March 31, 2010 - Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office; Daniel W. Auer, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; Miguel A. Exposito, Chief, City of Miami Police Department; and James K. Loftus, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department, announced the sentencing of defendants Garry Souffrant, 33, a licensed real estate broker in the State of Florida, and Yvonne Souffrant, 33, husband and wife, both of Davie, FL. Today, U.S. District Court Judge Paul C. Huck sentenced the defendants to 240 months and 54 months in prison, respectively.
In November 2009, Garry Souffrant was convicted after a five-week jury trial of 46 counts, including conspiracy to commit mortgage fraud, conspiracy to commit drug money laundering, mail fraud, making false statements to mortgage lenders, bank fraud, bank theft, and receipt of stolen bank funds. At the same trial, Yvonne Souffrant was convicted of count of fraud conspiracy and one count of making a false statement to mortgage lenders.
According to the Indictment and evidence presented during the trial, from 2002 to 2008, defendants Garry and Yvonne Souffrant used their family business, called Progressive Real Estate of Broward, Inc., to launder millions of dollars in drug proceeds through an extensive mortgage fraud scheme. The defendants assisted drug traffickers in purchasing homes and luxury automobiles, including a 2004 Rolls Royce Phantom. To execute the scheme, the defendants arranged for and/or acted as straw buyers on behalf of the drug traffickers. This allowed the traffickers to use their drug proceeds to purchase homes and lease automobiles, while concealing the source of the income. The defendants also diverted several million dollars of mortgage loan proceeds to continue to fund the scheme and for their personal use.
This investigation and prosecution was the culmination of a five-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation, named Operation KOMPA, which focused on drug trafficking and violent crimes in north Miami-Dade County. As part of this Operation, numerous individuals were prosecuted, convicted, and sentenced to lengthy prison terms (Case No. 07-20577-CR-Huck). Among those prosecuted and sentenced were Ali Adam and Graylin Kelly. In March 2008, Adam and Kelly were both sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment, after having pled guilty to drug conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy charges for their participation in a scheme to launder millions of dollars of drug proceeds through the purchase of real estate and luxury automobiles. The Souffrants were involved in this aspect of the conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney Jeffrey H. Sloman stated, “These defendants engaged in mortgage fraud as a means to launder drug proceeds. We will continue to use our expertise in financial cases to deprive drug dealers of their ill-gotten gains.”
“As we’ve seen in this case, drug trafficking organizations routinely commit so called white collar crimes such as mortgage fraud and bank fraud to launder their proceeds, said FBI Special Agent in Charge John V. Gillies.“These types of crimes should not be taken lightly given that they fuel violent, criminal activity. We will continue to work with our partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.”
IRS Special Agent in Charge Daniel W. Auer stated, “These defendants used what appeared to be a legitimate real estate company as a method to launder the proceeds of illegal narcotics activities and to defraud financial institutions and mortgage lenders. In this case, IRS Special Agents were able to follow the money, track and document the flow of funds, and prove that the defendants laundered millions of dollars through an extensive mortgage fraud scheme.”
Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the IRS-CID, the FBI, the City of Miami Police Department, and the Miami-Dade County Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Patrick Sullivan, Todd W. Mestepey, and Kelly Karase.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Non-Profit’s Founder Charged in Sex Tourism Case
March 31, 2010 - PHILADELPHIA—A two-count indictment was unsealed today charging attorney Kenneth Schneider with traveling for the purpose of engaging in sex with a minor, and transporting a person for criminal sexual conduct, announced United States Attorney Michael L. Levy and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent-in-Charge John P. Kelleghan. Schneider, founder and president of the Apogee Foundation, was arrested March 27, 2010 in Larnaca, Cyprus, pursuant to a notice issued by Interpol.
According to the indictment, in the summer of 1998, Schneider traveled to Moscow, Russia where he told two ballet instructors at the Moscow State Academy of Choreography that he was willing to provide “assistance” to students attending the academy. The instructors identified a 12-year-old student whose family could no longer afford to pay his board. Schneider convinced the boy’s parents to allow him to live with Schneider in an apartment a few blocks from the school. The indictment further alleges that from the fall of 1998 until 2004, Schneider engaged in a sexual relationship with the victim, bringing him to Philadelphia for a summer program in 2001, then returning to Moscow with the victim in August 2001 to continue the sexual relationship.
“According to the indictment, the defendant used his wealth and position as a supporter of the arts to victimize a young dancer,” said Levy. “The boy’s family had limited means and they viewed Mr. Schneider’s offer of aid as a philanthropic gesture. The defendant allegedly betrayed the trust of a young boy and of his family, by taking the opportunity to molest the boy.”
‘It is always troubling when a person indicted for a serious crime such as child exploitation flees the country before answering the charges,” said John P. Kelleghan, special agent in charge of the ICE office of investigations in Philadelphia. “This case is a message to predators that ICE and our international law enforcement partners will scour the globe to find them in order to bring them to justice and protect our children.”
INFORMATION REGARDING THE DEFENDANTS
NAME: Kenneth Schneider
ADDRESS: Philadelphia, PA
AGE OR YEAR OF BIRTH: 45
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 15 years for count one and 10 years for count two.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Investigative Committee of the General Procuracy of the Russian Federation, the ICE Attache-Moscow, Russia, and Interpol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Morgan-Kelly.
The U.S. Attorney wishes to thank the Investigative Committee of the General Procuracy of the Russian Federation, without whose investigative assistance the investigation could not have been completed.
According to the indictment, in the summer of 1998, Schneider traveled to Moscow, Russia where he told two ballet instructors at the Moscow State Academy of Choreography that he was willing to provide “assistance” to students attending the academy. The instructors identified a 12-year-old student whose family could no longer afford to pay his board. Schneider convinced the boy’s parents to allow him to live with Schneider in an apartment a few blocks from the school. The indictment further alleges that from the fall of 1998 until 2004, Schneider engaged in a sexual relationship with the victim, bringing him to Philadelphia for a summer program in 2001, then returning to Moscow with the victim in August 2001 to continue the sexual relationship.
“According to the indictment, the defendant used his wealth and position as a supporter of the arts to victimize a young dancer,” said Levy. “The boy’s family had limited means and they viewed Mr. Schneider’s offer of aid as a philanthropic gesture. The defendant allegedly betrayed the trust of a young boy and of his family, by taking the opportunity to molest the boy.”
‘It is always troubling when a person indicted for a serious crime such as child exploitation flees the country before answering the charges,” said John P. Kelleghan, special agent in charge of the ICE office of investigations in Philadelphia. “This case is a message to predators that ICE and our international law enforcement partners will scour the globe to find them in order to bring them to justice and protect our children.”
INFORMATION REGARDING THE DEFENDANTS
NAME: Kenneth Schneider
ADDRESS: Philadelphia, PA
AGE OR YEAR OF BIRTH: 45
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 15 years for count one and 10 years for count two.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Investigative Committee of the General Procuracy of the Russian Federation, the ICE Attache-Moscow, Russia, and Interpol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Morgan-Kelly.
The U.S. Attorney wishes to thank the Investigative Committee of the General Procuracy of the Russian Federation, without whose investigative assistance the investigation could not have been completed.
Lafayette Man Pleads Guilty to Misapplication of Bank Funds
Defendant Embezzled a Total of $231,000 from Chase Bank Customers
LAFAYETTE, LA—Christopher P. Smith, 30, of Lafayette, Louisiana pleaded guilty to one count of misapplication of bank funds, Acting United States Attorney William J. Flanagan announced today. The plea was entered in United States District Court in Lafayette before U. S. District Judge Rebecca F. Doherty.
Smith was employed at JP Morgan Chase Bank (Chase Bank) as a personal banker at Chase Bank’s Southpark Branch in Lafayette, Louisiana and was responsible for opening and managing customers’ accounts. During today’s court proceeding, Smith admitted to making unauthorized withdrawals from customer accounts without the customer’s knowledge or consent, and using the money for his personal use. When customers called Smith to question the withdrawals, the defendant would then make unauthorized withdrawals from other customers’ accounts and pay back some or all of the money taken. Smith made unauthorized withdrawals from September 2007 through August 2009, which totaled $231,000.00. All customer accounts have been reimbursed by the bank.
Smith faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger.
LAFAYETTE, LA—Christopher P. Smith, 30, of Lafayette, Louisiana pleaded guilty to one count of misapplication of bank funds, Acting United States Attorney William J. Flanagan announced today. The plea was entered in United States District Court in Lafayette before U. S. District Judge Rebecca F. Doherty.
Smith was employed at JP Morgan Chase Bank (Chase Bank) as a personal banker at Chase Bank’s Southpark Branch in Lafayette, Louisiana and was responsible for opening and managing customers’ accounts. During today’s court proceeding, Smith admitted to making unauthorized withdrawals from customer accounts without the customer’s knowledge or consent, and using the money for his personal use. When customers called Smith to question the withdrawals, the defendant would then make unauthorized withdrawals from other customers’ accounts and pay back some or all of the money taken. Smith made unauthorized withdrawals from September 2007 through August 2009, which totaled $231,000.00. All customer accounts have been reimbursed by the bank.
Smith faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger.
FBI Arrests 11 in “Operation Hano Boy” Investigation
March 31, 2010 - An Indictment naming 12 defendants and charging multiple counts of heroin trafficking, including a heroin trafficking conspiracy offense which charges each of the 12 defendants, was unsealed today in federal court upon the arrest and initial appearance of nine of the defendants. According to the Indictment, the defendants conspired to obtain and distribute heroin in Hawaii.
Appearing in Court today were defendants ARTHUR MINIEAR, aka "Raven", age 49, TODD KIRWAN, age 45, DIANE KILA, age 56, BRIAN TANAKA, age 55, JOHN UEMURA, age 54, PATRICK SOUZA, age 49, MARK DENIS, age 48, CRAIG PATERSON, aka Craig Patterson, aka Craig Peterson, age 58, and TRISTAN ALEXANDER, age 40. Also named as defendants in the Indictment are ANTHONY HOWARD RANSOM, aka "Anthony Paul King," aka "Tony", age 43, ALBERT FERNANDEZ, JR., age 54, and RITA VANDEN BERGHE, aka "Rita Vanderberghe", age 52.
Hawaii United States Attorney Florence Nakakuni explained that the Indictment resulted from a joint investigation by the FBI and other Hawaii law enforcement agencies which commenced in 2009 and continued into 2010. Assisting the FBI in conducting this investigation and effecting arrests were the Honolulu Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection-Service, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
U.S. Attorney Nakakuni stated that the Indictment alleges that ALBERT FERNANDEZ, JR. and ARTHUR MINIEAR acted as the principal heroin distributors of the alleged heroin distribution ring. The Indictment identifies Defendants BRIAN TANAKA, JOHN UEMURA, PATRICK SOUZA, MARK DENIS, CRAIG PATERSON, TRISTAN ALEXANDER, and RITA VANDEN BERGHE as sub-distributors.
Also charged, and identified in the Indictment as a heroin source for the ring, is defendant ANTHONY HOWARD RANSOM aka "Anthony Paul King," aka "Tony," a resident of California. RANSOM was arrested in Redondo Beach earlier this month, and will appear in Court in Hawaii tomorrow to face the Indictment charges.
Defendant TODD KIRWAN is alleged to have attempted to deliver heroin. Defendant DIANE KILA allegedly stored monetary proceeds of the heroin trafficking activity and kept an accounting of such monies.
On December 1, 2009, agents successfully interdicted an heroin transaction attempted at a parking lot in the McCully/Moiliili area of Honolulu. Approximately three pounds of black tar heroin, as well as $75,300.00 in cash as to which the Indictment seeks forfeiture to the United States, were seized.
The heroin conspiracy offense provides for a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years. The charges related to the attempted transfer of three pounds of heroin provide for a prison term of up to life.
Defendant ALBERT FERNANDEZ, JR. is further charged in the Indictment with lying to an FBI agent during a December 3, 2009 interview regarding conversations he allegedly had with a co-conspirator.
The charges contained in the Indictment are mere accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Appearing in Court today were defendants ARTHUR MINIEAR, aka "Raven", age 49, TODD KIRWAN, age 45, DIANE KILA, age 56, BRIAN TANAKA, age 55, JOHN UEMURA, age 54, PATRICK SOUZA, age 49, MARK DENIS, age 48, CRAIG PATERSON, aka Craig Patterson, aka Craig Peterson, age 58, and TRISTAN ALEXANDER, age 40. Also named as defendants in the Indictment are ANTHONY HOWARD RANSOM, aka "Anthony Paul King," aka "Tony", age 43, ALBERT FERNANDEZ, JR., age 54, and RITA VANDEN BERGHE, aka "Rita Vanderberghe", age 52.
Hawaii United States Attorney Florence Nakakuni explained that the Indictment resulted from a joint investigation by the FBI and other Hawaii law enforcement agencies which commenced in 2009 and continued into 2010. Assisting the FBI in conducting this investigation and effecting arrests were the Honolulu Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection-Service, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
U.S. Attorney Nakakuni stated that the Indictment alleges that ALBERT FERNANDEZ, JR. and ARTHUR MINIEAR acted as the principal heroin distributors of the alleged heroin distribution ring. The Indictment identifies Defendants BRIAN TANAKA, JOHN UEMURA, PATRICK SOUZA, MARK DENIS, CRAIG PATERSON, TRISTAN ALEXANDER, and RITA VANDEN BERGHE as sub-distributors.
Also charged, and identified in the Indictment as a heroin source for the ring, is defendant ANTHONY HOWARD RANSOM aka "Anthony Paul King," aka "Tony," a resident of California. RANSOM was arrested in Redondo Beach earlier this month, and will appear in Court in Hawaii tomorrow to face the Indictment charges.
Defendant TODD KIRWAN is alleged to have attempted to deliver heroin. Defendant DIANE KILA allegedly stored monetary proceeds of the heroin trafficking activity and kept an accounting of such monies.
On December 1, 2009, agents successfully interdicted an heroin transaction attempted at a parking lot in the McCully/Moiliili area of Honolulu. Approximately three pounds of black tar heroin, as well as $75,300.00 in cash as to which the Indictment seeks forfeiture to the United States, were seized.
The heroin conspiracy offense provides for a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years. The charges related to the attempted transfer of three pounds of heroin provide for a prison term of up to life.
Defendant ALBERT FERNANDEZ, JR. is further charged in the Indictment with lying to an FBI agent during a December 3, 2009 interview regarding conversations he allegedly had with a co-conspirator.
The charges contained in the Indictment are mere accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Melanie McDonald Ordered to Prison for Embezzlement
March 31, 2010 - The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Melanie McDonald, 43, of Thetford, was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington to 18 months of imprisonment following her guilty plea to a charge that she transported stolen money between Vermont and New Hampshire. Chief U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions, III also ordered that McDonald serve three years of supervised release following completion of her prison term and pay $180,000 in restitution to her two victims. The court ordered that within 10 days, McDonald make a first restitution payment of $75,000 out of life insurance proceeds she has in the bank. Because of unusual family circumstances, the court stayed execution of McDonald’s prison sentence until June 2011, when her daughter graduates from high school.
According to court records, McDonald was employed as a part-time bookkeeper by two central Valley businesses between 2001 and 2006, Dowd’s Country Inn of Lyme, NH, and Wilder Business Services, a small accounting firm in Wilder, VT. During that period, she embezzled approximately $180,000 from her two employers. The embezzlements were uncovered in 2006 and McDonald was fired. In 2007, she pleaded guilty to the federal stolen property charge.
This case was investigated by the Rutland office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Hartford (VT) Police Department.
McDonald is represented by Ian Carleton. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
According to court records, McDonald was employed as a part-time bookkeeper by two central Valley businesses between 2001 and 2006, Dowd’s Country Inn of Lyme, NH, and Wilder Business Services, a small accounting firm in Wilder, VT. During that period, she embezzled approximately $180,000 from her two employers. The embezzlements were uncovered in 2006 and McDonald was fired. In 2007, she pleaded guilty to the federal stolen property charge.
This case was investigated by the Rutland office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Hartford (VT) Police Department.
McDonald is represented by Ian Carleton. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Enticing Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity
March 31, 2010 - Richard S. Hartunian, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York; John F. Pikus, Special Agent-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany Division; Joseph Zikuski, Chief of Police, Binghamton Police Department; John P. Melville, Acting Superintendent New York State Police; David E. Harder, Broome County Sheriff; and James Dadamio, Director of Broome County Security Division, make the following announcement:
As a result of an investigation by the Southern Tier Cyber Predator Task Force (STCPTF)* and the Pennsylvania State Police, defendant Gerald Koch aka Jerry, 49, of Brackney, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today in Federal Court in Binghamton, New York. Defendant Koch pleaded guilty to persuading, inducing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. At sentencing, defendant Koch faces a mandatory minimum imprisonment term of 10 years in federal prison and a possible maximum imprisonment term of life. Defendant also faces a possible maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 28, 2010. Koch is incarcerated and will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service until sentencing.
In pleading guilty, Koch admitted the following facts. He admitted that between September of 2008 and June of 2009, in the Northern District of New York and elsewhere, while using a facility and means of interstate and foreign commerce, which included text messaging, picture messaging, and wire communications by use of cellular telephones, Koch knowingly did persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. The communications between Koch and the victim occurred via telephones and also by way of computer on MySpace and America Online Instant Messaging. Koch admitted that at the time he was the varsity soccer coach at Blue Ridge High School in Pennsylvania. The victim was 15 years old when the communications between the victim and Koch commenced. Koch purchased and provided to the victim cellular telephones for the express purpose of communicating with the victim by way of texting and telephonic conversations.
Between September of 2008 and June of 2009, Koch routinely texted and conversed with the victim by way of the cellular telephones. Koch communicated with the victim via cellular telephones regarding his intention to engage in sexual activity with the victim. Additionally, Koch utilized cellular telephones to send to the victim sexually explicit images and videos of himself. On several occasions between September of 2008 and June of 2009, Koch engaged in sexual activity with the victim. In February of 2009, Koch became aware that law enforcement was investigating Koch’s communications and contact with the victim. Thereafter, Koch encouraged witnesses to lie to law enforcement about their knowledge of Koch’s communications with the victim. Koch also encouraged a witness to lie if called to testify at any proceedings.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Miroslav Lovric. Further inquiries may be directed to the United States Attorney’s Office, Binghamton branch office at (607) 773-2887.
* The Southern Tier Cyber Predator Task Force (STCPTF) consists of the following agencies: New York State Police; Binghamton Police Department; Broome County District Attorney’s Office; Broome County Security Division; Broome County Sheriff’s Office; Endicott Police Department; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Johnson City Police Department; Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office; Tioga County Sheriff’s Office; Delaware County Sheriff’s Office; Ithaca Police Department; Cortland Police Department; SUNY Binghamton University Police; Vestal Police Department; and Cornell University Police.
As a result of an investigation by the Southern Tier Cyber Predator Task Force (STCPTF)* and the Pennsylvania State Police, defendant Gerald Koch aka Jerry, 49, of Brackney, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today in Federal Court in Binghamton, New York. Defendant Koch pleaded guilty to persuading, inducing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. At sentencing, defendant Koch faces a mandatory minimum imprisonment term of 10 years in federal prison and a possible maximum imprisonment term of life. Defendant also faces a possible maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 28, 2010. Koch is incarcerated and will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service until sentencing.
In pleading guilty, Koch admitted the following facts. He admitted that between September of 2008 and June of 2009, in the Northern District of New York and elsewhere, while using a facility and means of interstate and foreign commerce, which included text messaging, picture messaging, and wire communications by use of cellular telephones, Koch knowingly did persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. The communications between Koch and the victim occurred via telephones and also by way of computer on MySpace and America Online Instant Messaging. Koch admitted that at the time he was the varsity soccer coach at Blue Ridge High School in Pennsylvania. The victim was 15 years old when the communications between the victim and Koch commenced. Koch purchased and provided to the victim cellular telephones for the express purpose of communicating with the victim by way of texting and telephonic conversations.
Between September of 2008 and June of 2009, Koch routinely texted and conversed with the victim by way of the cellular telephones. Koch communicated with the victim via cellular telephones regarding his intention to engage in sexual activity with the victim. Additionally, Koch utilized cellular telephones to send to the victim sexually explicit images and videos of himself. On several occasions between September of 2008 and June of 2009, Koch engaged in sexual activity with the victim. In February of 2009, Koch became aware that law enforcement was investigating Koch’s communications and contact with the victim. Thereafter, Koch encouraged witnesses to lie to law enforcement about their knowledge of Koch’s communications with the victim. Koch also encouraged a witness to lie if called to testify at any proceedings.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Miroslav Lovric. Further inquiries may be directed to the United States Attorney’s Office, Binghamton branch office at (607) 773-2887.
* The Southern Tier Cyber Predator Task Force (STCPTF) consists of the following agencies: New York State Police; Binghamton Police Department; Broome County District Attorney’s Office; Broome County Security Division; Broome County Sheriff’s Office; Endicott Police Department; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Johnson City Police Department; Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office; Tioga County Sheriff’s Office; Delaware County Sheriff’s Office; Ithaca Police Department; Cortland Police Department; SUNY Binghamton University Police; Vestal Police Department; and Cornell University Police.
Gregg County Man Sentenced for Federal Drug Violations
March 31, 2010 - TYLER, TX—U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced today that a 31-year-old Longview, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas.
ERICK LAMAR ADDISON pleaded guilty on Aug. 27, 2009, to possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis. Addison was also ordered to surrender a firearm which was seized at the time of his arrest and to pay a forfeiture judgment in the amount of $10,000.
According to information presented in court, Addison was selling crack cocaine from his home in the Longview area. He was indicted April 8, 2009, and charged with federal drug trafficking crimes.
This case was investigated by the Gregg County C.O.D.E. Unit, the FBI, and the Longview Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard L. Moore.
Garland, Texas Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison Without Parole on Child Pornography Conviction
March 31, 2010 - DALLAS, TX—Joe Henry Lott, 61 of Garland, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey to 96 months (eight years) in prison following his guilty plea in June 2009 to one count of receiving child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Judge Godbey also ordered that Lott serve a lifetime of supervised release following his imprisonment.
According to documents filed, Lott admitted that from January 1, 2009, until December 19, 2009, when FBI agents seized his personal computer and related storage media, he downloaded more than 600 still and video images of child pornography from the Internet onto his home computer, using Limewire peer-to-peer software. He also admitted that he knew some of the images he possessed depicted prepubescent minors or children under the age of 12 years and that some of the images/videos contained images of sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.
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 U.S. 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 http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Camille Sparks.
According to documents filed, Lott admitted that from January 1, 2009, until December 19, 2009, when FBI agents seized his personal computer and related storage media, he downloaded more than 600 still and video images of child pornography from the Internet onto his home computer, using Limewire peer-to-peer software. He also admitted that he knew some of the images he possessed depicted prepubescent minors or children under the age of 12 years and that some of the images/videos contained images of sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.
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 U.S. 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 http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Camille Sparks.
Former Norfolk Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud
March 31, 2010 - NORFOLK, VA—Ethan Jason Love, 26, of Portsmouth, Virginia, pled guilty today in Norfolk federal court to mail fraud charges in connection with a false insurance claim. Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and FBI Norfolk Special Agent in Charge A.J. Turner made the announcement after Love entered his guilty plea before United States Magistrate Judge F. Bradford Stillman. Love will be sentenced by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis on June 22, 2010.
According to court documents, in July 2009, Love, who was then a Norfolk Police Officer, owned a 2000 Mercedes Benz, Model S430 sedan; the car was insured with Nationwide General Insurance Company (Nationwide). Love’s Mercedes had a lien on it requiring Love to make monthly payments. Love considered having someone destroy the car, but instead decided to do it himself.
With the assistance of a friend, Love purchased some tools and spray paint on the evening of July 18, 2009. They then used the tools to vandalize the car, and also spray painted the car with gang graffiti to make it appear that a street gang was responsible for the damage. Love and his friend removed the newly purchased tires and rims from the Mercedes before abandoning the vandalized car in the early morning hours of July 19, 2009 in the Churchland section of Portsmouth. When Love returned to his home the next morning, he had voice mails from his Norfolk Police supervisors and also from the Portsmouth Police regarding his abandoned car. Love returned the call from the Portsmouth Police and told the investigating officer that his car had been stolen from his residence sometime on the evening of July 18th.
After reporting the theft of his car to the Portsmouth Police, Love called Nationwide to make an insurance claim for his extensively damaged car. Shortly thereafter, Love gave a recorded statement to a Nationwide claims adjuster, stating that his car had been stolen and vandalized while he was in Virginia Beach with a cousin. Nationwide sent Love an Affidavit of Theft form. In the affidavit, Love claimed that he left his car at his residence on July 18, 2009 at 9:45 or 10:00 p.m. and went to Virginia Beach with his cousin. On July 27, 2009, Love mailed his signed and notarized affidavit by U.S. mail to the Nationwide Claims Department in Dublin, Ohio. The lien holder on the Mercedes received a sum of money from Nationwide as payment of his fraudulent automobile theft and damage claim. Love resigned from the Norfolk Police Department shortly before entering into a plea agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Portsmouth Police Department Gang Suppression Unit. The Norfolk Police Department was fully apprised of and fully cooperated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Haynie is prosecuting the case for the United States.
According to court documents, in July 2009, Love, who was then a Norfolk Police Officer, owned a 2000 Mercedes Benz, Model S430 sedan; the car was insured with Nationwide General Insurance Company (Nationwide). Love’s Mercedes had a lien on it requiring Love to make monthly payments. Love considered having someone destroy the car, but instead decided to do it himself.
With the assistance of a friend, Love purchased some tools and spray paint on the evening of July 18, 2009. They then used the tools to vandalize the car, and also spray painted the car with gang graffiti to make it appear that a street gang was responsible for the damage. Love and his friend removed the newly purchased tires and rims from the Mercedes before abandoning the vandalized car in the early morning hours of July 19, 2009 in the Churchland section of Portsmouth. When Love returned to his home the next morning, he had voice mails from his Norfolk Police supervisors and also from the Portsmouth Police regarding his abandoned car. Love returned the call from the Portsmouth Police and told the investigating officer that his car had been stolen from his residence sometime on the evening of July 18th.
After reporting the theft of his car to the Portsmouth Police, Love called Nationwide to make an insurance claim for his extensively damaged car. Shortly thereafter, Love gave a recorded statement to a Nationwide claims adjuster, stating that his car had been stolen and vandalized while he was in Virginia Beach with a cousin. Nationwide sent Love an Affidavit of Theft form. In the affidavit, Love claimed that he left his car at his residence on July 18, 2009 at 9:45 or 10:00 p.m. and went to Virginia Beach with his cousin. On July 27, 2009, Love mailed his signed and notarized affidavit by U.S. mail to the Nationwide Claims Department in Dublin, Ohio. The lien holder on the Mercedes received a sum of money from Nationwide as payment of his fraudulent automobile theft and damage claim. Love resigned from the Norfolk Police Department shortly before entering into a plea agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Portsmouth Police Department Gang Suppression Unit. The Norfolk Police Department was fully apprised of and fully cooperated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Haynie is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Federal Court Bars St. Louis Tax Firm from Preparing Tax Returns for Others
Frank Zerjav Sr. and Zerjav & Co. Barred from Specified Conduct and Subject to Monitoring; Frank Zerjav, Jr. Barred From Preparing Tax Returns for Three Years
March 31, 2010 - WASHINGTON - A federal judge in St. Louis has barred two St. Louis tax preparers and their businesses from certain conduct the Justice Department announced today. The order entered by Judge Richard E. Webber of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri bars Frank “Tiger” Zerjav Jr. from preparing tax returns and providing tax advice for three years, and permanently bars his father, Frank Zerjav Sr., from engaging in specified conduct.
The court order, to which the defendants consented, requires one of the Zerjavs’ businesses, The Advisory Group Inc., to be shut down by April 1, 2010. The Zerjavs’ other business, Zerjav & Co., is permanently barred from specified conduct.
Among the specified conduct enjoined is
•claiming business deductions for non-deductible personal expenses;
•improperly deducting restaurant meals, child care expenses and education expenses;
•changing customers’ accounting records without informing the customers of the changes;
•reporting compensation that is not reasonable or related to work performed; and
•claiming deductions for wages paid to children unless services are actually rendered and the wages are reasonable.
The court also imposed a five-year monitoring period during which a neutral monitor, who must be a licensed CPA or attorney, will annually at the defendants’ expense inspect and review a sample of tax returns prepared by defendants to ensure that the court’s order has not been violated.
John A. DiCicco, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Tax Division, thanked Justice Department trial attorneys Michael Pahl, Michael Roessner, Martin Shoemaker and Natalie Sexsmith for handling the case. Mr. DiCicco also thanked Mark Stone and James Graczyk of the Internal Revenue Service’s Small Business/Self Employed Division, who conducted the investigation.
March 31, 2010 - WASHINGTON - A federal judge in St. Louis has barred two St. Louis tax preparers and their businesses from certain conduct the Justice Department announced today. The order entered by Judge Richard E. Webber of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri bars Frank “Tiger” Zerjav Jr. from preparing tax returns and providing tax advice for three years, and permanently bars his father, Frank Zerjav Sr., from engaging in specified conduct.
The court order, to which the defendants consented, requires one of the Zerjavs’ businesses, The Advisory Group Inc., to be shut down by April 1, 2010. The Zerjavs’ other business, Zerjav & Co., is permanently barred from specified conduct.
Among the specified conduct enjoined is
•claiming business deductions for non-deductible personal expenses;
•improperly deducting restaurant meals, child care expenses and education expenses;
•changing customers’ accounting records without informing the customers of the changes;
•reporting compensation that is not reasonable or related to work performed; and
•claiming deductions for wages paid to children unless services are actually rendered and the wages are reasonable.
The court also imposed a five-year monitoring period during which a neutral monitor, who must be a licensed CPA or attorney, will annually at the defendants’ expense inspect and review a sample of tax returns prepared by defendants to ensure that the court’s order has not been violated.
John A. DiCicco, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Tax Division, thanked Justice Department trial attorneys Michael Pahl, Michael Roessner, Martin Shoemaker and Natalie Sexsmith for handling the case. Mr. DiCicco also thanked Mark Stone and James Graczyk of the Internal Revenue Service’s Small Business/Self Employed Division, who conducted the investigation.
Justice Department Settles with New York School District to Ensure Students Have Equal Opportunities
March 31, 2010 - WASHINGTON - The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an out-of-court settlement in the matter of J.L. v. Mohawk Central School District, a lawsuit which the United States sought to join to address alleged violations of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, both of which prohibit discrimination based on sex, including discrimination based on gender stereotypes. On Jan. 14, 2010, in the Northern District of New York, the United States sought to join a lawsuit filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union on behalf of a student, J.L., who was the alleged victim of severe and pervasive student-on-student harassment based on sex.
According to the United States’ motion, J.L. failed to conform to gender stereotypes in both behavior and appearance. He exhibited feminine mannerisms, dyed his hair, wore makeup and nail polish, and maintained predominantly female friendships. The United States alleged that the harassment against J.L. escalated from derogatory name-calling to physical threats and violence. The United States further alleged that the Mohawk Central School District had knowledge of the harassment, that the school district was deliberately indifferent in its failure to take timely, corrective action, and that the deliberate indifference restricted J.L.’s ability to fully enjoy the educational opportunities and benefits of his school.
The district denied these allegations. The settlement among the United States, private plaintiff and the district was approved yesterday by the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of New York and requires the Mohawk Central School District to, among other things: (1) retain an expert consultant in the area of harassment and discrimination based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation to review the District’s policies and procedures; (2) develop and implement a comprehensive plan for disseminating the District’s harassment and discrimination policies and procedures; (3) retain an expert consultant to conduct annual training for faculty and staff, and students as deemed appropriate by the expert, on discrimination and harassment based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation; (4) maintain records of investigations and responses to allegations of harassment for five years; and (5) provide annual compliance reports to the United States and private plaintiffs.
As part of this settlement, $50,000 will be paid to J.L. and $25,000 in attorneys’ fees will be paid to the New York Civil Liberties Foundation. “All students have the right to go to school without fearing harassment based on sex, including stereotypes about appropriate gender behavior,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “Such conduct has no place in our schools, and the Justice Department looks forward to working with the District and the NYCLU to ensure that all students enjoy educational opportunities without discrimination or harassment.”
According to the United States’ motion, J.L. failed to conform to gender stereotypes in both behavior and appearance. He exhibited feminine mannerisms, dyed his hair, wore makeup and nail polish, and maintained predominantly female friendships. The United States alleged that the harassment against J.L. escalated from derogatory name-calling to physical threats and violence. The United States further alleged that the Mohawk Central School District had knowledge of the harassment, that the school district was deliberately indifferent in its failure to take timely, corrective action, and that the deliberate indifference restricted J.L.’s ability to fully enjoy the educational opportunities and benefits of his school.
The district denied these allegations. The settlement among the United States, private plaintiff and the district was approved yesterday by the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of New York and requires the Mohawk Central School District to, among other things: (1) retain an expert consultant in the area of harassment and discrimination based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation to review the District’s policies and procedures; (2) develop and implement a comprehensive plan for disseminating the District’s harassment and discrimination policies and procedures; (3) retain an expert consultant to conduct annual training for faculty and staff, and students as deemed appropriate by the expert, on discrimination and harassment based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation; (4) maintain records of investigations and responses to allegations of harassment for five years; and (5) provide annual compliance reports to the United States and private plaintiffs.
As part of this settlement, $50,000 will be paid to J.L. and $25,000 in attorneys’ fees will be paid to the New York Civil Liberties Foundation. “All students have the right to go to school without fearing harassment based on sex, including stereotypes about appropriate gender behavior,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “Such conduct has no place in our schools, and the Justice Department looks forward to working with the District and the NYCLU to ensure that all students enjoy educational opportunities without discrimination or harassment.”
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Jury Verdict: Federal Exec with $129,000 Salary Falsified Time and Attendance Reports to be Paid for Hours Not Worked
March 30, 2010 - KANSAS CITY, KS— A $129,000-a-year executive at the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s office in Kansas City, Kan., has been convicted on charges of taking pay for hours he did not work, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.
A jury found Herman S. Ransom, 53, Olathe, guilty on 10 counts of wire fraud and 10 counts of theft of public funds. During a trial in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., prosecutors presented evidence that between September 10, 2001, and continuing to on or about May 19, 2007, Ransom turned in reports claiming to have worked 40 hours a week when in fact he was absent from the office on some days during business hours, gambling, or playing tennis without taking approved leave.
Beginning in 1998, Ransom served as Hub Director of HUD’s office in Kansas City, Kan., supervising approximately 89 employees in Kansas City, Kansas; St. Louis; Des Moines; Omaha; Tulsa; and Oklahoma City. His duties included overseeing the Office of Multifamily Housing for Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. His office administered federal programs including FHA insured loans, Section 202/811 housing for elderly and disabled clients, and Section 8 low income housing. As a GS-15-level supervisor, Ransom’s working hours were set at 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Ransom certified on pay reports that he had worked 40 hours a week when in fact he knew he had taken personal time off during work hours. The false reports were sent electronically from Kansas City, Kan., to the National Finance Center in New Orleans, La., for processing and payment. Funds were transferred to his account at Mazuma Credit Union in Kansas City, Mo. As a result, Ransom collected $47,332 in pay for hours he did not work.
Sentencing is set for June 28, 2010. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of wire fraud, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of theft of public money. Welch commended the Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.
A jury found Herman S. Ransom, 53, Olathe, guilty on 10 counts of wire fraud and 10 counts of theft of public funds. During a trial in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., prosecutors presented evidence that between September 10, 2001, and continuing to on or about May 19, 2007, Ransom turned in reports claiming to have worked 40 hours a week when in fact he was absent from the office on some days during business hours, gambling, or playing tennis without taking approved leave.
Beginning in 1998, Ransom served as Hub Director of HUD’s office in Kansas City, Kan., supervising approximately 89 employees in Kansas City, Kansas; St. Louis; Des Moines; Omaha; Tulsa; and Oklahoma City. His duties included overseeing the Office of Multifamily Housing for Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. His office administered federal programs including FHA insured loans, Section 202/811 housing for elderly and disabled clients, and Section 8 low income housing. As a GS-15-level supervisor, Ransom’s working hours were set at 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Ransom certified on pay reports that he had worked 40 hours a week when in fact he knew he had taken personal time off during work hours. The false reports were sent electronically from Kansas City, Kan., to the National Finance Center in New Orleans, La., for processing and payment. Funds were transferred to his account at Mazuma Credit Union in Kansas City, Mo. As a result, Ransom collected $47,332 in pay for hours he did not work.
Sentencing is set for June 28, 2010. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of wire fraud, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of theft of public money. Welch commended the Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.
Middletown Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Hartford Drug Ring
March 30, 2010 - Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JEFFREY KIRK, 46, of Grove Street, Middletown, was sentenced on Thursday, March 25, by Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a Hartford-area narcotics trafficking ring. On December 17, 2009, KIRK pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
This matter stems from “Operation Solid Gold,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force. The year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of cocaine and heroin, and physical surveillance. As a result of the investigation, 55 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of cocaine and heroin in and around Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, KIRK was intercepted multiple times over a wiretap engaging in drug-related conversations with another member of the conspiracy. Intercepted calls and physical surveillance revealed that KIRK purchased heroin and cocaine from his co-conspirator for personal use and for distribution to others. The intercepted calls also revealed that KIRK served as a “drug-tester” for his supplier, sampling heroin and then informing his supplier of its quality before the supplier purchased larger quantities.
KIRK was arrested on February 26, 2009. He has been detained in federal custody since December 22, 2009, after he violated the terms of his pre-trial release.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Statewide Cooperative Crime Control Task Force of the Connecticut State Police and the Hartford Police Department, with assistance from the Statewide Organized Crime Investigative Task Force of the Connecticut State Police, Connecticut State Police, Troop H, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Geoffrey M. Stone.
This matter stems from “Operation Solid Gold,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force. The year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of cocaine and heroin, and physical surveillance. As a result of the investigation, 55 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of cocaine and heroin in and around Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, KIRK was intercepted multiple times over a wiretap engaging in drug-related conversations with another member of the conspiracy. Intercepted calls and physical surveillance revealed that KIRK purchased heroin and cocaine from his co-conspirator for personal use and for distribution to others. The intercepted calls also revealed that KIRK served as a “drug-tester” for his supplier, sampling heroin and then informing his supplier of its quality before the supplier purchased larger quantities.
KIRK was arrested on February 26, 2009. He has been detained in federal custody since December 22, 2009, after he violated the terms of his pre-trial release.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Statewide Cooperative Crime Control Task Force of the Connecticut State Police and the Hartford Police Department, with assistance from the Statewide Organized Crime Investigative Task Force of the Connecticut State Police, Connecticut State Police, Troop H, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Geoffrey M. Stone.
Capitol Heights Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Break-In
Caused Over $10,000 in Damage to the Bank ATM
March 30, 2010 - GREENBELT, MD—Earl Blake, age 53, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to breaking into a bank with intent to commit felony bank larceny.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein, Special Agent in Charge Richard A. McFeely of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Prince George’s County Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Chief Eugene A. Jones, and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Glenn F. Ivey.
According to Blake’s plea agreement, on June 9, 2009, Blake met with his codefendant who drove Blake to the SunTrust Bank located at 4625 Old Branch Avenue in Temple Hills, Maryland, provided Blake a black bag containing an electric grinder/saw and other materials and instructed Blake on how to cut open the ATM safe. The burglar alarm system had been disabled. Blake entered the SunTrust Bank through the unlocked front door, located the ATM safe and began to cut open the ATM safe.
At approximately 3:30 a.m., the bank alarm company received a fire alarm notification. The alarm company notified Prince George’s County Emergency Services. The fire department responded to the bank parking lot where firemen smelled the odor of burning metal. Blake saw the firemen outside the bank and fled through the rear bank door. Blake was apprehended a short distance from the bank and was arrested.
Law enforcement officers entered the bank and recovered an electric grinder/saw and observed damage to the ATM located in the rear of the bank. The damage to bank property was approximately $10,170.94.
Blake faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte has scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended Assistant United States Attorney Deborah A. Johnston, who is prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
March 30, 2010 - GREENBELT, MD—Earl Blake, age 53, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to breaking into a bank with intent to commit felony bank larceny.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein, Special Agent in Charge Richard A. McFeely of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Prince George’s County Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Chief Eugene A. Jones, and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Glenn F. Ivey.
According to Blake’s plea agreement, on June 9, 2009, Blake met with his codefendant who drove Blake to the SunTrust Bank located at 4625 Old Branch Avenue in Temple Hills, Maryland, provided Blake a black bag containing an electric grinder/saw and other materials and instructed Blake on how to cut open the ATM safe. The burglar alarm system had been disabled. Blake entered the SunTrust Bank through the unlocked front door, located the ATM safe and began to cut open the ATM safe.
At approximately 3:30 a.m., the bank alarm company received a fire alarm notification. The alarm company notified Prince George’s County Emergency Services. The fire department responded to the bank parking lot where firemen smelled the odor of burning metal. Blake saw the firemen outside the bank and fled through the rear bank door. Blake was apprehended a short distance from the bank and was arrested.
Law enforcement officers entered the bank and recovered an electric grinder/saw and observed damage to the ATM located in the rear of the bank. The damage to bank property was approximately $10,170.94.
Blake faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte has scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended Assistant United States Attorney Deborah A. Johnston, who is prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRAINING
What New Agents Learn from the Holocaust
03/30/10 - Before becoming special agents, students from the FBI Training Academy tour the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This is the 10th year the FBI has participated in the Law Enforcement and Society program, jointly run by the museum and the Anti-Defamation League.
Every year, the FBI Training Academy graduates about 1,000 new special agents following 20 weeks of intense preparation. In countless tactical and analytical scenarios, the trainees learn how to respond appropriately under the most trying conditions.
But there is also a rigorous moral and ethical component to the training. In a poignant culmination of 21 hours spent defining the line between right and wrong, all new agents are escorted through the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. to see in horrific detail what can happen when law enforcement loses sight of what is right. The program—called Law Enforcement and Society: Lessons of the Holocaust—is a joint partnership between the Anti-Defamation League and the museum
“It makes our people think about morality, ethics, and how to maintain those during turbulent times,” said Special Agent Douglas B. Merel, who teaches the Academy’s ethical leadership course for new agents that includes the museum program. “It shows how important it is for law enforcement to maintain their core values.”
In one visit on a recent Friday morning, about 50 agents-to-be filed into the museum. Over the next four hours they toured the exhibits—led in some cases by Holocaust survivors—and discussed what separates them from the law enforcement officers in Germany who were systematically co-opted by the Nazis.
In a museum conference room, Elise Jarvis, associate director of Law Enforcement Outreach for the Anti-Defamation League, whose mission is in part to secure justice and fair treatment for all citizens, is purposefully blunt in her line of questions. “So the question
I’m putting out there is: What makes you different?” Jarvis asked the class. “What, at the end of the day, is going to keep you all anchored? What keeps you from sliding down that slippery slope? What keeps you from abusing your power?”
As answers bubble up—the Constitution, personal morals, compassion, laws—instructors challenge the students to support and defend their positions.
“It’s really our hope that the law enforcement officers who come to the museum see this program, see this history, and really reflect on their professional core values and their role in society today,” said Marcus A. Appelbaum, who coordinates the museum’s community and leadership programs.
The law enforcement program was developed in 1999 after D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Charles Ramsey toured the museum and recognized the value of teaching trainees about law enforcement’s integral role in the Nazis’ rise to power. In 2000, FBI Director Louis Freeh incorporated the tour into the Bureau’s new agent training. In 2005, Director Robert S. Mueller said the training has never been more relevant. "At a time when law enforcement must be aggressive in stopping terror, these classes provide powerful lessons on why we must always protect civil rights and uphold the rule of law," he said.
More than 60,000 law enforcement professionals—including about 10,000 new FBI agents and analysts—have gone through the program. This is the 10th year of the FBI’s participation. Members of the recent new agent class said the experience really brought home their new responsibility.
“They did an excellent job of showing how the law enforcement in Nazi society was complicit,” said Lucas, a new special agent, after the program’s conclusion. “It’s important to try to be aware of all the circumstances around you and make sure nothing's crossing the lines, and remember why we’re really here.”
03/30/10 - Before becoming special agents, students from the FBI Training Academy tour the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This is the 10th year the FBI has participated in the Law Enforcement and Society program, jointly run by the museum and the Anti-Defamation League.
Every year, the FBI Training Academy graduates about 1,000 new special agents following 20 weeks of intense preparation. In countless tactical and analytical scenarios, the trainees learn how to respond appropriately under the most trying conditions.
But there is also a rigorous moral and ethical component to the training. In a poignant culmination of 21 hours spent defining the line between right and wrong, all new agents are escorted through the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. to see in horrific detail what can happen when law enforcement loses sight of what is right. The program—called Law Enforcement and Society: Lessons of the Holocaust—is a joint partnership between the Anti-Defamation League and the museum
“It makes our people think about morality, ethics, and how to maintain those during turbulent times,” said Special Agent Douglas B. Merel, who teaches the Academy’s ethical leadership course for new agents that includes the museum program. “It shows how important it is for law enforcement to maintain their core values.”
In one visit on a recent Friday morning, about 50 agents-to-be filed into the museum. Over the next four hours they toured the exhibits—led in some cases by Holocaust survivors—and discussed what separates them from the law enforcement officers in Germany who were systematically co-opted by the Nazis.
In a museum conference room, Elise Jarvis, associate director of Law Enforcement Outreach for the Anti-Defamation League, whose mission is in part to secure justice and fair treatment for all citizens, is purposefully blunt in her line of questions. “So the question
I’m putting out there is: What makes you different?” Jarvis asked the class. “What, at the end of the day, is going to keep you all anchored? What keeps you from sliding down that slippery slope? What keeps you from abusing your power?”
As answers bubble up—the Constitution, personal morals, compassion, laws—instructors challenge the students to support and defend their positions.
“It’s really our hope that the law enforcement officers who come to the museum see this program, see this history, and really reflect on their professional core values and their role in society today,” said Marcus A. Appelbaum, who coordinates the museum’s community and leadership programs.
The law enforcement program was developed in 1999 after D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Charles Ramsey toured the museum and recognized the value of teaching trainees about law enforcement’s integral role in the Nazis’ rise to power. In 2000, FBI Director Louis Freeh incorporated the tour into the Bureau’s new agent training. In 2005, Director Robert S. Mueller said the training has never been more relevant. "At a time when law enforcement must be aggressive in stopping terror, these classes provide powerful lessons on why we must always protect civil rights and uphold the rule of law," he said.
More than 60,000 law enforcement professionals—including about 10,000 new FBI agents and analysts—have gone through the program. This is the 10th year of the FBI’s participation. Members of the recent new agent class said the experience really brought home their new responsibility.
“They did an excellent job of showing how the law enforcement in Nazi society was complicit,” said Lucas, a new special agent, after the program’s conclusion. “It’s important to try to be aware of all the circumstances around you and make sure nothing's crossing the lines, and remember why we’re really here.”
Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation Gang Member Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison for His Role in Drug Conspiracy
March 30, 2010 - WASHINGTON—Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN) member John Guzman, 31, of Big Spring, Texas, was sentenced today to 210 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks for the Northern District of Texas.
Guzman pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Guzman has been in custody since his arrest in February 2009.
According to court documents, Guzman admitted that he was a member of a conspiracy that included Jose Robledo Nava, aka “Chino;” Luis Nava, aka “Flaco;” Reynaldo Nava, aka “Rat;” Robert Allen Ramirez, aka “Nesyo;” Marie Chavez, aka “Shorty;” Carol Ann Rivas Nava; Cecily Dominique Juarez; Jesus Martinez, aka “Solid;” David Hellums, aka “Cutthroat;” Eduardo Daniel Mares, aka “Pitt;” Gabriel Lee Gonzales; Michael Conde, aka “Psycho;” Guerrero Olivas, aka “Screech;” Eliseo Perez, aka “Wicked;” and others. Guzman admitted that he and the other participants in the conspiracy agreed to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, cocaine and marijuana. Guzman also admitted that he collected drug debts on behalf of the ALKQN. According to the superseding indictment, Guzman and his co-defendants acquired the cocaine and marijuana from Mexico and brought it to the South Texas region, where it was packaged, stored and transported to Big Spring, Lubbock, and Midland, Texas for further distribution.
To date, 17 co-defendants have pleaded guilty and been sentenced for their roles in this conspiracy. Nava and Cole were found guilty on Feb. 24, 2010, by a federal jury in Lubbock on two counts of using a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and one count of a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. The jury also found Nava guilty on one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms and one count of possession of stolen firearms.
Nava and Cole were also found guilty for their involvement in a drive-by shooting in Big Spring on May 4, 2008, in which six people were shot with an AK-47 type rifle. According to the evidence presented at trial, the victims included Michael Cardona and Valerie Garcia, who was 26 weeks pregnant at the time of the shooting. Cardona and Garcia ultimately died as a result of their wounds. Evidence presented at trial proved that after the shootings, Nava ordered two of his co-conspirators to destroy the murder weapon.
Nava and Cole face a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set by the court.
The case was investigated by the National Gang Targeting, Enforcement and Coordination Center (GangTECC); the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the FBI; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the El Paso Intelligence Center; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Texas Department of Public Safety; the Police Departments of Lubbock, Midland, Houston, San Antonio and Big Spring, Texas; the Lubbock County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; and the Howard County, Texas, District Attorney’s Office.
Trial Attorneys Cody L. Skipper and Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Gang Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas prosecuted the case.
Guzman pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Guzman has been in custody since his arrest in February 2009.
According to court documents, Guzman admitted that he was a member of a conspiracy that included Jose Robledo Nava, aka “Chino;” Luis Nava, aka “Flaco;” Reynaldo Nava, aka “Rat;” Robert Allen Ramirez, aka “Nesyo;” Marie Chavez, aka “Shorty;” Carol Ann Rivas Nava; Cecily Dominique Juarez; Jesus Martinez, aka “Solid;” David Hellums, aka “Cutthroat;” Eduardo Daniel Mares, aka “Pitt;” Gabriel Lee Gonzales; Michael Conde, aka “Psycho;” Guerrero Olivas, aka “Screech;” Eliseo Perez, aka “Wicked;” and others. Guzman admitted that he and the other participants in the conspiracy agreed to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, cocaine and marijuana. Guzman also admitted that he collected drug debts on behalf of the ALKQN. According to the superseding indictment, Guzman and his co-defendants acquired the cocaine and marijuana from Mexico and brought it to the South Texas region, where it was packaged, stored and transported to Big Spring, Lubbock, and Midland, Texas for further distribution.
To date, 17 co-defendants have pleaded guilty and been sentenced for their roles in this conspiracy. Nava and Cole were found guilty on Feb. 24, 2010, by a federal jury in Lubbock on two counts of using a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and one count of a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. The jury also found Nava guilty on one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms and one count of possession of stolen firearms.
Nava and Cole were also found guilty for their involvement in a drive-by shooting in Big Spring on May 4, 2008, in which six people were shot with an AK-47 type rifle. According to the evidence presented at trial, the victims included Michael Cardona and Valerie Garcia, who was 26 weeks pregnant at the time of the shooting. Cardona and Garcia ultimately died as a result of their wounds. Evidence presented at trial proved that after the shootings, Nava ordered two of his co-conspirators to destroy the murder weapon.
Nava and Cole face a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set by the court.
The case was investigated by the National Gang Targeting, Enforcement and Coordination Center (GangTECC); the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the FBI; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the El Paso Intelligence Center; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Texas Department of Public Safety; the Police Departments of Lubbock, Midland, Houston, San Antonio and Big Spring, Texas; the Lubbock County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; and the Howard County, Texas, District Attorney’s Office.
Trial Attorneys Cody L. Skipper and Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Gang Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas prosecuted the case.
Men Plead Guilty in Counterfeit DVD Case
March 30, 2010 - DALLAS—Osborne Lowe, 48, of Dallas, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney to an indictment charging one count of copyright infringement and aiding and abetting, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. In January 2010, Lowe’s son-in-law and co-defendant, Robert Campbell, Jr., 26, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to the same offense. Both defendants face a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution. U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay is scheduled to sentence Campbell on April 19, 2010; Lowe is to be sentenced on July 6, 2010.
On February 15, 2008, special agents with the FBI executed a search warrant at the business, “Movies and CDs,” which was located at 9009 Bruton Road, Suite 101, in Dallas. At the time, Campbell worked for Lowe, who owned the business. FBI agents seized approximately 3700 DVDs, all of which will be forfeited to the government.
Lowe hired Campbell to work at the store. While working there, Campbell frequently worked alone and would either open or close the store. Customers would place orders for copies of movies, which Campbell burned onto DVDs while they waited. Campbell gave customers the pirated movies, which he placed into white sleeves, in exchange for their payment of five dollars per DVD.
Lowe and Campbell admitted that during a six-month period, ending the date the search warrant was executed, they pirated more than 151 movies, including: Bee Movie, Beowolf, Brave One, Gone Baby Gone, Michael Clayton, Rendition, Why Did I Get Married?, Rambo, 27 Dresses, and Mad Money. These movies had theatrical release dates from September 7, 2007, through January 25, 2008, and DVD release dates ranging from January 1, 2008, through May 13, 2008.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aisha Saleem.
On February 15, 2008, special agents with the FBI executed a search warrant at the business, “Movies and CDs,” which was located at 9009 Bruton Road, Suite 101, in Dallas. At the time, Campbell worked for Lowe, who owned the business. FBI agents seized approximately 3700 DVDs, all of which will be forfeited to the government.
Lowe hired Campbell to work at the store. While working there, Campbell frequently worked alone and would either open or close the store. Customers would place orders for copies of movies, which Campbell burned onto DVDs while they waited. Campbell gave customers the pirated movies, which he placed into white sleeves, in exchange for their payment of five dollars per DVD.
Lowe and Campbell admitted that during a six-month period, ending the date the search warrant was executed, they pirated more than 151 movies, including: Bee Movie, Beowolf, Brave One, Gone Baby Gone, Michael Clayton, Rendition, Why Did I Get Married?, Rambo, 27 Dresses, and Mad Money. These movies had theatrical release dates from September 7, 2007, through January 25, 2008, and DVD release dates ranging from January 1, 2008, through May 13, 2008.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aisha Saleem.
New Law Counters the Semisubmersible Smuggling Threat
By Douglas A. Kash, J.D., and Eli White
During the past few years, the U.S. law enforcement and intelligence communities have seen the genesis and maturation of a relatively new technique for smuggling drugs into the country. Smugglers from South America have launched self-propelled semisubmersible (SPSS) vessels (alternatively referred to as a “low profile signature evading threat”) operated by a small crew carrying vast quantities of cocaine. These submersibles typically deliver drugs to other vessels at sea and then are scuttled after off-loading. Ultimately, the cargo is shipped via land routes into the United States. Indeed, in other applications, this method can potentially facilitate the covert delivery of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), terrorists, illegal aliens, and any other item or criminal small enough to fit in the vessel. One U.S. Coast Guard official has estimated that up to three SPSSs carry drugs along the Pacific coast each week. The existing Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (MDLEA) had not adequately addressed this new method of transporting narcotics. Therefore, new tools were needed to counter this emerging threat.
Read On
http://www.fbi.gov/publications/leb/2010/march2010/smuggling_feature.htm
During the past few years, the U.S. law enforcement and intelligence communities have seen the genesis and maturation of a relatively new technique for smuggling drugs into the country. Smugglers from South America have launched self-propelled semisubmersible (SPSS) vessels (alternatively referred to as a “low profile signature evading threat”) operated by a small crew carrying vast quantities of cocaine. These submersibles typically deliver drugs to other vessels at sea and then are scuttled after off-loading. Ultimately, the cargo is shipped via land routes into the United States. Indeed, in other applications, this method can potentially facilitate the covert delivery of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), terrorists, illegal aliens, and any other item or criminal small enough to fit in the vessel. One U.S. Coast Guard official has estimated that up to three SPSSs carry drugs along the Pacific coast each week. The existing Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (MDLEA) had not adequately addressed this new method of transporting narcotics. Therefore, new tools were needed to counter this emerging threat.
Read On
http://www.fbi.gov/publications/leb/2010/march2010/smuggling_feature.htm
Child Fatality Review Boards
By Gerald Kelley
In 1987, the death of a 7-year-old boy at the hand of his mother’s live-in boyfriend raised many questions about the procedures and practices used by the area’s agencies that protected and served children. Newspaper articles brought into question the roles and responsibilities of the various organizations that had dealt with the family prior to the youngster’s death and why a closer working relationship did not exist among them. These questions were directed at the local children’s social service, the schools, and the police because all had contact with the family. But, the information that each possessed was either not available or only so in small amounts to the other agencies involved. What could the community do to ensure better coordination among these entities? To illustrate an effective solution, the author presents an overview of the child fatality review process by using an example from his local community of Summit County, Ohio.
Read On
ttp://www.fbi.gov/publications/leb/2010/march2010/child_feature.htm
In 1987, the death of a 7-year-old boy at the hand of his mother’s live-in boyfriend raised many questions about the procedures and practices used by the area’s agencies that protected and served children. Newspaper articles brought into question the roles and responsibilities of the various organizations that had dealt with the family prior to the youngster’s death and why a closer working relationship did not exist among them. These questions were directed at the local children’s social service, the schools, and the police because all had contact with the family. But, the information that each possessed was either not available or only so in small amounts to the other agencies involved. What could the community do to ensure better coordination among these entities? To illustrate an effective solution, the author presents an overview of the child fatality review process by using an example from his local community of Summit County, Ohio.
Read On
ttp://www.fbi.gov/publications/leb/2010/march2010/child_feature.htm
Monday, March 29, 2010
FBI Seeks Public’s Assistance to Identify Unknown Bank Robber
On Thursday, March 25, 2010, at approximately 4:30 p.m., an unknown male hereinafter referred to as the robber, armed with a handgun robbed a teller at the Chase Bank, 2551 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, California.
Witnesses describe the robber as follows:
Sex: Male
Race: White
Age: Approximately 25 to 30 years old
Height: Approximately 5’7” to 5’8” tall
Weight: Approximately 170 lbs.
Hair/Coloring: Dark brown hair with ear-lobe length sideburns
Eyes: Unknown
Clothing: Faded blue jeans, short sleeve button up plaid shirt, camouflage ball cap with red Dale Earnhardt, Jr. design on the front, dark blue merchant bank bag, glasses,and light-colored running shoes.
Weapon: Dark handled handgun
Anyone with information concerning these robberies is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255.
Conspirator in Armored Car Robbery Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison
March 29, 2010 - BALTIMORE—U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Walter Morsley, age 50, of Baltimore, today to 33 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit robbery, armed robbery, possession of a gun by a felon, and brandishing a gun, in connection with the May 9, 2008 armed robbery of a Dunbar armored car at the Lexington Market. Judge Bennett enhanced Morsley’s sentence upon finding that Morsley is an armed career criminal based on two previous convictions for murder and a previous conviction for assault. Judge Bennett also ordered that Morsley pay restitution of $105,000.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy; Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III; and Special Agent in Charge Richard A. McFeely of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to testimony presented at the seven-day trial, on May 9, 2008 Morsely, Cromwell, Charles Witherspoon, and others robbed an armored vehicle which was picking up and dropping off cash in the Lexington Market in Baltimore City. Witherspoon and another conspirator drove the robbers to and from the Lexington Market. Inside the market, Morsley carried a shotgun in a bag and acted as a look-out while the armored car employees were robbed at gunpoint of $105,000. After the robbery, the conspirators fled, later meeting at an abandoned house on Payson Street. Cromwell divided the stolen money among the co-conspirators, giving approximately $20,000 each to Morsley and Witherspoon, and keeping the bulk of the stolen money for himself.
Charles Witherspoon, age 50, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on December 22, 2009 to 15 years in prison for the armed robbery and possession of a gun in furtherance of a crime of violence. Donald Cromwell, age 54, also of Baltimore, was convicted at trial of the armed robbery and possession of a gun in furtherance of a violent crime and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 6, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys James G. Warwick and Rachel M. Yasser, who prosecuted the case.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy; Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III; and Special Agent in Charge Richard A. McFeely of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to testimony presented at the seven-day trial, on May 9, 2008 Morsely, Cromwell, Charles Witherspoon, and others robbed an armored vehicle which was picking up and dropping off cash in the Lexington Market in Baltimore City. Witherspoon and another conspirator drove the robbers to and from the Lexington Market. Inside the market, Morsley carried a shotgun in a bag and acted as a look-out while the armored car employees were robbed at gunpoint of $105,000. After the robbery, the conspirators fled, later meeting at an abandoned house on Payson Street. Cromwell divided the stolen money among the co-conspirators, giving approximately $20,000 each to Morsley and Witherspoon, and keeping the bulk of the stolen money for himself.
Charles Witherspoon, age 50, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on December 22, 2009 to 15 years in prison for the armed robbery and possession of a gun in furtherance of a crime of violence. Donald Cromwell, age 54, also of Baltimore, was convicted at trial of the armed robbery and possession of a gun in furtherance of a violent crime and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 6, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys James G. Warwick and Rachel M. Yasser, who prosecuted the case.
Former Queen City Woman Sent to Prison for Defrauding Londonderry Construction Company
March 29, 2010 - CONCORD, NH—Michelle L. Cote was sentenced today to a term of 27 months in prison for defrauding a Londonderry construction company for which she worked, according to United States Attorney John P. Kacavas. Cote was sentenced by United States District Judge Joseph A. DiClerico, Jr. Cote, age 35, is a former resident of Manchester, N.H.
In an earlier guilty plea to federal charges of mail and wire fraud, Cote admitted to defrauding her former employer by, among other things, writing checks against her former employer’s checking accounts and using those checks to pay personal credit card expenses, without her employer’s authorization or knowledge. She further admitted that, without authorization, she used credit card accounts issued to her employer and its principals to pay personal expenses, including substantial expenses associated with renovations to her home and for a cruise and family trip to Florida. Cote admitted, in one instance, to opening a new credit card account in the name of one of the principal owners of her employer and then using that credit card account to purchase furnishings for home, all without the authorization or knowledge of the owner. Cote admitted that the transactions resulted in a loss to her employer and its principals of between $120,000 and $200,000.
In rejecting her request for leniency at today’s sentencing hearing, Judge DiClerico noted that Cote had a “dishonest bent” and presented a significant risk of recidivism. He also noted that Cote had “abused a position of trust” reposed in her by her former employer and had “siphoned off” money from her former employer simply to “satisfy her greed.” In addition to imposing the 27-month term of incarceration, Judge DiClerico ordered Cote to make full restitution to her former employer and other victims of her offenses and, after completing her prison term, to serve three years of supervised release. While on supervised release, Cote will be required to abide by certain specified conditions, including paying any remaining restitution. If she fails to abide by those conditions, she could be sent back to prison.
The investigation leading to this prosecution was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Morse.
In an earlier guilty plea to federal charges of mail and wire fraud, Cote admitted to defrauding her former employer by, among other things, writing checks against her former employer’s checking accounts and using those checks to pay personal credit card expenses, without her employer’s authorization or knowledge. She further admitted that, without authorization, she used credit card accounts issued to her employer and its principals to pay personal expenses, including substantial expenses associated with renovations to her home and for a cruise and family trip to Florida. Cote admitted, in one instance, to opening a new credit card account in the name of one of the principal owners of her employer and then using that credit card account to purchase furnishings for home, all without the authorization or knowledge of the owner. Cote admitted that the transactions resulted in a loss to her employer and its principals of between $120,000 and $200,000.
In rejecting her request for leniency at today’s sentencing hearing, Judge DiClerico noted that Cote had a “dishonest bent” and presented a significant risk of recidivism. He also noted that Cote had “abused a position of trust” reposed in her by her former employer and had “siphoned off” money from her former employer simply to “satisfy her greed.” In addition to imposing the 27-month term of incarceration, Judge DiClerico ordered Cote to make full restitution to her former employer and other victims of her offenses and, after completing her prison term, to serve three years of supervised release. While on supervised release, Cote will be required to abide by certain specified conditions, including paying any remaining restitution. If she fails to abide by those conditions, she could be sent back to prison.
The investigation leading to this prosecution was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Morse.
FBI Fugitive Darrell Rene Copper Arrested in Pulaski
March 29, 2010 - MEMPHIS, TN—My Harrison, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the FBI, announced today the arrest of Darrell Rene Copper, age 34, in Pulaski, Tennessee. At approximately 5:25 p.m., Copper was arrested without incident by officers from the Pulaski Police Department, special agents of the FBI, and task force officers from the Columbia Police Department and Maury County Sheriff’s Department who are assigned to the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force.
Copper was wanted for the May 1, 2002 attempted robbery of a Brinks armored car in Decatur, Georgia. On January 15, 2003, a warrant for Copper’s arrest was issued in the United States District Court in the Northern District of Georgia, charging Copper with violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section(s) 1951; 924(c)(1)(A)(ii) and (iii) and 2.
Special Agent in Charge Harrison said, “The capture of Darrell Copper after seven years on the run not only shows the importance of the public’s cooperation but also the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies. In this case, a tip from the public led directly to Copper’s arrest.”
Questions regarding this press release may be directed to Supervisory Special Agent Joel Siskovic at (901) 747-4300.
Copper was wanted for the May 1, 2002 attempted robbery of a Brinks armored car in Decatur, Georgia. On January 15, 2003, a warrant for Copper’s arrest was issued in the United States District Court in the Northern District of Georgia, charging Copper with violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section(s) 1951; 924(c)(1)(A)(ii) and (iii) and 2.
Special Agent in Charge Harrison said, “The capture of Darrell Copper after seven years on the run not only shows the importance of the public’s cooperation but also the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies. In this case, a tip from the public led directly to Copper’s arrest.”
Questions regarding this press release may be directed to Supervisory Special Agent Joel Siskovic at (901) 747-4300.
Ft. Bliss Shooter Arrested
March 29, 2010 - Christopher Stafford Peaden, 20, of El Paso, Texas, was arrested March 27, 2010, in connection with a drive-by shooting at a Ft. Bliss housing area earlier that day. Peaden was arrested by FBI agents on one count of 18 United States Code 7(3) and one count of 18 United States Code 13(a). These codes allow for the special jurisdiction of the FBI to arrest civilians on federal installations as well as to arrest them for assimilated crimes that are part of the Texas Penal Code. In this case, Peaden was arrested in relation to Texas Penal Code 22.05, deadly conduct.
About 1:40 p.m. on March 27, Peaden drove by a residence in the 3500 block of Salgado, Ft. Bliss, Texas, and fired multiple rounds in the direction of the residence striking two vehicles. No one was injured. The investigation continues.
Peaden is a prior soldier and was recently discharged from the U.S. Army. His initial appearance will be this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael McDonald.
About 1:40 p.m. on March 27, Peaden drove by a residence in the 3500 block of Salgado, Ft. Bliss, Texas, and fired multiple rounds in the direction of the residence striking two vehicles. No one was injured. The investigation continues.
Peaden is a prior soldier and was recently discharged from the U.S. Army. His initial appearance will be this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael McDonald.
Jefferson Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank Larceny
March 29, 2010 - JESSICA CARVER MATHERNE, a resident of Jefferson, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to a one count bill of information for bank larceny, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to court documents, from approximately April 1, 2005, through approximately June 30, 2005, MATHERNE, who was employed as a bank teller at JP Morgan Chase Bank in Harvey, Louisiana, wrote checks against a closed credit union account and deposited those checks into an JP Morgan Chase Bank account in her name. The defendant admitted that she withdrew the funds from the JP Morgan Chase account before the checks from the closed credit union account were returned. In all, the defendant stole approximately $8,852 in funds belonging to JP Morgan Chase Bank.
MATHERNE faces a possible maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 17, 2010.
The case was investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Chester.
According to court documents, from approximately April 1, 2005, through approximately June 30, 2005, MATHERNE, who was employed as a bank teller at JP Morgan Chase Bank in Harvey, Louisiana, wrote checks against a closed credit union account and deposited those checks into an JP Morgan Chase Bank account in her name. The defendant admitted that she withdrew the funds from the JP Morgan Chase account before the checks from the closed credit union account were returned. In all, the defendant stole approximately $8,852 in funds belonging to JP Morgan Chase Bank.
MATHERNE faces a possible maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 17, 2010.
The case was investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Chester.
Ohio Investment Manager Charged in $29.7 Million Fraud
March 29, 2010 - CLEVELAND, OH—Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced today that an information was filed against Enrique F. Villalba, age 47. Villalba is charged with one count of wire fraud for executing a scheme that defrauded 26 investors of $29.7 million. The defendant, a resident of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, operated numerous businesses, including Money Market Alternative, LP, his investment business, and Rico Latte coffee shops.
The information alleges that Villalba, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and of the University of Puget Sound School of Law, held himself out as an “investment manager” who, by employing his “Money Market Plus” investment methodology to the futures market, could realize long-term gains of eight to 12 percent for investors. The information alleges further that Villalba represented that his knowledge of physics, when combined with his application of a unique “momentum filter,” allowed him to predict with “an uncanny degree of certainty” how the futures market would trend at various times during a given month, thereby allowing him to purchase and sell futures contracts to maximize gains.
In order to reduce the risk inherent in the futures market and protect investors’ principal investments, the information alleges that Villalba represented that he would put stop orders in place. These stop orders would generally be orders to sell the futures contracts if it appeared that the investors were beginning to lose too much money.
The information alleges that Villalba did not put the stop orders in place as he represented and, as a result, lost millions of dollars of investor money. The information also alleges that Villalba converted millions of dollars of investor money for his own purposes, which included: (a) funding his Rico Latte coffee shops in Hudson and Stow, Ohio; (b) purchasing property in Vermillion, Ohio; and (c) making Ponzi-type payments to some of his investors.
In order to conceal market losses and his misuse of investor funds, the information alleges that Villalba sent numerous interstate e-mail communications to investors advising them of their current positions and the stop orders he put in place to protect their investments.
U.S. Attorney Dettelbach said, “This case serves as an example to the public that the Department of Justice and the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force will fight fraud in order to protect the integrity of the financial markets. If you lie to investors, there will be a steep price to pay. This case resulted from tremendous coordination between the Department of Justice and civil enforcement agencies to protect the rights of investors all over the country.”
If convicted, Villalba’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal record, if any; his role in the offense; and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bridget M. Brennan and Henry DeBaggis after an investigation by the Cleveland Office of the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California; the San Diego Office of the FBI; the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission, Los Angeles Regional Office; and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Kansas City, Missouri Office also assisted with this investigation.
This prosecution is sponsored by President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.
President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.
An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The information alleges that Villalba, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and of the University of Puget Sound School of Law, held himself out as an “investment manager” who, by employing his “Money Market Plus” investment methodology to the futures market, could realize long-term gains of eight to 12 percent for investors. The information alleges further that Villalba represented that his knowledge of physics, when combined with his application of a unique “momentum filter,” allowed him to predict with “an uncanny degree of certainty” how the futures market would trend at various times during a given month, thereby allowing him to purchase and sell futures contracts to maximize gains.
In order to reduce the risk inherent in the futures market and protect investors’ principal investments, the information alleges that Villalba represented that he would put stop orders in place. These stop orders would generally be orders to sell the futures contracts if it appeared that the investors were beginning to lose too much money.
The information alleges that Villalba did not put the stop orders in place as he represented and, as a result, lost millions of dollars of investor money. The information also alleges that Villalba converted millions of dollars of investor money for his own purposes, which included: (a) funding his Rico Latte coffee shops in Hudson and Stow, Ohio; (b) purchasing property in Vermillion, Ohio; and (c) making Ponzi-type payments to some of his investors.
In order to conceal market losses and his misuse of investor funds, the information alleges that Villalba sent numerous interstate e-mail communications to investors advising them of their current positions and the stop orders he put in place to protect their investments.
U.S. Attorney Dettelbach said, “This case serves as an example to the public that the Department of Justice and the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force will fight fraud in order to protect the integrity of the financial markets. If you lie to investors, there will be a steep price to pay. This case resulted from tremendous coordination between the Department of Justice and civil enforcement agencies to protect the rights of investors all over the country.”
If convicted, Villalba’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal record, if any; his role in the offense; and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bridget M. Brennan and Henry DeBaggis after an investigation by the Cleveland Office of the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California; the San Diego Office of the FBI; the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission, Los Angeles Regional Office; and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Kansas City, Missouri Office also assisted with this investigation.
This prosecution is sponsored by President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.
President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.
An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Employees Guilty Of Stealing $423,000 from Tuition Reimbursement Plan
Four Employees Received Payment for College Classes They Never Took
March 29, 2010 - ATLANTA, GA—MARIAMA STENSON, 37, of Alpharetta, Georgia, pleaded guilty today and TIFFANY PARKER, 31, NATALIE CLARK, 30, and TABITHEY JOHNSON, 38, also of Alpharetta, Georgia, pleaded guilty earlier this week in federal district court to a charge of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud their employer, “Exide Technologies” in Alpharetta, Georgia.
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and information presented in court: From January 2006 until May 2008, STENSON, PARKER, CLARK and JOHNSON applied for and received $423,000 in tuition reimbursement from their employer, Exide Technologies, for college classes they never enrolled in, attended, or completed. To accomplish their fraud, they submitted fraudulent transcripts and receipts, which falsely represented that they completed many college courses, and received good grades.
STENSON, PARKER, CLARK and JOHNSON were indicted in November 2009 on multiple counts of wire fraud. After today’s guilty plea, each could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 7, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., before United States District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the FBI.
Assistant United States Attorney David E. McClernan is prosecuting the case.
March 29, 2010 - ATLANTA, GA—MARIAMA STENSON, 37, of Alpharetta, Georgia, pleaded guilty today and TIFFANY PARKER, 31, NATALIE CLARK, 30, and TABITHEY JOHNSON, 38, also of Alpharetta, Georgia, pleaded guilty earlier this week in federal district court to a charge of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud their employer, “Exide Technologies” in Alpharetta, Georgia.
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and information presented in court: From January 2006 until May 2008, STENSON, PARKER, CLARK and JOHNSON applied for and received $423,000 in tuition reimbursement from their employer, Exide Technologies, for college classes they never enrolled in, attended, or completed. To accomplish their fraud, they submitted fraudulent transcripts and receipts, which falsely represented that they completed many college courses, and received good grades.
STENSON, PARKER, CLARK and JOHNSON were indicted in November 2009 on multiple counts of wire fraud. After today’s guilty plea, each could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 7, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., before United States District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the FBI.
Assistant United States Attorney David E. McClernan is prosecuting the case.
Faribault Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography
March 29, 2010 - MINNEAPOLIS—B. Todd Jones, United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota, announced that a 39-year-old Faribault man has pleaded guilty to producing a video containing child pornography. Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge Joan N. Ericksen in Minneapolis, Michael Angelo Borromeo pled guilty to one count of production of child pornography. Borromeo was indicted on October 22, 2009.
In his plea agreement, Borromeo admitted producing a video featuring a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct on June 21, 2008. He used his cellular telephone to film the 14-yearold victim. Borromeo was arrested on February 11, 2009, by the Rice County Sheriff’s Office and is now in federal custody.
For his crime, Borromeo faces a potential maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years. Judge Ericksen will determine his sentence at a future date, yet to be scheduled. This case is the result of an investigation by the Rice County Sheriff’s Office, the Faribault Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (“PSC”), a national initiative to combat the growing epidemic of the sexual exploitation of children, particularly via the Internet. PSC was launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in May of 2006. Led by the Department’s Criminal Division, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, along with U.S. Attorney’s nationwide, PSC encourages federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships and provides resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who abuse children while identifying and rescuing victims of that crime. In 2008, PSC was credited with 2,289 child-pornography indictments being filed in federal court nationwide, a 33-percent increase over 2006. For more information about PSC, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
In his plea agreement, Borromeo admitted producing a video featuring a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct on June 21, 2008. He used his cellular telephone to film the 14-yearold victim. Borromeo was arrested on February 11, 2009, by the Rice County Sheriff’s Office and is now in federal custody.
For his crime, Borromeo faces a potential maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years. Judge Ericksen will determine his sentence at a future date, yet to be scheduled. This case is the result of an investigation by the Rice County Sheriff’s Office, the Faribault Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (“PSC”), a national initiative to combat the growing epidemic of the sexual exploitation of children, particularly via the Internet. PSC was launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in May of 2006. Led by the Department’s Criminal Division, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, along with U.S. Attorney’s nationwide, PSC encourages federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships and provides resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who abuse children while identifying and rescuing victims of that crime. In 2008, PSC was credited with 2,289 child-pornography indictments being filed in federal court nationwide, a 33-percent increase over 2006. For more information about PSC, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Arapahoe Man Sentenced for Assault
Ryan Monroe, 22, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge William F. Downes on March 23, 2010, for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Monroe received 30 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release with heavy conditions. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Tom Thumb Bank Robbery Bandit Arrested
March 26, 2010 - On Friday, March 19, 2010, Denver Police Department, District 6 Police Officers, and the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force arrested a suspected bank robber while investigating the robbery of the First Bank, located at 370 17th Street, Denver.
The District 6 Police Officers are credited with canvassing local neighborhoods and showing photographs of the suspected bank robber dubbed the “Tom Thumb Bandit.” After following up on a credible lead developed by the officers, the identification and location of the suspect was made.
This investigation has determined that ROBERT COLE, 47 years of age, DOB 12/23/1962, may be the Tom Thumb Bandit responsible for a series of bank robberies. COLE was arrested and jailed in the Denver City Jail. He will be charged with bank robbery and will appear before a United States Magistrate Judge for an initial appearance next week. The Tom Thumb Bandit is believed to be responsible for six bank robberies, which are listed below:
03/27/2009, Bank of Denver, 405 16th Street, Denver
10/09/2009, U.S. Bank, 1625 N. Broadway, Denver
11/27/2009, Wells Fargo Bank, 1740 N. Broadway, Denver
01/13/2010, Wells Fargo Bank, 1050 17th Street, Denver
03/12/2010, First Bank, 1200 17th Street, Denver
03/19/2010, First Bank, 370 17th Street, Denver
The name “Tom Thumb Bandit” was derived from a bank photograph taken during one of the robberies where the bandit's thumb was wrapped in a bandage or cast.
No photographs will be released.
Bank robbery is punishable by a 20-year prison sentence for each offense and increases if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime.
The FBI continues to provide financial institutions with the best practices for security to make them less vulnerable to robberies.
If anyone has any information on these bank robberies, or any bank robbery, please call the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303-629-7171, or you can remain anonymous and earn up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) by calling CRIMESTOPPERS at 720-913-STOP (7867).
The District 6 Police Officers are credited with canvassing local neighborhoods and showing photographs of the suspected bank robber dubbed the “Tom Thumb Bandit.” After following up on a credible lead developed by the officers, the identification and location of the suspect was made.
This investigation has determined that ROBERT COLE, 47 years of age, DOB 12/23/1962, may be the Tom Thumb Bandit responsible for a series of bank robberies. COLE was arrested and jailed in the Denver City Jail. He will be charged with bank robbery and will appear before a United States Magistrate Judge for an initial appearance next week. The Tom Thumb Bandit is believed to be responsible for six bank robberies, which are listed below:
03/27/2009, Bank of Denver, 405 16th Street, Denver
10/09/2009, U.S. Bank, 1625 N. Broadway, Denver
11/27/2009, Wells Fargo Bank, 1740 N. Broadway, Denver
01/13/2010, Wells Fargo Bank, 1050 17th Street, Denver
03/12/2010, First Bank, 1200 17th Street, Denver
03/19/2010, First Bank, 370 17th Street, Denver
The name “Tom Thumb Bandit” was derived from a bank photograph taken during one of the robberies where the bandit's thumb was wrapped in a bandage or cast.
No photographs will be released.
Bank robbery is punishable by a 20-year prison sentence for each offense and increases if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime.
The FBI continues to provide financial institutions with the best practices for security to make them less vulnerable to robberies.
If anyone has any information on these bank robberies, or any bank robbery, please call the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303-629-7171, or you can remain anonymous and earn up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) by calling CRIMESTOPPERS at 720-913-STOP (7867).
Four Men Charged with Misdemeanor Offense of Entering Federal Property Under False Pretenses
March 26, 2010 - NEW ORLEANS—JOSEPH BASEL, age 24, STAN DAI, age 24, ROBERT FLANAGAN, age 24, and JAMES O’KEEFE, age 25, were charged in a one-count bill of information with entering real property of the United States under false pretenses, a misdemeanor, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to the Bill of Information, between January 20, 2010 and January 25, 2010, FLANAGAN, BASEL, O’KEEFE, and DAI met on several occasions. During their meetings, they discussed, among other things, possible scenarios in which they would talk with members of the staff of Senator Mary Landrieu inside of her New Orleans, Louisiana office, in the Hale Boggs Federal Building, and record the interaction using audio and visual equipment. As a result of this planning, on January 25, 2010, BASEL and FLANAGAN entered the Senator’s office dressed as telephone repairmen, said they were following up on reports of problems with the telephone system, engaged in conversation with the staff members, and pretended to test the phone system. O’KEEFE, who had also entered the office, recorded the interaction between BASEL, FLANAGAN, and the staff members.
If convicted, FLANAGAN, BASEL, O’KEEFE, and DAI each face a maximum term of six (6) months in prison and a fine of $5,000.
The United States Attorney’s Office reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of each defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation of this matter was conducted by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Deputy Marshals with the United States Marshal’s Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.
According to the Bill of Information, between January 20, 2010 and January 25, 2010, FLANAGAN, BASEL, O’KEEFE, and DAI met on several occasions. During their meetings, they discussed, among other things, possible scenarios in which they would talk with members of the staff of Senator Mary Landrieu inside of her New Orleans, Louisiana office, in the Hale Boggs Federal Building, and record the interaction using audio and visual equipment. As a result of this planning, on January 25, 2010, BASEL and FLANAGAN entered the Senator’s office dressed as telephone repairmen, said they were following up on reports of problems with the telephone system, engaged in conversation with the staff members, and pretended to test the phone system. O’KEEFE, who had also entered the office, recorded the interaction between BASEL, FLANAGAN, and the staff members.
If convicted, FLANAGAN, BASEL, O’KEEFE, and DAI each face a maximum term of six (6) months in prison and a fine of $5,000.
The United States Attorney’s Office reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of each defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation of this matter was conducted by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Deputy Marshals with the United States Marshal’s Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.
Employee of Local Medicaid Agency Sentenced for Federal Health Care Offenses
March 26, 2010 - NEW ORLEANS—UNA FAVORITE BROWN, age 54, a resident of New Orleans, and was sentenced yesterday in federal court by U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to twenty-one (21) months' imprisonment for health care offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Lemmon ordered that BROWN pay restitution in the amount of $33,405, a special assessment of $1,300 and be placed on three (3) years of supervised release following the term of imprisonment, during which time the defendant will be under federal supervision and risks an additional term of imprisonment should she violate any terms of her supervised release.
According to court documents, a jury returned a guilty verdict on September 9, 2009, convicting BROWN of one count of conspiracy, ten (10) counts of health care fraud, and two (2) counts of false statements to federal law enforcement agents. Evidence introduced a trial showed that A New Beginning of New Orleans, Inc., was a Medicaid provider that made claims for Personal Care Services it claimed to have provided to Medicaid recipients. BROWN was an employee of A New Beginning who created false documentation causing Medicaid to pay for services that were not rendered.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Louisiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan, Jordan Ginsberg, and G. Dall Kammer.
According to court documents, a jury returned a guilty verdict on September 9, 2009, convicting BROWN of one count of conspiracy, ten (10) counts of health care fraud, and two (2) counts of false statements to federal law enforcement agents. Evidence introduced a trial showed that A New Beginning of New Orleans, Inc., was a Medicaid provider that made claims for Personal Care Services it claimed to have provided to Medicaid recipients. BROWN was an employee of A New Beginning who created false documentation causing Medicaid to pay for services that were not rendered.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Louisiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan, Jordan Ginsberg, and G. Dall Kammer.
Ponzi Scheme
Bloomfield Hills Investment Planner Sentenced for Ponzi Scheme Fraud
March 26, 2010 - U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade announced that Richard Taft Johnson, a 67-year-old Bloomfield Hills, Michigan investment planner, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment today by the Honorable Stephen J. Murphy for his fraud of more than 50 victims in a Ponzi scheme causing them a cumulative loss of $13.2 million in principal alone.
The fraud arose when Johnson, doing business in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan as Investor Planning Services, began representing to potential investors in the late 1990s that they could invest in a low-risk program called the American Charitable Program. Johnson represented that this investment program would provide a very competitive rate of return that would be tax deferred, investors’ principal would be secure, and could be withdrawn at any time. Johnson’s American Charitable Program also included the purchase of an insurance policy that would provide a future benefit to a charity or qualified non-profit organization. The investors understood that, ultimately, their investments would benefit charitable organizations such as universities or other educational institutions, individual teachers or pastors. In the interim, the investors believed they would receive a rate of return of 10 percent per quarter and that they could withdraw their principal investment if necessary. Johnson also provided Investors with fraudulent periodic statements making it appear that there were separate accounts for each investor that continued to accumulate interest.
Over 130 investors are known to have provided millions of dollars to Mr. Johnson for his American Charitable Program. These investors are primarily from Michigan, but a number reside in Florida and other states. As in all Ponzi schemes, Johnson paid earlier investors, or investors who demanded a return of their money, with newer investors’ monies. But he also diverted significant money to his personal use. The defendant’s scheme began to unravel in 2008 and 2009.
The Court has also ordered defendant to pay restitution totaling to more than $13.2 million to the victim investors. The Court also has taken the unusual step of appointing a receiver to determine what assets might be recovered to repay victims.
At the sentencing, the emotional impact of Mr. Johnson’s fraud was evident. One 82-year-old victim informed the court how Johnson had destroyed them financially. “Our dreams have been stolen” she exclaimed. Another indicated how she and her husband, her 87-year-old father, and her sister, would never recover from the fraud of nearly $2 million they had incurred.
United States Attorney Barbara McQuade stated that, “Mr. Johnson’s Ponzi scheme was insidious because he represented it to be a safe investment that, ultimately, would benefit charitable and educational organizations.”
Like most Ponzi schemes, it went undetected for a number of years and permitted some investors to receive a very healthy return on their investments. This, in turn, helped promote their sense of trust in defendant causing them to share their experience with friends and relatives and encourage them to invest. In the end, a number of the investors, some quite elderly, lost their life savings because Johnson used their monies to keep the scheme going until the inevitable collapse.
“We consider it very important to investigate and prosecute such long term predatory Ponzi schemes and help ascertain what, if anything, the victims’ might be able to salvage of their financial worth, which is why our office took the unusual step of asking the Court to appoint a receiver,” McQuade said.
McQuade thanked the FBI, along with the investigators of the State of Michigan Office of Financial Insurance Regulation and the State of Florida Division of Insurance Fraud who worked very hard to investigate and compile the information about Mr. Johnson’s fraudulent activities.
The investigation of this case has been conducted by Special Agent Daniel J. Troccoli of the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross I. MacKenzie.
March 26, 2010 - U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade announced that Richard Taft Johnson, a 67-year-old Bloomfield Hills, Michigan investment planner, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment today by the Honorable Stephen J. Murphy for his fraud of more than 50 victims in a Ponzi scheme causing them a cumulative loss of $13.2 million in principal alone.
The fraud arose when Johnson, doing business in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan as Investor Planning Services, began representing to potential investors in the late 1990s that they could invest in a low-risk program called the American Charitable Program. Johnson represented that this investment program would provide a very competitive rate of return that would be tax deferred, investors’ principal would be secure, and could be withdrawn at any time. Johnson’s American Charitable Program also included the purchase of an insurance policy that would provide a future benefit to a charity or qualified non-profit organization. The investors understood that, ultimately, their investments would benefit charitable organizations such as universities or other educational institutions, individual teachers or pastors. In the interim, the investors believed they would receive a rate of return of 10 percent per quarter and that they could withdraw their principal investment if necessary. Johnson also provided Investors with fraudulent periodic statements making it appear that there were separate accounts for each investor that continued to accumulate interest.
Over 130 investors are known to have provided millions of dollars to Mr. Johnson for his American Charitable Program. These investors are primarily from Michigan, but a number reside in Florida and other states. As in all Ponzi schemes, Johnson paid earlier investors, or investors who demanded a return of their money, with newer investors’ monies. But he also diverted significant money to his personal use. The defendant’s scheme began to unravel in 2008 and 2009.
The Court has also ordered defendant to pay restitution totaling to more than $13.2 million to the victim investors. The Court also has taken the unusual step of appointing a receiver to determine what assets might be recovered to repay victims.
At the sentencing, the emotional impact of Mr. Johnson’s fraud was evident. One 82-year-old victim informed the court how Johnson had destroyed them financially. “Our dreams have been stolen” she exclaimed. Another indicated how she and her husband, her 87-year-old father, and her sister, would never recover from the fraud of nearly $2 million they had incurred.
United States Attorney Barbara McQuade stated that, “Mr. Johnson’s Ponzi scheme was insidious because he represented it to be a safe investment that, ultimately, would benefit charitable and educational organizations.”
Like most Ponzi schemes, it went undetected for a number of years and permitted some investors to receive a very healthy return on their investments. This, in turn, helped promote their sense of trust in defendant causing them to share their experience with friends and relatives and encourage them to invest. In the end, a number of the investors, some quite elderly, lost their life savings because Johnson used their monies to keep the scheme going until the inevitable collapse.
“We consider it very important to investigate and prosecute such long term predatory Ponzi schemes and help ascertain what, if anything, the victims’ might be able to salvage of their financial worth, which is why our office took the unusual step of asking the Court to appoint a receiver,” McQuade said.
McQuade thanked the FBI, along with the investigators of the State of Michigan Office of Financial Insurance Regulation and the State of Florida Division of Insurance Fraud who worked very hard to investigate and compile the information about Mr. Johnson’s fraudulent activities.
The investigation of this case has been conducted by Special Agent Daniel J. Troccoli of the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross I. MacKenzie.
“Big Bully Bandit” Identified and Charged
FBI Needs Public’s Help Locating Him
March 26, 2010 - The Houston FBI Bank Robbery Task Force is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Herman Bray, a 38-year-old Houston resident, who has been charged by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon for the March 10 armed robbery of the Amegy Bank at 7071 Lawndale in Houston, Texas.
Bray earned the nickname “Big Bully” for pushing and shoving customers during the bank robbery as he made his way to the teller counter brandishing a blue steel semi-automatic pistol. He threw a blue bag onto the counter and demanded cash. He left the bank on foot with an undetermined amount of cash. No one was physically hurt during the robbery.
Investigators believe Bray is currently in the Telephone Road/Gulf Freeway area south of downtown Houston. They believe he may be staying at different hotels along the corridor.
Herman Bray is a black male, 5’09” tall, 210 pounds, heavy build, with a short military style haircut. Bray should be considered armed and dangerous.
Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000.00 for information leading to the arrest of Bray, or any felony suspect. If you know the whereabouts of Herman Bray, please call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 713-222-TIPS or the Houston office of the FBI at 713-693-5000.
Lubbock, Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography Offense
Defendant is a Former Pastor at Local Church
March 26, 2010 - LUBBOCK, TX—Dean Richard Tarkington, 57, of Lubbock, Texas, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to one count of attempted possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks, of the Northern District of Texas. He faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a lifetime of supervised release. Judge Cummings ordered a presentence report with sentencing to be scheduled after the completion of that report. Tarkington has been on pretrial bond since his arrest in December 2009.
According to plea documents filed in the case, Tarkington lived in Lubbock in 2009 and was employed as a pastor at a local church. For several years, Tarkington had secretly engaged in sex chat and phone sex with young women and teenaged girls on the Internet, and Tarkington continued that pattern of behavior when he moved to Lubbock. Tarkington engaged in the online sexual behavior both at home and at his office at the church.
On November 30, 2009, in the course of engaging in online sexual activity in a Yahoo! chat room named "married but looking," Tarkington met a person using the Yahoo! IDs "Angela Brook" and "brookangela99." Tarkington asked "Angela Brook" for her "real age and location," and "Angela Brook" replied that she was 15 years old, from Jackson, Mississippi. "Angela Brook" was actually an undercover law enforcement officer with the Louisiana State Police, who had also made similar contact with Tarkington, in the same Yahoo! chat room, posing as 16-year-old "sexyshangirl," from Louisiana, beginning on November 4, 2009.
During his initial chat with "Angela Brook" on November 30, 2009, after viewing images purporting to be of the girl, Tarkington told her that he would like to have sexual intercourse with her. Also in the course of the initial chat conversation with "Angela Brook," Tarkington used his computer's webcam to send her a video of his genitals, and Tarkington told her that he wanted to see nude pictures of her. After telling "Angela Brook" that he was a computer consultant, "Angela Brook" asked him if he could get her a computer. He advised that he would get her a computer if she would have sexual intercourse with him, and she would also first have to talk to him on the phone.
On December 2, 2009, an undercover female law enforcement agent in Monroe, Louisiana, posing as "Angela Brook," engaged Tarkington in a telephone conversation. During the sexually explicit conversation, Tarkington requested that "Angela Brook" produce, and send to him, visual depictions of her engaged in sexually explicit conduct. When engaging in this telephone conversation, Tarkington believed "Angela Brook" to be a 15-year-old girl.
On December 14, 2009, Tarkington again communicated with "Angela Brook" in the Yahoo! chat room, and made plans to chat again when she and her friend could be online together with him. Shortly after that, a federal search warrant was executed at Tarkington's church office. Tarkington ultimately admitted his involvement in engaging many young females, including several who were underage, in sex chat and phone sex over a period of several years. Tarkington consented to a search of his computer and informed law enforcement agents that he deleted most of the sexually explicit material he received from young women and teenaged girls, but that he also saved some of it on a Flickr account that he had on the Internet. Tarkington gave his consent to law enforcement agents to access his Flickr account, and download that material for use in their investigation.
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 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Jacks commended the investigative efforts of the Louisiana State Police, the Lubbock Police Department, and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Sucsy of the Lubbock, Texas, U.S. Attorney’s Office.
March 26, 2010 - LUBBOCK, TX—Dean Richard Tarkington, 57, of Lubbock, Texas, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to one count of attempted possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks, of the Northern District of Texas. He faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a lifetime of supervised release. Judge Cummings ordered a presentence report with sentencing to be scheduled after the completion of that report. Tarkington has been on pretrial bond since his arrest in December 2009.
According to plea documents filed in the case, Tarkington lived in Lubbock in 2009 and was employed as a pastor at a local church. For several years, Tarkington had secretly engaged in sex chat and phone sex with young women and teenaged girls on the Internet, and Tarkington continued that pattern of behavior when he moved to Lubbock. Tarkington engaged in the online sexual behavior both at home and at his office at the church.
On November 30, 2009, in the course of engaging in online sexual activity in a Yahoo! chat room named "married but looking," Tarkington met a person using the Yahoo! IDs "Angela Brook" and "brookangela99." Tarkington asked "Angela Brook" for her "real age and location," and "Angela Brook" replied that she was 15 years old, from Jackson, Mississippi. "Angela Brook" was actually an undercover law enforcement officer with the Louisiana State Police, who had also made similar contact with Tarkington, in the same Yahoo! chat room, posing as 16-year-old "sexyshangirl," from Louisiana, beginning on November 4, 2009.
During his initial chat with "Angela Brook" on November 30, 2009, after viewing images purporting to be of the girl, Tarkington told her that he would like to have sexual intercourse with her. Also in the course of the initial chat conversation with "Angela Brook," Tarkington used his computer's webcam to send her a video of his genitals, and Tarkington told her that he wanted to see nude pictures of her. After telling "Angela Brook" that he was a computer consultant, "Angela Brook" asked him if he could get her a computer. He advised that he would get her a computer if she would have sexual intercourse with him, and she would also first have to talk to him on the phone.
On December 2, 2009, an undercover female law enforcement agent in Monroe, Louisiana, posing as "Angela Brook," engaged Tarkington in a telephone conversation. During the sexually explicit conversation, Tarkington requested that "Angela Brook" produce, and send to him, visual depictions of her engaged in sexually explicit conduct. When engaging in this telephone conversation, Tarkington believed "Angela Brook" to be a 15-year-old girl.
On December 14, 2009, Tarkington again communicated with "Angela Brook" in the Yahoo! chat room, and made plans to chat again when she and her friend could be online together with him. Shortly after that, a federal search warrant was executed at Tarkington's church office. Tarkington ultimately admitted his involvement in engaging many young females, including several who were underage, in sex chat and phone sex over a period of several years. Tarkington consented to a search of his computer and informed law enforcement agents that he deleted most of the sexually explicit material he received from young women and teenaged girls, but that he also saved some of it on a Flickr account that he had on the Internet. Tarkington gave his consent to law enforcement agents to access his Flickr account, and download that material for use in their investigation.
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 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Jacks commended the investigative efforts of the Louisiana State Police, the Lubbock Police Department, and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Sucsy of the Lubbock, Texas, U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Local Ambulance Company Supervisor Pleads Guilty in Health Care Fraud Case
Defendant Fraudulently Billed Government More Than $1.57 Million for Transferring Patients to Scheduled Dialysis Appointments
March 26, 2010 - DALLAS—A former high-level employee of Royal and First Choice ambulance services, Shaun Outen, 32, of Aubrey, Texas, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Outen faces s a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution. Sentencing is set for June 16, 2010, before U.S. District Judge Jorge A. Solis.
According to filed documents, Outen worked as an emergency medical technician, supervisor, and director of operations during parts of 2004, 2005 and 2006 for Royal Ambulance Services, Inc. and First Choice EMS, Inc. Both companies were controlled and operated by co-defendant Muhammed Nasiru Usman, 50, of Arlington, Texas. When in business, Royal had offices in Dallas and DeSoto, Texas. First Choice EMS, Inc. was previously located in Carrollton, Texas.
Royal and First Choice primarily transferred patients on a non-emergency basis to and from dialysis treatments three times per week. As part of his guilty plea, Outen admitted conspiring with co-defendants Usman and David McNac, 35, of Dallas to defraud Medicare, Medicaid and the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program by submitting fraudulent claims related to the transportation of dialysis patients. Outen also admitted that he and his co-defendants told Royal and First Choice employees to omit facts when documenting their transports of Royal and First Choice patients, such as whether the patients walked to the ambulance, in order to qualify the transports for reimbursement. Additionally, many of the companies’ records revealed that patients simply rode to their appointments in a captain’s chair in the back of the ambulance rather than lying on a stretcher.
Usman and McNac were responsible for the submission of more than $1.57 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid through Royal Ambulance and First Choice EMS, resulting in payments of more than $500,000. Both are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and 12 counts of health care fraud and aiding and abetting. In addition, Usman is charged with one count of money laundering and McNac is charged with two counts of tampering with a witness by harassment. Both men are scheduled for trial before Judge Solis on April 26, 2010.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, IRS - Criminal Investigation, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Office - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Miller and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McCarthy are prosecuting the case.
March 26, 2010 - DALLAS—A former high-level employee of Royal and First Choice ambulance services, Shaun Outen, 32, of Aubrey, Texas, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Outen faces s a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution. Sentencing is set for June 16, 2010, before U.S. District Judge Jorge A. Solis.
According to filed documents, Outen worked as an emergency medical technician, supervisor, and director of operations during parts of 2004, 2005 and 2006 for Royal Ambulance Services, Inc. and First Choice EMS, Inc. Both companies were controlled and operated by co-defendant Muhammed Nasiru Usman, 50, of Arlington, Texas. When in business, Royal had offices in Dallas and DeSoto, Texas. First Choice EMS, Inc. was previously located in Carrollton, Texas.
Royal and First Choice primarily transferred patients on a non-emergency basis to and from dialysis treatments three times per week. As part of his guilty plea, Outen admitted conspiring with co-defendants Usman and David McNac, 35, of Dallas to defraud Medicare, Medicaid and the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program by submitting fraudulent claims related to the transportation of dialysis patients. Outen also admitted that he and his co-defendants told Royal and First Choice employees to omit facts when documenting their transports of Royal and First Choice patients, such as whether the patients walked to the ambulance, in order to qualify the transports for reimbursement. Additionally, many of the companies’ records revealed that patients simply rode to their appointments in a captain’s chair in the back of the ambulance rather than lying on a stretcher.
Usman and McNac were responsible for the submission of more than $1.57 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid through Royal Ambulance and First Choice EMS, resulting in payments of more than $500,000. Both are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and 12 counts of health care fraud and aiding and abetting. In addition, Usman is charged with one count of money laundering and McNac is charged with two counts of tampering with a witness by harassment. Both men are scheduled for trial before Judge Solis on April 26, 2010.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, IRS - Criminal Investigation, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Office - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Miller and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McCarthy are prosecuting the case.
“Old Navy Crew” Robbers Sentenced to Hundreds of Years in Prison
March 26, 2010 - FRESNO, CA—United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill sentenced MARCUS MAJOR, 24 and JORDAN HUFF, 25, both of Fresno, today to 746.25 and 745 years in prison, respectively, for conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; conspiracy to use, carry, brandish and discharge firearms during a crime of violence; seven counts of discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence; 23 counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence; and 30 counts of interference with commerce by robbery. MAJOR received a sentence enhancement for obstruction of justice when he committed perjury during testimony at trial. The defendants had been found guilty by a jury on December 22, 2009.
This case was the product of a joint investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of the U.S. Department of Justice Project SAFE Neighborhoods initiative. They were also assisted by the FBI, the Madera Police Department, and the Madera Sheriff’s Office.
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly A. Sanchez and Kathleen A. Servatius, who prosecuted the case, MAJORS, HUFF, and four other co-defendants committed a series of 30 armed robberies between December 24, 2005 and July 24, 2006. The defendants were dubbed the “Old Navy Crew” because surveillance videos showed one of the robbers in a sweatshirt with “Old Navy” printed on the front. The four other defendants pleaded guilty before the case went to trial.
The evidence at trial established that HUFF orchestrated the robberies and acted as a lookout and getaway driver, and MAJOR and others entered convenience stores, liquor stores, and other businesses brandishing firearms and demanding cash. The evidence established that HUFF shot at a store clerk on January 20, 2006 at the ampm market in Madera. This is his second conviction for crimes related to gun violence. MAJOR discharged his firearm either at or near victims in multiple robberies, including shooting the owner of Mickey’s Liquor in the abdomen resulting in serious injuries on April 3, 2006 in Fresno.
“The brazen acts of a violent few brought fear and terror into the community. The long sentences these two received today serve as a warning to other would be criminals,” stated U.S. Attorney Wagner. “When local and federal law enforcement team together, they are a formidable force in the effort to reduce violent crime.”
In sentencing, Judge O’Neill said that the defendants lacked respect towards the victims, taunted the police, and hid behind masks, “It shows your contempt for civilized society and I’m going to do what I need to do to take you out of society because you are not civilized.” The Judge told the defendants that they didn’t have any bounds of decency, that they didn’t have any mercy on their victims, they shot at people, they indiscriminately fired at people, they struck people with their guns. The Judge said, “You two are terrorists in the simple meaning of that word; you terrorized your victims. You simply wanted money and it wasn’t just adult victims, there were children terrorized too.” The Judge said that the evidence in the case was overwhelming—it was not close.
This case was the product of a joint investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of the U.S. Department of Justice Project SAFE Neighborhoods initiative. They were also assisted by the FBI, the Madera Police Department, and the Madera Sheriff’s Office.
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly A. Sanchez and Kathleen A. Servatius, who prosecuted the case, MAJORS, HUFF, and four other co-defendants committed a series of 30 armed robberies between December 24, 2005 and July 24, 2006. The defendants were dubbed the “Old Navy Crew” because surveillance videos showed one of the robbers in a sweatshirt with “Old Navy” printed on the front. The four other defendants pleaded guilty before the case went to trial.
The evidence at trial established that HUFF orchestrated the robberies and acted as a lookout and getaway driver, and MAJOR and others entered convenience stores, liquor stores, and other businesses brandishing firearms and demanding cash. The evidence established that HUFF shot at a store clerk on January 20, 2006 at the ampm market in Madera. This is his second conviction for crimes related to gun violence. MAJOR discharged his firearm either at or near victims in multiple robberies, including shooting the owner of Mickey’s Liquor in the abdomen resulting in serious injuries on April 3, 2006 in Fresno.
“The brazen acts of a violent few brought fear and terror into the community. The long sentences these two received today serve as a warning to other would be criminals,” stated U.S. Attorney Wagner. “When local and federal law enforcement team together, they are a formidable force in the effort to reduce violent crime.”
In sentencing, Judge O’Neill said that the defendants lacked respect towards the victims, taunted the police, and hid behind masks, “It shows your contempt for civilized society and I’m going to do what I need to do to take you out of society because you are not civilized.” The Judge told the defendants that they didn’t have any bounds of decency, that they didn’t have any mercy on their victims, they shot at people, they indiscriminately fired at people, they struck people with their guns. The Judge said, “You two are terrorists in the simple meaning of that word; you terrorized your victims. You simply wanted money and it wasn’t just adult victims, there were children terrorized too.” The Judge said that the evidence in the case was overwhelming—it was not close.
Laser Scanning for Forensics and Homeland Security
WHEN : April 1, 2010 1:00 p.m. EDT
TO REGISTER FOR THE WEBCAST GO TO:
http://video.webcasts.com/events/leic001/34117/index.jsp?adid=LEI
COST: This briefing is free of charge and is only open to law enforcement agencies
MORE INFO AT: www.leica-geosystems.com/us/forensic
WHO SHOULD VIEW:
• Homicide Detective
• Prosecutor
• Homeland Security Official
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Forensic Scientist
• Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician
• Special Weapons And Tactics Personnel
• CBRNE responders
• Coroner Medical ExaminerC
• Firearms Examiner
• Crash Reconstructionist
Applications for 3D laser scanning:
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Vulnerability & Threat Assessment
• Officer Involved Shootings
• Crash Investigations & Industrial Accidents
• Shooting Reconstruction
• Post-blast Investigation
• Fire Scene Reconstruction
Benefits:
• Preserve the scene exactly the way it was discovered
• Provides accurate security preplanning data
• Generate high-value “rapid response” data within minutes
• Virtually revisit and measure the scene any time in the future
• Enable prosecutors to place the jury into the crime scene
• Easily understand what a witness could have seen from where
• Works day or night, long range, eye safe. Defeats “The CSI Effect”
Further Information
Tony Grissim
Public Safety & Forensic Account Manager Leica Geosystems Inc.
Phone 831.643.2972 (desk & cell)
e-mail: tony@lgshds.com
Please visit our public safety and forensic web site at:
www.leica-geosystems.com/us/forensic
TO REGISTER FOR THE WEBCAST GO TO:
http://video.webcasts.com/events/leic001/34117/index.jsp?adid=LEI
COST: This briefing is free of charge and is only open to law enforcement agencies
MORE INFO AT: www.leica-geosystems.com/us/forensic
WHO SHOULD VIEW:
• Homicide Detective
• Prosecutor
• Homeland Security Official
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Forensic Scientist
• Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician
• Special Weapons And Tactics Personnel
• CBRNE responders
• Coroner Medical ExaminerC
• Firearms Examiner
• Crash Reconstructionist
Applications for 3D laser scanning:
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Vulnerability & Threat Assessment
• Officer Involved Shootings
• Crash Investigations & Industrial Accidents
• Shooting Reconstruction
• Post-blast Investigation
• Fire Scene Reconstruction
Benefits:
• Preserve the scene exactly the way it was discovered
• Provides accurate security preplanning data
• Generate high-value “rapid response” data within minutes
• Virtually revisit and measure the scene any time in the future
• Enable prosecutors to place the jury into the crime scene
• Easily understand what a witness could have seen from where
• Works day or night, long range, eye safe. Defeats “The CSI Effect”
Further Information
Tony Grissim
Public Safety & Forensic Account Manager Leica Geosystems Inc.
Phone 831.643.2972 (desk & cell)
e-mail: tony@lgshds.com
Please visit our public safety and forensic web site at:
www.leica-geosystems.com/us/forensic
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