin Kings violently enforced discipline within their ranks and retaliated against rivals and former members to prevent cooperation with law enforcement.  The charges accuse nine defendants of committing six murders in furtherance of the gang’s activities:

ALONZO HORTA, 20, of Hammond, Ind., and GEOVANNI LOPEZ, 28, of Oak Forest, allegedly murdered Alfonso Calderon on April 9, 2017, in Chicago.

DEAN TREVINO, 25, of Chicago, and EMANUEL MENDEZ, 29, of Hammond, Ind., allegedly murdered Ismael Perez on Nov. 3, 2012, in Chicago.

GERONIA FORD, 23, of Chicago, and WILLIAM HAYSLETTE, 24, of Chicago, allegedly murdered Sergio Hernandez on May 15, 2012, in Chicago.

JUAN JIMENEZ, 35, of Blue Island, allegedly murdered Isiah Cintron on Jan. 18, 2007, in Hammond, Ind.  

THOMAS LUCZAK, 44, of Chicago, allegedly murdered Juan Serratos on June 11, 2000, in Chicago.

JOSE JARAMILLO, 35, of Hammond, Ind., allegedly murdered Jeremy Ward on Nov. 15, 1999, in Chicago.

Mendez and two other defendants – ORLANDO MARIN, 29, of Chicago, and ROY VEGA, 35, of Chicago – are also charged with committing attempted murders.

The defendants participated in the Southeast Region of the Latin Kings, which contains more than a dozen chapters answering to a regional structure of leadership, according to the indictment.  Each chapter is typically named after the city in which it operates, or by a street or streets that run through the chapter.  Among the Chicago chapters in the Southeast Region are 82nd Street, 88th and 89th Streets, 97th Street, 99th Street, 102nd Street, 104th Street, and the Roseland neighborhood.  Other regional chapters operated in the south suburbs of Blue Island, Dolton, Harvey and Chicago Heights, as well as in Kankakee and communities across the border in Indiana, according to the indictment.

 The indictment charges defendants who serve in various high-ranking positions of the Latin Kings.  These positions include “Regional Enforcers,” who violently instill discipline within the ranks; “Incas,” who serve as chapter leaders; “Caciques,” who are second in command behind the Incas; “Soldiers,” who often carry dangerous weapons to carry out the gang’s activities; and “Regional Treasurer,” who collects dues from Latin King chapters to finance the gang’s activities. 

Several firearm offenses are also charged in the indictment, including unlawful possession of guns, assault with a dangerous weapon, illegal dealing of guns, and multiple counts of witness intimidation.

The investigation was conducted under the umbrella of the OCDETF program, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The principal mission of OCDETF is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations.

The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Racketeering conspiracy generally carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, but a life sentence is possible for certain underlying racketeering activities, including certain murders charged in the indictment.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Wallach, Derek Owens and Vikas Didwania are representing the government.

Four defendants were sentenced for their participation in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme.

Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement. 

Masoniek Stinfort, 32, of Belle Glade, was sentenced to 144 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $409,968. Eric L. Clemons, Jr., 25, formerly of Belle Glade, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $409,968. James Craig, 29, of Orlando, FL was sentenced to 34 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Robert Nero, 30, Belle Glade, was sentenced to 27 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Stinfort, Clemons, and Clorinda Walker, of Belle Glade previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Stinfort also pled guilty to five counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343; and five counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A. Clemons, Craig, Nero and Walker also pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. 

            According to court documents, the defendants participated in a scheme where fraudulent federal income tax returns were filed with the IRS using unauthorized personal identifying information (PII), consisting of names and social security numbers, of real persons. Stinfort recruited numerous individuals including, among others, Clemons, Walker, Nero, and Craig to open bank accounts to be used to receive the fraudulent tax refunds obtained by the submission of the false federal income tax returns. The defendants sought $1,118,000 in fraudulent refunds from the IRS, and the government sustained an actual loss of $409,968 attributable to the fraud.

Defendant Walker was employed by a medical center where she had access to the PII of individual patients.  Specifically, Walker had access to the patients’ names, respective social security numbers and respective dates of birth. A number of PII stolen from the medical center were used in the stolen identity refund fraud conspiracy. Walker was the source of some, but not all, of the stolen PII used in the conspiracy to defraud the United States. Walker is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg on Friday, February 16, 2018, at 1:30 p.m.

Defendant Makia Henderson was found not guilty at trial.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Florida is committed to combatting identity theft fraud schemes that compromise local and national taxpayer identities,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg.  “Prosecuting the offenders who unlawfully steal and possess the personal identification information of others in an attempt to steal our tax dollars remains a top priority for the Office and our law enforcement partners.” 

            “Tax filing season has begun, and today’s announcement should serve as a stern warning to anyone thinking about using stolen identities to file false tax returns with the IRS. IRS Criminal Investigation takes these crimes very seriously, and we will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s office to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals who participate in stolen identity refund fraud schemes. As a reminder, taxpayers must stay vigilant in protecting their personal identification information (PII) to help avoid being a victim of these crimes,” stated Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Carlton.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

ALBUQUERQUE – Today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., two women were sentenced for their convictions on drug trafficking charges arising out of the seizure of five pounds of heroin.   Tabitha Marie Ochoa, 30, of Merced, Calif., was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and Maryhelen Princess Ochoa, 32, a U.S. citizen residing in Sonora, Mexico, was also sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Tabitha Marie Ochoa and co-defendant Maryhelen Princess Ochoa, were arrested in Feb. 2017, after law enforcement officers found nine bundles of heroin weighing approximately 2387 grams (5.26 pounds) in their vehicle during a routine traffic stop.  According to the complaint, the traffic stop took place on Jan. 30 and 31, 2017, in Cibola County, N.M.

On May 19, 2017, Tabitha Marie Ochoa pled guilty, and on Aug. 24, 2017, Maryhelen Princess Ochoa pled guilty.  Both entered guilty pleas to felony informations charging them with possession of heroin with intent to distribute.  In entering the guilty pleas, Tabitha Marie Ochoa and Maryhelen Princess Ochoa admitted possessing approximately 2,387 grams (5.26 pounds) of heroin in a safe that was seized from the vehicle in which they were traveling on Jan. 31, 2017.  Tabitha Marie Ochoa and Maryhelen Princess Ochoa further admitted that they were being paid to deliver the heroin to another person.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of Homeland Security Investigations and the New Mexico State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Y. Ramirez prosecuted the cases as part of the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative.  The HOPE Initiative was launched in January 2015 by the UNM Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in response to the national opioid epidemic, which has had a disproportionately devastating impact on New Mexico.  Opioid addiction has taken a toll on public safety, public health and the economic viability of our communities.  Working in partnership with the DEA, the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative, Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC), the Albuquerque Public Schools and other community stakeholders, HOPE’s principal goals are to protect our communities from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers and reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in New Mexico. 

The HOPE Initiative is comprised of five components:  (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning.  HOPE’s law enforcement component is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners.  Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative.  Learn more about the New Mexico HOPE Initiative at http://www.HopeInitiativeNM.org.

BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Pedro Carrasco, Jr., a 35 year-old resident of Billings, Montana, was sentenced to 168 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Carrasco was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 1956(h).  The sentence also includes the forfeiture of a Glock, model 23, .40 caliber, semi-automatic pistol; a Smith & Wesson, model Bodyguard, .380 auto caliber semi-automatic pistol; 80 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition; 11 rounds of .380 ACP ammunition; and $4,655 in United States Currency.   

In February 2016, a Montana State Highway Patrol Trooper pulled over a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-90 near Missoula for a traffic violation.  During a consent search of the vehicle, the trooper seized 1,056.3 grams of pure methamphetamine concealed within a speaker box stored in the trunk of the vehicle.  Drug Enforcement Administration agents later determined that the occupants of the vehicle intended to deliver the methamphetamine to Carrasco in Billings.  Agents next executed a search warrant at Carrasco’s residence in Billings and recovered additional methamphetamine, two firearms, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, body armor, and $4,655 in US Currency.  Agents also noted that Carrasco had surveillance cameras outside of his residence.  After the search of his residence, Carrasco admitted to agents that he had been distributing methamphetamine in Billings from 2011 through February 2016. 

In 2003, Carrasco was convicted in United States District Court, District of Montana, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846.   

The Carrasco case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Internal Revenue Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force; Montana Highway Patrol; and multiple other federal, state, and local agencies. 

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.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A jury deliberated for approximately two hours this afternoon before returning guilty verdicts on all charges against a Carpentersville, Ill., man, Keith JD Offord, 24, for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough presided over the trial which began Feb. 6. Sentencing is scheduled on June 18, 2018.

At trial, the government presented evidence to show that from December 2013 to August 2015, Offord used others’ identities to create false identification documents which were used at retail stores to obtain credit accounts and to buy merchandise and gift cards. Offord added photographs of a co-schemer to the fraudulent IDs, and took the co-schemer to various retail businesses. The defendant defrauded several Springfield area stores, including Bergner’s, approximately $2500; Game Stop $1500; and Sam’s Club $2170; as well as stores in the St. Louis, Mo., area in July and August 2015.

The Illinois State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory M. Gilmore and Matthew Z. Weir represented the government at trial.

At sentencing, for the offense of bank fraud, the statutory penalty is up to 30 years in prison and for aggravated identity theft (three counts), the penalty is a mandatory two-year prison term to be served consecutive to the sentence ordered for the related fraud offense.

GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that the last of six co-defendants was sentenced today for her role in a methamphetamine for guns trade that took place in Great Falls.  31-year old Monica Hulit of Great Falls was sentenced to 24 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing.  Dawn Evans of Kevin, Montana, was previously sentenced to 24 months for her role in this offense.  Marty Krominga of Great Falls was previously sentenced to 28 months for his role in this offense.  Alvin Roe of Lewistown, Montana, was previously sentenced to 33 months for his role in this offense.  Richard Stampka of Great Falls was previously sentenced to 12 months and one day for his role in this offense.  Story Wood of Livingston, Montana, was previously sentenced to 54 months for his role in this offense. 

In the summer of 2015, various methamphetamine dealers became acquainted with each other at a local methamphetamine supplier’s home in Great Falls, Montana.  During this time, various members of this group, including Monica Hulit and Story Wood, made drug runs to Washington and Idaho, in order to bring methamphetamine back to Great Falls for redistribution in the area, as well as to local Indian reservations.  This group also discussed trading firearms in exchange for methamphetamine.

Following one late summer gathering at this Great Falls home, Hulit, Wood, and another male, left to go on an out-of-state drug run.  A few days later, on August 23, 2015, the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Smelterville, Idaho, responded to a shoplifting report at the local Walmart.  A deputy identified the suspects involved in the shoplifting as Hulit, Wood, and the other male.  The deputy issued various citations to the Hulit, Wood, and the male, and observed they were all traveling together in a gold car with Montana license plates. 

Two days later, on August 25, 2015, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper stopped this same gold car for speeding on Highway 200 in Lewis and Clark County.  The trooper identified Wood as the driver, Hulit as the front passenger, and the male as the rear passenger.  All three individuals provided various inconsistent statements to the trooper, and Wood appeared to be extremely nervous and fidgety.  Based on the behavior of Hulit, Wood, and the male, the trooper believed there may be illegal drugs in the car and requested consent to search the car.  Wood denied consent, and the trooper impounded the car pending a search warrant.  The trooper arrested the male on an outstanding warrant, and Hulit and Wood began to walk down Highway 200.  The trooper called a towing company out of Wolf Creek to secure the car.  The towing company arrived and towed the gold car, identified as a Honda Accord, to a secure impound lot in Wolf Creek pending the execution of a search warrant.

The following day, August 26, 2015, troopers went to find the car in Wolf Creek and discovered the fence to the secure storage lot had been damaged.  They discovered that someone had tampered with the evidence tape adhered to the gold Honda Accord, and it appeared someone had entered the car since it had been towed to the lot.  Subsequently, the troopers found drug-related paraphernalia in the car, and reported the suspicious incident to the local drug task force offices.

Meanwhile, on September 2, 2015, Great Falls police responded to a report that numerous storage units had been burglarized at a local storage unit complex in Great Falls.  Officers went to the business and found someone had cut through the fence behind one of the storage buildings and had entered the property.  The business had no surveillance equipment, but the officers noted that someone had cut the locks off three of the storage units, although it appeared that only one of the units had been burglarized.  The owner of the burglarized unit arrived to speak with police, and subsequently observed that numerous firearms were missing from the unit. 

On September 9, 2015, Great Falls police received a call from an employee at a local bar concerning a suspicious car in the parking lot.  Great Falls police found the car, and identified the occupants of the car as Hulit, Wood, and the other male.  Wood told the officers he had borrowed the car.  The officers contacted the registered owner of the car who consented to a search of the car.  As Hulit, Wood, and the other male got out of the car, Wood mentioned there might be a firearm in the car.  Officers looked under the driver’s seat of the car and removed a loaded semi-automatic pistol. 

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the car and found additional firearms and ammunition in the trunk.  Specifically, detectives found two bags in the trunk of the car that contained ammunition addressed to the father of the storage unit owner whose unit had been burglarized.  Detectives also found four additional firearms in the trunk of the car, which included three rifles and a shotgun.

Detectives subsequently confirmed that the owner of the storage unit reported that all four of these firearms had been stolen from his unit during the September 2, 2015, burglary.  The owner of the storage unit also positively identified that all four of the firearms had previously been stored in his storage unit.  During further investigation, detectives learned that Marty Krominga and Dawn Evans were responsible for breaking into the storage unit and stealing the firearms that were recovered from the trunk of the car occupied by the defendant.  Following the burglary of the storage unit, Krominga and Evans had immediately taken the stolen firearms to Hulit in order to trade the stolen firearms for methamphetamine. 

Detectives also learned that Krominga and Evans had stolen a 12-gauge pump action shotgun from the storage unit, and subsequently provided it to a woman to pawn at a local pawnshop.  Based on this information, detectives went to a Great Falls pawnshop and recovered the pump action shotgun, which had been pawned by the woman.  Detectives contacted the storage unit owner, who identified the shotgun by its serial number, and confirmed it was one of the firearms stolen from his storage unit.  Lastly, detectives learned that Hulit, Wood, Stampka and Roe were responsible for breaking into the secure impound lot in Wolf Creek in order to retrieve methamphetamine and a firearm from the car. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department.

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.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that two more defendants were sentenced today for their roles in a $4.3 million conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin throughout Jackson, Clay, Ray, Clinton and Buchanan counties.

Elgin Eugene Dothage, also known as “Butch,” 41, of Kearney, Mo., and Jason Lee Kirtley, 45, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays. Dothage was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court ordered today’s sentence to be served consecutively to a nine-year sentence for his conviction in an unrelated state case. Kirtley was sentenced to 12 years and 11 months in federal prison without parole and ordered to forfeit to the government $28,800, which represents the proceeds of drug trafficking.

On June 9, 2017, Dothage pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and maintaining a drug premises. Kirtley pleaded guilty on June 14, 2017, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

In 2010, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force and the DEA initiated an investigation into a drug-trafficking organization distributing methamphetamine in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. Jose Luis Ruiz-Salazar, 39, his brother, Gabriel Ruiz-Salazar, 35, and Gregory Bullock, 48, all of Kansas City, Mo., have pleaded guilty to being the primary sources that supplied co-conspirators with large amounts of methamphetamine during the conspiracy. Co-conspirators then distributed the methamphetamine throughout Jackson, Clay, Ray, Clinton and Buchanan counties in Missouri.

Gabriel Ruiz-Salazar was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Jose Ruiz-Salazar and Bullock await sentencing.

According to court documents, conspirators sold $4,359,600 worth of methamphetamine and heroin from 2010 to 2015. That estimate is based on a conservative street price of $1,200 for an ounce of 50 percent pure methamphetamine and the total conspiracy distribution of at least 100 kilograms of methamphetamine, and a conservative street price of $2,500 per ounce of heroin and an overall conspiracy distribution of approximately three pounds.

Dothage is responsible for the distribution of more than five kilograms of methamphetamine. Dothage admitted that he carried firearms in furtherance of the drug-trafficking conspiracy, including a 9mm Hi Point pistol and a Smith & Wesson .22-caliber pistol. Dothage also admitted that he used his residence for storing, distributing or using methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Kirtley is responsible for the distribution of 680.4 grams of methamphetamine.

Dothage and Kirtley are among 18 co-defendants who have been sentenced after pleading guilty to their roles in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. 

Jason Daniel Davis, 44, of Liberty, Mo., was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Jackie R. Love, 60, of Excelsior Springs, was sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison without parole. Anthony Ray Stevenson, 46, of Excelsior Springs, was sentenced to 22 years and six months in federal prison without parole. Taylor Lee Syas, 25, of Polo, Mo., was sentenced to eight years and four months in federal prison without parole. Paula Rae Scott, 48, of Excelsior Springs, four years and 11 months in federal prison without parole. Bryan D. Carroll, 29, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison without parole. Ryan A. Battagler, 39, of Kearney, Mo., was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison without parole. Franklin Charles Carter, also known as “Frankie,” 28, of Grandview, Mo., was sentenced to eight years in federal prison without parole. Marion Eugene Brammer, 53, of Excelsior Springs, was sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison without parole.

Brian Michael Bowers, 35, of Richmond, Mo., was sentenced to 12 years and six months in federal prison without parole. Gary Dewayne Brown, 37, of Cowgill, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison without parole. Ronald Louis Roberts, 54, of Lathrop, Mo., was sentenced to 10 years and six months in federal prison without parole. Brittney James Brehm, 39, of Bland, Mo., was sentenced to six years and 11 months in federal prison without parole. Rodney Earl King, 52, of Excelsior Springs, was sentenced to five years and two months in federal prison without parole. Darin Gene Berry, 52, of Excelsior Springs, was sentenced to four years and five months in federal prison without parole.

Eight co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. In addition to Jose Ruiz-Salazar and Bullock, co-defendants Steven Lee Schreier, Jr., 33, and William Dean Campbell, 37, both of Excelsior Springs; Joshua Keith Bowers, 34, of Polo; Sabrena Lynn Morgan, 40, of Kearney; and Caleb Dean Hayes, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., are among 26 defendants indicted in this case who have pleaded guilty.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bruce Rhoades, Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Matt Moeder. It was investigated by the Clay County Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Caldwell County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force and the DEA.
 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Larceny was sentenced on February 5, 2018, by, U.S. District Judge, Roberto A. Lange.

Bradlee One Feather, age 28, was sentenced to time served, 3 years of supervised release, $4,077.99 due in restitution and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

One Feather was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 16, 2017. He pled guilty on November 15, 2017.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on February 5, 2017, in Dewey County, South Dakota when One Feather took a Dodge pickup from an individual knowing that the vehicle had been stolen. One Feather then drove the pickup from Eagle Butte to Little Eagle, South Dakota. From there, One Feather drove the pickup to McLaughlin, South Dakota to visit people and buy beer. One Feather then drove the pickup back to Little Eagle to drop people off and while in the process, he got the pickup stuck.

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

One Feather was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Chad Sales,age 31, of Springdale, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $2,900.00 fine and $1,000.00 in restitution on one count of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

According to court records, on June 13, 2017, Springdale law enforcement responded to a burglary at Springdale armory in which 45 different firearms were stolen. During the investigation, officers observed Sales’ vehicle on the surveillance footage. Officers subsequently located and searched Sales’ vehicle and found six stolen guns and a suppressor.  After the search, officers Mirandized Sales and he agreed to make a statement in which he admitted to stealing firearms from an armory. Law enforcement was able to recover and return the majority of the stolen firearms to the armory.

 Sales was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2017 and entered a guilty plea in September 2017.

This case was investigated by the Springdale Police Department and ­­­­the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.

BOSTON – A Brazilian national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for conspiring to launder approximately $20 million in proceeds from the TelexFree pyramid scheme.

Cleber Rene Rizerio Rocha, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 33 months in prison and one year of supervised release. In October 2017, Rocha pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit money laundering and one count of money laundering.

In April 2014, a search warrant was executed at the headquarters of TelexFree Inc., a massive pyramid scheme based in Marlborough, Mass., that caused billions of dollars in losses to nearly two million victims worldwide. Later that same day, Carlos Wanzeler, one of the founders of the company, fled first to Canada and then to Brazil, his native country. In his haste to flee the United States, however, Wanzeler left millions of dollars hidden in the greater Boston area. 

In mid-2015, an intermediary working on Wanzeler’s behalf contacted an associate for help transferring the money from the United States to Brazil. The associate, who later cooperated with federal authorities, arranged with Wanzeler’s representative in Brazil to launder cash through Hong Kong, convert it to Brazilian Reals, and then transfer it to Brazilian accounts. In January 2017, Rocha, working as a courier for Wanzeler’s representative in Brazil, flew from Brazil to New York City.  Rocha later met the cooperating witness in Hudson, Mass., where Rocha gave him a suitcase containing $2.2 million of Wanzeler’s hidden TelexFree money, intending that the cooperating witness help launder the cash out of the United States.  After the meeting, agents followed Rocha to an apartment in Westborough, Mass., and he was later arrested. A search of the apartment resulted in the seizure of approximately $20 million in cash found hidden in a mattress box spring. 

Wanzeler and TelexFree co-founder James Merrill were indicted in July 2014 on charges that they operated TelexFree as a massive pyramid scheme. Merrill pleaded guilty to those charges and was sentenced in March 2017 to six years in prison. Wanzeler remains a fugitive.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today.  U.S. Attorney Lelling and Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil J. Gallagher Jr. of the Economic Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Carlos Daniel Chavez-Lozano, age 27, of Mesa, Arizona, pled guilty to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years or more than life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine, or both.
               
The Indictment alleged that on or about March 9, 2017, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. 

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Hammer represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Marcos Antonio Lopez, age 27, of Doraville, Georgia, pled guilty to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years or more than life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine, or both.
               
The Indictment alleged that on or about December 12, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. 

Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington represented the United States.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA– After an eight-day jury trial, Larry L. Masino, 67, of Gulf Breeze, and Dixie L. Masino, 65, of Pensacola, were convicted late yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola of wire fraud conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling business, and money laundering conspiracy.  In addition, Larry L. Masino was convicted of 18 counts of money laundering, and Dixie L. Masino was convicted of 20 counts of money laundering.  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Larry and Dixie Masino owned and operated Racetrack Bingo Inc. in Fort Walton Beach, which purported to conduct bingo games and provide the proceeds to a group of local charities in Okaloosa County.  Between 2006 and 2015, the Masinos conspired to defraud the charities out of more than $8 million dollars.  The Masinos specifically falsely assured the charities they were complying with provisions of the Florida statute.  In fact, the Masinos were unlawfully paying themselves and their employees to conduct bingo games and were charging the charities a lease fee based on inflated expenses.  Racetrack Bingo was an illegal gambling business because it was conducting bingo games and unlawfully retaining profit, rather than returning the net proceeds of the bingo games back to the players in the form of prizes.  The Masinos conspired to launder more than $5.8 million of the bingo proceeds through profit distribution checks that the Masinos and their three children received as shareholders of Racetrack Bingo.

For the wire fraud conspiracy, the Masinos face a maximum of 20 years in prison.  For the money laundering conspiracy and money laundering charges, the Masinos face a maximum of 10 years in prison.  For operating an illegal gambling business, they face a maximum of 5 years in prison.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 25, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at the Arnow Federal Building in Pensacola.

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Simple Assault was sentenced on February 7, 2018, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.

Tristan Lee Kills The Enemy, age 21, was sentenced to 6 months in custody and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $10.

Kills The Enemy was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2017. He pled guilty on February 7, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 28, 2017, when Kills The Enemy committed a Domestic Assault on his spouse and intimate partner.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Nelson prosecuted the case.

Kills The Enemy was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced a superseding indictment charging JAMAAL MARQUIE MAYS, 33, and JAQUON KESHAWN MOMAN, 25, with robbery and firearms charges.

According to the indictment, on August 17, 2017, MAYS and MOMAN attempted to rob a Verizon Wireless store in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. while brandishing a firearm in the presence of a store employee. On July 10, 2017, MOMAN and another individual stole cash from a Metro PCS store in Minneapolis, Minn.

Because he is a felon, MAYS is prohibited under federal law from possessing any type of firearm at any time.

The Hobbs Act, passed by Congress in 1946, allows federal prosecutors to prosecute individuals who commit armed robberies of businesses engaged in interstate commerce.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Inver Grove Heights Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Steinkamp is prosecuting the case.

Defendant Information:                                                                                                                     

JAMAAL MARQUIE MAYS, 33

Unknown

Charges:

• Interference with commerce by robbery, 1 count
• Using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count
• Felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count

 
JAQUON KESHAWN MOMAN, 25
Unknown
 
Charges:

• Interference with commerce by robbery, 2 counts
• Using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count

###

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

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA– After a three-day trial, Arthur Larange Lee Jr., 34, of Gainesville, was convicted late yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Gainesville of sex trafficking by force and use of a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution.  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Lee abducted a drug-addicted woman from the parking lot of a Gainesville church where she was attending a Narcotics Anonymous meeting.  After taking the victim’s phone, he ordered her to drive to a nearby hotel where he took photographs of her for use in a Backpage.com advertisement.  Lee told the victim he would “break her in,” after which he raped her, burned her, and committed other acts of violence against her.  Lee then fed the victim small amounts of cocaine and instructed her that she had to pay off her “debt.”  Over the span of two days, Lee forced and coerced the victim to engage in sexual acts with numerous “johns.” He kept all the money derived from the sex acts that took place at local hotels and private residences.  While at one hotel, the victim texted a “john” who agreed to help her escape by picking her up outside the hotel.  The victim then fled with Lee’s phone and called police.  Responding officers were able to quickly locate and arrest Lee, who was still inside the hotel.

For the sex trafficking charges, Lee faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison.  For using a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution, Lee faces a maximum of 5 years in prison.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville.

The case was investigated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Williams.

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