Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, New York, Eric Erb, a former investment adviser and hedge fund manager, was sentenced by United States District Judge Arthur D. Spatt to 57 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release.  In August 2017, Erb pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud investors in a hedge fund and other investment vehicles that Erb managed from an office in Babylon, New York.  As part of the sentence, Erb was ordered to pay $5.3 million in restitution to victims of his crime, a $5.3 million forfeiture judgment and to forfeit $215,000 in proceeds that he earned from the sale of his former residence in Bay Shore, New York. 

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence. 

“Erb blatantly lied to investors who entrusted him with their hard-earned retirement savings, stealing from them to finance his own lifestyle of country club dues, home renovations and private school tuition,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  “This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding accountable criminals like Erb who defraud the investing public.” 

“Erb’s scheme had a devastating impact on his victims, leaving them to suffer financial losses directly and personal losses indirectly,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.  “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure this type of behavior ceases to exist.”

According to court filings and facts presented at the plea hearing, between approximately January 2016 and February 2017, Erb solicited approximately $5.4 million from investors under the promise that he would follow investors’ instructions when making various investments, including in Individual Retirement Accounts, annuities, real estate investment trusts, hedge funds and an initial public offering.  The victims were led to believe that their investments with Erb were earning profits, when, in fact, they were suffering losses and their investments were financing the defendant’s lifestyle of home renovations, country club dues and private school tuition.  When these investments began to fail, Erb emailed investors false earnings statements showing that their investments were earning profits when, in fact, they were generating losses; made wire transfers between banks in Long Island and Florida to fund investments that investors did not authorize him to make; and falsified payee information on checks that investors wrote to fund investments so that Erb could use investors’ monies to benefit himself and his companies.  During his plea allocution, Erb admitted to stealing approximately $3 million from 38 investors. 

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley T. King and Madeline M. O’Connor are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

ERIC ERB
Age:  40
Residence: Levittown, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-413 (ADS)

HAMMOND- Dennis Wayne Stryjewski, 46 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced before Hammond District Court Judge Philip Simon on his plea of distributing heroin, announced U.S. U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.

Stryjewski was sentenced 63 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. 

According to documents in this case, On June 23, 2017, Stryjewski sold heroin from his residence located in Gary, Indiana.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla. 

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OXFORD, Miss. – US Attorney William C. Lamar and Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI announced today that Nathan Caleb Brown, age 19, of Desoto County, Mississippi, appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Roy Percy at the Federal Courthouse in Oxford, Mississippi pursuant to a Criminal Complaint and Arrest Warrant charging him with transmitting threats in interstate commerce using social media platforms, such as Twitter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c).

At the conclusion of a preliminary hearing and detention hearing, Magistrate Judge Percy determined that there was probable cause to believe that Nathan Caleb Brown had communicated threats via the internet regarding Snapchat headquarters as well as threats referencing a school shooting similar to the 1999 Columbine mass shooting and ordered Brown detained pending presentation of the case to the Grand Jury.

The public is reminded that a Criminal Complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the United States has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

RALEIGH– The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces the arrest of Akram Abdel-Aziz, 50, on drug related charges.

Abdel-Aziz is charged in a criminal complaint with the possession with intent to distribute a quantity of 5F-ADB, a synthetic cannabinoid listed as a Schedule I controlled substance.  Known locally by the label “Black Magic” and other similar names, the substance was sold as a liquid vaporizer product at vape shops in Onslow, Craven, Wilson, Cumberland, New Hanover, and Pamlico counties.  The product came to the attention of authorities following more than 40 persons requiring medical attention after ingesting the product, for symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, paranoia, and cardiac arrest. 

Abdel-Aziz is currently in custody.

The allegations above are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command, U.S. Marine Corps Criminal Investigative Division, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Alcohol Law Enforcement Division, Jacksonville Police Department, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Craven County Sheriff’s Office, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson Police Department and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice recognized Oklahoma City Chief of Police Captain William Citty with the Allied Professional Award. The honor is awarded to individuals outside the victim assistance profession for their service to victims and contributions to the field of victim services. He was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

"Chief Citty has served and protected the people of Oklahoma City for more than 40 years, and has been a champion for victims of crime," Attorney General Sessions said.  "He has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving them, including by helping to open Palomar, Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center.  I applaud his dedication to victims and I am grateful for his tireless service on their behalf."

"Oklahoma City is fortunate to have a Police Chief so focused on helping victims of crime," said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.  "My office is honored to work with him and his Department in reducing violence in Oklahoma City and serving those most affected by crime."

Citty became Oklahoma City’s 48th Chief of Police in 2003. Citty championed the creation of Family Justice Center, which has changed the framework of Oklahoma City’s response to crime victims by providing wraparound services to victims of domestic violence and other crime. Previously, Oklahoma City victims were sent from location to location for services, often hindering their ability to heal from traumatic experiences.

"Mr. Citty’s compassion and leadership has significantly improved the way victims of crime are treated in Oklahoma City," said Director Darlene Hutchinson of the Office for Victims of Crime. "The Department of Justice is proud to honor him for his remarkable contributions to his community and for his commitment to justice for all victims of crime."

During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.

Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.

The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.

The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.

In San Antonio this morning, authorities arrested four individuals for their alleged role in the robbery of a San Antonio pawn shop yesterday, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski, Houston Division; and, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.

A federal criminal complaint and supporting affidavit filed in federal court today charges those arrested this morning--40-year-old Daniel Ray Rodriguez, 22-year-old Daniel Ray Rodriguez, Jr., 24-year-old Xavier Noel Musquiz and 36–year-old Cesar Rodriguez—and 22-year-old Martin Ramirez Hernandez with one count of Robbery Affecting Interstate Commerce.  The complaint alleges that on April 12, 2018, the defendants robbed a Cash America Pawn in San Antonio at gun point.  The defendants stole approximately 30 firearms, several hundred pieces of jewelry, and an undetermined amount of United States currency.

Overnight, San Antonio Police officers and ATF agents set up surveillance of a residence in San Antonio. The five men were believed to be inside the house.  Over the course of the stand-off, four of the five suspects were arrested. Law enforcement is still looking for Hernandez. If anyone has information on where Hernandez is, please call the San Antonio Police Department or 911.

All four arrested this morning remain in federal custody.

Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Wannarka is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

PHILADELPHIA – A 44-count Second Superseding Indictment, unsealed today, charges nine people with conspiring to distribute phencyclidine (“PCP”) and cocaine base (“crack”) in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, announced United States Attorney William M. McSwain. 

Charged are: James Grimes, a/k/a “Speedy,” “Dink,” “HM,” 27, Hassain Griffin, a/k/a “Glizzy,” “Frizzy,” “ODOG,” “GlizzytheHitta,” 23, Andrew Gault, a/k/a “Fly,” “Butterknife King,” “BKK,” 26, Katina Grimes, a/k/a “Snoop,” “SnoopdaHitta,” 29, Tyreeq Lenair, a/k/a “Bear,” 26, Quran Justice, a/k/a “Skee,” 21, Wayne Brunson, a/k/a “Weez,” 23, Unterrio Parris, a/k/a “Dudda,” “Didda,” 24, Anthony Hill, a/k/a “Turk,” “Turt,” 27, all living in Philadelphia. 

In addition to the conspiracy count, the defendants are charged in multiple counts of distribution of phencyclidine, distribution of cocaine base, possession with the intent to distribute phencyclidine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base, distribution of controlled substances within 1000 feet of a school, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1000 feet of a school, maintaining a drug house, unlawful use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, use and carrying of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (see attached chart).

“This was an organized, methodical and violent group of drug dealers who used force to protect their business and their turf,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “This organization and others like it effectively hold neighborhoods hostage. If law abiding citizens are going to live without fear, we have to do everything possible to shut these organizations down.”

According to the Second Superseding Indictment, the conspiracy existed from approximately June 2014 to November 2016. Defendants James Grimes and Hassain Griffin led and organized the drug trafficking group that referred to itself as the “TruHittaz” (hereinafter, “the TruHittaz DTG”).  The TruHittaz DTG conducted their drug trafficking activities on and around the 700 and 800 blocks of East Willard and East Madison Streets in Philadelphia, PA.  The TruHittaz DTG obtained quantities of phencyclidine, cocaine base, heroin, marijuana, and other controlled substances from suppliers, both outside and within the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  The TruHittaz DTG then distributed in excess of 1 kilogram of phencyclidine, 280 grams of cocaine base, and quantities of heroin, marijuana, and other controlled substances in and around their drug territory.

"This investigation is an example of ATF’s dedication to working with our state, local and federal partners in identifying, targeting, and investigating violent criminals who are involved in selling narcotics and firearms. These offenders prey upon innocent citizens and lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald Robinson. “Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by these violent gangs. These arrests should significantly impact the violent drug related violence that has wreaked havoc throughout Philadelphia.”

            The TruHittaz DTG separated and packaged bulk quantities of liquid phencyclidine and cocaine base into different distribution quantities, and then distributed and sold the drugs to customers in and around their drug territory.  A large part of the area in which the TruHittaz distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute drugs was located within 1,000 feet of several area schools.  

The TruHittaz DTG classified themselves and each other as “bosses” or “shot callers,” “caseworkers,” “trappers,” and “lookouts,” delineating their role(s) in the organization. “Lookouts” watched for and alerted other members of the TruHittaz DTG to the presence of law enforcement in the area. “Trappers” sold drugs on the block, and “caseworkers” oversaw and supervised those sales. The “bosses” (also referred to as “shot callers” and “top callers”) of the TruHittaz DTG supplied controlled substances to the block and set the prices of, and received payments for, the controlled substances sold on the block.  The TruHittaz DTG sold drugs in and around their drug territory 7 days a week and 24 hours per day.  The TruHittaz DTG divided drug sales into day and night shifts, with the day shift running approximately 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and the night shift running from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.  The TruHittaz DTG staffed these shifts with lookouts, one to two caseworkers, and at least two trappers –one of whom sold phencyclidine and the other of whom sold cocaine base.  When one member of the TruHittaz DTG – at any level of the group – was unavailable, another member stepped into that role.

Members of the TruHittaz DTG had specific hand signals and logos to denote their membership in the TruHittaz including a hand signal that formed an “H” for “Hittaz.”  Members of the TruHittaz DTG used coded language to refer to the type and amount of phencyclidine, cocaine base, and other controlled substances for sale, such as, “hard” and “the ball game” (to refer to crack), “dime” and “basketball” (to refer to a packet/bundle of crack), “oranges” (to refer to larger quantities of crack) “dippers” or “dips” (to refer to cigarettes dipped in liquid PCP), “wet,” and “water” (to refer to liquid PCP), “fat bitches,” “a hizzy,” and a “soda” (to refer to various quantities of liquid PCP), “soccer balls” (to refer to marijuana), and “footballs” (to refer to heroin).   Members of the TruHittaz DTG also used the phrases “the jungle” and “the block” to refer to their territory at or around the 700 and 800 blocks of East Willard and East Madison Streets and the term “trapping” to refer to selling controlled substances. The TruHittaz also used coded language to warn each other of the presence of law enforcement, such as, “Mayback” to refer to the presence of police officers in vehicles, “Rollers” to refer to the presence of police officers on bicycles, and “Phantoms” to refer to the presence of police officers on foot.

Members of the TruHittaz DTG tried to get customers to buy from them individually, and sold drugs in concert with each other, with members providing Adippers@ B cigarettes dipped in liquid phencyclidine and small bags of crack cocaine that were sold for $10 with increased dollar value correlating to an increased quantity of drugs.  Members of the TruHittaz DTG also sold controlled substances in larger amounts, including a half-ounce, an ounce, and up to sixteen ounces of PCP and/or ounce or bulk quantities of crack cocaine.  When multiple members sold drugs in concert with each other, each participating member received a portion of the profits from the sale relative to his/her contribution. Individuals acting as “lookouts” for the TruHittaz DTG also received a portion of the profits of drug sales for the shift worked by the lookout.  All members of the TruHittaz DTG, regardless of their role at a given time, were paid in proportion to the amount of drugs sold on a given shift, so that the higher the quantity of drugs sold, the higher the profit each member received.

The TruHittaz DTG used residences in Philadelphia as “stash houses” and “trap houses” to store and package bulk quantities of PCP, crack cocaine, and other controlled substances for distribution and to collect and store the proceeds from their drug sales.  These houses included 7606 Castor Avenue, Apartment B (also referred to as “the AP”), 763 East Willard Street, 744 East Madison Street, 755 East Madison Street (also referred to as “the trap house”), 810 East Willard Street, as well as vacant lots on both 800 East Willard and East Madison Streets, and abandoned properties.

The TruHittaz DTG used several vehicles to transport controlled substances to the block, to store controlled substances for the block, to transport controlled substances to drug customers at various locations, and to pick up proceeds of drug sales. These vehicles included: a black GMC Yukon Denali; a dark blue Dodge Charger; a maroon Pontiac Montana van; a silver Lincoln MKS; and a silver Chrysler 300.

Members of the TruHittaz DTG did not permit non-DTG members to sell drugs in their territory.  To protect their territory, drug trafficking activities, drug customers, and drug proceeds, members of the TruHittaz DTG purchased, routinely carried, and sometimes used loaded firearms, and also kept firearms in hidden locations, including the “stash” house at 744 East Madison Street and at or around vacant lots at both 800 East Willard and East Madison Streets.  Members of the TruHittaz DTG referred to these firearms as “gats,” “ratchets,” “tools,” and/or “block guns.”  Members of the TruHittaz DTG used juveniles, to carry firearms and sell controlled substances to customers of the TruHittaz DTG.  The “bosses” and “upper management” of the TruHittaz DTG threatened and/or used force against other TruHittaz members and “taxed” other members (by requiring them to pay money to the bosses and upper management) to ensure the quality of the drugs sold on the block and/or that drug sales were conducted in accordance with their wishes.

Members of the TruHittaz DTG routinely warned each other of the presence of law enforcement in the area and used counter-surveillance tactics to prevent detection of their drug trafficking activities by law enforcement.  Members of the TruHittaz DTG used cellular telephones (“main phones”), disposable telephones (“burners” or “burner phones”), and social media to arrange for and facilitate the distribution and purchase of phencyclidine, cocaine base, and other controlled substances, and discarded or otherwise changed their burner phones every fourteen-to-thirty days to avoid detection by law enforcement.

If convicted of all counts, each defendant faces lengthy prison terms (see chart).

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys MaryTeresa Soltis and Kelly A. Lewis Fallenstein.

     PHOENIX– This week, Harrison Jumbo, 46, of Many Farms, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewato 72 months’ imprisonment. Jumbo had previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

     In March 2014, Jumbo drove his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and prescribed medication. Jumbo collided with another vehicle causing the death of the victim.  Jumbo is a member of the Navajo Nation, as was the victim.

     Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation. The prosecution was handled by Kiyoko Patterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix

CASE NUMBER:            CR-17-8075-PCT-DJH   

RELEASE NUMBER:    2018-036_Jumbo

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

DALLAS— Darius Fields, 27, of Dallas, Texas was found guilty Wednesday following a three-day trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn for aiding and abetting the false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer to acquire a firearm, commonly called “lying-and-buying” or making a “straw purchase,” announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.

Fields was convicted on one count of acquiring a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer by false or fictitious statement, one count of false statement with respect to information required to be kept in records of a licensed firearms dealer, and one count of convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  Fields faces a maximum statutory penalty of 25 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.  He has been in custody since his arrest in July 2017.  A sentencing date will be set by the court in the near future.   

According to evidence presented at trial, Fields, a convicted felon who was being sought as a person of interests in a state kidnapping investigation, was found at a motel in Irving on the night of June 29, 2017.  When the police made contact with Fields at the motel, they smelled the odor of marijuana and entered the room for a protective sweep.  There, they found Fields’ girlfriend and co-defendant, LaPorshya Polley, emerging from the bathroom after attempting to flush marijuana down the toilet.  They also observed a box of ammunition in plain view on a desk.  Using flashlights, the police also observed a partially concealed AK-47 weapon in the back of a black Honda Accord parked directly in front of Fields’ motel room.  The police then secured a search warrant for the motel room and the Honda Accord.

Inside the motel room, according to evidence presented, the police seized the box of ammunition, a small amount of marijuana, two cell phones belonging to Fields, and approximately $5,000 in cash.  They also found a loaded FNH pistol—with a round in the chamber and the safety in the “fire” position—in Polley’s bag of clothing.  In the Honda Accord, the police seized a loaded AK-47 pistol.  Polley had purchased both weapons.  The police, in fact, discovered that Polley had recently purchased the FNH pistol from DFW Gun Range in Dallas.  The police obtained security video recordings of Polley’s purchase from the gun dealer.  The recording depicted a classic “straw purchase” of the firearm, as it showed Fields and Polley arriving together at the gun dealer, but walking in at different times to act as if they weren’t together.  The video also showed Fields and Polley ignoring one another and acting as if they were not together.  Finally, the video showed Fields monitoring Polley’s interaction with the gun salesman, and once Fields observed that Polley was wrapping up the purchase he walked back out to the car and waited for Polley.  Text messages found on one of Fields’ cell phones showed that after Polley purchased the pistol, but before she left the gun dealer, she texted Fields about the type of ammunition that he wanted for the weapon.  Lastly, when Polley walked out of the gun dealer with the FNH pistol and ammunition and got inside the car driven by Fields, Fields waited before driving off—reflecting that he was examining Polley’s purchase.  When Polley purchased the FNH pistol—which she paid approximately $1,400 in cash—she stated on the transaction record that she was buying the pistol for herself and not for anyone else. 

Fields contended that the firearms and ammunition found by the police were for Polley and that he did not knowingly possess them.  He also contended that Polley purchased the FNH pistol for herself and not for him and, therefore, she did not lie to DFW Gun Range or put false information in the gun dealer’s records.  On Fields’ cell phones, the police discovered numerous pictures of Fields displaying firearms and two videos of Fields shooting firearms at a gun range in February 2017.  The court permitted the government to introduce this evidence as it shed light on Fields’ knowledge and intent.  Fields, however, countered that the pictures of him displaying guns were “prop” guns, not real ones, and a defense witness even incredulously claimed that the videos of Fields shooting at the gun range depicted “blank guns”—even though the video showed bullets striking the dirt behind the targets. 

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Irving Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Tromblay and Camille Sparks prosecuted.              

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WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice recognized Tina L. Fox, State Director of Victim Services for the Tennessee Board of Parole, with the National Crime Victim Service Award during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

“Through her newsletter, her toll-free hotline, and in so many other ways, Tina Fox has helped countless crime survivors throughout Tennessee,” Attorney General Sessions said. “I want to add my voice to theirs in thanking Ms. Fox for her extraordinary service.”

Fox has served as State Director of Victim Services for the Tennessee Board of Parole since January 2012. During this time, she has implemented statewide training for all victim coordinators, probation officers, parole officers, and board members; established a 1-800 number for victim services; coordinated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Tennessee Season to Remember commemorations; developed and distributed a monthly Victim Services Newsletter; and supported victims in the passage of legislation; and formed a statewide Victim’s Support Committee.

“Ms. Fox’s work is making Tennessee a better place for those who tragically become victims of crime,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her remarkable contributions and her commitment to justice for all victims of crime.”

During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.

Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.

The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.

The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A methamphetamine dealer from South Charleston was sentenced today to 8 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Jamie Harmon, 38, previously pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.

Stuart commended the thorough investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“Thanks to our law enforcement partners, another meth dealer is out of business,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Meth is a serious growing problem and now dealers are blending it with other poisons like fentanyl.  It’s priority we keep these poisons off the streets and we’ll lock up every crystal meth dealer we can find.”

Harmon admitted that in January 2017, he and other individuals brought approximately four kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from Atlanta to Charleston. On January 12, 2017, officers with MDENT executed a search warrant at a hotel room and found over 130 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a gun. The methamphetamine was part of the approximately four kilograms Harmon and others brought back from Atlanta, and it was lab-tested and confirmed to be over 90% pure. Harmon also admitted to distributing additional methamphetamine to confidential informants during controlled buys in March 2017.

Three other defendants involved in this methamphetamine conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison. Quinton Funk, of Webster Springs, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Christopher Carte, of St. Albans, was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Holly Doub, of South Charleston, was sentenced to five days in federal prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.

Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Bacaj and Haley Bunn were responsible for the prosecutions. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over these cases.

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

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNewsand @USAttyStuart 

 
 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           ContactELIZABETH MORSE

www.justice.gov/usao/md                                                    at (410) 209-4885      

Greenbelt, Maryland – Jonathan Oldale, age 54, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, was arrested on April 13, 2018, based on a criminal complaint charging him with production of child pornography.

The arrest was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Police Chief Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.

According to the complaint, the investigation of Oldale began when officers from the Montgomery County Police Department responded to Silver Stars Gymnastics and Fitness in Silver Spring, Maryland based on the report of a suspicious situation.  An employee at the business had found a camera hidden inside a backpack in a restroom.  The backpack had been placed under a wet floor sign directly in front of the bathroom’s only toilet.  The camera itself was hidden inside a non-functioning automobile key fob.  When the employee recovered the camera, it was hot to the touch and had a very small, illuminated light indicating the device was in the “on” position.  Further investigation revealed that the backpack belonged to Oldale, and that the backpack had also been left in the bathroom three weeks prior.

In May 2017, the Montgomery County Police Department executed a search warrant at Oldale’s home in Chevy Chase, Maryland.  A detective with the Montgomery County Police Department’s Electronic Crimes Unit completed a digital forensic examination of electronic evidence seized from the home.  A program used to securely delete (i.e., “clean”) files from computers was discovered.  The detective also identified installations of a browser that enables anonymous communication and access to the “dark web.”  The distribution and sharing of child exploitation images and videos is one illegal activity known to take place on the “dark web.”

In addition, the forensic analysis uncovered various computer artifacts indicating that the user had accessed files with names indicative of child exploitation material.  Forensic analysis also revealed references to a known, but then-defunct website from the “dark web” that had provided users access to child pornography.  The website had been shut down by law enforcement in December 2016.

Based on this evidence, the Montgomery County Police Department executed a second search warrant at Oldale’s residence in July 2017.  Cameras containing SD memory cards were seized from Oldale’s office.  Subsequent forensic examination of the SD cards revealed hundreds of videos filmed in the bathroom of the residence.  The videos show that multiple cameras were used simultaneously to record activities in the bathroom.  The videos depict children taking off their clothes or bathing suits, taking showers, and getting dressed.  At least 30 children were filmed.  The videos also depict Oldale checking camera angles.

Further investigation by the Montgomery County Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that when children attended “splash parties” at Oldale’s residence, the children would become covered in grass.  According to a witness, Oldale made children take showers before they went home.

Oldale faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for production of child pornography. 

A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the Montgomery County Police Department and the FBI for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Baldwin and Timothy Hagan, who are prosecuting the case.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Pahrump, Nevada, man was sentenced today to a total of 180 months in federal prison for selling a stolen revolver and a stolen semi-automatic rifle with a large capacity magazine, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.

Paul Scott Nelson, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro. He pleaded guilty in September 2017 to two counts of possession of a stolen firearm. Nelson has six prior felony convictions, including convictions for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Battery with a Deadly Weapon, and Aggravated Stalking.

According to court documents, Nelson admitted that on December 8, 2014, he sold a stolen Dan Wesson .357 caliber revolver to an undercover ATF officer. Then, on February 6, 2015, he sold a stolen Norinco SKS 7.62 caliber semi-automatic rifle, along with a 30-round high capacity magazine, a tri-pod, and an optional wooden stock. The semi-automatic rifle is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip N. Smith Jr. prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.

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          LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury this afternoon returned an indictment that charges two men in a scheme to rob an undercover agent with the United States Secret Service at gunpoint under the pretense of selling the law enforcement officer counterfeit money.

          Richard Taron Henderson, aka “Profit,” 22, and Tyre Jordan Simmons, aka “Reckless,” also 22, were named today in a six-count indictment that alleges one transaction involving counterfeit United States currency and an armed robbery of the undercover agent.

          Both men are charged with conspiracy, robbery, assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Henderson is further charged with dealing counterfeit money, and Simmons is accused of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

          The indictment alleges an October 18, 2017 incident in which Henderson allegedly sold 250 counterfeit $20 Federal Reserve Notes as part of a Secret Service investigation into the trafficking of counterfeit money.

          As the investigation continued, Henderson allegedly negotiated a deal to sell $40,000 in counterfeit money. However, according to the indictment, the deal was a pretense to rob the undercover agent who was attempting to purchase the counterfeit money.

          On March 26, Henderson arranged the meeting in South Los Angeles and prepared for it by stuffing clothes into a duffel bag to make it appear that the bag was filled with counterfeit money, according to the indictment. Henderson dispatched Simmons to meet with the undercover agent. During the meeting, Simmons allegedly produced a Taurus 9mm handgun, pointed it in the face of the undercover agent and robbed him of $4,500 in genuine United States currency and the keys to the undercover USSS vehicle. In committing the robbery, Henderson and Simmons put the life of the undercover agent in jeopardy by using a dangerous weapon.

          Simmons, who was convicted of robbery in the Los Angeles County Superior Court in 2016, allegedly was a felon in possession of a firearm during the robbery.

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

          Simmons is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on April 19, and Henderson’s arraignment is set for the following day. Henderson and Simmons were previously arrested in this case pursuant to a criminal complaint, and Simmons remains in custody without bond.

          If they were to be convicted, Henderson would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years for the counterfeit money charge. Both defendants would face up to 50 years for the charges related to the alleged robbery, plus a mandatory seven-year sentence related to the use of the firearm. And, Simmons would face up to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

          This investigation is being conducted by the United States Secret Service.

          The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Khaldoun Shobaki of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section.

WASHINGTON – Jose Rivera, 59, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.  According to the indictment, Rivera illegally applied fumigants containing methyl bromide in multiple residential locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the condominium resort complex in St. John, where a family of four fell seriously ill in March 2015, announced Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood of the Environment and Natural Resources Division and United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands.  

The indictment alleges that Rivera knowingly applied restricted-use fumigants at the Sirenusa resort in St. John for the purpose of exterminating household pests on or about Oct. 20, 2014, and on or about March 18, 2015.  The defendant was also charged with applying the restricted-use pesticide in eight residential units in St. Croix and one additional unit in St. Thomas between April 2013 and February 2015.  

In 1984, EPA banned the indoor use of methyl bromide products. The few remaining uses are severely restricted.  Pesticides containing methyl bromide in the U.S. are restricted-use due to their acute toxicity, meaning that they must only be applied by a certified applicator.  Health effects of acute exposure to methyl bromide are serious and include central nervous system and respiratory system damage. Pesticides can be very toxic and it is critically important that they be used only as approved by EPA.

Earlier this year, TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX, USVI were sentenced to pay a total of $9.2 million in criminal fines and restitution. The companies were also ordered to perform community service following an investigation and guilty pleas to their use and application of illegal fumigants in multiple residential locations in the Virgin Islands.

The case was investigated by EPA Criminal Investigation Division, working cooperatively with the Virgins Islands government and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Senior Litigation Counsel Howard P. Stewart of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Patricia Hick, EPA Region II Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel.

An indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

For more information about EPA’s pesticide program and its requirements, visit www.epa.gov/pesticides/.

For more information on methyl bromide, visit www.epa.gov/region2/methyl-bromide.pdf.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 11, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Eddie Ruiz-Vélez, a state correctional officer, and Yissette Burgos-Santiago, for interference with commerce by robbery, and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. Ruiz-Vélez is also facing one count for carjacking, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI is in charge of the investigation of the case and arrested both defendants without incident.

On January 21, 2018, Ruiz-Vélez and Burgos-Santiago, aided and abetted by others, planned and robbed a Chinese restaurant in the municipality of Yauco, PR. Burgos-Santiago was an employee of the Chinese restaurant. The defendants unlawfully took approximately $1,200  U.S. currency, from and in the presence of persons, against their will by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury, immediate and future, to their person.

On that same date, Ruiz-Vélez, aiding and abetting others, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm took a 2010 Hyundai Elantra that had been transported, shipped, and received in interstate or foreign commerce, from and in the presence of a male victim by force, violence, and intimidation while carrying and  brandishing a firearm.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Camille García-Jiménez is in charge of the prosecution case. If convicted, the defendants face from seven years to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Charles Poltenson, age 28, of Salina, New York, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for sexually exploiting three children.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

As part of his guilty plea, Poltenson admitted that from 2014 through 2016 he used Skype to chat with numerous female children.  During the course of these Skype chat sessions, Poltenson enticed girls between the ages of 10 and 15 to masturbate and/or show him their genitalia.  These sexually explicit acts were recorded by Poltenson, who used computer software to record the Skype sessions so he could watch them again.  During the course of these online interactions with children, Poltenson lied about his true identity, pretending to be a child himself.

Poltenson further admitted that in addition to the live Skype sessions that he recorded, he also would send, via the Internet, voice recordings with specific instructions about sexually explicit videos he wanted various female children between the ages of 10-15 to create for him.  In response to these instructions, girls between the ages of 10 and 15 created sexually explicit videos for Poltenson and at his request sent them to him via email.  

United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 20-year term of supervised release, which will start after Poltenson is released from prison, ordered a $300 special assessment, and a payment of $6,000 in restitution for one of his victims. As a result of his conviction, Poltenson will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

This case was investigated by the New York State Police and the FBI.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.

Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ioan Rostas, a/k/a Ioan Angel, age 29, and a citizen of Romania, pled guilty today to illegal re-entry into the United States.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.

Rostas was removed from the United States to Romania on September 28, 2017.  On March 17, 2018, he was arrested by Border Patrol Agents in Chateaugay, New York.  Rostas had entered the United States from Canada without inspection shortly before he was found by Border Patrol. Rostas admitted that he returned to the United States without permission following the 2017 removal.   

As a result of his conviction, Rostas faces up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D ’Agostino on August 13, 2018.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.    

This case was investigated by Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.

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

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Dominique McDowell, 26, of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of butyryl fentanyl and U-47700, before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. Parisi, who is handling the case, stated that the investigation began with the overdose death of an individual in the Town of Amherst. Subsequent investigation determined that between March 30, 2017, and April 18, 2017, the defendant sold butyryl fentanyl and U-47700 to undercover law enforcement officers on five separate occasions in the Town of Amherst and Tonawanda. In addition, between December 2016 and April 18, 2017, McDowell sold heroin to confidential sources on multiple occasions.   

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division; the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief John C. Askey; the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jerome Uschold; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Edward Kennedy.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2018, before Judge Arcara.  

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

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a 23-count indictment charging four defendants with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl.  Charged in the conspiracy are:

• Robert Moore, a/k/a Fonz, a/k/a Charmy, 39 of Williamsville, NY;
• Reese Moore, a/k/a Detroit, 25 of Buffalo; NY
• Kevin Abernathy, a/k/a B, 31 also of Buffalo; and
• Joshua Levine, 21 of Lancaster, NY. 

Robert Moore is also charged with five counts of causing death from the distribution of heroin and/or fentanyl and 12 counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of heroin, fentanyl, and butyryl fentanyl. Joshua Levine is charged with one count of causing death from the distribution of heroin and fentanyl and two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of fentanyl. The additional charges against Robert Moore and Joshua Levine carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $20,000,000 fine.

In addition to the conspiracy charge, Reese Moore (Robert’s brother) is charged with three counts of distribution of fentanyl and Kevin Abernathy is charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl. Those charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, a maximum of life in prison, and a $10,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Felicetta, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, the defendants distributed heroin, fentanyl, and butyryl fentanyl for over two years in the City of Buffalo and surrounding areas. Many of the sales occurred on residential streets in Buffalo, in parking lots of businesses in Amherst and Lancaster, and several times at a local mall. The defendants are responsible for distributing thousands of doses of opiates and causing multiple overdoses, including the five charged deaths. The decedents include a 21-year-old Lockport woman, a 45-year-old Buffalo man, and three Lancaster men, ages 24, 31, and 36. All five were reportedly in treatment for their addictions when they relapsed and immediately overdosed from the potent fentanyl.

Robert Moore was arrested on March 16, 2017, after authorities executed a search warrant at his home on Glenwood Drive in Williamsville. Law enforcement officers recovered 200 doses of fentanyl inside the residence. Over $49,000 in cash, over $440,000 in jewelry, and a 2009 Audi S5 Quattro were also seized from Moore’s residence. 

Levine was also arrested on March 16, 2017 following the execution of a search warrant at his residence on Aurora Street in Lancaster. Officers recovered 26 doses of fentanyl inside his residence. 

Robert Moore and Joshua Levine have been detained since their arrest in March 2017. Reese Moore and Kevin Abernathy were arraigned this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy. They are being held pending a detention hearing on April 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder.

In a separate case, a federal grand jury has returned a second superseding indictment charging Oliver Kimmons, a/k/a Ollie, a/k/a Ali, 49, of Lockport NY, with distribution of fentanyl causing death, conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl, possession of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine with intent to distribute, maintaining two drug-involved premises and human sex trafficking. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $20,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash, who is handling the case, stated that according to the second superseding indictment, on January 30, 2015, the defendant distributed fentanyl which resulted in the death of an individual identified as “H.C.”

Kimmons was previously indicted on other drug and sex trafficking charges. According to the previous indictment, over the course of three years, the defendant solicited young, opiate-addicted women to have sex with paying customers. In exchange, Kimmons provided the victims with drugs. The defendant drove the victims to farms, dairies, and Indian Reservations in Western New York where they engaged in sex acts with paying customers. Kimmons collected the money from customers and then “paid” his victims in heroin. The defendant also had sex with the victims in exchange for drugs.   

“All told, at least six people lost their lives as a result of the conduct charged in these indictments,” said U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Not only did those charged with causing the deaths of others peddle their poison for profit, but they did so by preying upon some of the most vulnerable members in our community. That makes them predators, and it is my Office’s job to work with our federal, state, and local partners in law enforcement, as we did here, to remove predators from our community.”  

“This indictment is a significant step in bringing drug dealers to justice for causing overdose deaths as a result of their illegal actions,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt. “I commend the men and women who worked diligently on this investigation.”  

New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach stated, “The New York State Police and our Community Narcotics Enforcement Team remain committed to working with our partners in law enforcement to identify dealers, put them out of business and to send a clear message to anyone trafficking these dangerous and deadly drugs - you will be found, you will be prosecuted, and you will go to prison.” 

Amherst Police Chief John Askey stated, “Our communities, families and friends continue to suffer as the result of the opiate epidemic. This case demonstrates the determination and commitment of law enforcement at all levels in Western NY. We will aggressively investigate, arrest and prosecute those individuals and groups that deal and profit while knowing the devastating effects of their actions. Congratulations to the law enforcement professionals and prosecutors for your outstanding work.”

These indictments are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division; the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief John C. Askey; the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Major David Krause, and Lieutenant Kevin Reyes; the Lancaster Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gerald J. Gill, Jr.; the Buffalo Police Department Narcotics Squad, under the direction of Commissioner Byron C. Lockwood; the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Niethe; the Depew Police Department, under the direction of Chief Stan Carwile; the Niagara County Sherriff’s Office and the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Voutour; the Erie County Sherriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Kevin Kelly.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.