AUGUSTA, GA: On March 12, 2018, Mark Winston Pickrell and AubreyDeanBullard were sentenced for their respective roles in a conspiracy to illegally possess and sell unregistered firearms.  The sentences were handed down by the Honorable Chief Judge J. Randal Hall, United States District Court. 

Pickrell and Bullard were two of five defendants indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2017 in an eighteen-count indictment charging controlled substance and firearms violations.  All five defendants – Pickrell, Bullard, Danny Lee Thomas, Ralph Guemell Poole, and Christopher Earl Duckworth – entered into plea agreements in which they acknowledged committing crimes related to the illegal possession and sale of firearms.  

According to his plea agreement, Pickrell admitted that between March 2, 2016 and May 10, 2016, he engaged in the business of dealing firearms without a license.  Specifically, Pickrell admitted that he was responsible for selling seven firearms, to include four machine guns, knowing that the weapons would likely end up in the hands of those who would commit crimes.  Pickrell pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A). Judge Hall sentenced Pickrell to 56 months in prison and three years of supervised release. 

According to his plea agreement, Bullard admitted, that on May 10, 2016, he unlawfully possessed and transferred two Sten 9 mm machine guns, and that he test fired those machine guns in order to facilitate their illegal sale. Bullard pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, in violation of 26 U.S.C. §§ 5841, 5861(d) and 5871. Judge Hall sentenced Bullard to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release. 

On February 26, 2018, Judge Hall sentenced Thomas, Poole, and Duckworth to 38, 120 and 188 months, respectively, for their roles in this conspiracy and related controlled substance violations.

United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine stated, “The United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Georgia is committed to aggressively prosecuting violations of gun laws currently on the books.”   

“This investigation serves as a textbook example of the success that can be achieved when we blend our investigative experiences with our state and local partners as we continue to aggressively address the crimes that plague our communities,” said Resident Agent in Charge Timothy Graden. “Individuals who are brazen enough to sell machine guns and drugs pose a clear and present danger and they must be removed from our street.”

U.S. Attorney Christine commended the hard work and dedication of the ATF, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO), North Augusta Department of Public Safety (NADPS), Aiken County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), Aiken Department of Public Safety (ADPS), Burke County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which investigated the case.  Special Agent Ronald Rhodes led the ATF’s investigation. 

Assistant United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.

ALBUQUERQUE – The Honorable John C. Anderson, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, will testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs during an oversight hearing on “Opioids in Indian Country:  Beyond the Crisis to Healing in the Community,” at 2:30 p.m. (EDT)/12:30 p.m. (MDT), Wednesday, March 14, 2018. U.S. Attorney Anderson will be part of a three-witness panel which will include Capt. Christopher Jones, Pharm. D., M.P.H., Director, National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and RADM Michael Toedt, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Indian Health Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.    

WHO:            

The Honorable John C. Anderson, U.S. Attorney, District of New Mexico, U.S. Department of Justice

Capt. Christopher Jones, Pharm. D., M.P.H., Director, National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

RADM Michael Toedt, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Indian Health Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

WHEN:         

Wednesday, March 14, 2018, 2:30 P.M. EDT/12:30 P.M. MDT

 WHERE:      

The hearing can be viewed in real time on the Committee’s webcast at https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearing/oversight-hearing-opioids-indian-country-beyond-crisis-healing-community

Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Jimmy Hallums, age 40, and Christine Wellwood, age 34, were sentenced to 188 months (or 15 ½ years) imprisonment and 144 months (or 12 years) imprisonment, respectively in federal court in Greenville.

The evidence presented during their guilty pleas and sentencing hearings showed that Hallums met the leader of the organization, Dustin Tiller, while both men were serving prison sentences in the South Carolina Department of Corrections in 2015 for drug offenses. Working in conjunction with Tiller and at Tiller’s direction, Hallums recruited drug couriers, rented storage units to store drugs, met with sources of supply, and facilitated the shipment of methamphetamine from the Atlanta area to the Upstate of South Carolina for redistribution in South Carolina.  Hallums and a courier he recruited were arrested by federal and state law enforcement officials on March 8, 2016, in Georgia while traveling in tandem with approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine.

Wellwood also was closely associated with Tiller.  The evidence showed that Wellwood acted as a money courier for Tiller.  At his direction, Wellwood would meet with high-ranking members of the organization, would receive drug proceeds, and would transport the proceeds to locations that Tiller designated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Moorman, Deputy Chief for the Narcotics Unit, is the lead prosecutor. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson Police Department, and the Franklin County (GA) Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. 

#####

Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Thomas Lawton Evans Jr., 37, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, was charged in a three count federal indictment.  Count One charges Kidnapping Involving a Person Under the Age of 18, a violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(1) and (g), and is punishable by a minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and up to life.  Count Two charges Transportation of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a), and is punishable by a minimum of 10 years imprisonment and up to life.  Count Three charges Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Person under the age of Twelve, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2241(c), which is punishable by a minimum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a maximum sentence of life.  

Evans was initially charged with a federal complaint.  An arraignment date for his current federal charges has been set for March 27, 2018 at 9:45 in the Charleston Federal Courthouse, 85 Meeting St.  Evans also faces several charges in state court.

The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Charleston Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Williams and Nick Bianchi are prosecuting the case.

 The United States Attorney stated that all charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

#####

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 34-year-old Harlingen man has been ordered to federal prison for his role in the robbery of a Bank of America in Harlingen on May 26, 2017, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Adrian Paul Ross pleaded guilty Nov. 29, 2017. 

Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen handed Ross a 42-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court considered Ross’s mental health history and other characteristics. Ross was further ordered to undergo mental health treatment while incarcerated. At the hearing, Ross acknowledged his criminal conduct and apologized for what he had done.

On Nov. 29, 2017, Ross entered the Bank of America located on Van Buren Street wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. He waited in line, then approached a bank employee and claimed to want to make a deposit. He approached the teller and displayed what was written on his smart phone screen. In all caps Ross had written “EMPTY OUT YOUR DRAWER.” The teller then gave Ross the money she had in her possession but also triggered the silent alarm. Ross fled the scene, but was apprehended shortly thereafter.

Ross has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The FBI and Harlingen Police Department conducted the investigation.

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Charles McRae, age 37, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 13, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to distribution of heroin.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, McRae admitted to selling heroin in Stroudsburg on January 20, 2016.

McRae was indicted by a grand jury in December 2016.

Judge Mannion ordered a presentence report to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and local police from Monroe County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.

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.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

# # #

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A United States citizen who resides in Mexico was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of importing heroin into the United States.

According to court documents, Nelly Davila, 39, arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport on March 9 from Mexico City carrying a suitcase containing over seven kilograms of a substance that field-tested positive for heroin. Customs and Border Protection agents found the contraband concealed in her suitcase as she attempted to re-enter the United States.

Davila is scheduled for a preliminary hearing and detention hearing today at 2 p.m. at the federal courthouse in Alexandria.

Davila is charged with importing a schedule I controlled substance and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years and a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, if convicted. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Casey Owen Durst, Director of Customs and Border Protection’s Baltimore Field Office, and Patrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Williamson is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-mj-122.

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.

EUGENE, Ore. – On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, Matthew Linderman, 50, of Corvallis, Oregon, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised released for wire fraud and filing a false tax return. Linderman was also ordered to pay over $1.7 million in restitution.

According to court documents, Linderman used his position as business area manager at Corvallis-based Trimble Forestry Automation to approve invoices from companies with whom he was personally associated. He used his knowledge of Trimble’s invoicing procedures to ensure that he alone would be required to authorize the expenditures. Linderman received a substantial amount of each vendor payment in the form of kickbacks to companies he owned including Strategic Enterprises and Santiam Organics.

Between 2009 and 2013, Linderman approved over $2.2 million in payments to Precision Mobile Integration and J. Waldien Designs. After he was terminated, Trimble discovered that the owner of the two vendors was a friend and former military colleague of Linderman’s, Jeffery Waldien. Waldien pleaded guilty and was sentenced in a separate case in January 2018.

A detailed financial analysis conducted by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI) discovered that of the more than $850,000 Trimble paid to J. Waldien Designs, more than $763,000 was based on fraudulent invoices. Approximately $636,000 of those funds were transferred to Strategic Enterprises and used by Linderman to start Santiam Organics. The analysis further discovered over $1 million in fraudulent payments to Precision Mobile Integration, the majority of which Linderman used for business and personal expenses.

Linderman pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and filing a false federal income tax return on September 15, 2016.

This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS CI and prosecuted by Gavin Bruce and Amy Potter, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

PITTSBURGH - A New York man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on March 13, named Andrew Michael Dubois, age 32, of Jamestown, New York, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on December 7, 2017, Dubois knowingly travelled in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. The indictment further alleges that on December 7, 2017, Dubois possessed images and videos in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years imprisonment, a maximum term of lifetime supervised release, and a fine of $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the North Strabane Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

PITTSBURGH – A former Ohio resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on March 13, named Timothy Anderson, 26, formerly of Sacramento, California, and Dayton, Ohio, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about January 24, 2018, Anderson, a convicted felon, possessed a silver and black Ruger P93CD 9mm semi-automatic handgun, bearing serial number 306-08627. Federal law prohibits an individual with a felony conviction from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Dayton, Ohio, Police Department, the Shenango Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotics, and the New Castle Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on March 13, named Lewis Lamont Johnson, 35, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from on or about September 22, 2017 to on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of acetyl fentanyl. The indictment also alleges that on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson possessed with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The indictment further alleges that on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of acetyl fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Newport News couple with 12 counts of robbery and two counts of use of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

According to allegations in the indictment, Christopher Robertson, 33, and Aquilla Jones, 38, conspired together to commit a series of robberies in Virginia Beach, Newport News, York County, Chesapeake and Spotsylvania County.

According to the indictment, Robertson and Jones, along with unnamed co-conspirators agreed to rob these local businesses:

Robertson and Jones are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, use of a firearm in a crime of violence, and Hobbs Act robbery. Each faces a mandatory minimum of 32 years in prison with a maximum of life in prison if convicted. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER.

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Liberty, Mo., attorney was sentenced in federal court today for obstruction of justice after stealing funds earmarked for victim restitution. 

Robert J. Young II, 48, of Liberty, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to three years and one month in federal prison without parole.

On Nov. 6, 2017, Young was found guilty of one count of obstruction of justice at the conclusion of a one-day bench trial.

Young represented defendant Rodney J. Tatum, who was indicted by a federal grand jury and convicted of mail fraud in connection with the embezzlement of funds from his employer. Young obstructed justice by embezzling money that was given to him by Tatum’s family for the purpose of paying restitution to the victim in the criminal case. Young instead made numerous transfers of restitution funds into his personal bank account. Young then spent restitution funds to purchase a motorcycle for himself, to make numerous cash withdrawals, to make rent payments and to make retail purchases.

Young utilized an Interest on Lawyers Trust Account to accept four separate deposits from Tatum’s wife for the purpose of making restitution. Tatum’s wife also made one deposit into Young’s business account for restitution purposes. These checks totaled $42,412. In addition, Young advised Tatum’s wife to draft a check, made payable to Young, as the FBI was pursuing money laundering charges against Tatum and the Tatums’ joint checking account would be frozen. Young stated he would be able to protect the funds in his business account. Tatum’s wife gave Young a check for $20,000. Young had been expected to provide this total $62,412 as partial victim restitution at Tatum’s sentencing hearing on Jan. 21, 2016.

Young was not able to provide the restitution at Tatum’s sentencing hearing and falsely informed the court that the proceeds of assets sold on behalf of Tatum were in his Missouri Lawyer’s Trust Fund. The $62,412 in restitution eventually was paid after Young was relieved from the case and a federal public defender was appointed to represent Tatum. The sentencing hearing was continued to March 3, 2016, at which time the court ordered Tatum to pay a total of $442,810 in restitution. Tatum was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison. 

Today’s sentence also reflected Young’s conduct during the trial in which he perjured himself by lying under oath when he claimed that the money he took was legitimate fees for his services. According to court documents, Tatum had already paid Young $11,500 in legal fees and Young had agreed that the additional funds would be used for restitution.

According to court documents, Young had 11 pending complaints (including the Tatums’ complaint) with the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel at the time of his indictment. Those complaints included one from an individual who retained Young to represent him in a traffic matter and had given Young money to pay the fine. However, Young never paid the fine and the individual was later arrested on an outstanding warrant. The other nine complaints were allegations that clients had paid Young money for representation and he had not provided any services.

Young’s license to practice law was suspended on Aug. 23, 2016.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by the FBI.
 

ATLANTA - William Charles Pelletier has been indicted by a federal grand jury charged with abusive sexual contact for sexually assaulting a female passenger on a Delta flight to Atlanta, Georgia.

“This defendant allegedly believed he could sexually assault a fellow passenger on a flight to Atlanta,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “This conduct is unacceptable, and anyone who chooses to act in this manner will be prosecuted.  Citizens deserve to feel protected from sexual assault and should not have to fear this happening to them while traveling.”

“Behavior like what this defendant is accused of will not be tolerated by the FBI or any other law enforcement agency,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “No citizen should have to confront this type of behavior any time or anywhere. And no person should ever think they can get away with such alleged actions.”

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the Indictment, and other information presented in court: on November 10, 2017, on a Delta flight from Charlottesville, Virginia, to Atlanta, several passengers reported that Pelletier was verbally abusive and unruly during the flight. As passengers were preparing for landing Pelletier threw a pretzel bag at the female passenger seated directly in front of him. The female passenger initially ignored Pelletier. But seconds later, she felt Pelletier reach around her seat and put his cupped hand on her breast. A passenger seated next to Pelletier witnessed the alleged assault and requested that the flight attendant contact the police. Pelletier was arrested when the flight arrived in Atlanta.

Arraignment for William Charles Pelletier, 35, of Andover, Maine, has not been determined.  Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains an allegation of criminal conduct. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charge and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Atlanta Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Phyllis Clerk is prosecuting the case.

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

Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that John Mullens,age 38, of Springdale, was sentenced today to 67 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $2,500.00 fine on one count of Possession With Intent To Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

According to court records, on or about August 11, 2017, investigators the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force ("DTF") searched the home where John Mullens was present in Springdale, Arkansas. During the search investigators found 11 bags containing approximately 158 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, digital scales, baggies and a methamphetamine pipe. Mullens stated that everything in the living room belonged to him. The Arkansas State Crime Lab results reflect that the substance recovered contained approximately 130.1 grams of actual methamphetamine.

Mullens was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2017 and entered a guilty plea in December 2017.

This case was investigated by the 4^th Judicial District Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.

According to the court documents, UMANA-ROSA was previously removed from the United States on October 15, 1998. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on June 13, 2017, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

UMANA-ROSA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.  U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for June 6, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.

For Further Information, Contact: Assistant U.S. Attorney

Joseph J.M. Orabona (619)546-7951

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY– March 13, 2018

SAN DIEGO – Renan Dias Da Rocha Gomes, a former employee aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for wire fraud in connection with his scheme to embezzle more than $260,000 from The Walt Disney Company.

Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations arrested Gomes on October 27, 2017, when the Disney Wonder made port in San Diego, California. According to his plea agreement, Gomes admitted that from at least October 2015 through October 27, 2017, he was employed as a merchandise host and assigned to work in the merchandise stores aboard the Disney Wonder.  He admitted he executed his scheme by fraudulently obtaining money through his access to an online payment system in order to embezzle funds from Disney for his own personal use and benefit. 

As evidenced by his guilty plea, Gomes made approximately $260,000 in unauthorized charges to Disney’s bank account, and loaded the value of the funds onto Disney gift cards while working aboard the Disney Wonder on the high seas. During the search of Gomes’ cabin aboard the Disney Wonder, investigators found approximately 217 gift cards, a stolen watch, and $1,240 in cash.

Gomes also admitted that from April 23, 2017 through May 7, 2017, he spent approximately $37,700 of the embezzled funds for his own personal benefit by taking his family on a Disney World vacation.  While on this vacation, Gomes stated that he used the gift cards with the embezzled funds to pay approximately $8,200 on lodging, approximately $29,500 on food, beverage, merchandise and entertainment expenses. 

As part of the sentence today, the Court ordered Gomes to pay restitution to The Walt Disney Company in the total amount of funds he stole.  In addition, the Court ordered Gomes to criminally forfeit the stolen watch and $1,240 in cash which were proceeds of his wire fraud. 

In order to work aboard the Disney Wonder, Gomes, who is a Brazilian national, obtained a temporary visa.  As a consequence of his criminal conviction, Gomes’ visa was cancelled and he will be removed from the United States to Brazil following the completion of his prison term.

“Today’s sentence should remind the public that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting consumers and enforcing the law against employees who embezzle funds from their employers for their own personal benefit,” said United States Attorney Adam L. Braverman. “The defendant in this case has been held accountable for his criminal conduct and for the way he cheated his employer.”

“The FBI is committed to identifying, investigating, and bringing those responsible for fraudulent criminal activity to justice,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge John A. Brown. “We want to encourage San Diego citizens and businesses alike to report suspicious or fraudulent activity to the FBI. It is this partnership between our community and law enforcement partners that allows us to better protect against these fraudulent actors.”

DEFENDANT                                   Criminal Case No. 17CR3897-CAB

Renan Dias Da Rocha Gomes            Age: 32           Citizenship: Brazil

SUMMARY OF CHARGES:

Count 1 – Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343)

Maximum Penalties: maximum of 20 years in prison; maximum fine of $250,000; maximum term of supervised release of three years; restitution; criminal forfeiture

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Spokane– Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Wayne Lee Lafferty, age 53, of Kennewick, Washington, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty on October 24, 2017, to possession of child pornography. Senior United States District Judge Edward F. Shea sentenced Lafferty to a ten-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a fifteen-year term of court supervision after he is released from Federal prison. Lafferty will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

According to information disclosed during court proceedings, a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent was conducting an online undercover investigation relating to the distribution of child pornography. During that investigation, an IP address affiliated with Lafferty and his residence in Kennewick was identified as distributing images of child pornography. Law enforcement agents obtained a federal search warrant for Lafferty’s residence.

Law enforcement agents with HSI and Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (SER-ICAC) executed the search warrant at Lafferty’s residence and seized electronic devices including a computer. During a forensic examination, agents identified over 47,000 images and video files of child pornography. The child pornography on Lafferty’s electronic devices included images of infants and toddlers and sadistic and masochistic conduct. When interviewed by law enforcement, Lafferty admitted he started viewing child pornography on his computer, after his supervision by the Washington State Department of Corrections for a prior state conviction for possession of child pornography had ended.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Shea addressed the psychological consequences suffered by the minor victims depicted in the images possessed by Lafferty, as detailed in victim impact statements submitted to the Court. Judge Shea categorized Lafferty’s criminal conduct as a “concerning pattern of behavior that has gone on for years” and his history as “consistent with a person who has a fundamental core problem with child pornography,” despite a prior state conviction and treatment for a similar offense.

Joseph H. Harrington said, “The Court’s sentence should serve as a warning to those criminals who possess child pornography – they will be actively pursued by federal and state law enforcement officers. This case is an example of the superb work that can be accomplished when Homeland Security Investigations and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force work together. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute aggressively child pornography crimes that occur in the Eastern District of Washington.”

This case was pursued as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the United States Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. The Project Safe Childhood Initiative (“PSC”) has five major components:

• Integrated federal, state, and local efforts to investigate and prosecute child exploitation cases, and to identify and rescue children;

• Participation of PSC partners in coordinated national initiatives;

• Increased federal enforcement in child pornography and enticement cases;

• Training of federal, state, and local law enforcement agents; and

• Community awareness and educational programs.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources".

Homeland Security Investigations and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation of this matter. The case was prosecuted by Laurel J. Holland, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

BOSTON – A former New Bedford seafood wholesaler was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for failing to file tax returns and filing a false tax return for his business’ income.

George F. Estudante, 57, formerly of Marion, Mass., was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $105,357. In December 2017, Estudante pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to file tax returns and one count of filing a false income tax return.

Estudante failed to file an income tax return for 2010, even though his business, Basic Fisheries, received approximately $1,418,629 in payments.  He also failed to file a tax return for 2011, although his business received approximately $1,607,726 in payments that year.  Furthermore, Estudante falsely swore on his 2012 tax return that he had received approximately $533,078 in gross receipts when his bank account reflected that he had received over $740,000.

United States Andrew E. Lelling and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen P. Heymann of Lelling’s Economic Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. 

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James J. Hunt, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), James P. O’Neill, Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), and George P. Beach II, the Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), announced that YESSENIA JIMENEZ, a New York City Police Department Officer, and LUIS SOTO, were arrested and charged yesterday in Manhattan federal court with heroin trafficking and firearms offenses.  JIMENEZ and SOTO were presented yesterday before Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Yessenia Jimenez, a New York City Police Department officer, along with Luis Soto, trafficked heroin in New York City, the city she took an oath to serve and protect, and used her police department service weapon to carry out her illegal activities. Thanks to the outstanding investigative work of the DEA, NYPD, and the New York State Police, Jimenez and Soto have been arrested and can no longer contribute to the opioid epidemic plaguing this city.”

DEA Special Agent-In-Charge James J. Hunt said:  “Allegedly, this New York City Police officer and her co-defendant pushed heroin onto the streets at the same time that other law enforcement officers across the nation are fighting an opioid epidemic.  I commend the men and women at the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force and Southern District of New York for their tireless efforts in dismantling drug trafficking crews throughout this city and nation.”  

Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “Cops are charged with enforcing the law, not breaking it.  Today’s arrest—for serious allegations of trafficking heroin—are troubling.”

Superintendent George P. Beach II said:  “The charges brought today against these two individuals are the direct result of the vigilant work done by our law enforcement partners at all levels.  These partnerships are key when it comes to shutting down illegal drug trafficking operations, keeping dangerous drugs off of our streets, and stopping the heinous crimes that are associated with these activities.  This sends a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated especially when they are perpetuated by individuals who have been entrusted with enforcing and upholding the law. Such criminals will be prosecuted to the fullest.”

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

Following a months’ long investigation into heroin trafficking, the DEA identified SOTO as an individual believed to traffic in kilogram quantities of heroin, and to collect narcotics proceeds.  The investigation uncovered that SOTO was working with JIMENEZ, an NYPD officer, to carry out his drug trafficking activities.  Following extensive surveillance and GPS tracking, the DEA, the NYPD, and the NYSP apprehended JIMENEZ and SOTO in possession of approximately $50,000, which represent proceeds from the sale of narcotics.  JIMENEZ, who was not in uniform and was off duty, was carrying her loaded NYPD service firearm in her purse, alongside approximately $25,000 of the drug proceeds. Following the arrest, law enforcement agents obtained a search warrant for the defendants’ apartment and discovered approximately 250 grams of heroin.

*                      *                     *

JIMENEZ, 31, of the Bronx, New York, and SOTO, 34, of the Bronx, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison; one count of possession of at least 100 grams of heroin with intent to distribute, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of using and carrying a firearm in relation to their heroin trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. 

Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the DEA and NYPD in this investigation. He added that the investigation is continuing.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Thane Rehn is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.